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]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[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.]

[ Full view of the creature is a sight to behold. Creaking bones moving disjointed in an unsettling painful manner. Howls ring out, some distinctively beast and other's with a human flare.

Large debris hurls through the air. Fluidly, Megumi's body side steps, dodging the makeshift projectiles. One skimming past his cheek, whizzing by at unnatural speed. On que, Divine Dog reacts to the moving rock, destroying it with one swipe of his massive claw before it can reach Viktor. Shattering the stone into small fragments.

Fearing the creature may become sporadic at any moment, anchoring the beast to a single spot would be the next best solution.

With an idea, he's had many times before but has never been able to bring to fruition completely. It will take all of his focus to pull it off. Just like that, the escape rabbits and divine dog's shape become unstable. Wobbling before liquidating and melting back into shadows.

Shoulders drop. The field is devoid of cursed energy leaving an eerie imbalance between the two. Hands clasp together. With nothing between the beast and himself, this is the risk of a one hit exorcism. ]

Edited 2022-06-11 22:55 (UTC)

Fushiguro- [viktor breathes, but he knows there's nothing that he can do for what seems to be coming. clearly megumi is gearing up for something, something that seems to be leaving him dangerously open. even if viktor could try to do something like push him out of the way he has no idea if that will do more harm than good with whatever megumi has planned.

he said he'd stay out of the way so he does, even if he grimaces at how the beast is more than eager to take the chance.

without all the distraction, with the faintest smell of blood in the air from viktor's cut jaw, the beast's howl is nearly a whine as it lunges for megumi. another swipe, jagged claws trying to tear through the man if it can, aiming high for his shoulder.

at the very least the beast is still firmly in front of them, on the alley floor and not climbing around madly. direct and jumbled from the unexpected intrusion.]

[ I'm sorry Viktor but you're going to have to trust me on this. Dead serious focus. Growth never comes by easily. Great risk has to be taken in order to reap greater rewards.

Imagine. A version of my future self. He surpasses his limits, knowing no boundaries. From the deepest shadows push forward all of your cursed energy. It's imperfect but limitless.]

Domain Expansion.

[ An explosion of cascading pitch black energy rushes off of his shoulders pouring into the alley way. Filling the space almost instantly. Like a wave washing over everything, leaving a shallow sea of stygian umbra in its wake.

Grabbing and ripping the blade out of the ground just as the beast's barbed claws land a decisive blow to his lower neck and shoulder. Ripping through like butter. Small frog creatures reach out like the souls of the Styx's grasping in an attempt to limit the wolf-spider's legs.

At first glance, Megumi appears hit as his liquescent body turns dark as night disappearing into the unknown.]

Edited 2022-06-12 05:14 (UTC)

[so much happens in a moment viktor isn't entirely sure what he just saw. more of that odd energy, what must no doubt be a hit on megumi, but now the beast is howling and snapping at the ground, at it's own legs, trying to get what look like frogs to stop trapping it.

and it does seem trapped, something viktor is grateful for, though how long it will last he couldn't say. his concern is more megumi right now, especially since he hasn't the slightest idea where he went.

he bites his tongue from calling out, one horrifying moment of wondering if the attack killed him. but no, surely all this field wouldn't be happening if he was killed, would it? his eyes go to the beast now trying to fling itself away in earnest, likely just as rattled by the new surroundings as the creatures grabbing it.]

[ The ambush. The moment the two have strived for since embarking on this strange time loop. From behind the beast's massive abdomen, a thin wispy reaper-like figure ascends from the rolling waves of darkness. Much like a scythe, the extended onyx blade swings up before driving down deep into the very core of the creature. ]

I'm Sorry.[ Said hushed through gritted teeth. ]

[ A splintering crunching noise occurs as the sword pierces through the armor that is exoskeleton, completely shattering through any bone fragments. A pulse of indigo blue energy reverberates from the point of contact. The blow is so powerful, it sends out a shockwave of energy, instantly evaporating the shikigami toads. Leaving behind a circle of negative space, revealing the exposed alley-floor.

Normally an attack of this nature would cause blood to spill; however in its place, a vibrant purple flame flows out of the fatal wounds opening. Spreading fast and igniting the entire body in an illuminating blaze, instantly. Large chunks of the spider begin to disintegrate, ravishing through coarse hairy skin at a speed so fast nothing but soot hits the ground.

[ Despite the fire's radiant hue, it's cool and pleasant to the touch. Purifying everything it comes in contact with, including the shadowy floor that seems to vanish each time a flame licks through. If Viktor is close enough, he may recognize the gentle presence of the same relieving aura that had healed him earlier.

With jaw slightly agape, two light green eyes widen in shock, as he gets his first look at the poor soul trapped inside the deranged body of a beast. A tiny bell hits the floor, as one last hellish cry rings out into the early evening hours. Slowly the sound metamorphoses from a desperate howl to frightened small whimpers. ]

It's– alright –you're safe now. [ Through low ragged breaths, an empathetic, soothing gesture is all he can make.

The thick husk of a body is no more than a pile of ash surrounding two silhouettes on their knees- one tall and lean and the other little and child-like. ]

[ OOC: The child has no visible marks of damage, and Megumi has no damage other than blood coming out of his nose. ]

[when allen exorcised a beast it wasn't unlike this, at least in the sense of the arcane viktor got from it. he understands it is more complicated than simply being called magic, what they both do, but to him? a scientist who has spent nearly a decade tinkering with magic at a very base level, used to the clean ozone smell of it, the shimmering blue and the miraculous results- to him it is like watching that power in the wild, completely fluid, beautifully chaotic.

beautiful in general, in an eerie way. thoroughly and deeply unsettling but compelling. magnificent.

he is close enough to feel something that reminds him of the rush of healing, even as he tries to piece together the events that just transpired with a critical eye. megumi vanished, and now he seems uninjured? the weapon and the blow and now-]

You did it. [viktor breathes, before he's moving closer. a child- gods above, of course a child, but he seems whole and alive. megumi isn't torn open either, and viktor leaves them a little space as he kneels close by, ignoring the agony that spikes up his knee.

they haven't looped. viktor notes that idly as he watches the child, trying to take in if he's in shock, if there's something to be done. he does have to look at megumi again first, tone painfully sincere compared to his usual rationality, his dryness. a somewhat rare glimpse of the soft heart he tends to try to hide better.] Thank you.

[ No Viktor, we did it. Had he been alone, this is exactly the type of situation that may have driven him to enough madness to finally break and give in. All of their lives were spared today. Being pushed to the edge as of lately, this trial wouldn't have needed to do much to bring him to that very dark place. Loyalty. You were there for him and he'll always be there for you.

An audible sigh of relief escapes his pressed lips. Sometimes there aren't words for moments like this, because they have a magical way of speaking for themselves.

Hearing a recognizable voice, Megumi's head spins towards the source, the corners of his lips raise up forming a small rare smile. Noticing the distance, a hand waves, beckoning for Viktor to come closer. I’m glad he’s safe too.

But he can't in good faith accept a thank you. They both needed to get out of this loop, and he sees this as being the only way it would've been possible. It's his duty to use his abilities to help good people. Eyes cast down, Megumi recognizes the silver bell, balled up in the child's fist.

Big crocodile tears swell up in large chocolate colored eyes, as a tiny forearm tries desperately to brush them away. Another quick smirk from Megumi. You can’t trick him, he knows how hard it is to hold back tears. Once the flood gate is open, there is no going back. ]

It's okay to cry.

[ Reaching out, Megumi's hand slowly and tenderly rests on the little one's rounded shoulder, when abruptly, in a state of confusion, the boy’s head pops back up and his eyes dart back and forth around the alley. It’s almost as if he is looking for something or someone. Eyes race between Megumi and Viktor, seeking out a familiar face, but alas none can be found. Eyebrows furrow down as lips form a frown, before finally accepting, he needs an adult. Two doe eyes land on Viktor. ]

Where- where is she? [ Urgency in his tone ]

[viktor offers a smile back, the meaning in it a silent conversation of agreement. they're here and maybe more so the boy is here. it's as happy an ending as this could have and sometimes in the trench that was something that needed to be grasped desperately. viktor certainly will, remembering all of it in his moments of frustration with the research, with the state of things.

megumi speaks to the child and viktor nods in agreement with that assessment, a touch impressed with how good he is with the child.] It is natural. [he assures, and watches as the boy seems to look for something.

or someone.

viktor manages to keep his face neutral as worst case scenarios play in his head. the trouble with beasthood aside from slaying the beasts is how often the beasts themselves have torn apart anyone nearby for their transformation. people they cared about, people trying to help. parents, siblings, anything.]

Who are you looking for? [he decides to ask, glancing at the bell in his hands. hell, maybe the kid was out looking for his cat. either way viktor desperately hopes there's a family they'll be bringing the boy back to and not a tragedy.] We can certainly help you find them.

[ Heart pounding thunderously in his ears as the question promotes a host of possible outcomes.]

Ava! She's my sister, I- we were suppose to head back to the home but I- can't remember. [Tears still streaming down his plump cheeks, the boy's eyes widen with hope at Viktor's words. ]

Have you seen her?
[Megumi's eyes glance toward Viktor, before offering possibly a clue.]

I saw a two children run past me with bells earlier today right before the loops started.

[viktor wouldn't say he eases but hearing megumi say he saw two girls run past- he offers megumi a look that likely says how relieved he is there is a chance this boy did not hurt anyone he loved in all of this.

his attention goes back to the boy.] We can help you find them, it sounds as though they may have lost you on your way back home. Can you stand?

[he wonders if they could ask kage to track the children, but he isn't sure if the kid might be a bit alarmed by a sudden wolf.]

[ Putting his hands under his bum, he hoists himself up slowly at first before standing and dusting off his knees. ]

Yeah! She came home late twice [ holding up two fingers ] this week, and the Ms. Tabby said no more [shaking his head ] chances after that.

[Realizing that this child may be too small to remember his way back home, Megumi comes to the conclusion a track might be the easiest way to reunite the children.

The boy's bond with his sister is something that pings Megumi very personally.

Megumi's rests his back onto a nearby wall. A flicker of emotion passes through his eyes as a hidden scene plays in his mind. Its quick and leads him to action. ]

Viktor, I have a "dog" who's really good at helping me find my way home. Would you like to borrow her?

[Although physically he isn't injured, it is apparent by his sluggish movements and heavy eyelids that he needs to rest. ~~He can't move his legs at the moment, but doesn't want to say so.~~ ]
[ OOC: It's so funny that you mentioned the tracking idea because I was honestly thinking the same thing! ]

Ah yes, she must have worried Ms. Tabby. It can be quite dangerous out here. [viktor informs the child. his eyes go to megumi as he uses his cane to pull himself up, concerned but trusting the man will say if he needs immediate attention. making a fuss in front of the kid will just make things complicated.

his lips quirk when megumi has the same thought he did, nodding.] That would be excellent. Kage is a very good dog who can lead us to your sister with his nose.

[he explains to the child, before looking to megumi again.] Fushiguro, I'm going to leave my omen with you just in case, yes? [from quiet black smoke comes a extremely large lizard of some sort, though with a big eyed, friendly face that hopefully doesn't alarm. she moves over to megumi to examine him, sitting in a little protective curl nearby.]

[ooc; drfgdr great minds think alike. kage is the star and we all know it]

june catch-all

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bringing back the bells was clever as hell dfhd

Thwismabsj thank you so much ;^;

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