June Adventures

[mayoninofukucho]

WHO: Hijikata and... YOU?
WHAT: TDM prompts (it's tournament time!!), some knight-squire bonding, and questing!
WHEN: Throughout the first half of June
WHERE: Nicnevin, Campsite near Lake Avalon, Camelot City, Cave near the Ruins of Celliwig, Camelot Villages
WARNINGS: None so far!



1) Tournament in Nicnevin

A ⦿ Meeting Fae't

[Finally the Fisher King has been delivered to Queen Elphame... but of course the outworlders' job doesn't end there. Hijikata is surprised at the announcement of an ad-hoc tournament, but he's not one to shy away from a challenge! The bigger problem is that not only has he been magically transported to Elphame, but so have his crow tengu familiar Arashi (OK) and his two chicken-sized pet compsognathuses (not OK). Why were the dinosaurs brought here?! He usually simply lets them run free in the area between his campsite at the lakeshore and the Brocéliande forest ("irresponsible pet ownership", "invasive species"... what are you talking about?), and he frankly doesn't have the bandwith to deal with them, so he turns to his familiar.]

You watch the two of them, Arashi. I'll gather information on what exactly the program is going to be.

What? But, Hijikata-san--!

[The samurai starts striding off at a remarkable speed. Does anyone want to stop this injustice... or rather join up with him in finding out the details of the tournament? Or maybe some kind soul feels like helping out the distressed crow person struggling to keep a hold on the rambunctious dinosaurs' double leash?]

B ⦿ 1v1 (Skilled)

[Naturally Hijikata signed himself up for the 1v1 battle category first and foremost. He loves a good duel, and the two tournaments he participated in so far during his stay on Avalon taught him a lot! He looks confident as he stands in the arena, a whopping three swords at his belt (one long, two short). He was lucky to have had his gear and weapons on him when he was spirited away.]

So you're my opponent!

C ⦿ Free-for-All

[Now this is a whole other ballpark. Hijikata wasn't keen on getting caught in the crossfire of the initial clashes, so he quickly retreated to the outskirts. Now he's hiding in a thicket near the moat surrounding the massive tree Nicnevin is built into, scanning the area for anyone also wearing a telltale bracelet on their wrist. Whoever approaches can prepare for a watery assault... unless they are the ones sneaking up on him.]

D ⦿ Bubble Down

[After a day filled with games, action and adrenaline Hijikata is tired, but curious about the underwater accommodation. Who knew that there was a whole civilisation living in this moat? But there's life everywhere on Avalon, even in the smallest crevices. As he sits in a cushy chair eating his dinner and looking at the mermaids swimming around outside the last thing on his mind is steering, so his bubble may just collide with someone else's... unless he has a mindful "servant" with him who's remembering to watch their course. (OOC: Feel free to assume that Hijikata won against your character in either category if you'd like them to be his temporary servant!)]

So they did have human food here the entire time...

[He lets out a scornful snort. Of course nobody told them that at the end of the year when the goddamn Mari Lwyd took everybody's provisions from home!]

E ⦿ Magical Maze

[A new day brings a new challenge, and this time Arashi is accompanying Hijikata. He's still quite feather-ruffled over how his bond partner ditched him with his hard-to-handle pets the previous day, but when Hijikata gives him a red gemstone - a thoughtful present for the crow tengu from his squire - he is appeased (though he does make a petty remark about how much more well-mannered the boy is than certain people). Before long they need to focus on the maze they find themselves in, though.]

Arashi, you can fly. Can't you just check for the way out?

[The familiar nods and lifts off, and after a brief survey round he returns.]

There is an exit ahead two more corners to the right, however there are some squares to be stacked before you will be able to climb up.

Squares?

[Once they arrive at the exit moments later the riddle is revealed to be... well, a block puzzle. Hijikata groans.]

This is the wrong medium for us! Even I would have trouble moving those boulders, and you're like half my body mass! And only you can touch them? We may as well look for a different exit.

[This really doesn't look too promising... unless, maybe, someone with a stronger familiar wants to help!]

F ⦿ Potion Pickers

[Hijikata isn't exactly a potion master, but he also is too dedicated to back down from the final challenge of the tournament, so here he is with five potions in his arsenal - and he doesn't waste any time offering his chalice to his opponent.]

This is how this works, right? We each drink until one of us gets taken out by it?

[This isn't how he likes to fight, not even remotely - honestly, he wants out of this! But his stubbornness and pride won't allow it, so he can only hope that whatever he'll be given won't be worse than the skip potion he's offering.]

G ⦿ Creative Flavors

[When Hijikata hears that everyone will celebrate the end of the tournament on the Island of Dreams he's excited. He'll see his beloved mayonnaise mascots again!! (Not before he massively aggravates the sky orcas, though, by making a mad dash across the Whisper Bridge without a blindfold and fending them off with strong lightning charges - he isn't in the mood for whispers from lost loved ones, thank you very much!)

In the spectacular palace's banquet hall he can be found looking all the more happy, surrounded by a dozen little gnome-like creatures that are mostly bald with just a few hair tufts and have beady little eyes... honestly, they're kind of ugly, but he doesn't seem to think so. He even has one on his lap and spoon-feeds it mayonnaise... which is all that seems to be on his plate.]

Eat up, Mayorin! Today you don't have to make your own from eggs!

[If nobody even wants to ask what he's talking about that's understandable, but for what it's worth, he looks really happy.]


2) Sleepover (for itsmypower)

[The first week of June was sunny and warm, so Hijikata invited his squire for dinner and some catching-up with each other. Since they'll probably end up talking until late he put a second mattress and sleeping bag in the small inner tent so Shoto can spend the night. By the time he picks him up outside the perimeter (to not have him run into the alarm system) and leads him into the camp proper the first stars are already faintly becoming visible in the sky, the campfire is burning, and the smell of mapo tofu is filling the air.]

See, I'm already putting your recipe to good use.

[He cracks a grin as he opens the pot lid to check on the meal.]

It's about ready, I think, but if you want to show me your new technique first it can stew a little longer. We can also leave that for tomorrow morning, though!


3) Quests

A ⦿ Elephaint

[The wording of the quest already puts Hijikata's expectations at rock bottom. What a buffoon of a guard!! He can't help but narrow his eyes and mumble to himself in aggravation as he reads it on his phone at the cigarette vending machine.]

"The Doormouse"? Are you kidding me?

B ⦿ Uncommon Sense

[A monster in a cave eating travellers? Not on Hijikata's watch! He shows up at the appointed meeting place in Camelot City fully equipped with his knight gear, evidently ready to slay.]

Do you have everything? Better check once more before I burn the totem.

[They're not cumbersomely travelling all over the island when he can get them there in a blink!]

C ⦿ Knight Quest (for rustyhoney)

[Hijikata teamed up with Jean once more for double knight duty. As they approach the first relevant location on horseback he reads through the details of the quest once more.]

Vines again... I hope it's not one of those doppelganger-creating plants again. You know, like the one we had in the Brocéliande last year that caused us so much trouble.

[He's frowning. That was a total pain in the ass! He nearly got tricked and backstabbed by one of the doppelgangers! To be fair, it probably is a different plant they're dealing with here, and if nothing else the villagers have already been evacuated... those who didn't end up missing, that is.]

I wonder if we'll find any survivors.


[OOC: If you'd like any additional prompts please hit me up on my plotting post! Also here are Hijikata's permissions.]

Comments

[mayoninofukucho]

[Somehow it's really endearing to see Shoto in these casual clothes, especially the silly novelty shirt that seems like it shouldn't be worn by such a serious boy, yet the contrast is its own perk. Hijikata, too, knows what it's like to have friends spirited away from Avalon without warning... in the end, once the calamity is averted, will they all only have keepsakes left of each other? Or will they be able to remain in contact? Only time will tell, so he'll focus on the present.]

Sure, we can start with that! Should I do anything particular, lie down or..?

[He's in much better shape than he was in the first couple of months after the poisoning, so he feels no urgency - not that he did at any point, stubborn as he is -, but still, the prospect of being healed is tempting. He's experienced it enough times now, in different varieties, that he knows the relief it brings.]

[itsmypower]

[Two minds on their presents, now. He shifts searching eyes away.]

You should do whatever you’re comfortable with; if that means lying down for you…

[However he wants to. The youth trails once he’s settled, and with eyes closed lightly, his hand to his shoulder, he passes him light with calmed focus, calling up winds on purified spellworks and willpower. His healing’s meditative.] I’ve never healed anyone like this before. Using the flowers. [Making it special… His own panacea of spotted fungus, wild herbs and dried petals. He’s eaten nothing besides this, made his blood a thick medicine, pure and potent as soft-white winds create his own shifting currents, sharing his own rising energy. Pouring the glow into him. His worried smiling’s still anxious.]

You could think of it like an antidote. [Warming golds over him.] But you should tell me if you’re hurting again. I always injure more than heal these days…

[Disasters and flowers; still on his mind now.]

I don’t think that’s a proper samurai, though.

[mayoninofukucho]

[In the end Hijikata doesn't lie down but sits cross-legged. This way it feels less like Shoto has to carry out an operation on him, so hopefully it'll feel a little easier for the boy as well. The healing energy, once it comes, feels like pure goodness, evoking sensations of sitting in a fragrant meadow or light forest, stroked by the wind, on a warm and gentle day - granted, the mild environment temperature in the camp helps the illusion.]

Samurai can't really heal, no.

[It's a rare meditative moment for Hijikata too, eyes falling closed for long moments at a time, completely relying on Shoto. It doesn't come naturally to him, but practising reliance is part of having a squire - and it's easy, much easier than he anticipated, because it's Shoto. He's already so strong and capable, Hijikata is fully convinced that he could stand on his own as a knight, even mentor a squire of his own. He'd make a good teacher, he's sure, having been such a keen and attentive student. He'd be able to share many minute observations and unique lines of thought. But at the same time Shoto is still so young, and Hijikata doesn't want to send him off, not yet, much as Shoto doesn't seem to want to leave.]

It's good that you can heal, though. It's always easier to kill and destroy than it is to heal and repair. It's good that this can be part of your bushido, because you're a special samurai, one who was a hero first and foremost.

[His breath is rising and falling steadily and lightly, and his mind is being lulled into such relaxation that his voice sounds much softer than usually.]

How did you manage to incorporate the flowers? Did you use them for healing potions that you drank and are now channeling into me?

[itsmypower]

[A special samurai.

For half a moment, an almost-pride washes over him, bright sparks dimming with starts of protest, still-small doubts sinking into him.

Not yet; no. Not even close. And immediately, pushing words aside in favor of sending warm thoughts back, dodging completely.] I'm not a hero yet. [Another half of me lights in him, but when he compares himself, sits accomplishments side by side in aim to examine things closely, he only finds himself lacking; shamefully. Only shadows still, maybe.] Not like you.

[Dodging a compliment. His eyes fall sharply, protective shimmering in his light instead, blooming its glow again. He shakes his head.] Potions? [Knitting brows crease lightly.] ...I ate them. [Simply, head canting as if it's normal, eyes lifting as if his asking's what's strange to him. Though explanation follows soon enough.]

There's a certain type of fungus here—from the Fisher King's forest. A kind of spore repellant. I've used it in my magic before... but not like this. I just applied the same practice here. I heard it's something only Healers could do, so I thought it'd be same with other plants. If I could make my blood the medicine, if I could only use flowers...

[Drinking, bathing, eating; all with plants. All brushed with magics.] Even the water I used. I wanted the strongest healing possible.

[Because he'd be meeting him. All his efforts just for this... Wanting strongest, better, first. All his flames reserved for battles, light recast and repurposed, brilliant and bright in continuous bursts raised to out-class his own magic; yesterday's Shoto with all he is—all he wants to be. To the limit, then surpass that line. Someday knight, and then samurai: his Hero's pride eclipsing Endeavor's to follow his path on his own terms, facing a ghost again. He hasn't anything else to dream of; repaying the knight who's clearly invested so much in him. Though it's all he can do here... not yet hero; any particular use to anyone beyond his still-growing magic. He'll burn his shadow if it competes with him, chasing strength and more power, a shadow himself until his mind says he's worthy—until the end. Survive one fight, then fight another. One technique before his next in constant, skilled acquisition.

Unassailably reliable: the man he wants to be, to make proud more than anyone, sitting a space from him. He doesn't know the king, Arthur, but just like All Might, a different man combines his hopes, dreams, slots in place as boy's new Symbol of Peace. He only knows this Commander; would use his knighting as way to aid him; leans on trust and not authority guiding his own heart's Bushido. The thing he wants is too simple: to fight beside him—nothing else—nothing further as though he were made just for that; his only aim his next missions, to be of use and not burden, quietly distanced until he's called to burn and freeze and light everything. His loyalty's painfully selective: his being his own what keeps his steps drifting back to him, despite his now needing no one, awaiting some order still. He's completely self-sufficient; though his mind's in two spaces, bearing the weight of two worlds and two wars pressing down on him, wanting to shield more. To be his armor, both. It's too easy to preach to others about existence and purpose, his own sense of worth thin and fragile, still in question without his sword to keep eyes on.

He sees the knight he's pledged honor to; his next, last two missions; his own hands lit in gold, emptied of anything. He's fiercely determined.

And kneeling, too, picking up on the knight's more subtle expressions. Voice much softer, sun-warm timbre soothing the boy who radiates wind-florals back at him, a human candle. Still reflection of the other. His thoughts drift gently, and then he's holding words to heart—film, pressed flowers between his thoughts, to not forget this one person. Face and voice burned to memories, preserved with so many others. Just as he is. Always kind to him. Good, decent, patient Hijikata... Upright and too wonderful. Who would leave him? Who would want to leave him? His father's rumbling slips through.

Focus, Shoto!]

Sorry. [As if his looking's too hard, his mind too long on too much, for being distracted. He tucks his head quickly, glowing eyes falling closed again, hands to shoulders while he's threading light warmth through him. He doesn't look up again.]

We're almost finished here.

[mayoninofukucho]

[There's that modesty again - and that admiration. I'm not a hero yet. Not like you. Hijikata doesn't know in how many words to make Shoto understand that he isn't a hero, that the people back home would tell him that the Shinsengumi's Demon Vice-Commander is just a crooked cop, barely more than a thug, an attack dog on the shogunate's leash. Chances are Shoto would have none of that, anyway; he might well attest that those people don't really know Hijikata. It's comforting, honestly, how unconditionally he'll defend him.

But before he can even formulate a rejection of the praise Shoto's explanation about his healing magic follows, and it's so interesting, Hijikata just lets the other matter go. I wanted the strongest healing possible... so he's been looking out for him again, so much more than he needs to.]

That forest holds many interesting ingredients, hm. I remember how we had to fetch the antidote against that doppelganger-creating plant there, too. I hope you didn't have to risk your neck for the ones you used!

[If Shoto had to brave the ravenous flora and fauna of the Fisherking's Forest just because he wanted to ingest as many healing plants as possible Hijikata will fuss!! As always his perspective is completely different from Shoto's. Where Shoto only sees eternal room for improvement, a need to become faster, stronger, better every day, he sees all his expectations far surpassed. Having Shoto here to willingly heal him already means a lot to him, and the way he went above and beyond to ensure the best possible magic quality is only one more instance of him overshooting any aim Hijikata might have asked for.

In the end, though, he would still understand where the boy is coming from. After all he, too, pledged his life to his Commander back home, the man who extended selfless kindness to him when his life seemed meaningless. He just never thought he'd fill that role for someone else.

When Shoto eventually ends the healing session he feels rejuvenated - not only physically but also mentally.]

Shoto-kun, thank you. Are you sure you didn't supercharge or otherwise boost me? Because that's what it feels like.

[He gets up and stretches - even any tension is gone! -, then moves over to the campfire, inviting Shoto to have a seat on the logs. He deserves a good meal after the effort, all the more if it reminds him of home! As Hijikata fills the bowls he realises how much he looks forward to simply spending leisure time with his squire for once. He has many questions - about his training, his home, his work at the flower shop. In terms of drinks he bought some sake, knowing it'll just turn to juice in Shoto's mouth. What's important is that they'll share the drink!]

[itsmypower]

[There's more than chance the boy he's taken such careful consideration of might want to defend him. His hero's no one's dog. The hurt-shaped youth who'd first troubled him—who now only sees kindness, strength unfailing in all the midst of all the worst they've encountered here—can't accept anyone's looking down on him. Not when Rotten Number Ones exist. The one who'd raised him much harsher, crueler, a hundred times more self-centered than most could ever dream to be. And Hijikata, who on his worst day wouldn't compare to that Endeavor years previous, who'd demanded he give his soul—himself, half-burned puppet spared the scrapheap, because of this "half and half's" usefulness, isn't like anyone else he knows of. Who's asked him, ever, if he was cold? Ensured he's warm and not injured, not misusing him for titles, for his ambitions as weapons? Of course he'd defend him, now; this so-called "thug" who pats his shoulders, praising him easily and earnestly, keeps him dreaming by way of actions, words; encouragement shaping him all the more in image of hope-polished knight soon, someone worthy of his Bushido more.

What would others know, really? It wouldn't do for them to challenge this, when immediately he'd argue, say, He's more hero than you'll ever be! No need to know his past, he thinks. He's choosing others himself, now. The way he's already chosen, keeps choosing, won't hear rumors or stories; won't listen to a word outside of his own crowded headspace, that he isn't the sterling, fearless leader that all U.A. youth strive to be. Despite his flaws. He does not care: not what others might think; not what he thinks of himself.

Now my power's his power.

Yes, he's promised. One might guess looking in on things that he's trapped in old patterns, in some ways bound by obligations; but they'd be wrong here. His thoughts are clear and unclouded, and no authority here or in Hell is going to tell him what to feel now. His mind's serene as it's willing—because he's freed of things. He's choosing the knight over everyone.

He stalls on his question.] ...Don't worry about it. [Let him fuss, then! The risks of threats hardly mattered; never did, won't stop him from doing what he has to do, devoting himself. But he does soften slightly, and pale eyes flicker with something flint-like, his tone a hint to some boldness in him; that he's the danger more.] Nothing likes a fire there. [Implying a lot here: how his heart's the most stubborn; why no threat exists big enough to even begin to deter him, that he'll do anything now. His blood is Endeavor's blood, and there's still his same "madness" there; burning, recklessness beneath his ice, his strength in taking on anything.

He'd turn anything to ashes. Dust. Hard eyes looking at him through firelight, watching over him now.]

I can go anytime we need to.

[Dismissively, without a hint of reservation, taking his seat finally.]

But I'm surprised you could sense that. [Ah, no... he isn't surprised at that. Hijikata's too sharp to fool, to slip in spells without notice here. His squire smiles faintly back.] You'll be stronger for a while, I think. Maybe an hour or two. You could probably move a tree if you want...

[Then, with heavy quiet air again,]

Sensei... How do you feel about your magic?

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata shakes his head, barely noticable, more to himself than to Shoto. Nothing like a fire there. This boy's determination truly knows no limit, does it? His satisfaction to have him here now, at ease, in comfortable clothes and with a warm bowl of food in his hands, is all the greater. No mission today, no risk, no need for Shoto's flames and icicles and all his other efforts. But of course even so he still managed to go above and beyond with even just the healing!]

Well, if I'm that strong for a while perhaps we should go look for any fallen trees in the area once we've eaten. I could carry it back here for easy firewood!

[He's only half-joking - why waste temporary strength? The faintest smile plays around the corners of his mouth. Now he already thinks like Shoto, hm... but he's always had an economic mind. His squire's question about his magic brings back memories of his early days on Avalon, of Arashi's attempts to teach him - and Shoto, when he joined them - combination magic, of his fear when he first received his death magic. He pours their drinks and takes a first sip - not without toasting to Shoto - before he replies.]

I was happy with my elemental magic right from the start, even though only the fire came to me naturally. I think it took me a full year until I started feeling comfortable with all elements. As for the death magic... well, at first I hated it. I wanted to get rid of it more than anything else. Now, though...

[He looks around the camp. The trees around all hold some "ghost houses" - dark-tinted glass containers wedged in between branches, bunched-up rags balled into lumps, even an actual small bird house wrapped in an old curtain. Some of his subordinates are already awake, floating about and socialising among themselves in the encroaching darkness. Hijikata told them that Shoto would come over, but naturally they're still curious. Depending on where this talk goes, and if Shoto isn't scared or wary, he may ask those who can make themselves visible and audible to mortals to show themselves and greet him.]

I wouldn't give it up for anything now. Being cut off from my subordinates would be hard for me, and even when the Yuureisengumi dissolves, by now I'm too used to seeing ghosts. If I suddenly couldn't anymore I'd always wonder...

[He trails off. The words that were already on his lips - "I'd always wonder if they're alright, if maybe one of them needs help" - felt too sappy and far too invested. He isn't a caretaker or some kind of social worker of the spirit world! But he is a knight and a samurai, and it wouldn't feel too different from being unable to see the living. How can he protect those who can't reach his eyes and ears? It's only now that he truly, consciously realises how much he cares about not only the ghosts serving under his command, but about their entire community. It's strange... a door to another realm was opened to him, unwanted and unwelcome, but once he entered that parallel world he began to feel responsible for it.]