Entry 004

[chippedsoul]

Characters: Kazuma Asougi [Jekyll/Hyde]
Campaign: Break
Format: [ brackets ]
Open
Summary: Catch-All for the Break


A - The Doctor is out [Network]

I will not be meeting with clients in person until further notice. If you must make an inquiry for some medicine, use the journal to contact me. I will let you know when it's ready to be picked up.

-Disciple

B- A nightly stroll in the forest

[Anyone who happens to be wandering around or living in the forest, might hear a disturbance during the nighttime. It doesn't occur every night, but when it does, it sounded like someone was cutting down the trees. There's also a low rumbling like thunder that occasionally accompanied the sound afterwards, like a rhythmic thumping. Looking into the source, they will find themselves at the edge of the Index. The ground appeared unstable, with trees uprooted and large boulders that have been split into smaller pieces scattering about the area.

This warzone was only found along the edge of the Index, and every few nights, a new area would turn into a disaster area. If someone manages to catch the person in the act, it turns out to be the Disciple, or was it the Disciple? The low rumbling noise was from him ramming trees into the barrier or throwing boulders at it. Whatever he could pick up and throw, which was almost anything, he was directing them at the barrier. A few times he was crazy enough to punch the barrier.] I need...to go... [If you manage to get in close enough, you can hear him mumbling about going somewhere. It doesn't seem like he's quite all there himself. Are those pajamas he's wearing?]

C-Wildcard
[This post is for the entirety of the break, so feel free to poke me on Discord or silentdrifterz if there's something else you want to play out instead or make your own starter!]

Comments

[hatesviolence]

What, pick you up?

[chippedsoul]

[That gets a look from him.] Is it normal for you to just casually carry people without their consent?

[hatesviolence]

When they're obviously hurt and can't really walk on their own.

[Or you know if he's going to throw them.]

[chippedsoul]

[He wants to snap back that he's walking just fine, but manages to hold his tongue. He tries to think of a better answer.]

...I know you're just trying to help, but you need to understand I've grown accustomed to fending for myself. Suddenly being carried without warning doesn't register to me as "helping" right away.

[hatesviolence]

[He wasn't at the time okay.

But Shizuo is silent as he thinks over Disciple's words.]

....Yeah, I can see that. [He rubs the back of his neck a little awkwardly.] Sorry.

[chippedsoul]

[He shakes his head.] It's fine. I know I can be difficult to deal with. [He's not sure why he felt the need to explain himself about any of this. Maybe it's the fact Shizuo doesn't press on the details that he feels comfortable being somewhat open to him.

He stumbles on his feet a little, but keeps on walking like it hadn't occurred.]

[hatesviolence]

[Shizuo instinctively reaches out to help, but he manages to stop himself and pulls his hand back to press against the back of his neck instead.]

Yeah, a bit.

[Not even going to be nice and try to deny it.]

Guess that's just how you are. But wouldn't kill you to accept help when it's offered.

[chippedsoul]

It might, one day. You can't just blindly accept help, that's how they get you. [It seems extreme, but he managed to get this far from only relying on himself. After taking a few steps though, he stops, letting out a sigh.]

I suppose I could use a shoulder to lean on though. [He can work with that, just no being carried.]

[hatesviolence]

[...What the hell kind of thinking is that?

Shizuo just stares at him for a moment before Disciple stops and asks for the shoulder. He doesn't move at first, still puzzling over what he said before he steps up to help give support.]

Wasn't sayin' you should trust just anybody. But what happened to make you so distrustful of others to begin with?

[chippedsoul]

[He goes silent at his question and makes no indication of changing his stance as they walk. The memories of his journey across the ocean, were memories he did not wish to relive or share with anyone.]

[hatesviolence]

[Shizuo waits, but he can tell that Disciple has no plan in sharing. Well, not that he really wants to dig that deep, but even if he doesn't say anything, that alone tells him that something must have happened.]

All right, I get it. [Small pause.] So does that mean you don't really trust me?

[He is not asking this in an accusatory way. In fact, there's a bit of a curious, thoughtful tone in his words.]

[chippedsoul]

. . . [Now that's the million dollar question, isn't it? The answer should be obvious to him. Of course he doesn't. Why should that change for anyone? Everyone is just a means to reach an end for him. Evenso, he was clearly hesitating. He turns his attention elsewhere.]

I'm starving. [Well, that's neither a yes or no, nor does it answer his question.]

[hatesviolence]

[Shizuo just stares a bit in silence before looking back forward. Somehow he wouldn't be so surprised if the answer to that was a no, but it is a bit disappointing. He doesn't necessarily think of Disciple as a close friend like he does with Tom or Shinra, but he's more than just a random acquaintance and at least within the that circle of people he considers as some kind of friend.

Well, no surprise if he doesn't think the same.]

There's probably something still open or I could pick up—







Ah, shit.

[The talk of food reminds him of Kotori and Roxas and that he still hasn't sent a message.]

Remind me I need to send a message to Kotori when we're back in town.

[chippedsoul]

[He feels something sitting in the pit of his stomach, regret? Was he having second thoughts on his decision, or lack there of? Maybe there was a part of him that yearned to have something more tangible than just...what he has now. But he's done fine up to this point, why would he risk putting that much faith in someone else?

He blinks, turning to look at Shizuo when he changes subjects abruptly.]

To tell her what? [He wouldn't normally pry, but all things considered, he was curious.]

[hatesviolence]

That we're both fine. She was worried.

[chippedsoul]

[Both of them. He's sure it's just one of them.] Well, I can see the forest clearing up just ahead.

[It's really late at this point. There's definitely nothing open or a soul around. The only lights visible are from the street lamps.]

[hatesviolence]

[.....To be fair, Kotori did only really ask about him, but he's sure Kotori is also worried about Disciple. Just didn't really spend enough time explaining everything.]

Must be getting close to town...but guess it's a lot later than I thought. [Only places open would be taverns, and he doubts Disciple would want to deal with that.] Let's just find a doctor. There's usually a late night one open somewhere.

[chippedsoul]

[He tenses a little.] It's just a scratch. [Does he really have to?]

[hatesviolence]

[Shizuo is just going to give him a look.

Although it is doubling as a look over. If it really is just minor he'll let it go... But if there's a sign of something more serious, he won't.]

[chippedsoul]

[There really is just that one cut across his stomach that's healed at this point thanks to Hyde's healing factor and the potion. The other injuries were self inflicted, when Hyde grabbed and broke Roxas' swords to use as daggers. They're just red marks in his hands now.]

Really...I'm fine and can handle this myself. I'm just tired and hungry.

[hatesviolence]

[There is so much doubt and skepticism right now.....





........But he just sighs.]

Fine. I'll take you back to your place. If you have food there I can probably make something. Just don't expect much.

[chippedsoul]

. . . [He makes a face as if a child is being forced to eat his vegetables. It's just Shizuo, he's gone out of his way to help him plenty of times, but the idea of someone doing things for him still makes him uncomfortable. He takes in some air after some contemplation.]

All right. [It's fine. If it's Shizuo it's fine.] Shizuo.

[hatesviolence]

Hm?

[Just looks at him at hearing his name.]

[chippedsoul]

Your question from earlier, asking if I trust you. I. . .I just need some time.

[hatesviolence]

[....Ah.

Shizuo is silent for a moment before nodding.]

All right.

[He's honestly not expecting that much, but... Well, that's better than a straight no.]