(closed.)

[tsumtsuki]

🧙 WHO: Tsumugi Tsukioka & Taichi Nanao
⚔️️ WHAT: Tsumugi is a badass.
🕒 WHEN: early September
🗺️ WHERE: Camelot town square
⚠️ WARNINGS: Branding/tattoos, as related to the Pain-Tolerant Badass TDM prompt. also probably a lot of yelling lmfao


[ This isn't an easy favor for Tsumugi to ask. Even though it's ultimately for a selfless reason, something about it feels so inherently selfish. This task he's bestowing onto him, the weight of this burden... was it, perhaps, too much? If they were home (and if such a thing were even possible back home) he'd instead be asking Hisoka or Guy, or maybe even Tasuku if he could quell his worries and potential anger long enough for him to listen. But they're not here, and the autumn equinox isn't going to wait for any of them to arrive.

All he can do is put his faith in Taichi, both in that he'll care for him throughout this process and that he would've declined his request if he truly weren't comfortable with it. (the former is much, much easier than the latter.)

It's not that Tsumugi isn't nervous (he is. he doesn't even have any piercings and yet he's about to be burned) but he does his best to not let it show. He listens carefully to the explanation of the process, nodding along and following with his eyes the gestures to the cauldron and the eggs within, then to the slabs that surround it.

Eventually, the space falls quiet save for the roiling cauldron, and Tsumugi turns to Taichi with a smile that's perhaps a tad too gentle for the circumstances. ] Are you feeling alright, Taichi-kun? [ He asks, as though it weren't already clear which of them is going on that obsidian slab. ]

Comments

[arf]

[ Taichi wasn't sure how to participate himself. He wasn't quite ready to get a tattoo, but it felt like as a member of the autumn troupe, he should definitely be helping out with the Autumn equinox, right!? Right.

The fact that he's pretty sure this is a scene from a horror movie where they're summoning some kind of demon and making it possess Tsumugi is more the other end of autumn troupe's badassery though. Taichi is more pumpkin spice, family, and Home Goods decor end of autumn, Fun Halloween with singing pumpkins and trick-or-treating.

So naturally, he's decided to get into the role and when Taichi turns around, he pulls some black robes out of a backpack he brought with. ]

Yeah, give me a sec! If we're gonna do this, we gotta get into the mood right!?

[ Acting will help make him feel better about sacrificing Tsumugi to the dark lord. (This just keeps getting worse in his head.) He pulls the robes over himself, putting the hood up. ]

What do you think!?

[tsumtsuki]

[ To be fair, seeing those robes makes Tsumugi feel like he's being offered up to something sinister. But surprisingly (or perhaps not surprisingly at all, since it's tsumugi), immersing himself in the scene that Taichi's establishing helps with those nerves. (deep down, he feels he understands sakuya, with his story about hyakka company, a bit better now.)

He chuckles, but it's in no way malicious. ] I think that's great. [ And he means it, genuinely. ]

I suppose I could get into character, too... [ This wasn't planned, but really, is any street act? ] What do you think?

[arf]

Ehh? Are you going to be a willing victim or am I some kind of villain?

[ Well, street act is one way to do it. Maybe it'll be easier if Taichi is in the mindset of a character..? He hopes so. ]

[tsumtsuki]

[ Tsumugi, bless his heart and soul, actually thinks about this for a moment, because he's honestly much more worried about Taichi than himself. Maybe having this quite frankly rather silly conversation before the pain that is to come will be enough to ease the tension? If not, then... hm... ] It might be easier on you if I was a willing victim. But if you wanted to play a villain instead, I wouldn't be opposed.

[ Never mind the fact that Tsumugi is already a willing victim. Details, details. ] I'll follow your lead, so do whatever you're comfortable with.

[arf]

Hm.. let's do willing then. I don't know if I could handle it if you started screaming to stop.

[ He laughs nervously. ] Okay, lay down on the slab and I'll redo my entrance. Something more cult-like...

[tsumtsuki]

[ Before either of them turn away, Tsumugi rests a comforting hand on Taichi's shoulder. ]

Everything will be okay. I promise. [ He hears that nervous edge in his laugh, and in turn speaks with more confidence than normal. If nothing else, maybe he can believe in Tsumugi?

With his piece said, he walks over to the slab to make his final preparations, folding his coat like a makeshift pillow and keeping his shirt close at hand, just in case. He takes a deep, grounding breath, feeling the obsidian against his bare chest, and starts slipping into character. A willing victim... but of what? He supposes Taichi will establish that. And then he can come up with motivations so that together, they can build a story that'll take them a little out of the moment. sometimes... you act to cope.............. ]

[arf]

[ Taichi scatters off, thinking about movies he's seen with cults. In the end, he ends up asking two other people to follow behind him in step with him too. They don't quite get it but he says it's important to them being able to do their part in the ritual, so they agree. Taichi takes one step at a time, humming under his voice as he holds the tongs above his head, the hood pulled down over his face as he takes each step. The two people behind him hum with him. And people around them start watching because really, this is kind of weird. The two people behind him go off to the side to stand at either side of Tsumugi before stepping back to watch too. ]

We stand before you, worshippers of His Darknessest! We bring before you a maiden bride!

[ Congrats on your role as virgin sacrifice, Tsumugi. ]

[tsumtsuki]

[ Tsumugi, ever the serious actor, doesn't so much as chuckle at "His Darknessest". Because right now, he's the maiden bride - the virgin sacrifice who volunteered to take part in this ritual for the sake of another. Though his expression is hard to read, his body is relaxed as it can be, considering the circumstances.

His voice, too, is clear and steady when he speaks. (and also pitched just the slightest bit higher than usual - might as well lean that little bit extra into the role, right?) ] I won't run away. For the sake of everyone I love, I will become a vessel for His Darknessest. He may reside within me, but my heart is strong. I will accept Him, but He will not control me.

[ ... what is this even becoming... Who knows. Regardless, he nods toward Taichi as best he can while laying face down on a slab. ] I'm ready.

[arf]

Good, good... His Darknessest requires a willing soul. The stronger the heart, the more powerful you will make him!

[ Taichi raises both of his hands and uses a bit of technomancy to make the street lights around them flicker. Healing doesn't go far for special effects. ]

Hahahahaha.... HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! [ He laughs as evilly as he can manage, then drops his voice to.. about as deep as Taichi can go without it sounded horrifyingly fake. Which isn't super deep, but the impression is there. Taichi's appearance definitely isn't really a fit for the role he's in, unfortunately. ]

Tsukinoya Tsurumi-chan, say your vows to our dark lord to accept his Love!

[ At least they seem to have gathered an audience.. one which Taichi has to step through to actually go get the egg. ]

[tsumtsuki]

[ It's true that Taichi doesn't look the part (the robes help, but something's clearly off) but the dissonance between role and demeanor lends itself nicely to the drama of the scene they're creating. A bright, energetic boy revealing himself to be an evil cultist? What a plot twist! Imagine the amount of trust, the depths of the bonds forged between Taichi and the rest of the cast over the course of their journeys! All the build-up, all those heartfelt moments, leading to an unfortunate truth and stunning betrayal! It's-

- not what he should be focusing on right now. Right. Uh. Whoops?

Tsumugi can't see their audience, but he can hear their murmurs around him. There's confusion, definitely, and some concern - but there's also curiosity and even a bit of excitement. Though it was neither of their intentions, their impromptu show is turning out to be quite successful.

(maybe they'll have to share this idea with tsuzuru. maybe. but probably not.) ​]

Can you hear me, Your Darknessest? I, Tsukinoya Tsurumi, will be your bride. [ If he were acting under normal circumstances, he'd be relying on the subtlety of his expressions to carry his complex emotions. But it's good practice to rely only on his voice, he thinks. ] I vow to love and cherish you, as I would any other. And I will accept your Love and be yours, eternally, until the day I die.

[arf]

[ If they do end up sharing it, it may be better if Tsumugi does. Taichi is having a moment imagining Tsumugi as a beautiful maiden professing his love in such an eternal way. It's possible that the moved tears streaming down his face right now are real. He wants things to work out for Tsurumi-chan!!

Years of watching romantic dramas have prepared Taichi for this moment. An aside. A dramatic confession only the audience can hear, despite that Tsumugi is right there, but he trusts his senpai to know what he's trying. Egg in tongs, he holds it to the side dramatically, his head down, partially shadowing his face as tears drip to the floor.]

I never told her... I love her. The words could never leave my lips because I knew this day would come. I must let her go, and His Darknessest must take her. It's a cruel fate for a believer, but he would not be the embodiment of darkness if his love were not born in pain and jealousy... With this, I let you go, my lovely Tsurumi.

[ He inhales sharply and turns to face Tsumugi again, head raised high as he approaches with the egg.]

Take all of him, Tsurumi!

[ And her places the egg on Tsumugi's back, bracing himself to watch what happens, almost having forgotten that's not a prop and it really will hurt.]

[tsumtsuki]

[ his darknessest, dave,

Tsumugi feels the heat radiating off the egg before it touches his back, and for a moment, it's almost comforting, like stepping inside a warm home after being out in the snow all day.

But the moment is fleeting, and he can't hold back the sharp hiss that tears through him when shell meets skin. His instincts tell him to run, run, run, because he's in danger, he's going to get seriously hurt if he doesn't do something to get away, but he forces himself to stay, to endure this. After all, the ritual isn't over yet. His role is not yet complete. So with tears pricking his eyes, he shoves part of his shirt into his mouth to keep himself from biting down on his tongue as he waits.

At least Taichi can't see the pain in his expression. It's a small comfort, but he holds on tight to it anyway. ]

[arf]

[ It's quiet now, and Taichi's setting the huge tongs down and kneeling down to try to peek at Tsumugi's face. Is he OK? Like all acting aside, is he OK? At least he set up that he cares about Tsurumi, so the audience thinks this is some cute show of caring about his wellbeing.. and well, it is, but more genuinely, because TSUMUGI YOU JUST TOOK AN EGG INSIDE OF YOU??? He whispers, this just for Tsumugi and not for the audience. ]

You okay?

[tsumtsuki]

[ It's weird. Tsumugi can't see his back, but the tattoo seared into his skin in wake of the egg is crystal clear in his mind's eye.

It's fitting in a lot of ways for the tattoo to manifest as a pair of wings. Perhaps it's a homage to Michael, or to his good nature in general. Regardless, every crisp, clean line burns with an intensity he's never felt before. It's... a lot, to say the least.

But he meets Taichi's concerned gaze with a smile he hopes is reassuring. ] I'll be okay. [ It's not a lie, because he knows he will be, but he'll give him a more honest answer in a moment.

First, he pushes himself up carefully from the slab, only wincing a little as he's forced to move his back. He covers the upper half of his face with his hand, both to mask his pain from their audience and for dramatic effect as he takes in a slow, deep breath...

... and laughs. It starts quiet, almost inaudible, but quickly crescendos as his shoulders shake and he grins. ] Hahaha... ahahahaha! At long last, darkness rises again!

[ Then he waits a moment or two, listening for the sound of dispersing footsteps before whispering low, just for Taichi. ] ... Is everyone else gone? [ Because if so, then: ow? Ouchies? ]

[arf]

[ Once the street play is over, Taichi nods and moves to go look at Tsumugi's new tat. ]

Wow.. even your tattoos are mature and cool, Tsumugi-san. How do you feel?

[tsumtsuki]

[ With that confirmation, Tsumugi lowers his hand and begins the slow process of redressing himself. "Slow", because ] Um... Honestly, it hurts a bit. [ no SHIT tsumugi

He manages to get his arms through the sleeves okay, but getting the rest of the shirt on might prove to be difficult, with how his back currently feels. This is at least 20 times worse than his worst ever sunburn. ]

I'm sorry for putting you through that, Taichi-kun.

[ tSUMUGI!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ]

[arf]

[ Taichi's hands, naturally, are shaking a little bit from the whole thing because Tsumugi admitted it hurt (duh) and Taichi is upset that he's the one who did it but it mostly just results in Taichi very carefully moving over to hug half-shirted Tsumugi. ]

I'm so glad you're okay!

[ At least he's careful. He knows from TV that tattoos hurt, so he assumes Tsumugi is still very tender. ]

me, through tears bc i'm emotional: what the FUCK,,,,,,,,,,

[tsumtsuki]

[ His back is, in fact, still very tender. But Taichi's so kind, so gentle with him, that he barely feels his touch.

Tsumugi doesn't hesitate to return the hug, as secure and hopefully comforting as he can manage. ]

Mm. I'm okay. [ He squeezes carefully, but that's more for his own sake than anything. ] I knew I'd be okay.

[ So please, please don't blame yourself for too long, Taichi. ]

;; they good babies thats why...

[arf]

I think that might've been the most badass thing I've ever seen, Tsumugi-san.. don't tell Ban-chan I said that, okay? Do you need anything?

[ Taichi doesn't need the other prompt to take care of Tsumugi until Tsumugi literally tells him to leave after this. He's definitely going to take care of him...!! ]

[tsumtsuki]

[ Tsumugi laughs, because how can he not? ] I won't tell him, I promise.

[ As for his question... he feels bad, even now, just considering asking Taichi to do anything for him. He's already done enough...! But if he thinks about it, he's sure Taichi doesn't feel the same.

So he swallows down that tiny bit of guilt and sheepishly asks, ] Um... Could you help me get dressed again? [ ... it's something?????? ]

[arf]

Y-Yeah, of course! Do you wnt something to drink after this? I'll make you egg soda.

[ The ultimate combination of things Taichi likes and things Tsumugi likes... it a special treat for the special sacrificial lamb after he's dressed again! Which Taichi is helping with, careful as he can possibly be. It's a good think he's good with delicate arts and crafts work and sewing, his fingers are light with Tsumugi's clothes. ]

[tsumtsuki]

[ It's a little embarrassing that he can't dress himself on his own, so he's grateful that Taichi's not making a big deal out of his request.

Once his shirt's on, he folds his jacket in his arms and rises to his feet. (with his back already stinging from the brush of his shirt, he figures it'd be better to keep his clothing light for now.) ]

If you don't mind? [ ... though he probably should ask. ] But what's egg soda?

[arf]

[ Maybe they can stop by a store and get him some antibiotic with pain numbing too, but Taichi hasn't thought about it. He's focused on the fact that he gets to teach Tsumugi about a new form of Egg. ]

It's condensed milk, egg yolk, and club soda! I think it's a recipe from Vietnam? I learned it from a guy here, it's super easy to make.

[tsumtsuki]

[ his list of egg-based goods has eggs-panded................ ]

That sounds good to me. I'd like to give it a try. [ Heehee. ] Should we get going, Taichi-kun?

Wrap?

[arf]

Yes, My Darknessest!

[ He says it, teasingly now and not at all in character. And off they ride into the night... ]