[ semi-open ]

[anthropophagite]

Who: Kaneki + Others!
What: Non event catch-all
When: End of March
Where: Different places

Content Warnings: Possible mentions of cannibalism. Will add others as needed.


OPEN

[ when he was finally free from the challenges of the Jungle and Catacombs, Kaneki returned to the empty house that was now his "home"; empty, broken, with little inside because he had no time to fix it up and patch what was rotting since he had arrived just few days ago. And yet, he already went through so much that it feels like an eternity since he crawled out of the ocean as a small helpless red squid. After opening to the door to his house, kaneki finds two of the prizes; naturally he was wary of them at first, but upon further research and sort of poking them here and there, he came to the conclusion they weren't tricks and would not suddenly blow up in his face when he least expected.

But eventually he takes them and just wanders back to the beach where he first showed up, to stare at the ocean that he feels that it haunts him. It's not familiar, yet it is; he came from it as a small tiny squid and he remembers that. In the end, kaneki isn't sure if coming out of there was the right choice, if regaining his senses was something he should have done. He is still so lonely and still so desperate, and still so unsure that his existence is worth it.

Kaneki sits down, watching the angry waves, before he drops the Sun Chalice and the (really lame) T-shirt next to him that says "I'M BARELY SURVIVING TRENCH AND ALL I GOT WAS THIS T-SHIRT" (thanks, Moss King). As tacky as it was, the shirt spoke the truth: kaneki is barely surviving, and he doesn't even know if he should be there. Everything feels so wrong but he has no idea how to fix it, either.

With a sigh, Kaneki calls for his Omen and smokes pours from his shoulder to form a Chinese Red-head Centipede that quickly wraps around Kaneki's fingers. He looks at it for a second, before smiling a little ]

What am I doing? [ the Omen won't answer.

But perhaps someone passing by might hear Kaneki ]

WILDCARD

[ I can and will write different prompts for whoever is interested in meeting Kaneki on a different setting! You can hit me up on my CR top-level, or my plurk vilani, and I will write something to fit both our characters (= If you are meeting Kaneki for the first time, here are the first impressions for the character, feel free to play with them as well! ]

Comments

; for Kokichi

[anthropophagite]

[ The first thing Kaneki did when he got out of the catacombs (and jungle) was to head to the library. When he arrived, he was told he has to take care of himself in order to stop corruption from spreading within him - that was very vague, and Kaneki isn't entirely sure how to take care of himself, but he loves books and he is certain the library will make him happy.

And it does, as weird as the whole place looks.

kaneki is happy enough to get his hands on some books, even if they look unlike what he usually reads. With enough curiosity, Kaneki eventually finds a quiet bench near the libary, where he sits down to flip through the books he got - and to keep him company, kaneki has his omen out (a big Chinese Red-head Centipede that rests on kaneki's shoulder) as well his lamp friend, whom Kaneki still hasn't found a permanent location for, and is currently sitting on top of Kaneki's head while it carries a small flower the boy picked for it.

Yeah, those are his usual companions, actually... Kaneki is a pretty lonely guy oops ]

[violetlies]

[It's been a bit since he's gotten out of the catacombs (and jungle). Kokichi's no longer hiding out at the library as a place of refuge - he's living with Alvin now, and he's perfectly content with that. However, that doesn't mean he's not going to regularly visit the library. It's relaxing, these trips are.

Kokichi's own omen, Kidd - a pitch black raccoon, is walking alongside him as he enters. He's intent on learning more about blood magic, namely his own, learning more about everything in general...that's what he needs to survive. And, y'know, maybe start to get that inventing business off the ground.

He walks along the shelves, grabbing a few books after peering at the covers, and he prepares to sit down somewhere, when he catches sight of--

Oh. That is a bug. That is a gigantic-ass centipede who Gonta would probably call 'friend-shaped'. Eesh. But then his eyes are drawn to who is next to it. Someone familiar, actually.]

Not-Hero-chan~

[He's already walked over, a smile on his face. If Kaneki looks up, Kokichi will be there, looking just as he remembered (albeit a bit less frazzled) and with a new hat perched atop his head.]

It's been a bit. Mind if I join you and your companions?

[anthropophagite]

[ Kaneki wasn't expecting being talked to, much less recognized by someone. It's not like he knows a lot of people around Trench, and the ones he spoke to... well, let's just say kaneki doesn't think he is a memorable guy in any way, and believes most people wouldn't remember him.

So he is surprised at first, but when he realizes it's Kokichi, it makes sense. kaneki saved him... and he got to see Kaneki's kagune. So there is some sort of connection there, even if it's just trauma.

Still, the boy is polite and quickly nods ] H-hello. [ he even moves to the side, gently reaching for his omen to get it to disappear (he is aware a centipede is not the kind of companion most people would like, after all), but he keeps the lamp friend in its pace ]

How have you been?

[violetlies]

Just as anxious as ever, I see. [Kokichi remarks dryly, somewhat amused.] You didn't have to get rid of one of 'em, just so you know. One of my friends back home was an Anthropologist. So bugs don't bug me.

[Mostly. As long as they're not covering him or anything. Then he might have a few flashbacks to one very specific incident that was...admittedly kind of karmatic at the time. Bad for him, justified in the eyes of everyone else.

Anyway. He nonchalantly takes a seat next to Kaneki, smiling brightly.]

I'm doing pretty okay, though. I got out of that mess just fine! And now I've got a new home and a hat. I'm winning as much as I can at this point. [He tilts his head.] And you?

[anthropophagite]

[ look, kaneki's life isn't easy, and he is in a whole new place where he already had to fight for his life. of course he is anxious most of the time. ] Ah- I think it upsets most people. Too many legs, I suppose? [ for sure that's a big reason. Also the fact they have venom and massive fangs. But since Kokichi said it's fine, he allows the omen to come out again, black smoke forming from his shoulder; the centipede settles immediately there, antene touching Kaneki's face as a "hello" ] 

That's good to know. [ it is. Kaneki smiles back, although it's softly and never really a huge smile like Kokichi's ]

Uhm, i guess I'm alright. I work at the library now. [ that's something positive. He doesn't really have a new home, he is still living on his own in a tiny house, but that's fine too ]

No new hat, though. [ he adds a small playful smile ]

[violetlies]

Meh. That's how you know most people are weak. [He's obviously teasing, though. The centipede, when resummoned, seems friendly enough in a weird way. Gonta probably would've been absolutely delighted. A friend. He's going to try not to think on what Gonta would've thought, though.

Seeing Kaneki smiling, though...it's pleasant. He's got a nice smile. Almost like Shuichi's, but there's a slightly different vibe knowing this guy is an underconfident shonen dark hero and not a underconfident detective.] Oh, really? That's a pretty good job, I'd say. Quiet and all the books you want. If I wasn't so intent on my own plan, it's a job I wouldn't mind, either.

Nee-hee-hee. [He grins.] Well. It's alright, Not-Hero-Chan. Stick with me, and maybe you'll get more style points, yet. [Wink.]

...You know, we probably should say our names. I'm Kokichi. Kokichi Oma. And you?

; for Qrow

[anthropophagite]

[ Kaneki has been looking for people to teach him how to fight, but truth is he is still wary to do it. He is worried about his own powers, his own strength, and while he wants to learn and to apply it, he is aware that things could easily go wrong if he is fighting someone who is... well, just human. And Kaneki is not, which can be a problem.

But he is still window shopping, trying to see who is offering lessons and how the lessons are taught.

He has heard someone gives training lessons at a clock-house, so Kaneki decides to just pass by the place and have a look, just in case it seems interesting enough. There is no harm in learning about the places and the people currently living in trench, after all (it's smart, even) ]

; for Fakir

[anthropophagite]

[ When he came back from the catacombs, Kaneki didn't really have a lot... except bones in his pockets. he found them (consumed them, too) and eventually brought some back, not on purpose, but because he didn't know when it would end. He does feel bad about it, finding a body of someone who got lost and then ending up eatig said body; there is nothing left for people to remember or mourn, just a lost soul.

So Kaneki brought the bones back and instead of eating them like he'd normally do, he brought them back to the Archaic Archives, and placed them inside a small glass box as an artifact. Most probably would not agree that's an artifact, but Kaneki believes it's important, so he insisted on doing so regardless, and found a place next to other old animal bones.

A little happy with himself, Kaneki eventually turns to leave, but not before he grabs a couple of books on the floor and places them back on the shelves, until he spots someone on top of a ladder, reading. Oh, that could be dangerous, if someone bumps against the ladder, they could fall -- ]

Uhm- I'm sorry. I think it's a bit dangerous to read there.

[anagnorises]

[Very little about Fakir's position is likely to allay concerns about him falling. He is partly leaning against the ladder, yes, but he's also not holding on to it at all. His hands are instead respectively occupied with holding A Darkblood's Diary and with turning its pages. He's mostly relying on his (admittedly excellent) sense of balance. Not the most careful plan.

He looks up sharply when Kaneki speaks. He hadn't realized someone else was around.]

I'm just trying to figure out if I should take it out or put it back.

[For the past...ten minutes.]

[anthropophagite]

Oh...

[ but still, it could be dangerous. Kaneki doesn't want to be condescending and considering all sorts of people and creatures live in Trench, it's unfair to assume everyone is weak or easily distracted. it's just... kaneki worries about kids.

Still!

he smiles a little and nods ] Hm... well, you can always read it at the library and then just put it back if halfway through it's no good.That way you don't have to carry it around. [ the perfect plan ]

[anagnorises]

[That's...probably not any more of a hassle than dealing with someone potentially jostling the ladder. He pauses for a moment, considering the shelf in front of him.]

Could you hold a few for me?

[There are some others he'd like to check, and he does not have enough hands to climb down the ladder while carrying multiple books.]

[anthropophagite]

[ well. yes, he can. He supposes this is part of his job then.

And Kaneki holds on the ladder, making sure it doesn't move and the kid is safe, and after reaches out with his arm ] Of course. Hand me some. [ or all, Kaneki is surprisingly strong ]

[anagnorises]

[Fakir nods, and after a moment, remembers to add-] Thanks.

[He promptly begins passing down an increasing number of books, stopping at seven. Good thing Kaneki is stronger than he looks. All the books have to do with Darkblood powers, from On the Benefits of Darkblood to Darkbloods: The Danger Among Us.]

; for Lucius

[anthropophagite]

[ Kaneki is an Arcane Scholar, apparently. Basically he is a glorified janitor who is trying to keep the Archaic Archives dust free and tidy, because in the end the place kind of does what it wants; it's a huge maze and books come to people by gut feeling, rather than having someone point out where something is (Kaneki has given up on trying to make some sense out of it...)

But he is an Arcane Scholar, that's his official title. Someone who values wisdom and Ken sure does - he loves reading and loves being around books. Not so much about dead babies inside jars, but he will pretend it's just a prop.

He has also been into teaching literature and books, although so far? All he has done is to read books on how to teach. He is still not certain of his abilities and Kaneki has been a bit too shy to approach The School of Mutter and call himself a teacher like others do, over there. Still, eventually he will find some sort of confidence to do it.

Eventually, surely.

regardless, he walks around through one of the long corridors, dusting away some of the artifacts that are on display along with the books. He is carrying a book under his arm as well, one about dinosaurs because... apparently you can find books about that in Trench too. Surprise! ]

[lludw]

[Strictly speaking, Lucius is a Hunter. Practically speaking, he is 12 years old, and most Hunters are reluctant to work with him, Sleeper or no. So he's been largely left to his own devices. So far, said devices have mostly involved scavenging (less so these days, since he's no longer living on his own) and training. Sword practice, of course. But there's also training himself to read, since not being able to seems to be a liability in Trench.

It is, probably, not actually a liability not to know what the fossil that looks like a crow with four wings is called. But you never know, right? He hadn't noticed this display before, and it has him curious. Lucius leans over the display plaque and squints at the words for a few moments before taking out his omni. He knows what the letters are by now, but he doesn't trust himself to have a proper idea of how to say it. There are so many combinations of letters that seem to have completely arbitrary ways to pronounce them.

He holds the omni over the plaque, taps it a few times, and a robot voice reads out-] Anchiornis.

[The voice echoes more loudly than he'd expected. Now anyone around will know the correct pronunciation.]

[anthropophagite]

[ well, kaneki certainly knows the correct pronunciation now, and that's good because he didn't know it before. So in a way, thank you, Lucius?

When he hears a voice, kaneki pauses at first, trying to figure out where it came from - until he spots the boy leaning over the display and trying to... read it, it seems. kaneki had no idea omens could actually speak (kaneki's doesn't), so he is surprised at first - that's a very useful thing, he thinks.

And eventually he comes closer, smiling a little at Lucius ]

Trying to learn a bit more about dinosaurs?

[lludw]

[He starts at the sound of a voice. Both the boy and the falcon on his shoulder turn their heads sharply to look at the speaker.

Lucius has a terrible urge to hide. He hates people finding out that he couldn't read before, and still has trouble with it now. But hiding is completely impossible, and impractical, and this stranger seems kind enough.

And he is curious.]

Is that what these are?

[anthropophagite]

[ kaneki nods softly, stepping closer - although he keeps a certain distance so he won't make the boy uncomfortable ]

Yes. They existed in my world, long before humans. But there was a world-wide event - a big metor fell from the sky - and all of them died, leaving only bones behind.

[ the older boy hums softly ] I don't know a lot about them, but I found the bones so I was curious.

[hijinxer]

[ well isn't this some intense deja vu? for her part, jinx is accompanied by a bloodhound she's trying to take on a walk. jinx doesn't have a lot of experience with animal training, but she's somehow gotten the monster to sit still long enough for her to paint one antler blue and the other pink. it gives horny (yes, that's his name) extra character, she thinks.

she makes her way towards the far shores to let horny run off leash, but as soon as she spots kaneki sitting by his lonesome and staring at the water, she changes course to plop down on the sand beside him. ]

I dunno. [ sorry, she 100% overheard that question, and wasn't about to ignore it. ] But ya seem sad. Did Trash King get to you?

[ seems like a reasonable guess considering the t-shirt. ]

[anthropophagite]

[ kaneki has seen those bloodhounds before but he wasn't sure he could just... take one? He doesn't know much about keeping an animal companion, but truth to be told, those bloodhounds are very useful and it'd be smart to keep one nearby.

But that's beyond the point!

he looks up - back at jinx - immediately recognizing her. Well, it seems like they are destined to meet at the beach while thinking about their lives ]

Ah- yes. I suppose he did. A lot happened. He gave me a gift at the end.... yay? [ he forces a smile ]

How have you been, jinx-san? Was the month easier for you?

; for Kaworu

[anthropophagite]

[ after arriving to that beach, Kaneki finds himself returning to it far too often. In a way, it's because he hopes squids that will transform into familiar faces will come out the ocean, but also because Kaneki constantly wonders if he should be here. If he should have come out of that ocean, all because he thought he could.

Restarting life is not easy, specially if everything you are contradicts things around you. And Kaneki second guesses his existence all the time because he doesn't know if he is allowed to exist the way he is.

So he feels some sort of longing for that ocean and the time when he was just a tiny red squid who didn't think of anything, didn't feel anything, and simply floated away with the currents. A simple life.

It's silly, he thinks, to long for that. But he still does.

With a big sigh, Kaneki reaches for his welcoming bag to take out his lamp friend. It's not the prettiest creature around, but it is cute and while Kaneki has not yet chosen a location to place his Lamp just yet, he does enjoy hanging around with it and the little Lamp friend - a tiny companion! And look, it has a tiny flower crown Kaneki made for it. And the two walk through the beach, staring at the ocean.

And perhaps kaneki even comes a bit too close to that ocean, wanting to dare to put his feet in there. Honestly, he should probably learn a little bit more about the ocean before touches it, since everything in this place is so strange]

[peripheries]

You should be careful in these waters.

[There's a boy there, sitting up on some rocks, one leg crossed over the other. He's looking out over the water, but also off to the side of the shore where there's the rubble of what looks like... or well used to be some sort of camp. All that's left are a few skeletons of tents and the traces of fires and tables.]

There's memories here. And things lurking even deeper in the water.

[anthropophagite]

[ kaneki doesn't know where the voice comes from at first, but after a quick luck around he locates Kaworu. Kaneki attempts a small smile, but ends up simply nodding at the warning ]

Memories... Like what? [ kaneki doesn't know the story of Trench or what happened anywhere really. Everything looks like it came out of a horror book, so he knows most of it is just... terrible. ]

[peripheries]

There was a great battle here a month or so ago. A creature came from the depths of the sea and we had to fend it off. Many lost their lives.

[He waves a hand, gesturing to the rubble in the sand in the close distance.]

[anthropophagite]

[ kaneki stares at Kaworu for a little while before he looks back at the ocean, as a worried expression settles in on his face. A monster- what...]

From the ocean? [ why is this place like this? It's like every single month is worse than the one previous ] Why-?? [ really, why? Why does a monster want to come out of the ocean and attack them? ]