Who: a soosh (gekkajuu) & various What: February catch-all When: Feb..ruary.... Where: mostly Olympia and surroundings Warning(s): none so far... except extreme cuteness with egg moms?
[Sadly, Atsushi doesn't have much time to admire Chuuya's fighting, though he does glance over from time to time, just to make sure everything is going according to plan. Mostly, he focuses on staying in the shadows and sneaking to the cages. Even being as quiet as he is - and with Chuuya one hell of a distraction - it's pretty amazing how well it goes. It probably helps that the thugs are confident about their cages, though.
Suddenly a child in one of the cages starts, having spotted Atsushi: its mother, holding it close so it wouldn't have to see any violence, has unwittingly forced its attention elsewhere. Still, with that crystal, should Atsushi have really been spotted..? He holds a finger to his lips, trying to keep the captives silent; more have turned their attention to him, now, though not everyone seems to spot him at a glance. One quick up-close look at the cages tells Atsushi that he'll definitely need to find the keys: this isn't something he can just rip open even if he transforms, he thinks. Now, which of the thugs might have a key?
Atsushi will check some bags they left behind to fight Chuuya, first; after that, he'll just go from the unconscious thugs and take it from there.]
[Chuuya certainly is having a good time, because what better way to truly feel alive than to kick some serious ass? It’s all going rather well, and soon enough all of the bandits are either unconscious on the ground or floating away somewhere, and Chuuya is left standing as the victor, or so he thinks.
Just when he’s about to gloat he finds himself being hauled up and off his feet by a massive, muscular man that must be at least seven feet tall.]
What the fuck???
[Chuuya squirms, caught by the back of his shirt like a scruffed kitten, and he almost wriggles free to try and get a jump on the guy before he’s thrown into a nearby tree with such force that it knocks the wind right out of his lungs. Holy shit, the bandit had been strong and fast, catching Chuuya offguard even with his massive size.
This is what he gets for gloating.
He groans, clutching his side; he might have a cracked rib or two, but he has to get to his feet, and quickly, because the bandit seems intent on finishing him off. He can handle this, no big deal, and he forces himself to stand on shaky legs with a borderline maniacal grin.]
I’m not going down that easy, asshole.
[Chuuya is about to wind up his fist and deck the guy into outer space, but it seems like several of the other bandits are stirring, and he may very well be overpowered by a surprise attack...]
[Where Chuuya is clearly enjoying the fight, Atsushi is more than happy to stay out of it - but, the way this is going, that may not be an option. With no luck finding the key so far, and the next bandit he tries suddenly stirring under his hands, Atsushi is starting to get an idea of just how dangerous this is getting.
He appreciates it, really: Chuuya could have just killed everyone, but he didn't. Atsushi appreciates that a lot.]
Chuuya-san! They're coming!
[To Atsushi's credit, he doesn't just shout the words: still crouching next to a thug, he transforms his arm and punches the guy's face to knock him out properly, then launches himself at some others trying to get together. Maybe the only effect will be that Atsushi is the distraction for Chuuya instead of the other way around, but that isn't a bad result, either.]
[He could have, and probably should have, killed all those bandits, but really, without direct orders to silence any witnesses, killing for convenience just seems sloppy. Maybe it’s also a little bit of Chuuya not wanting any more blood on his hands, justified or not, but shhh. He won’t kill them. For now.
Chuuya snaps to attention when Atsushi shouts that warning, and now that Chuuya knows he’s got to hurry, he makes himself weightless and launches himself off the tree he’d been knocked into to land two feet square in the middle of the huge bandit’s chest. He switches to making himself far heavier seconds from impact, and when he connects the blow the bandit is sent flying backwards into a tree for pure effect. His own weight works against him then, and he’s knocked out cold.
Finally, with the stragglers subdued by Atsushi, Chuuya marches right up to the “boss” and snatches the key off his belt before tossing it to Atsushi with a grin.]
[Atsushi may not like hurting people, but in the middle of a fight, and when that fight is for a good reason, he doesn't feel even a little bit guilty. Maybe he should, really: maybe it's a little too easy to turn off his feelings in cases like this, and lash out with little regard for people's well-being. But he'd never be able to move ahead otherwise - and as long as he doesn't accidentally kill or maim someone, or anything like that, the ability to act guilt-free is more than welcome.
Getting the thugs knocked out is good enough; where there are belts or ropes handy, Atsushi ties their hands, just to be safe. He's not an expert, so someone will get free eventually and free the others, no doubt - long after Chuuya and Atsushi have brought the captives to safety.
He catches the key smoothly with a tiger paw, transforming his arm back as he lowers it, and hurries to unlock the cages. Whether the captives were traveling as a group before or not, they've certainly become a group now, and Atsushi hopes that'll keep them sticking together long enough to tell his story.]
I'm sorry if we scared you, but please listen to us. While I understand that you want to leave the city, this proves that you're far less safe outside Olympia.
Overseer Voss has sent us to help you. He'd very much like to offer you sanctuary in the temples.
[The newly-freed captives seem a little unsure even then, some of the adults looking at each other. Eventually, though, they decide to follow. What else can they do?]
[Chuuya takes a breather while Atsushi covers talking to the captives; he can be diplomatic when the need arises, but he’s simply too worn out to talk much right now. He’s got plenty of bruises and cuts on him from the scuffle, not to mention at least one cracked rib, but he stays on his feet nonetheless, waiting at the edge of the forest for Atsushi and the freed captives. Hopefully those bonds will hold the bandits until they escape safely.
Once all the people are safe and heading back to the city, Chuuya considers going back to raid the camp for valuables (stealing from bandits is justified, right?), but decides against it just in case sticking around ends up being a terrible idea.
He’ll toss his crystal back to Atsushi before matching his pace at his side.]
So...we did it, right? Once we get back to the city we’ll get our reward and we can move on with our lives?
I don't think "moving on with our lives" was ever under threat.
[He smiles, though: he's kind of proud of having gotten this far. All that's left now is to smuggle everyone into the city - and that needn't be hard, especially combining Chuuya's ability and his own.]
But yes, that's all there is to it. It's not so difficult to make an honest living, here.
[Or even a dishonest one, but Atsushi is sure that he could have never made this kind of money in any kind of legitimate job, back in Yokohama. Not without extensive connections and experience.]
Even with the political situation what it is, there are plenty of options for refugees like us to carve a life for ourselves.
[His voice drops a little, almost a whisper, as if talking about the past could make it go away. He's still happy with his life on El Nysa, but he's not sure he would have fared as well if he'd only arrived now, in the middle of political chaos.]
[Chuuya can believe that, actually; take away the political turmoil and you’ve got a beautiful, peaceful place to live. Chuuya is almost envious of his past self, who had apparently been able to settle in and make a life for himself before he was put back into stasis, but it’s not like he can’t do the same, right? He just has to make an effort and things will come together.
It’s much smoother sailing smuggling the people into the city, and luckily they aren’t stopped by guards or bandits along the way. Once everyone is safe inside Chuuya will finally get a chance to rest; he slides down the wall of the temple, clutching his side with a grimace.]
Shit...I know we need to report back, but I think that bastard did some damage...
[He’ll need to find someone with healing magic or some shit, he supposes.]
[Happy about a job well-done, Atsushi's eyebrows shoot up as Chuuya crumples against a wall. He hadn't noticed anything off at all! Guilt crushes him - which even more reason than he already had to help.]
You're injured? How bad is it?!
[Atsushi crouches next to Chuuya, and immediately makes to pull away his clothes so he can see.]
If it's not too bad, maybe I can help!
[... Honestly unlikely, if it's bad enough to make Chuuya collapse like this. But maybe Atsushi could at least do some damage control before they find a proper healer.]
[Yanno, since you asked. It's a new development, so Atsushi doesn't feel guilty about not sharing before. If there's anything like guilt or hesitation in his expression, it's only because Atsushi isn't sure he can help enough.]
I can only heal a little... For that matter: I don't really know how I do it, so I don't know how to get better.
But if I can't heal you, I have friends who can! So I can at least make a start... if that's all right.
[He doesn't want his hand slapped away again, thanks.]
[Of course Atsushi just wants to help. He’s a good guy like that, which is something that Chuuya is still getting used to. It’s not that he doesn’t trust Atsushi because of who and what he is; no, it’s simply that trusting anyone at all had been so taboo in the Mafia that it still doesn’t come easily to him, and it takes a while for him to even consider allowing himself to appear vulnerable for a while.
I’m the end he nods and lifts up his shirt, revealing several nasty bruises along his rib cage.]
[Atsushi doesn't wince, but his eyebrow fall a little with empathy. That looks really painful - but then, he wouldn't expect Chuuya to crumble over less.]
Probably.
[If the reply is wishy-washy, the accompanying nod is anything but. If there are downsides to his healing, he hasn't found them yet - and while he has no idea how he suddenly became capable of minor healing, that very mystery somehow makes him trust it more rather than less.
It would have been different if it was something he wished for. He knows better than to count on things like that too much.
Reaching out, Atsushi holds his hand directly over the bruised skin, and focuses. There's no real gesture, except the natural spreading of his fingers; there's no magical words to say. It's more of a feeling he has to create - and then a soft light seems to shine from under his hand, slowly but surely dissolving the bruises like ice melting in the sun.]
[Well gee whiz, that answer sure does make Chuuya feel confident. Oh well, at least Atsushi looks determined to try instead of flaking out. Honestly, Chuuya is just impressed that Atsushi even has healing magic, so if it’s not the most powerful then whatever, at least it’s better than a bandaid.
Way better than a bandaid, it turns out, and Chuuya’s eyes grow wide as he watches his bruises magically disappear. There’s a warmth that floods over and through him as Atsushi heals him, and even the pain lessens drastically, allowing him the freedom to take a full, deep breath.]
...that’s pretty fucking neat.
[Chuuya already feels loads better. Now he won’t have to bother finding another healer. Ain’t nobody got time for that.]
Thanks. I owe you one.
[Actually he owes Atsushi a lot more than that, but what can he even do to repay him? He doesn’t have a cent to his name on Nysa...]
[In spite of talking big (or... big for him), Atsushi hasn't healed all that often, so far, and he's not sure as to the limits of this new ability. On the bright side: that means it's still wonderful to see it actually work like that.
Add to that Chuuya's thanks, and Atsushi feels like he's on cloud nine.]
You're welcome~!
[So proud of himself! Feeling so -... Wait, what was that?]
No way! That's really not necessary. Besides, you're new in town...
[Atsushi may not be rich, but he's not poor, either, whereas Chuuya -... Well, the guy only just landed. He needs that money more than Atsushi does!]
[Atsushi nods cheerfully, his expression brightening. He didn't think that Chuuya would ever promise anything of the sort - and, to be fair, Atsushi wouldn't have tried to pressure him in that direction unless there was an immediate and urgent reason. To have Chuuya offer it of his own accord isn't just hopeful, it's kind of touching.
"Us"... Atsushi gives a weak little sheepish laugh. Well, it's true that Daifuku seems to get along with Chuuya.]
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Suddenly a child in one of the cages starts, having spotted Atsushi: its mother, holding it close so it wouldn't have to see any violence, has unwittingly forced its attention elsewhere. Still, with that crystal, should Atsushi have really been spotted..? He holds a finger to his lips, trying to keep the captives silent; more have turned their attention to him, now, though not everyone seems to spot him at a glance. One quick up-close look at the cages tells Atsushi that he'll definitely need to find the keys: this isn't something he can just rip open even if he transforms, he thinks. Now, which of the thugs might have a key?
Atsushi will check some bags they left behind to fight Chuuya, first; after that, he'll just go from the unconscious thugs and take it from there.]
no subject
Just when he’s about to gloat he finds himself being hauled up and off his feet by a massive, muscular man that must be at least seven feet tall.]
What the fuck???
[Chuuya squirms, caught by the back of his shirt like a scruffed kitten, and he almost wriggles free to try and get a jump on the guy before he’s thrown into a nearby tree with such force that it knocks the wind right out of his lungs. Holy shit, the bandit had been strong and fast, catching Chuuya offguard even with his massive size.
This is what he gets for gloating.
He groans, clutching his side; he might have a cracked rib or two, but he has to get to his feet, and quickly, because the bandit seems intent on finishing him off. He can handle this, no big deal, and he forces himself to stand on shaky legs with a borderline maniacal grin.]
I’m not going down that easy, asshole.
[Chuuya is about to wind up his fist and deck the guy into outer space, but it seems like several of the other bandits are stirring, and he may very well be overpowered by a surprise attack...]
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He appreciates it, really: Chuuya could have just killed everyone, but he didn't. Atsushi appreciates that a lot.]
Chuuya-san! They're coming!
[To Atsushi's credit, he doesn't just shout the words: still crouching next to a thug, he transforms his arm and punches the guy's face to knock him out properly, then launches himself at some others trying to get together. Maybe the only effect will be that Atsushi is the distraction for Chuuya instead of the other way around, but that isn't a bad result, either.]
no subject
Chuuya snaps to attention when Atsushi shouts that warning, and now that Chuuya knows he’s got to hurry, he makes himself weightless and launches himself off the tree he’d been knocked into to land two feet square in the middle of the huge bandit’s chest. He switches to making himself far heavier seconds from impact, and when he connects the blow the bandit is sent flying backwards into a tree for pure effect. His own weight works against him then, and he’s knocked out cold.
Finally, with the stragglers subdued by Atsushi, Chuuya marches right up to the “boss” and snatches the key off his belt before tossing it to Atsushi with a grin.]
Done and done. Let’s get out of here.
no subject
Getting the thugs knocked out is good enough; where there are belts or ropes handy, Atsushi ties their hands, just to be safe. He's not an expert, so someone will get free eventually and free the others, no doubt - long after Chuuya and Atsushi have brought the captives to safety.
He catches the key smoothly with a tiger paw, transforming his arm back as he lowers it, and hurries to unlock the cages. Whether the captives were traveling as a group before or not, they've certainly become a group now, and Atsushi hopes that'll keep them sticking together long enough to tell his story.]
I'm sorry if we scared you, but please listen to us. While I understand that you want to leave the city, this proves that you're far less safe outside Olympia.
Overseer Voss has sent us to help you. He'd very much like to offer you sanctuary in the temples.
[The newly-freed captives seem a little unsure even then, some of the adults looking at each other. Eventually, though, they decide to follow. What else can they do?]
no subject
Once all the people are safe and heading back to the city, Chuuya considers going back to raid the camp for valuables (stealing from bandits is justified, right?), but decides against it just in case sticking around ends up being a terrible idea.
He’ll toss his crystal back to Atsushi before matching his pace at his side.]
So...we did it, right? Once we get back to the city we’ll get our reward and we can move on with our lives?
no subject
[He smiles, though: he's kind of proud of having gotten this far. All that's left now is to smuggle everyone into the city - and that needn't be hard, especially combining Chuuya's ability and his own.]
But yes, that's all there is to it. It's not so difficult to make an honest living, here.
[Or even a dishonest one, but Atsushi is sure that he could have never made this kind of money in any kind of legitimate job, back in Yokohama. Not without extensive connections and experience.]
Even with the political situation what it is, there are plenty of options for refugees like us to carve a life for ourselves.
[His voice drops a little, almost a whisper, as if talking about the past could make it go away. He's still happy with his life on El Nysa, but he's not sure he would have fared as well if he'd only arrived now, in the middle of political chaos.]
Before, it was truly like a dream.
no subject
[Chuuya can believe that, actually; take away the political turmoil and you’ve got a beautiful, peaceful place to live. Chuuya is almost envious of his past self, who had apparently been able to settle in and make a life for himself before he was put back into stasis, but it’s not like he can’t do the same, right? He just has to make an effort and things will come together.
It’s much smoother sailing smuggling the people into the city, and luckily they aren’t stopped by guards or bandits along the way. Once everyone is safe inside Chuuya will finally get a chance to rest; he slides down the wall of the temple, clutching his side with a grimace.]
Shit...I know we need to report back, but I think that bastard did some damage...
[He’ll need to find someone with healing magic or some shit, he supposes.]
no subject
You're injured? How bad is it?!
[Atsushi crouches next to Chuuya, and immediately makes to pull away his clothes so he can see.]
If it's not too bad, maybe I can help!
[... Honestly unlikely, if it's bad enough to make Chuuya collapse like this. But maybe Atsushi could at least do some damage control before they find a proper healer.]
no subject
It’s fine. Probably just a bruised or cracked rib.
[Not much can be done for that, right? Healing magic sounds expensive...]
I’ll be fine. I probably just need rest.
[He forces himself to his feet, wincing.]
Unless you have some kinda magic mumbo jumbo up your sleeve I dunno about.
no subject
[Yanno, since you asked. It's a new development, so Atsushi doesn't feel guilty about not sharing before. If there's anything like guilt or hesitation in his expression, it's only because Atsushi isn't sure he can help enough.]
I can only heal a little... For that matter: I don't really know how I do it, so I don't know how to get better.
But if I can't heal you, I have friends who can! So I can at least make a start... if that's all right.
[He doesn't want his hand slapped away again, thanks.]
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I’m the end he nods and lifts up his shirt, revealing several nasty bruises along his rib cage.]
Go ahead. Can’t hurt, right?
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Probably.
[If the reply is wishy-washy, the accompanying nod is anything but. If there are downsides to his healing, he hasn't found them yet - and while he has no idea how he suddenly became capable of minor healing, that very mystery somehow makes him trust it more rather than less.
It would have been different if it was something he wished for. He knows better than to count on things like that too much.
Reaching out, Atsushi holds his hand directly over the bruised skin, and focuses. There's no real gesture, except the natural spreading of his fingers; there's no magical words to say. It's more of a feeling he has to create - and then a soft light seems to shine from under his hand, slowly but surely dissolving the bruises like ice melting in the sun.]
no subject
Way better than a bandaid, it turns out, and Chuuya’s eyes grow wide as he watches his bruises magically disappear. There’s a warmth that floods over and through him as Atsushi heals him, and even the pain lessens drastically, allowing him the freedom to take a full, deep breath.]
...that’s pretty fucking neat.
[Chuuya already feels loads better. Now he won’t have to bother finding another healer. Ain’t nobody got time for that.]
Thanks. I owe you one.
[Actually he owes Atsushi a lot more than that, but what can he even do to repay him? He doesn’t have a cent to his name on Nysa...]
...you can keep the reward money. As payment.
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Add to that Chuuya's thanks, and Atsushi feels like he's on cloud nine.]
You're welcome~!
[So proud of himself! Feeling so -... Wait, what was that?]
No way! That's really not necessary. Besides, you're new in town...
[Atsushi may not be rich, but he's not poor, either, whereas Chuuya -... Well, the guy only just landed. He needs that money more than Atsushi does!]
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Then I’ll try to not do anything too shady. That’s a way to repay you, right?
[Chuuya gets to his feet and dusts himself off, trying and failing to not look unkempt. Oh well. They did just get back from a quest, after all.]
Let’s get this over with, then. I’m sure Daifuku is missing us.
[”Us” he says.]
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[Atsushi nods cheerfully, his expression brightening. He didn't think that Chuuya would ever promise anything of the sort - and, to be fair, Atsushi wouldn't have tried to pressure him in that direction unless there was an immediate and urgent reason. To have Chuuya offer it of his own accord isn't just hopeful, it's kind of touching.
"Us"... Atsushi gives a weak little sheepish laugh. Well, it's true that Daifuku seems to get along with Chuuya.]
Yes... Let's quickly report, and go home.