頭は間違うことがあっても血は間違わない

[gekkajuu]

Who: Eat Sushi (gekkajuu) & various
What: It's a catch all, y'all. A catch y'all. Like the Pokémon of logs.
When: Octobooty.
Where: Olé.
Warning(s): So far just fighting, and reckless gambling... for candy.

Closed prompts in the comments; poke me if you want one, too! Or hit me with a starter of your own, I'm good with it.

Comments

for Slaine

[gekkajuu]

[It's taken Atsushi entirely too long to come up with an approach to the terrorist problem, but once he finds out that the suspicious people have an M tattooed on their wrist, everything becomes a lot easier. They cover their mark up, of course, but that can be a little obvious in itself. Atsushi starts with subtle looking around and lame excuses, but when that has no effect, he's not shy about flat-out asking to see people's wrists. For all his flaws and insecurities, he's on a mission, here. Not only are there potential future attacks to prevent (which is honestly too vague a concept to justify his bold attitude), but there are names to clear. Ana is innocent, and Atsushi will prove it, somehow, no matter what.

There's an odd element of surprise when a young woman he addresses actually starts running - but surprise is not enough to keep him from going in pursuit. The streets are busy - no doubt why she decided to make a run for it - and Atsushi can't afford to fall behind and lose her right away, so he transforms his legs for a running start. There's still only so much he can do without shoving people aside, though - and he does try to avoid that - so he takes a while to catch up to her. Turning a corner to finally lay eyes on her again, he sees -]

Slaine? [Surprise soon turns into determination. After all, if the woman keeps going in the same direction, she'll run right by Slaine.] STOP HER!

[terrantrash]

<sub>[At the sound of his name Slaine casts his gaze Atsushi's way, only to realize, a bit too late, what the other boy wants him to do. He sees the woman run by, eyes wide, before his feet force him into action. A dash leads Slaine to manage catching up with the woman, a hand reaching out to grab her wrist. Unfortunately for Slaine the stranger decides to take a swing at him with her free hand.

The hit lands, fist meeting face, as Slaine gets a punch to the face. It's enough of a shock that his grip loosens and she gets away, disappearing into the crowd. The hit smarts, a hand reaching up to cover where her fist had made contact. Sorry Atsushi...he tried.]</sub>

[gekkajuu]

[Still running, Atsushi kneels next to Slaine, sliding to a halt. If nothing else, tiger legs are extremely chafe-proof.]

Are you okay?

[He gives Slaine a very concerned look, then glances back up at where the terrorist disappeared. Dammit...! He's unlikely to catch her now - unless he runs right off again, but he's just not comfortable doing that when Slaine just got attacked.]

[terrantrash]

I'm okay.

_{[He's dealt with worse. Really, he's fine. It just...hurts.]}

Don't worry about me.

[gekkajuu]

[It's good to hear that Slaine is fine, but Atsushi isn't sure he believes it, and he's lost his chance to capture that terrorist anyway, probably. He may as well give up. With a sigh, he gets up, dusts off tiger legs like they're the latest fashion. No, he should probably just transform back... and so he does, chunky tiger legs reverting back to stick-like human ones in the blink of an eye.]

Are you sure? We should probably get you to the Sanctuary, just in case.

for Captain Jack

[gekkajuu]

[With everything that's going on, this probably isn't the time for fun and games - and, in Atsushi's defense, he's tried to postpone it as best he could. But Jack seemed so eager to play cards, and... well, it's not like Atsushi can go baddie-hunting 24/7. He does have a cub to take care of, and even apart from that, it's important to relax once in a while, even if it makes him feel a little guilty.

He's offered his house as a location, presuming Jack's amenable. There are upsides and downsides to it, but with the cub and all, staying in is just easier. It does mean that, even apart from making the daifuku mochi (not quite as fancy-looking as Dylas', but they taste just fine), Atsushi's felt the need to get some alcohol for his adult guest. Admittedly it's only a bottle of wine - money is tight, and Atsushi doesn't plan to drink himself, so this is probably enough...? - but it's the thought that counts, right? Not one for playing, himself, he's asked Jack to bring the cards. This sort of evens things out.

Well, one way or the other, they're going to do this. With his cub on a blanket in the corner, sleeping peacefully for now, Atsushi waits for his guest, a little nervous. He's not that used to having guests, and less so when it's actually planned, rather than a spur-of-the-moment visit.]

[drinkupmehearties]

[ Jack, on the other hand, has no guilt about indulging in a little relaxation. With tensions high and all the chaos and upset going on around the city, he'd figured it'd be a good time as any for a distraction. Taverns and drinking worked well in that respect, of course, but a card game with some betting sounded great about now as well.

He picks his way to Atsushi's house in that usual off-balance swagger of his, a bag in hand. He'd managed to find something tasty to bet against Atsushi's mochi -- an assortment of 'cake balls', as they'd called them, decorated with a range of colors and designs. He may or may not have actually paid for them -- even back home, Jack didn't really waste coin on a luxury like sweets -- but the clerk had been amenable enough to allow him to taste test a few of them beforehand.

Once he's found the right house, Jack halts, knocking. ]

[gekkajuu]

[Atsushi has been prepared for a while, restlessly tidying things here and there. The moment he hears the knock, he jumps back to his feet to open the door, giving Jack a warm smile.]

Hello, captain! It's good to see you. Please, come in!

Sorry, it's kind of cramped...

[It's not that bad, really, for starter housing, but apologizing in advance is both a cultural thing and a bad habit.]

Take a seat! I'll make us some tea, to go with the sweets.

Um... There's also some wine, if you like.

[drinkupmehearties]

[ Jack returns the smile with a wide, friendly grin, stepping inside at Atsushi's invitation. ]

Aye, good to see you as well. And not a worry, lad. I've spent plenty of time in spaces much more smaller than this, I don't mind it a bit. [ Ship living could be sorely cramped at times.

He settles into the offered seat, setting the bag atop the table and fishing out the deck of cards from his coat pocket. ] Thanks very much, wine and tea would be wonderful. [ Opening up the bag, Jack pulls out a thin box (the cake balls had come in this prearranged package) and sets it next to the cards. ]

Hope you've fared well lately.

for Ana

[gekkajuu]

[No news is good news, or so they say. Atsushi tries to believe it after the attack happens and Ana of all people is accused of terrorism, something he refuses to believe her guilty of. Maybe she wasn't involved at all, maybe there was some kind of misunderstanding, but he just can't picture her doing anything like this.

It's mostly on her behalf that he spends what time he can around town, trying to find members of the terrorist ring. After all: the more information authorities can extract from the real terrorists, the sooner Ana's innocence will be proven.

That said: it's easier said than done, even knowing about the M-tattoos that the terrorists have on their wrist. Obviously terrorists aren't going to make their presence known, so all Atsushi can do is look, and look, and confront people he thinks are suspicious.

He's not expecting to run into Ana. She should be in hiding, and ideally far away from the capital while people are still gung-ho on finding someone to blame. Still, for a split second he almost thinks he catches something - a glimpse, or perhaps a scent.

Must be his imagination, clearly.]

[nanamari]

[ Ana is dressed in clothing that looks superficially different from what she normally wears, but anyone who's seen her before will be able to tell that it's the same body armor with some additions and rougher edges to throw her own pursuers off the scent. She's been a fugitive for years now, so having to cut and run isn't anything new to her. What's new to her is the series of events that have gotten her into this position. She's not on the run from a law that serves money instead of people - what she's done isn't noble or clean. A part of this is her fault, no matter what she believed when she carried out the job, and that means that while she hunts for those responsible she knows that sooner or later she's going to have to own up to her own part in all of it.

In the meantime, she's hunting terrorists, trying to find the bigger picture that she's been ignoring for too long. They're not particularly forthcoming, and she can't exactly waltz up to turn them in to the authorities when she catches them. It's taken her the better part of the day to track this one down and get a sleep dart into him without anyone noticing. It just so happens that he had to go and fall into a pile of garbage as he went down. It's not that he doesn't deserve it, but dragging away a huge unconscious thug with a trail of garbage behind him is not her ideal afternoon. ]

You're awfully smelly, you know. [ She's grumbling to herself, mostly. ] Maybe you should take some time out of the terrorism to look after yourself.

[gekkajuu]

[Something about the armor is definitely familiar, enough to make Atsushi sneak a little closer, but it's the voice that finally convinces Atsushi that, as shocking as it is to see her here, it really is Ana. He barely keeps himself from shouting out her name, realizing just in time that shouting suspects' names in public may not be the best idea ever. Instead, he stalls, hovering at the entrance of the alley, trying to decide what to do.]

... Are you doing all right?

[It's a stupid question, really, but at least he's sincere about it - a little shy, almost. It feels a little dangerous talking to her, as if acknowledging her will make other people see her for who she is, too.]

Is it really okay for you to be here?

[nanamari]

[ She turns as she catches sight of the shadow at the mouth of the alley. She knows who it is before he speaks, and her heart drops into her stomach. This is exactly what she didn't want - getting any of the children involved in this mess. It's why she'd asked Alan to check on them instead of getting anywhere near them herself. ]

I must be here. I won't be made a fool of by terrorists. Come. [ Now that he's here, it's better if he moves further into the alley so that he won't attract as much attention.

Ana abandons the sleeping terrorist and walks up to meet him so she can put her hands on his shoulders, then his face. It's a habitual worried mom gesture, but she's not really thinking about that. ] It's dangerous for you to be seen with me but - are you alright? And your friends?

[underwhelms]

[ This is fine, JJ thinks. His body feeling a hundred pounds heavier, uncomfortably warm, and head fuzzy. But this is fine. Never mind that people appear to be openly avoiding him, given the sickly colour of his skin and the slight unsteadiness of his walk. But it's been over a week now of this illness, and JJ had gone through the phases of wallowing, rebelling, and then wallowing again.

He just can't put his life on hold much longer, staying inside and "resting" can only keep his interest for so long.

So amidst the concerns about the plague and the terrorists, JJ had hit up Atsushi for a long overdue date, asking him to meet him at a petting zoo on the outskirts of the city.

Except that he's so out of it, when he finally arrives at the spot, he walks right up to Atsushi without even recognizing him. ]

Hey.

[ That's it, that's all he says before standing there peacefully, as though they are both waiting for different people. ]

[gekkajuu]

[Planning a date had been very awkward, but Atsushi had blamed that on the fact that it was a date - something he'd tried to avoid, because how does a person even date (let alone a guy?!), but JJ predictably wasn't taking no for an answer on the second try either... and Atsushi gave up very soon. How bad could it be, anyway? He'd promised JJ this one date, and then he could never date again, and everyone would be happier for it.

It still manages to feel like a lot of pressure, though. Even with no sequel planned, Atsushi is extremely nervous about being good company and entertaining JJ - which is hard enough for him on a good day, and worse when he's supposed to be hunting terrorists right about now. Then again, he's been doing that almost non-stop outside of work, and... he's very, very tired. A little distraction should be okay.

He's still agonizing over what to expect and if he should have dressed up more or maybe brought flowers (??? how does that work with guy dates, anyway?!) when JJ shows up... except he sorta kinda doesn't, clearly not all there.]

Hello... [It's not because Atsushi isn't dressed up enough, is it? With it being a petting zoo, he didn't want to go too fancy... but no, even Atsushi's total lack of self-esteem can't convince himself that he's the problem, here. He's just not sure what is the problem.] Should we... go inside?

[underwhelms]

[ Blinking slowly, JJ looks back over when Atsushi speaks to him, his movements sluggish and carrying a hint of confusion. It doesn't register to him what exactly Atsushi is asking, but once he realizes, he brightens up. ]

Yeah, sure!

[ The petting zoo itself is small, the fence not much higher than JJ's waist and housing a selection of farm animals—the kind that you might normally see on Earth, though there's something a little different about each of them. The patrons are mostly small children and families, though it isn't particularly crowded on this cloudy day, the weather and the attacks likely to thank for the slowed business.

It does nothing to dampen JJ's mood as they head toward the ticket gate, though once he gets there, seems completely lost at the concept of payment, staring at the attendant's waiting hand blankly. ]

What?

[gekkajuu]

[Atsushi eyes JJ every step of the way, trying to figure out what's wrong. There are moments when JJ seems okay, and then there are moments when he seems to disconnect from reality completely. Atsushi can't really say anything until he has solid proof, though - and that happens soon enough. It's true that Atsushi is overly sensitive to atmosphere, but not understanding that one should pay for access to a petting zoo is beyond needing to get a clue.]

Are you all right?!

[A disapproving sound from the attendant suggests that he sure doesn't think JJ is all right.]

[panzersoldat]

[ Reinhardt is quick to find where the young man is waiting for him in the large blown out area of the market. He hasn't really hesitated. He doesn't know what type of dangers they might face hunting down those who had hurt all these people. Those who had thrown Ana under the bus, but he's not going to come unprepared. So when he appears, he's wearing his armor. Atsushi will likely hear him well before he sees him what with the loud plodding clang of his footsteps.

He's not got the helmet on because he had promised a king that he would leave it off. It would keep the panic people from panicking more to see such a huge and heavily armored man in the streets. ]

I am here, meine Freund and ready to hunt! We will bring these people to justice and clear Ana's name!

[gekkajuu]

[... Subtle. Very subtle.

Atsushi does indeed hear Reinhardt before anything else, the sound vaguely reminiscent of a garbage can, but too repetitive. It takes Atsushi a while to look over, but when he does -...

Well... He sighs, trying to be subtle about it. There are advantages to going in full frontal, probably.]

Yes. [Atsushi gives a quick, decisive nod, getting in the offensive mode... and then he backtracks and asks anyway:] ... Are you sure that it's a good idea to be so conspicuous?

[Is there even a way for Reinhardt to not be conspicuous?!]

[panzersoldat]

[ Reinhardt thinks about it and lightly taps his chest. It's a very loud clang. But he's making a point at how strong the armor is. ] We don't know what we're going to be up against. They could be armed with anything. I could just have worn the gauntlet with the shield, but this is much better. This way, they will focus fully on me.

[ Of course that makes sneaking around nearly impossible, but Reinhardt doesn't sneak. He is a knight. Knight attack from the front. They don't use guile and trickery. ]

Also, if we find Ana and she is in trouble, I'll already be geared up to help her. So, if you are ready, let's see who we can find! I'll be counting on you.

[gekkajuu]

That's true...

[Atsushi can only concede Reinhardt's point. Having been a detective, himself (more or less), he's certainly not as inclined to fight as a knight would be - but he's not going to avoid fighting, either. And while he doesn't think Reinhardt should be half a decoy, attracting all the attention... due to the man's size alone, he doubts they could avoid that, armor or no armor. Given that, they may as well use what they have to work with. At least Reinhardt will be well protected this way.

All right. They can do this. Atsushi gives a subtle, polite gesture down the street, before he starts heading that way himself. He doesn't really know where to start looking, but maybe they'll get some ideas while on the move.]

I've heard that terrorist have a tattoo of an M on their wrist, if that helps.

cw: furries

[sullenstallion]

[Keeping Prince in his room while he worked turned out to be a great idea. Dylas' room in the Sanctuary is small and almost impossible to hurt one's self in. There's a bed, a desk, a small bathroom. That's it. So, by doubling up on blankets, he was able to keep tiger royalty in his bed and still check on him once or twice an hour.

But there's still a twinge of guilt as he enters Atsushi's home to drop the tiger off again. He's exposing himself to sickness. What if he gets one of them sick? Ultimately, he can't say he's too worried about it, but that's mostly because he's been pushing himself so hard that he's too tired to think much of it.

Case in point, once he shuts Atsushi's bedroom door behind him? He's asleep in minutes. Fully clothed, he rests on the very edge of the big tiger's bed while the little tiger sits across his leg, licking and biting his tail whenever it moves. Every so often, he neighs in his sleep. If Atsushi keeps him asleep long enough, he'll even be able to catch Dylas talking in his sleep:]

Yeah. More of that. Give me more. Milk Porridge...

abandon all humanity, ye who enter here

[gekkajuu]

[It's probably bad form to fall asleep while babysitting, but when Atsushi comes home after a little work and a lot of terrorist hunting, he can't bring himself to be mad in the least. Looking after Daifuku is exhausting at the best of times; he really can't blame Dylas. Besides, the cub (which is entirely too lively, now that it's getting older) is still having a good time, playing with Dylas' tail.

Picking up the cub, Atsushi very carefully detaches it from Dylas' long tail. It's not that cold out, but even so, Atsushi tries to fold the bed linen over Dylas as best he can, with the not!horse in this position... and then there's only one thing left to do.

Try to make some milk porridge... apparently. He'll be back to check on Dylas when it's done.]

[sullenstallion]

[While Dylas will later come to appreciate the said blanket around him, it's not enough to snap him out of his slumber. He might not have been working hard to catch any criminals (and with his nose, he might even be a good help for something like that), but each day is filled with him worrying, hustling, and, worst of all, trying to keep a positive attitude around the infected.

When Atsushi comes back, Dylas has tossed and turned a few times. The face he's making isn't as pleasant of one as before. He's spoken in his sleep before during his sleepovers, even made a mess out of restlessly sleeping, but his face is contorted in a new way now.]

I don't care what happens to me. Not if it'll save Ventuswill.

[He repeats that name again, his body moving restlessly. But he doesn't wake.]

[gekkajuu]

[Letting Daifuku wander around for a bit, Atsushi returns with a bowl of milk porridge. It just seemed like a good idea to make some... Dylas must really like it if he even dreams about it, right?

But if dreams truly represent what's on Dylas' mind, his mood has changed considerably by the time Atsushi returns. For a moment, the weretiger almost doubts his ears. As normal as it is for himself to consider his life worth absolutely nothing, it's still an incredible shock when someone else feels that way about themselves.

He can't remember - are you supposed to wake people up from a bad dream, or is it bad to shock them like that? Atsushi isn't sure, but the shaking finally spurs him to action: he can't let Dylas keep going like that! Putting the porridge aside, he sits on the edge of the bed, putting a hand on Dylas' shoulder to very gently - possibly too gently - shake him awake.]

Dylas?