deercountry | june catch-all

Entry tags:

june catch-all

Who: viktor and others, open to all with some closed prompts in comments
What: june catch-all, some tdm prompts
When: june
Where: various

content warning; terminal illness, arcane season 1 spoilers

misc lab stuff and various fruits.

[viktor's lab in the willful machine is usually left unlocked when he's working inside. friends or acquaintances have likely been told they're welcome to stop by if they like, either to say hello or to get help with whatever a vaguely sketchy lab could handle. of course someone he doesn't know can just walk in too or knock. maybe there's a sudden downpour and that ajar door is tempting? go for it.

the lab has been slowly filling with all sorts of nonsense on the various tables- lasers! tasers! some weird machine hooked up to a blood gem? it is not unlikely to be walking by and hear some minor booming noise and either a curse in czech or a satisfied 'a-ha!' feel free to investigate.

this month there's something else too, a bowl full of fruit. all the fruits mentioned in the tdm in fact, there to be tested on though it looks more like they're just for guests if people are unaware there's some weird shit going on.]

Just a moment, make yourself at home. [he might say to guest. that would include eating some fruit, right? enjoy. probably not the raw lemon though, that's weird.]

[ooc; if you want to memshare i am game, my only hard limit on memories is no suicide stuff please. self sacrifice is fine! feel free to ask to make sure one is okay. if you'd like a viktor memory let me know any hard limits and what sort of memory you might prefer!]

gaze and time loops.

[having lungs mostly working for the moment is pretty great, in viktor's humble opinion. it means walking around the trench doesn't come with the risk of coughing up blood and attracting beasts and generally having a bad time, along with added perks like not getting so easily winded and going for longer. it also means he finds himself out longer than he usually would, which maybe isn't the best, as it turns out.

for example, making his way home through gaze and hearing the chilling cry of a beast, sighing and trying to make his way around what turns out to be the wrong corner. maybe that's where he sees your character before the snarling of a too close beast starts in earnest.

and then snap! they're both back about an hour, where they passed on the street. the look viktor gives is somewhere between resigned and 'fuck this, actually.'] There is a term for this. 'One of those days,' I think.

[ooc; if you'd like to wildcard or do something else you can pm me here or find me at

dichotomy]

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You're a cold blood, yes? I suppose that's to be expected. [or maybe it came from his powers before coming here? then the blood is the one that's fitting.

he shakes his head.] Eh, I will take being surprised if it saves my life. [he offers a dry quirk of the lips at that, to share the joke and perhaps to assure him. maybe a few days ago he'd be in worse condition, lungs rebelling against the cold, but the temporary healing has done a number there.

so he doesn't even need to lie to say.] I am, truly. I'm hardier than I look. [again that dry tone at the end and he glances to the archway, shifting to thoughtful.]

Let's review. Our first loop we did not meet the beast and were brought back. This one we did but were also brought back. That said perhaps the key is catching them unaware? If you can purify them perhaps 'doing it right' is doing exactly that without any bloodshed.

[Hmmm. That's a very interesting theory. His mind rapidly descends into a rabbit hole . The conclusion he commits to memory, as it seems valuable moving forward. From his experience dealing with mystical occurrences or pthumerian induced situations, he has found that blood pollution seems to be part of the final equation.]

I think that most ~~(if not all)~~ Pthumerians may in fact be fueled by bloodshed therefore more likely to create situations where spilling blood is the likely outcome. [This is only part of his theory but not the entire piece. That's for another time.]

But trying this path doesn't hurt and spilling as little blood as possible is always my goal.[ It's not easy to wrangle a beast and leave no trace behind;however it's not entirely impossible either.

We also know they prefer close combat and tight spaces. If we catch them off guard, my priority will be to constrict their movements and then exorcise without bloodshed.
[A pause. ]
Last time they had the advantage of a sneak attack. But this time we have the advantage of experience.

[that's a theory viktor has never heard before, his head turning in curiosity.] What makes you believe that? I admit I have not been here very long and have little experience with any of them.

[a pause and he decides to share more, given their situation.] I was in a loop at the beginning of the month, with my partner. By the end of it we surmised that Remina wished us to learn a lesson in rushing ahead. Her intentions did not necessarily seem malicious. [he can't help a touch of bitterness in his tone, which doesn't give the words much weight.

but that sounds like a good plan, and viktor nods.] I'm afraid there's little I can do to help in combat aside from staying out of your way. I can offer this, I believe following that road will lead us to the street the beast howled from first. If we can get a lay of the land there we may have a better idea of what to do next, even if this run is eh... a 'dud,' I think is the term?

[he gestures to a path branching from their original about a street down. it's a sound bet, assuming gaze doesn't shift rudely on them again.]

[ OOC: Sorry for the late reply. I was really solidifying his theory and wanted to make sure I had all the details right! This is a long Tl;dr and if you need anything to be adjusted just let me know! ]

[ For better or worse he is in agreement. This round is in fact a dud. Calculating he has some more time he listens before responding.

Viktor sharing information prompts Megumi to share something of his own. Something he has never shared with anyone but has been working on since he arrived. ]

I've been a hunter here for 8 months.[ Reaching down towards his shadow, three journals appear to come from the ground??. All are leather bound and worn. The red and brown ones are quickly put back leaving a single black black book.

Opening the first page, ] This is the unsnakely. [ One is met immediately met with a snake head of a pit viper. The mouth is cocked open with two large hallow fangs. The entire drawing is extremely technical and the medium is charcoal. Next to the predator are small neatly written notes detailing everything from the dates it appears, its strengths and weakness: down to the very prey it prefers which simply put says Does not eat. Only wants to cook you alive. Flipping through there is a collection of creatures each thought to be linked to specific Pthumerians This is only a fraction of what he has seen in the Trench.]

Ever since I washed up on those cursed shores, I wanted to know why?[ Black hair shakes from side to side as green eyes appear to search for something that is just out of reach. ] For what?

The very Earth feeds off bloodshed. See this creature[ pointing again to the snake. ] That's the direct manifestation of corruption that came from the Earth itself. It can't be killed. You can run its energy to almost nothing before it retreats, and burrows back into the ground. Three days later it'll be back.

It appeared only in the month of January when Madame Generosity is at her greatest. The Pthumerians take turns throwing trials at sleepers. Check any month and I guarantee you, a new trial will present itself. [ The look in his eyes is one of trauma yet his tone continues to express an assertive steadiness. ]

They want more blood, more corruption, more power. Of course outlier situations always exist such as what happened to you and your partner. Not everyone is expected to become corrupt or even add to the blood pollution all the time, but eventually enough of us will. Whether it is our intention or not. [ His eyes casts down as he pushes that memory further away. ] It’s a numbers game.

[ He pauses wondering has he said too much. ]

Did you know that beasts in Deerington were actually a way people could fight against the horrors of the Trench until they became "monsters" of the trench?

[ He pauses one final time, before committing to what he believes is the horrifically unfair reality of the situation. ]

There are only so many Trench natives. I believe [ pointing directly at the sky ]those greedy bastards brought sleepers like you [ points directly at Viktor before pointing to himself ] and me here with the intent of making as many beasts as possible. Sleeper beasts generally cause much more damage due to their unique array of abilities combined with many of our new blood advantages. [ As damage increases so does the opportunity for blood to be spilled. ]

[ A dry sarcastic laugh ], it’s impressive we haven’t all turned on each other at this point, really. Sadly [ said with a grave heaviness ] do you know what the best part about sleeper beasts are? [ A cheated smile crawls upon his lips as his fist clenches with a suppressed rage. His eyes are much darker. ]

[ooc; no it's perfect! thank you i love this thread so much dfgd]

[the appearance of the notebooks is odd, though he's starting to see fushiguro's powers are just that, odd ones. he moves closer to get a look at the page, the creature upon it, a small frown and furrowed brow as he listens.

a few unsettling things click. he's heard theories about the trials many times before, usually a little more hopeful than this. to strengthen them, to push them towards solving the trench's problems, even random chance. all theories he heard and pondered more like an idle thought experiment than giving any intense focus. at the time he assumed it was all too vague, too pointless to grasp at straws.

now he wonders if he's simply always expected something darker at play, because as fushiguro speaks he finds himself seeing the connections too easily. too readily.]

In April Argonaut offered hope but still the butterflies that created instant beasthood were in his image as well. The Moss King in March was not shy about throwing us into traps, and May with it's transformations-

[a pause and he looks at fushiguro, grim as he finds a far too easy answer to his question about sleeper beasthood.] Sleeper beasts can always be corrupted again and again, whether purified or killed. For Trench natives beasthood is a death sentence.

If spilling blood is their goal then sleepers are a renewable resource in a dwindling supply.

Exactly. [ Everything down to the flowers of argonaut is precisely why he's come to this conclusion. Hearing Viktor say it gives him a sense of validation. Probably his age talking again.

This is why he fights so hard to protect and limit the amount of bloodshed he is responsible for. He is not innocent and is painfully aware that it is impossible to eradicate something so fundamentally embedded into the world.

Oh, what he would give to fight god, over and over again. To exorcise each and every last one responsible for the constant misery. But he can’t. And his logic reminds him of that. ]

Helping as many good people who are forced into the role of a beast as possible is the only way of fighting back, for now.

[Conviction in his tone as he returns the journal to the shadows. Looking in the direction Viktor had mentioned earlier, ready for what lies ahead.]

[viktor's brow remains furrowed as he considers it all- it's grim, but there's some satisfaction at finally hitting something that feels like progress. after so many aimless wonderings having an aim is refreshing.

hearing fushiguro say that has him glancing up, a topic he's wanted to bring up since he first heard of his ability to purify striking him as very relevant indeed.] Have you met a man named Allen Walker here? He and I have been working together to research corruption and curing beasthood, more so a more streamlined way to do so, something that could be easily replicated and make the slaughtering less common place.

He has powers like yours, or at least he is capable of purifying beasts as well. [and if this all is true maybe their plan is a very real way to fight back. more hope, less bloodshed.

but the howl of the beast rings, telling him they've put off their exploration for too long. he offers a nod and begins down the path he pointed out, even if his mind is still very much on the topic they've been discussing.]

Walker? [Oi he is definitely owed a welfare check. It's been a minute.]

We both arrived in the second wave. [ Purifying abilities? That makes sense especially the confusion in the catacombs.] Next time I see him, I'll talk to him about that. You're also welcome to bring it up to him. [It seems as though the conversation may present itself given the nature of their work.]

When you say replicate- [the cry breaks through the discussion causing him to look back at the previous path. Yup definitely time to move.]- do you mean actual weapons with purification abilities? [ If so, a few specific ideas come immediately to mind. Being part of a secret organization that's been around for a thousand years does have its advantages.

Walking towards the path the creature's yowls seem to echo, bouncing off the walls with each step they take. Kage trails just behind the two, serving as an early warning detection system.]

Yes, the one with white hair and the red mark on his face. He is an exorcist in his world, which translates into purifying corruption in this one. [which is incredibly useful, in viktor's humble opinion. interesting they both came in with similar powers and did not manage to realize it.

allen should be pleased, at least, viktor thinks.]

Potentially. In truth I am more interested in the process itself and how to replicate it in a more medicinal, peaceful form, but if weapons are the best way to get the end result then that is the avenue to take. Given paleblood abilities are of the mental variety and corruption is often handled through good mental health I have-

[the problem with having an important talk like this while walking into a beast's territory is it's um. maybe not the best idea? as it turns out. in this case viktor is cut off when the next screech sounds far too close for comfort and, more troublingly, behind them.

he turns in time to see the beast crashing towards kage, a horrifying skitter of limbs as viktor at least manages to make note of the little cranny between two buildings the creature seems to have come from. that is good, that is likely where it's been hiding, something they can now use to pinpoint the beast's location.

what isn't good is after it's attack at kage, successful or unsuccessful, it manages to get close enough to viktor to slice across his chest. it rends the metal of his brace too easily, far too easily, practically gutting him in one swift motion that has him falling back against the nearby wall, eyes wide and hand moving to the gaping wound.]

[ A wolf howls, spinning around to meet a power that is barreling in from behind, but it's too late. His eyes lock just as the creature's claws rip through Vikor's torso. A mortal wound.

Priorities shift at the sight of Viktor's blood. It's no longer possible to have a round free of carnage. Swells of dark blue energy speckled with black begin to emit off of Megumi. A quick hand sign, ushers in a familiar chilling presence. The shadow itself grows in size as swirls of obsidian energy change shape from transparent and cloudy to opaque-and liquid tar-like. Dripping down about seven feet up, a form begins to reveal: a huge bi-pedal werewolf standing, poised ready to attack. Its familiar void-like aura permeates outward destroying all of the lesser flyhead curses that have seemed to litter the space. These creatures, although weak are attracted to corruption and negative energy. Previously they had been swarming around the head of the dementated wolf-spider, encouraging and bathing in the heavy dark energy. This is the sight of a cursed shaman, and that of a man whose life hangs in the balance.

Like a slingshot pulled back to the maximized point of tension, the wolf crouches and lunges forward taking his massive claws and swiping at the beast in an attempt to knock it away from Viktor. An invitation for direct combat. ]

[viktor barely registers sliding down the wall, hand warm and wet when he places it to his abdomen. he doesn't look down, doesn't need to see how he's split open, doesn't need to see his own viscera in the open air, his blood gushing red to pale and milky as it hits the low moonlight of early evening. the smell of milk is sickening and strong against the iron tinge.

he knows he is dying, he's been dying at a slower speed for long enough, though the white hot pain and contrasting chill are novel. he will not look, but he can look to megumi, tilting vision taking in a shift and an energy that seems to whirl around him now. dark, inky, a touch alarming- another wolf and the odd flies it destroys with its mere presence.

viktor blinks slowly, the world around sluggish and tinged in a dark blue now, a black he thinks is coming from fushiguro in some way. it doesn't stay slow, not with how the beast still too close to him howls as the new wolf lunges, unable to keep its balance its knocked by the massive claws of the creature.

the spider wolf tumbles, spurting dark, corrupted blood, one of it's many legs cut open and raw before it's lunging at the new wolf. it tries to snap its massive jaw around the new wolf's throat, already weakened and frenzied from the initial attack. its attention is, at least, wholly on this new predator in its midst, howls higher pitched and rasping.]

[Objective:Drive the beast backward.

Fangs graze divine dog's throat sending him into a seemingly frenzied attack of teeth and nails. One viney leg flies into the air. Cries erupt. Emanating from the very core of the beast:]

It hurrrtsss--MAKE IT STOOOUUPPP!!!

[ The wail is a distorted sound somewhere in between a human weep and a yelping bark. Hitting anyone in ear shot with a shuttering sense of total despair.

But through the madness and chaos.]

I've gatch ya.

[A moment of bliss.

Cold hands press gently over Viktor's wounds. Pure white energy radiates pouring into the deepest opening. Refreshing. Soothing. And most importantly healing. Not enough to close a wound of that size completely, but enough to give him more time and comfort. And just like that, Megumi melts back into the shadows. Turning his full attention to the pained creature. ]

[viktor finds it in him to be startled by the sudden voice, gritting his teeth against a scream when the jolt of it makes the agony of chest and abdomen spike to unbearable levels. even the beast seems surprised, or at least hit by that wave of despair, howling a frantic, mournful cry as it's many claws struck out almost blindly against the frenzied teeth.

the two creatures start to blur when viktor recognizes fushiguro's voice, a delayed understanding of what he said that blooms just as the healing does. he sucks in a breath, eyes wide as they begin to clear just a touch, as the pain is no longer so sickening and bone deep. it's the kind of horrific pain that feels he could still live through, with luck, and he offers a nearly silent,] F-fushiguro... [like a question, like a relief.

but by now the beast is in a complete, weeping frenzy, to the point when it disengages from the other creature it slams it's head into the ground once, then again, then-

the pain is gone, and viktor is standing at gate once more, blinking rapidly at the sudden change. it takes a moment to register, a phantom pain flickering over his stomach as he turns to fushiguro.]

Thank you. [he can finally say, still struck a little dumb by how fast everything just happened.]

[ooc; whispers as always if you'd rather that loop go longer pm me and i will edit out the looping again part!]

[ Milky aroma stains his hands. Silent steps approach the beast when the sudden and now familiar pull yanks Megumi out of the shadows placing him in the opposite direction he was walking with an abrupt stop.

All the various blood smells disperse. Grabbing his breath he focuses his mind, grounding himself.

Thank you
Relief. The sound of Viktor's voice. The prospect of one of them dying during the time loop, is something that Megumi wants to avoid, unsure and definitely not trusting of the possible outcome. ]

I'm glad you made it. [Eyes flicker to the previously lethal wound. Guilt. He should have been able to get to him in time, and blames himself. Had he been more focused on the task at hand, maybe Viktor and even the beast wouldn't have had to suffer.]

I'm sorry, I don't know how he got to you that fast. [There must have been some sort of opening he missed.]

OOC: So cursed energy is weird because being in a life or death situation doesn't strictly mean you have to be bleeding out. If there is enough energy and danger involved, Viktor would still be able to see what's going on without damage! I have an idea on how that can happen in the next loop. If you wanna go for the exorcism as well it definitely should be doable! And yes more threads! I'm enjoying this one immensely.

It was an enclave in that alley, I got a good look at it. The beast must be able to contort itself to fit, it didn't seem large enough for it to move through.

[he lets his hand drop with a soft sigh, letting the last of the old reality lose its grip on his senses. he focuses on megumi instead, gripped now with a new resolve. they have enough pieces now, he thinks perhaps they can carve a way out of this looping with minimal casualty now, for the beast too.

then again that is assuming remina's kindness, but he will hope until they are proven wrong.] I saw... it is hard to explain. Flies of a sort, and that creature you summoned? It spoke, I have never seen anything like it before, even here.

[ooc; oh excellent! it would make sense that after being injured that bad he sees the encounter as far more dire and can maybe tap into that. i am fine with doing another injury though if you'd prefer, especially since megumi can heal it like a true bro. i definitely want to be able to see the exorcism if it needs that curse vision to be seen properly, my apologies for not realizing that's probably part of it haha]

[ Ah that makes sense now. It must have jammed its way into a nook. Saved to memory. Flies? So he was able to see them.]

You were close to death, think of it like piercing the veil. In that state, you become more susceptible to the energy that's constantly flowing but is usually more or less invisible. Those flies are curses and that creature is Divine Dog Totality. He's one of my shikigami. [Shaking his head back and forth. ]
But that sound you heard didn't come from him. He can't speak.

[A pause. ]

That was the sound of the human soul trapped inside the beast. They cry out when not purified swiftly. Pained by what they've become and the trauma physically inflicted upon their new form.

[A split decision had to be made and he chose Viktor over the creature. And that is something he doesn't regret and would repeat if necessary. ]

[OOC: He's got Viktor! That's totally up to you :) In canon, humans can see cursed energy when it's dangerous enough circumstances without getting hurt! But yes if he does get hurt he will immediately attempt to heal him. Also the beast has full permission to attack Megumi violently.

[close to death- yes, he supposes so. too close, and even with the loop he feels a touch shaken by it. easy to compartmentalize at least, when they have a time loop to crack.

he certainly will not forget megumi taking such a risk just to heal him. for now he focuses on the conversation though.] Shiki-gami? [his accent warps the words a little. all interesting but-

ah. he has seen something like this before, and funnily enough with allen. when a beast rushed them, when allen's odd eye forced a similar ability to see another side of the world, the nightmare that was seeing the human soul warped and suffering in the beast.

allen saved that girl, and he straightens knowing megumi says he can do the same for this beast. for the person behind those screams.]

And you can exorcise them, yes? [he asks to confirm, meeting fushiguro's eyes.] I will do whatever is necessary to help you achieve that. Even if it is simply staying out of your way.

[ooc; excellent! i'll see how this one goes and def have the beast go big time for megumi, i think it is his turn... also we can exorcise this loop if you'd like!]

[ A nod and internal smile. Making a mental note, promising to explain a Shikigami later on and very much appreciating the attempt and interest.

Tired but unwavering eyes meet Viktor.]

Absolutely. You have my word, we will get them back. And knowing where the beast is hiding, is valuable information.

[A beat. There is a way to almost guarantee a one shot purification. ]

But this time, things might look a bit different. I have an idea that should make the exorcism swift and as painless as possible.

[ His shadow becomes reflective mimicking a black pool of water. Reaching down he draws a long onyx blade from inside. The same dark blue energy from before is visible, pulsating from the very sword. ]

[OOC: Yes that sounds perfect!]

[viktor nods. in truth he takes most promises with a grain of salt, what he considers a healthy skepticism of both what a person can accomplish and what the world allows. with fushiguro, the way he says it, everything that has led to this point- he finds it easy to take him at his word.

a somewhat novel feeling, but not unwelcome. and hey, at the very least a mistake will mean just one more chance to get it right.

he looks to the shadow then the blade, still the faintest thrill at seeing magic done so casually. maybe one day it will get old but now? he'll allow himself to enjoy the emergence of menacing magic blades.]

You mentioned weapons that exorcise before, is this what you mean? [something he saw with allen actually.] This can save the soul still in the beast?

This can, but so can certain shikigami. It's a matter of the energy that's imbued and less a specific item. [ Megumi is proficient in many weapons but prefers his sword to most. ]Cursed energy has properties that allow me to exorcise here and in my home world.

[ Another mental note is made to explain cursed energy in greater detail. It has parallels that are uncanny to corruption, but work vastly different.

Apprehensive to get lost in another conversation, blaming the last loop on his inability to stay completely focused. Looking towards the direction they traversed in their previous attempt]

Let's switch places, I'll walk on the side they came out of. Just before we reach their hiding space, let me know and we'll stop.
[ His hands clasp together in what now should be a recognizable hand gesture. The large shadow canine once again emerges out of the darkness of Megumi's shadow. ]

Protect and track.[ The wolf is on all fours this time and with his muzzle starkly pointing in the direction of their target.]

Cursed energy, I assume that is something like a source of magic? [the worst part about this time loop? the lack of time to ask endless questions. he still can't help himself though, at least throwing that one in there, even if it's only to be answered later.

viktor nods to this plan, watching the now familiar hand gesture and making a note to ask about it as well.

moving forward is deja vu, and he wonders if this particular stretch of gaze will ever feel mundane again. with how much gaze shifts perhaps it will simply be lost one day, a new corner or closed alley where the expanse of street once stood.

he slows after a moment, cane thudding to stop as he gestures a good block ahead, where the alcove is. as if on cue a howl sounds from within, a little more mournful this close and seemingly not yet aware of their presence.]

[Damage control is the top priority. The clanking of the cane has him stop on command as his eyes follow Viktor's hand gesture. Animals that are cornered tend to fight for their lives furiously. Catching it in that small crawl space might trigger a similar reaction. Let's avoid close combat by luring the beast out into the open. Stabbing the Earth with his sword, freeing up his hand.

Stay out of their line of sight if possible. I'm going to distract it first.

[ With no more warning than that, Megumi flashes a new hand sign, one palm down, one up interlocking fingers from both hands. Out of his shadow, large jack rabbits jump onto the field scattering in all different directions. Puttering feet scamper creating a controlled chaos as multiple hares charge past the hostile's location.]

Be careful, here they come!

[viktor is happy to do as he's told, pulling back and well away. he has only a second to marvel at this new trick before a roaring howl announces the beast, the creature emerging from the small space like a spill and snapping at hares in a confused frenzy.

for the first time viktor can truly get a good look at it, as it stands before them without rapid, skittering movement. the many arms, the way each joint looks more like broken bone than the natural bend of the body, the whirling, milky eyes in its head.

all those eyes fix on them, on megumi, and with another shrieking, confused howl it launches, carving into a nearby crumbling wall with its claws and launching chunks of debris his way about the size of a human head.

viktor raises an arm, a few sharp little stones whirling his way as well from the attack, leaving faint scratches on his jaw when he tilts out of the way. his heart pounds, the feeling of the claws tearing him open still too fresh, like his chest could simply spill again and splatter on the ground. ample ground to continue seeing a world of cursed energy he could not in the early loops.]

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Oh Viktor may have given him an Ah ha moment!

it's teamwork, hell Yes boys

1/3 Sorry here comes a tl;dr and one of his theories I think Viktor may find interesting!

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3/3

no PLEASE i adore this, viktor finds it very interesting indeed

Oh that makes me so happy! This thread has my two favorite topics: action and theories.

honestly though, my bread and butter. and timeloops as the cherry on top? excellent

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gore/injury cw!

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