Hijikata Toshirou (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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isleofavalon2021-10-08 04:00 pm
mayoninofukucho) wrote in isleofavalon2021-10-08 04:00 pm
October Adventures
WHO: Hijikata and ✨YOU✨
WHAT: Aftermath of the destruction of Celliwig and Lestari, TDM prompts (picking up some pets and joining the expedition to the Forest of the Felled), and Questing (smashing pumpkins and fighting the headless horseman)!
WHEN: Throughout October (except for the first couple of prompts, which are backdated to September)
WHERE: Camelot City, Ruins of Lestari, Ruins of Celliwig, Forest of the Felled
WARNINGS: Ghosts! So many ghosts! Also a graphic corpse description in Prompt 1B.
1) Aftermath (backdated to late September)
A ⦿ Ghostly Reunions
[When Hijikata woke up from his familiar fusion exhaustion a day after the battles against the dragon and the stone giant he immediately rushed to soak up all the news, and... well, it was devastating. His walk through the crowded city and back to his camp by the lake felt like drifting through a haze. His surprise was all the greater at what he found there: an odd assembly of about two dozen ghosts, huddled close to the large shadow dragon that lay with its long body protectively half-curled around the campsite, and his crow tengu familiar, who was relieved to see him well-recovered.
Arashi informed Hijikata that his spirit guardian, familiar with the location from its time of being sealed under his skin, had led the way here for the souls, but would only last another day or so before fading away. Given that a few of the ghosts had either died in the recent disasters or had been dead for longer, but were citizens of the destroyed cities, Hijikata decided to help them locate their loved ones, taking them back into Camelot and asking around on their behalf. It was bitter work that dragged through the night and into the next day, but he was able to reunite two boyfriends from Celliwig, both now spirits in their frills and frocks, and bring a woman from Lestari back to her family, who sadly had no death mage among them and were desolate to be unable to see or communicate with her. He ultimately had to give up on trying to locate the soul of a desperate man's sister who had perished in Celliwig, potentially lost to the stone giant.
After bidding the last mourning ghost farewell and passing by the hotel it occurs to him that he really should clear out and offer up his single room, so he quickly takes care of that, easily fitting his few possessions into his inventory-slots-enhanced camping backpack. Back outside he turns around to look back at the building that's brimming with activity as other outworlders move out and refugees move in.]
Thanks for having me.
[He says it quietly and to no one in particular. He liked living here. It was reassuring to have a safe place to sleep and shower and study, and he lived well on the breakfast for the first couple of months, back when he could afford to grab enough food for the whole day from the buffet. They'll have to ration it now, no doubt.]
B ⦿ The Water of Life
[Hijikata couldn't stop thinking of the ghosts he couldn't help, so only a day later he returned to the grieving husband and children whose mother he brought back to them. He found the family no less distraught than before over their inability to perceive her presence in any way (she hadn't been able to master object manipulation yet either), so he cautiously offered to attempt her revival. He had never tried to conduct any kind of necromancy, but he'd been flagged down by one of the autumn equinox ritual leaders and presented with one of the precious few bottles of revivification water.
So the small group rode to Lestari on Hijikata's prideful Black Star and a borrowed horse, one son riding with his father and the other with the samurai, while their mother floated alongside them. After a lengthy trip they saw the scope of the destruction where the southernmost mountain had stood. Hijikata decided to leave the children behind as he and the parents embarked on the grim task of inspecting the excavated dead that had not yet been identified. Ultimately the man was only able to recognise his wife's body by her clothing, so badly had the heavy rocks crushed her features.
Hijikata was doubtful if the water of life could really restore even such damage, but didn't let the hesitation show on his face and put to glass bottle to the corpse's jaw... and once it was emptied (and he and the man were holding their breath) the body miraculously began to rearrange all its smashed and broken pieces, like a rewound video. The joy on the ghost's face when she felt her heart beating again was worth all the doubt and trouble, and when she dove back into her body and embraced her sobbing husband Hijikata felt vindicated. He was only able to restore one person to life, but it made a difference none the less.
As the couple reunites he slips away, wanting to let them have their moment, and wanders around in the rubble where excavation efforts still continue despite most people being accounted for by now. His expression turns cold as he remembers who is responsible for the devastation, despite having been welcomed and housed by Lestari.]
Kymbyr, you better run far away.
[He lights himself a cigarette, takes a long drag and exhales the smoke. If he ever gets his hands on the necromancer things will get very, very ugly.]
2) Yuureisengumi
A ⦿ Candle Night
[When refugees from Lestari start selling their candles in Camelot, promising dreams of the dearly departed, Hijikata buys one without much hesitation. He's a little anxious about the possibility of having to relive of how each of them was taken from him, but if he's going to do this death mage thing, then he'll do it with his whole heart!
When he goes to sleep in his tent that rainy night, the candle burning securely away from flammable items, he doesn't dream of illness and fire and blood. Instead his dreams are peaceful. He's a teenager again, sitting on the poor countryside doujou's veranda next to the girl he loves, watching the fireflies dance in the golden evening sun, and when she turns to him with a smile he doesn't sharply turn away, nervous and embarrassed, but summons all his bravery and smiles back at her. They're still both too shy to move closer, to touch each other's hands or say anything, but there's so much warmth in Mitsuba's eyes that it fills him up like a cup of tea with honey.
When the scene fades away he's a child again, playfully running after his older brother in the fields at dusk, eventually catching up to him and taking his warm big hand. Tamegorou, the one he named his spirit guardian after, gently pats his hair, then asks if he wants to ride on his shoulders. The view from up there is so much wider, and the golden sun paints the farmlands with a gentle glow. In this moment little Toshirou feels safe and happy.
Once more there's a change of setting, and this time he's a baby again, held close by his mother as she hums a song to make him sleepy. It's a hazy memory, but he can feel her love, and once again the golden sun is setting outside their poor little hut.
When Hijikata wakes up in the morning he feels so much stronger. People lost their homes, but the citizens of Camelot are all making room, building beds, sharing resources. People are injured, but the healers are working overtime, as they always do. People are dead, but he'll do his part on this front. He can't restore more of the dead to life, not without resorting to means he doesn't want to resort to, but he damn well can be there for them. Ghosts are spooky, ghosts are scary, but what does it matter? He can see them and hear them, so he needs to stand by them.
Later that day he can be found around Camelot, hanging up water-proofed recruitment flyers. They show a stylised, long-bodied white dragon silhouette on a pale blue background, and the text reads:]
Dead but determined? You want to do your part to protect the living?
Join the YUUREISENGUMI ghost patrol! We will ensure safe nights in Camelot.
Our first assembly will be at 5:00 PM on October 6th by the lakefront east of the city.
[He even attached a tiny map with a marker where his camp is located. This totally isn't a bad idea. Right?]
B ⦿ Not Quite a Puppy Parade
[Against all odds none of the ghosts who turned up to join Hijikata's ghost patrol possessed him and walked him into the lake. As a matter of fact most of the would-be members were among those who had never left the surroundings of the camp, unsure where they should go after Hijikata's spirit guardian vanished 3 days after it was born. With some of them still having left and some others having arrived the number remained at about two dozen, which made Hijikata happy.
A couple of ghosts turn out to have been dead for longer, so they're quickly declared division leaders and each assigned a dozen subordinates to teach in the basics of... well, being a ghost. Hijikata, of course, isn't only there for decoration, so he heads into town to get relevant books from the library. It may be tricky to find instructive works on ghost magic, but he'll work with what he can find!
On the way back, though, with only a couple of books in his sling bag, he notices some commotion in the town square, and upon investigation finds the pet adoption fair in full swing. Of course, it figures that pets were also saved from the destruction but may have lost their owners... the samurai looks around with curiosity. He isn't much of a pet person, but the chicken-sized compsognathuses remind him of his archaeopteryx partner whose help was so invaluable in catching up to the stone giant.]
How come these aren't more popular? I'll take two.
[The happy volunteer hands him a pair of the small dinosaurs, most likely siblings, given how they've been sticking together in the enclosure, and immediately they start snapping at his face, hands, anything in reach.]
Hey!! What the-- bastards, behave!!
[Yeah, this probably wasn't his smartest idea either.]
3) Felled not Forgot
A ⦿ River Rapid Rumba
[When Hijikata hears that an expedition will set out to the Forest of the Felled he decides to go along (the compsognathuses will stay behind and be looked after by a pet minder... best of luck to her!). He wants to help with the investigation, but he also wants to visit the kind old man's hut to pay his last respects. He was sad to hear that the elder passed away, though comforted by the knowledge that Emet-Selch was looking after him in his final days.
He rides on Black Star, carrying his usual stuffed camping backpack along with his knight equipment. When the Bridge of the Pure of Heart comes within sight his faith in himself wavers... he's sure that he only made it across by a 51/49% margin of purity back in winter, so who's to say that he wouldn't fail this time around? But it seems like Glewlwyd has a different plan. As the naiads rise from the river and expectantly look the party of visitors over Hijikata quickly decides to take the most direct and blunt approach possible. He's never been a flirt or a charmer, so he sets down his backpack and starts taking out some small treasures.]
Madam, let me be honest: I really just want to get across the river. Would you be so kind to help me pass in exchange for a present? Please choose whatever interests you.
[He sets down a 'chameleon facial' potion and a few gemstones. What is this, a bazaar?! (OOC: You can play "his" naiad if you want, and I'll gladly play your character's!)]
B ⦿ Forest of the Fachan
[Once inside the cursed forest the wind howls so spookily that Hijikata is immediately on edge. The silent stone giant that's visible across the tree tops doesn't help the atmosphere either. He sticks close to his fellow expeditioners as they remove all kind of hex- and spell items from the trees... but gradually they all spread out, and before long he gets the horrible, eerie sensation of being watched from behind his eyelids whenever he blinks. Isn't it getting dark too fast? Shouldn't they turn back?
He's about to ask when he hears the soft sing-song voice in his head. "No more dead, no more live, no more singing by my side. Break the quiet, make some noise, I'LL BE BREAKING MY NEW TOYS". He turns to whoever is nearby, already drenched in cold sweat.]
H-h-hey, did you, uh, d-did you hear--
[That's when the sun sinks, and that's when the rotten stench starts filling the air, and that's when the creature appears with its one leg, one arm, bloody mouth, barbed flail, and altogether horrifying appearance. And if whoever is with Hijikata was hoping for protection by him, who's a samurai and a knight and a death mage, he's no longer where he just stood a second ago. He's already running.]
C ⦿ Campfire Stories
[After the encounter with the fachan Hijikata is, honest to God, scared mindless (thank goodness his ghosts didn't have to see him like this...). Once everybody reassembles at the campfire, sharing the remaining provisions and trying to shake off the terror of the forest, he'll be sitting terribly close to his seat neighbour, occasionally looking over his shoulder in paranoia and muttering into his mug of hot tea.]
I won't be able to sleep ever again... or maybe, maybe if I buy more of those green candles...
4) QuestBoard
A ⦿ Pumpkin Mayhem
[Ultimately Hijikata did manage to visit the old man's hut in the morning before the expedition departed the Forest of the Felled again, and when he spoke to the elder's ghost he could hardly hide his grief. Despite only having met him a couple of times his kindness left an impression on the samurai. The old man gently comforted him, even inviting him to visit as often and as long as he'd like, and when Hijikata explained his duties towards the ghosts he recruited in Camelot the conversation took an unexpected turn, with Hijikata eventually agreeing to take the old man to Camelot so he'd be able to reunite with old friends who might also be recently deceased, and in exchange the old man leaving his hut and the surrounding area open for the Yuureisengumi (the name gave the elder pause, and when Hijikata explained that it means 'Ghost Selection Group' he asked "Then why don't you just call it that?"... a conversation that may pop up many times in Hijikata's near future).
Back in Camelot the expedition volunteers disperse, and the ghostly old man bids Hijikata farewell for the time being. Back at his camp by the lake Hijikata finds that a few of the recently dead managed to master minor object manipulation and -possession in his absence, and when he checks the QuestBoard and spots the pumpkin patch problem it seems perfect to put their skills to the test. As such anyone out to decorate or subdue pumpkins on this fine day will see Hijikata marching up, positioning himself at the edge of the field, and surveying the scene for a moment before snapping orders at what seems like the empty air (unless the observer happens to be a fellow death mage).]
Team A, go after the vampire! Team B, bring me the cat!
[The pumpkins in question, which had been chasing innocent carvers around, suddenly halt and turn towards the swordsman, who waits with his cigarette polluting the air. Once they arrive in front of him he simply slices them in half with his sword after a brief command of "Out!".]
Good work! Well done.
B ⦿ Don’t Lose Your Head
[Relocating the Yuureisengumi to the old man's hut was easy enough. Hijikata cleared the camp of his belongings (not without experiencing that bittersweet feeling of farewell again, given that it had belonged to Riou), stuffed everything into his hammerspace camping backpack, gathered all the ghosts in a large bottle to ensure than none would be left behind, held the compsognathuses on a tight leash despite them biting his calves bloody, and activated a Celliwig totem.
From the ruins of the Splendoured Court it's not a long journey to the Bridge of the Pure of Heart, but since Hijikata first stops to speak with those still busy with the excavation work and the burials of the dead he learns that a dullahan - presumably the one whose head he had transported across the island on a dark web job months ago - has been attacking the volunteers, so he decides to stay as part of the defence and send the ghosts ahead, given that they can cross the river without needing to use the bridge. He urges them to stay away from the deep forest and stick to the area around the hut and the bridge, given that the expedition wasn't able to clear away all wards and spell markers.
As he waits for the headless horseman to appear he wanders through the ruins, thinking back to the equally destroyed Lestari... one city crushed by the earth, one razed by the fire. It makes his own elemental magic seem small and insignificant, but he quietly resolves to train that much harder. Not now, though. He absent-mindedly starts collecting singed curtains from piles of ruined fabrics meant to be burned, apparently not minding how yellowed and blackened they are, and also picks up some equally damaged flasks and bottles, like a garbage collector.]
They'll probably like these.
5) Business as Usual (Quasi-Wildcard)
[Those who visit the area beyond the Bridge of the Pure of Heart in the days and weeks to come will find pale blue banners with a white dragon's silhouette put up around the place, and there will be tattered and fire-damaged white curtains blowing in the wind alongside them. Small containers made of glass, ceramic, wood and whatever else are wedged into the trees like bird houses - comfortable resting spots for ghosts (it's not like they need to sleep, but sometimes everybody wants to check out of both work and play for a little while).
Death mages will notice the ghosts, others may see small possessed objects flying around... Hijikata read that things with faces are easiest to possess, but didn't want to buy up Camelot's second-hand shops' dolls and plush toys during the refugee crisis, so he made his own simple teru teru bozu, which look like little ghosts anyway. The old man's hut is unchanged - it's so comfortable and cozy, even a man like Hijikata didn't have the heart to turn it into some kind of military cabin.
Visitors may find only Arashi here at times if Hijikata burned a totem to take some of his spectral subordinates to Camelot for grocery shopping and on-the-job training - whether it's a lost pet or an animated item causing trouble, the Yuureisengumi will subdue it and make sure it ends up back where it belongs. Perhaps you even have some business with them?]
[OOC: These prompts ended up exceptionally TL;DR because it was such a big event... if you'd still like any additional ones please feel free to hit me up on my plotting post! Also here are Hijikata's permissions.]
WHAT: Aftermath of the destruction of Celliwig and Lestari, TDM prompts (picking up some pets and joining the expedition to the Forest of the Felled), and Questing (smashing pumpkins and fighting the headless horseman)!
WHEN: Throughout October (except for the first couple of prompts, which are backdated to September)
WHERE: Camelot City, Ruins of Lestari, Ruins of Celliwig, Forest of the Felled
WARNINGS: Ghosts! So many ghosts! Also a graphic corpse description in Prompt 1B.
1) Aftermath (backdated to late September)
A ⦿ Ghostly Reunions
[When Hijikata woke up from his familiar fusion exhaustion a day after the battles against the dragon and the stone giant he immediately rushed to soak up all the news, and... well, it was devastating. His walk through the crowded city and back to his camp by the lake felt like drifting through a haze. His surprise was all the greater at what he found there: an odd assembly of about two dozen ghosts, huddled close to the large shadow dragon that lay with its long body protectively half-curled around the campsite, and his crow tengu familiar, who was relieved to see him well-recovered.
Arashi informed Hijikata that his spirit guardian, familiar with the location from its time of being sealed under his skin, had led the way here for the souls, but would only last another day or so before fading away. Given that a few of the ghosts had either died in the recent disasters or had been dead for longer, but were citizens of the destroyed cities, Hijikata decided to help them locate their loved ones, taking them back into Camelot and asking around on their behalf. It was bitter work that dragged through the night and into the next day, but he was able to reunite two boyfriends from Celliwig, both now spirits in their frills and frocks, and bring a woman from Lestari back to her family, who sadly had no death mage among them and were desolate to be unable to see or communicate with her. He ultimately had to give up on trying to locate the soul of a desperate man's sister who had perished in Celliwig, potentially lost to the stone giant.
After bidding the last mourning ghost farewell and passing by the hotel it occurs to him that he really should clear out and offer up his single room, so he quickly takes care of that, easily fitting his few possessions into his inventory-slots-enhanced camping backpack. Back outside he turns around to look back at the building that's brimming with activity as other outworlders move out and refugees move in.]
Thanks for having me.
[He says it quietly and to no one in particular. He liked living here. It was reassuring to have a safe place to sleep and shower and study, and he lived well on the breakfast for the first couple of months, back when he could afford to grab enough food for the whole day from the buffet. They'll have to ration it now, no doubt.]
B ⦿ The Water of Life
[Hijikata couldn't stop thinking of the ghosts he couldn't help, so only a day later he returned to the grieving husband and children whose mother he brought back to them. He found the family no less distraught than before over their inability to perceive her presence in any way (she hadn't been able to master object manipulation yet either), so he cautiously offered to attempt her revival. He had never tried to conduct any kind of necromancy, but he'd been flagged down by one of the autumn equinox ritual leaders and presented with one of the precious few bottles of revivification water.
So the small group rode to Lestari on Hijikata's prideful Black Star and a borrowed horse, one son riding with his father and the other with the samurai, while their mother floated alongside them. After a lengthy trip they saw the scope of the destruction where the southernmost mountain had stood. Hijikata decided to leave the children behind as he and the parents embarked on the grim task of inspecting the excavated dead that had not yet been identified. Ultimately the man was only able to recognise his wife's body by her clothing, so badly had the heavy rocks crushed her features.
Hijikata was doubtful if the water of life could really restore even such damage, but didn't let the hesitation show on his face and put to glass bottle to the corpse's jaw... and once it was emptied (and he and the man were holding their breath) the body miraculously began to rearrange all its smashed and broken pieces, like a rewound video. The joy on the ghost's face when she felt her heart beating again was worth all the doubt and trouble, and when she dove back into her body and embraced her sobbing husband Hijikata felt vindicated. He was only able to restore one person to life, but it made a difference none the less.
As the couple reunites he slips away, wanting to let them have their moment, and wanders around in the rubble where excavation efforts still continue despite most people being accounted for by now. His expression turns cold as he remembers who is responsible for the devastation, despite having been welcomed and housed by Lestari.]
Kymbyr, you better run far away.
[He lights himself a cigarette, takes a long drag and exhales the smoke. If he ever gets his hands on the necromancer things will get very, very ugly.]
2) Yuureisengumi
A ⦿ Candle Night
[When refugees from Lestari start selling their candles in Camelot, promising dreams of the dearly departed, Hijikata buys one without much hesitation. He's a little anxious about the possibility of having to relive of how each of them was taken from him, but if he's going to do this death mage thing, then he'll do it with his whole heart!
When he goes to sleep in his tent that rainy night, the candle burning securely away from flammable items, he doesn't dream of illness and fire and blood. Instead his dreams are peaceful. He's a teenager again, sitting on the poor countryside doujou's veranda next to the girl he loves, watching the fireflies dance in the golden evening sun, and when she turns to him with a smile he doesn't sharply turn away, nervous and embarrassed, but summons all his bravery and smiles back at her. They're still both too shy to move closer, to touch each other's hands or say anything, but there's so much warmth in Mitsuba's eyes that it fills him up like a cup of tea with honey.
When the scene fades away he's a child again, playfully running after his older brother in the fields at dusk, eventually catching up to him and taking his warm big hand. Tamegorou, the one he named his spirit guardian after, gently pats his hair, then asks if he wants to ride on his shoulders. The view from up there is so much wider, and the golden sun paints the farmlands with a gentle glow. In this moment little Toshirou feels safe and happy.
Once more there's a change of setting, and this time he's a baby again, held close by his mother as she hums a song to make him sleepy. It's a hazy memory, but he can feel her love, and once again the golden sun is setting outside their poor little hut.
When Hijikata wakes up in the morning he feels so much stronger. People lost their homes, but the citizens of Camelot are all making room, building beds, sharing resources. People are injured, but the healers are working overtime, as they always do. People are dead, but he'll do his part on this front. He can't restore more of the dead to life, not without resorting to means he doesn't want to resort to, but he damn well can be there for them. Ghosts are spooky, ghosts are scary, but what does it matter? He can see them and hear them, so he needs to stand by them.
Later that day he can be found around Camelot, hanging up water-proofed recruitment flyers. They show a stylised, long-bodied white dragon silhouette on a pale blue background, and the text reads:]
Join the YUUREISENGUMI ghost patrol! We will ensure safe nights in Camelot.
Our first assembly will be at 5:00 PM on October 6th by the lakefront east of the city.
[He even attached a tiny map with a marker where his camp is located. This totally isn't a bad idea. Right?]
B ⦿ Not Quite a Puppy Parade
[Against all odds none of the ghosts who turned up to join Hijikata's ghost patrol possessed him and walked him into the lake. As a matter of fact most of the would-be members were among those who had never left the surroundings of the camp, unsure where they should go after Hijikata's spirit guardian vanished 3 days after it was born. With some of them still having left and some others having arrived the number remained at about two dozen, which made Hijikata happy.
A couple of ghosts turn out to have been dead for longer, so they're quickly declared division leaders and each assigned a dozen subordinates to teach in the basics of... well, being a ghost. Hijikata, of course, isn't only there for decoration, so he heads into town to get relevant books from the library. It may be tricky to find instructive works on ghost magic, but he'll work with what he can find!
On the way back, though, with only a couple of books in his sling bag, he notices some commotion in the town square, and upon investigation finds the pet adoption fair in full swing. Of course, it figures that pets were also saved from the destruction but may have lost their owners... the samurai looks around with curiosity. He isn't much of a pet person, but the chicken-sized compsognathuses remind him of his archaeopteryx partner whose help was so invaluable in catching up to the stone giant.]
How come these aren't more popular? I'll take two.
[The happy volunteer hands him a pair of the small dinosaurs, most likely siblings, given how they've been sticking together in the enclosure, and immediately they start snapping at his face, hands, anything in reach.]
Hey!! What the-- bastards, behave!!
[Yeah, this probably wasn't his smartest idea either.]
3) Felled not Forgot
A ⦿ River Rapid Rumba
[When Hijikata hears that an expedition will set out to the Forest of the Felled he decides to go along (the compsognathuses will stay behind and be looked after by a pet minder... best of luck to her!). He wants to help with the investigation, but he also wants to visit the kind old man's hut to pay his last respects. He was sad to hear that the elder passed away, though comforted by the knowledge that Emet-Selch was looking after him in his final days.
He rides on Black Star, carrying his usual stuffed camping backpack along with his knight equipment. When the Bridge of the Pure of Heart comes within sight his faith in himself wavers... he's sure that he only made it across by a 51/49% margin of purity back in winter, so who's to say that he wouldn't fail this time around? But it seems like Glewlwyd has a different plan. As the naiads rise from the river and expectantly look the party of visitors over Hijikata quickly decides to take the most direct and blunt approach possible. He's never been a flirt or a charmer, so he sets down his backpack and starts taking out some small treasures.]
Madam, let me be honest: I really just want to get across the river. Would you be so kind to help me pass in exchange for a present? Please choose whatever interests you.
[He sets down a 'chameleon facial' potion and a few gemstones. What is this, a bazaar?! (OOC: You can play "his" naiad if you want, and I'll gladly play your character's!)]
B ⦿ Forest of the Fachan
[Once inside the cursed forest the wind howls so spookily that Hijikata is immediately on edge. The silent stone giant that's visible across the tree tops doesn't help the atmosphere either. He sticks close to his fellow expeditioners as they remove all kind of hex- and spell items from the trees... but gradually they all spread out, and before long he gets the horrible, eerie sensation of being watched from behind his eyelids whenever he blinks. Isn't it getting dark too fast? Shouldn't they turn back?
He's about to ask when he hears the soft sing-song voice in his head. "No more dead, no more live, no more singing by my side. Break the quiet, make some noise, I'LL BE BREAKING MY NEW TOYS". He turns to whoever is nearby, already drenched in cold sweat.]
H-h-hey, did you, uh, d-did you hear--
[That's when the sun sinks, and that's when the rotten stench starts filling the air, and that's when the creature appears with its one leg, one arm, bloody mouth, barbed flail, and altogether horrifying appearance. And if whoever is with Hijikata was hoping for protection by him, who's a samurai and a knight and a death mage, he's no longer where he just stood a second ago. He's already running.]
C ⦿ Campfire Stories
[After the encounter with the fachan Hijikata is, honest to God, scared mindless (thank goodness his ghosts didn't have to see him like this...). Once everybody reassembles at the campfire, sharing the remaining provisions and trying to shake off the terror of the forest, he'll be sitting terribly close to his seat neighbour, occasionally looking over his shoulder in paranoia and muttering into his mug of hot tea.]
I won't be able to sleep ever again... or maybe, maybe if I buy more of those green candles...
4) QuestBoard
A ⦿ Pumpkin Mayhem
[Ultimately Hijikata did manage to visit the old man's hut in the morning before the expedition departed the Forest of the Felled again, and when he spoke to the elder's ghost he could hardly hide his grief. Despite only having met him a couple of times his kindness left an impression on the samurai. The old man gently comforted him, even inviting him to visit as often and as long as he'd like, and when Hijikata explained his duties towards the ghosts he recruited in Camelot the conversation took an unexpected turn, with Hijikata eventually agreeing to take the old man to Camelot so he'd be able to reunite with old friends who might also be recently deceased, and in exchange the old man leaving his hut and the surrounding area open for the Yuureisengumi (the name gave the elder pause, and when Hijikata explained that it means 'Ghost Selection Group' he asked "Then why don't you just call it that?"... a conversation that may pop up many times in Hijikata's near future).
Back in Camelot the expedition volunteers disperse, and the ghostly old man bids Hijikata farewell for the time being. Back at his camp by the lake Hijikata finds that a few of the recently dead managed to master minor object manipulation and -possession in his absence, and when he checks the QuestBoard and spots the pumpkin patch problem it seems perfect to put their skills to the test. As such anyone out to decorate or subdue pumpkins on this fine day will see Hijikata marching up, positioning himself at the edge of the field, and surveying the scene for a moment before snapping orders at what seems like the empty air (unless the observer happens to be a fellow death mage).]
Team A, go after the vampire! Team B, bring me the cat!
[The pumpkins in question, which had been chasing innocent carvers around, suddenly halt and turn towards the swordsman, who waits with his cigarette polluting the air. Once they arrive in front of him he simply slices them in half with his sword after a brief command of "Out!".]
Good work! Well done.
B ⦿ Don’t Lose Your Head
[Relocating the Yuureisengumi to the old man's hut was easy enough. Hijikata cleared the camp of his belongings (not without experiencing that bittersweet feeling of farewell again, given that it had belonged to Riou), stuffed everything into his hammerspace camping backpack, gathered all the ghosts in a large bottle to ensure than none would be left behind, held the compsognathuses on a tight leash despite them biting his calves bloody, and activated a Celliwig totem.
From the ruins of the Splendoured Court it's not a long journey to the Bridge of the Pure of Heart, but since Hijikata first stops to speak with those still busy with the excavation work and the burials of the dead he learns that a dullahan - presumably the one whose head he had transported across the island on a dark web job months ago - has been attacking the volunteers, so he decides to stay as part of the defence and send the ghosts ahead, given that they can cross the river without needing to use the bridge. He urges them to stay away from the deep forest and stick to the area around the hut and the bridge, given that the expedition wasn't able to clear away all wards and spell markers.
As he waits for the headless horseman to appear he wanders through the ruins, thinking back to the equally destroyed Lestari... one city crushed by the earth, one razed by the fire. It makes his own elemental magic seem small and insignificant, but he quietly resolves to train that much harder. Not now, though. He absent-mindedly starts collecting singed curtains from piles of ruined fabrics meant to be burned, apparently not minding how yellowed and blackened they are, and also picks up some equally damaged flasks and bottles, like a garbage collector.]
They'll probably like these.
5) Business as Usual (Quasi-Wildcard)
[Those who visit the area beyond the Bridge of the Pure of Heart in the days and weeks to come will find pale blue banners with a white dragon's silhouette put up around the place, and there will be tattered and fire-damaged white curtains blowing in the wind alongside them. Small containers made of glass, ceramic, wood and whatever else are wedged into the trees like bird houses - comfortable resting spots for ghosts (it's not like they need to sleep, but sometimes everybody wants to check out of both work and play for a little while).
Death mages will notice the ghosts, others may see small possessed objects flying around... Hijikata read that things with faces are easiest to possess, but didn't want to buy up Camelot's second-hand shops' dolls and plush toys during the refugee crisis, so he made his own simple teru teru bozu, which look like little ghosts anyway. The old man's hut is unchanged - it's so comfortable and cozy, even a man like Hijikata didn't have the heart to turn it into some kind of military cabin.
Visitors may find only Arashi here at times if Hijikata burned a totem to take some of his spectral subordinates to Camelot for grocery shopping and on-the-job training - whether it's a lost pet or an animated item causing trouble, the Yuureisengumi will subdue it and make sure it ends up back where it belongs. Perhaps you even have some business with them?]
[OOC: These prompts ended up exceptionally TL;DR because it was such a big event... if you'd still like any additional ones please feel free to hit me up on my plotting post! Also here are Hijikata's permissions.]
no subject
Stayyy... Staaaaay...
[ He practically crab walks a couple steps toward Hijikata, eyes darting between his note, him, and Alberto's dinosaur once more, and once the dinosaur seems to be sitting still, eyes fixed on Alberto in turn, he feels confident enough to reach out and snatch the recipe page. He gives it a quick glance, shoots his eyes toward Hijikata again with still some lingering skepticism despite proof that it is what he said it is, before shoving the paper in his pants pocket... He then takes a long, quick stride back to his compie and drops to his knees again to cradle her neck and chest in his arms, holding her more loosely than before, but still clearly not trusting her at all not to run off. It takes him a beat to find the right reaction, but with a cocked brow and a thick tone of voice, at last meets Hijikata's direct gaze again. ]
...Thanks.
[ Olive branch accepted, apparently. That also makes a few straggling onlookers nod in approval like the scene has been resolved. Crowds are easy to appease, more often than not. ]
no subject
Next time try to put your fire into shutting down some actual injustice, okay?
[He plucks the compsognathus off his head, still bleeding a good amount from under his hair, and holds it firmly, but not brutally tight, as he looks around for the nearest butcher or grocery shop. He actually spots one and immediately marches towards it, not caring whether Alberto tags along or not. These dinosaurs turned out to be a pain in the ass to deal with, but he's very stubborn and determined to get them to behave.]
1/2 a short story to fill the time gap/plot hole lol, cuz i love this thread and dont want it to end
Jerk... Not you. You're nice. [ H-He's talking to the dinosaur, like it understands. It's a good thing the crowd has dispersed. He gets a little more comfortable, just sitting on the ground in the street like it's totally normal, crossing his legs as he tugs the dinosaur into his lap; it hesitantly crawls in, uncertain but no longer resisting like before. Nearby, the man who'd been running the compsognathus adoption stand is watching on with warm, curious eyes as Alberto chats away at the creature. ]
...Y'know, you have really pretty eyes. You look intense — like that human actress lady in Matrimonio all'italiana. ...That's a movie. With Marcello Mastroianni. He's pretty great. Maybe I'll call you Marcello...
[ The adoption agent steps nearer, startling Alberto a bit when he chimes in from behind him. ]
That one's a girl, actually. She's young.
[ Alberto looks from the man back to the dinosaur, which stares back at him with those intense amber eyes. Alberto smiles softly at her, rubbing her head, and she reacts affectionately for the first time. ]
Oh! ...Do you wanna be Sofia?
[ The man crouches down beside the child and compsognathus, smiling himself now. ]
I think that'd be a good name for her. You know... I saw you with her earlier. When you were feeding her— I overheard you talking to Miss Amy about how the other ones pick on her. She's the runt; they do that a lot.
[ Alberto's a bit sheepish that he'd been being watched without realizing it, but well, it makes sense... It's this guy's stand, after all. But he responds in earnest, thoughtfully, gazing into the compie's eyes again. ]
So she's under the dogs, too... I didn't like seeing the others snap at her and steal her food. You've always gotta stand up to bullies— even if they're an animal, or a knight, or whoever...! Y'know?
[ He holds her a little closer, pulling her to his chest, and while she wriggles a bit, she still lets him hug her. The man is a bit bemused by saying she's "under the dogs," but places a hand on Alberto's back, drawing his attention back. ]
That was a very admirable thing you did, child, standing up to that man. These are not easy animals to care for; I know he'll be fine with them in time, he is a knight, after all — do not judge him too harshly... But what you said spoke a lot about you, young man. I think you could learn to handle her, too — it won't be easy, but— caring counts for a lot. Would you like to keep her?
[ Alberto's eyes light up, and a grin spreads wide over his face, as he clutches "Sofia" tightly to his chest. She doesn't like that and starts writhing again, so he gives it some slack, though his excitement is undeterred. ]
Really?! Yes! Yes, I want her! Thank you, signor! I promise I'll be the best, uh— [ He struggles to read the word "compsognathus" on the stand's sign... ] C-Comp— Compisagnathisus dad ever!
[ The man laughs but doesn't bother correcting him, amused by the child, and gets up to fetch the leash and adoption forms. Alberto stays on the ground, hugging the dinosaur and beaming at her. When the man returns he hands Alberto the papers and a pen, as he readies the dinosaur with her lead for him. Alberto lays the papers flat on the street, holding the pen awkwardly in his fist, and scribbles ᦓOꟻιᗩ on the forms, handing one to the man and pocketing the rest. His grin is stuck in place as the leash is placed in his hand. ]
Now, there's instructions in there, information about the compsognathus, do read through it... And if you look just over there, there's a butcher — go ahead and get her some meat. Tell him I sent you, and that I'll pay him for it later, he knows me. She's all yours, son~
[ He pats him fondly on the back again as Alberto gets to his feet, rubbing his new pet down the length of her back as he speaks, while she just stands there looking confused... ]
Thank you, signor! Wow! Okay, c'mon, Sofia, andiamo — are you hungry, piccolina?
2/2
...Hello againnn...
[ Alberto's tone is thick and sarcastic, scowling still. He doesn't forgive quite that easily. Even if the guy helped him out in the end... he still can't help but feel it was just for show for the crowd. And frankly, the nice man's words have him feeling his oats, feeling even more justified, ready to be riled up again if it comes to that, now that he's face-to-face with Hijikata again. ]
Awww!! (Sorry for the sparse hooks in this tag; I hope it works!)
They're both standing close to him, expectantly looking up in hopes of more. It seems like they already understand the basics of "don't bite the hand that feeds you"... at least not while he's actively feeding them (and even then, this may just be a lucky moment). Hijikata barely gives Alberto a nod before finishing up his conversation with the butcher.]
Well, thanks. I'll be back.
[As he passes the boy by, dinosaurs in tow, he does address him, oblivious to the grudge he developed in the short time, and gestures for him to take his place in front of the counter.]
There you go, kid.
[He himself isn't going far, though. Once Alberto comes back out he'll spot him on a bench, finally putting his compsognathuses on their leashes while they're devouring some more pieces of meat off the ground. He then sits back and observes them, thinking about what the hell he's supposed to do with them.
When he spontaneously decided to pick them up he envisioned them as helpful pets that could keeps pests and intruders in check and potentially, with some training, even serve as short-distance messengers, but they seem a lot more feral than he anticipated...
which is probably also what some government officials back home thought about the Shinsengumi and him in particular when they entered into the service of the shogunate.]of course!!
As they walk out the door, in fact, she's practically leaping about, eager to eat, and Alberto's spirits are much more lifted at the sight of her prancing. He catches sight of Hijikata feeding his dinosaurs on the bench, and decides it's worth revisiting this interaction... Maybe he did judge him too harshly. He marches right over, Sofia jumping for joy in front of him on her leash, eyes fixed on the bag of meat in his hands. He cops a squat right on the ground in the middle of the street a good ways from the trio, careful to feed them far away from each other. He's certain those were some of the dinosaurs who'd pick on her at mealtimes, and Alberto's determined to spoil her from now on.
He doesn't say anything as he unwraps the meat and starts divvying out a little pile of it for her to nosh on, and she wastes no time getting to it. He watches her for a short, silent moment, before looking up to Hijikata again. There's still some hesitation, skepticism in his tone, but it's obvious he's decided to try and make some peace... ]
...So. What're you gonna name 'em?
no subject
This one's Yama, that one's Zaki.
[He totally just pulled this out of his ass, and his long-suffering subordinate Yamazaki back home would probably be making an upset sound if he were here and overheard that.]
What about yours?
no subject
[ He strokes her back, breaking her attention from her food for only a quick glance before she continues chewing eagerly — as zealous as her new owner, clearly a match made well. Alberto glances aside awkwardly, but there is a question that's been lingering in his mind that warrants his continued pursuit of this dude... ]
Um— ...why did you have that recipe...? Are you a fireworks expert?
[ Ah. There it is. Hijikata has no clue about Alberto's obsession with fireworks since he's arrived in Avalon. It's too uncanny that that was his reward for his bravery. He's not letting it go. That's the real olive branch here... ]
no subject
I'm the opposite of a fireworks expert, that's why I could spare the recipe. I never once used it.
[Come to think...]
Be careful when you use it, okay? If you cause a fire I'll beat your ass.
no subject
Ha! No way! I'm pretty much a fireworks expert~ See, look—
[ He loops the leash around his wrist so both hands are free, and splays both palms out, twisting his hands showily. From thin air, a bright golden burst appears and erupts into several smaller silver blossoms, mimicking the shape of fireworks silently. No actual fire detectable, though. It's just his light magic. This... This is what he's learned to do with his light magic. A-And pretty much only this; but Hijikata doesn't need to know that part.
The sparkling display startles his dinosaur, who jumps a couple steps away, hisses at him, then continues eating. Sorry, Sofia. Gotta get used to this particular magic act... ]
no subject
Light magic, huh? That's a good one to have.
[From what he's seen it can be very versatile for anything from shields to illusions, so he isn't about to look down on it.]
Honestly, this is probably safer than the fireworks spell.
no subject
This isn't all I can do...! One of my friends here— he has elemental magic, and we make all kinds of fireworks together! We've combined my light magic and his fireballs to make even cooler fireworks, and we've even made waterworks. Next, once he learns how to do it, we're gonna make lightning fireworks!
[ Whatever the hell those are... This kid clearly feels he has a lot to prove. ]
no subject
Elemental magic, huh?
[He takes out a cigarette and casually lights it up with his fire magic. He was overdue for a smoke, really.]
Well, if you're dead-set on a career in pyrotechnics, don't let me stand in your way.
[He's actually making a small mental note of Alberto's endeavours. He's friends with Gokudera, whose light- and elemental magic combination has already proven pretty explosive... perhaps he should sit down with him one of these days and get some tips on combat-suited combinations.]
this is 50 years late but i'm down to continue!!!
Hey, it's not my career — I'm a fisherman. Fireworks are just cool. Besides, I already know some guy who agreed to teach me how to make huge fireworks — real ones, not the magic stuff like me and Asriel do. He said he's an expert. So now that we've got this recipe— we can do even cooler ones, I bet!
[ Kids are so defensive yet so excitable, huh... ]