isleofavalon | May catch-all

Entry tags:

May catch-all

🧙 WHO: Gokudera and absolutely anyone
⚔️️ WHAT: Mid-May catch all (training and other stuff that comes up)
🕒 WHEN: Mid... May? Before the event
🗺️ WHERE: Multiple places
⚠️ WARNINGS: violence, mentions of past sexual slavery, language

A. Training Grounds

Larry is sitting out in the middle of the training field, blowing bubbles to contain lit sticks of dynamite Gokudera is throwing into the air. Gokudera has discovered he has elemental magic and is working on what he can with wind, trying to push the bubble back towards his familiar, or up safely away from them both. He’s not successfully done either, and has just been creating useless gusts. The dynamite explodes in the bubble, the bubble pops, and knocks him down. This is getting very very tiresome, and his gusts don’t seem to be getting any stronger or going where he thinks he’s aiming them.

“Fuck... why isn’t it working?” He glares and pushes himself back up.

B. The Red Spring

No new arrivals from Namimori, it seems. Gokudera had spent the day watching new arrivals climb the cliff, wondering if he’d see someone from home. The journey back had been familiar and helped somewhat to clear his mind. But he’s been looking forward to bathing in the Red Spring. He feels partially new to Avalon after his reawakening, gone for years, and his body aged and scarred, when he’d apparently never left Camelot. Anyone who recognizes Gokudera from last month or any time prior will see the difference. Those who responded to his network post will already understand. But for those who have never met him, he’s acting very much like a new arrival.

The teenager lowers into the spring, the trunks he’s wearing keep him decent, but there is nothing to hide the vivid burn scars and long tally-marks down his back. There’s a black leather half-choke collar about his neck, and occasionally, there is a glow from beneath it, against the skin of his neck that looks like it’s burned many times over. Despite the fact that there is electricity attached to his neck, he fully submerges for a moment, then surfaces and decides he’ll play with the more illusory side of his light magic.

If you are unlucky enough to be anywhere near him, he’ll walk right up and offer you his entire left arm. It’s not real. It’s a smoke bomb, a prank, but hey, as far as your character should be able to tell, he just took off his arm and is handing it to you.

“Hey can you watch this for me? Thanks.” And then he’ll be getting out of the water so his familiar can be amused.

C. Wildcard! Seriously. Do whatever.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Yeah, roughly. Definitely more than two... maybe a little less than three by a few months.

[Cause he was in Amoi for a few months shy of two years and in Anchor for roughly one, so that's math is an estimate at best.]

I'm not sure. Probably some type of magic. A lot happened in those other places, and I'm handling it. Nothing to worry about.

[Except for the collar about his neck looking like it actively burns the shit out of him, or is being used to cover burnt skin. Whatever, he wants to distract himself with this fairy nest.]

[... There's just something not quite right about this picture, is there. Izuku's expression grows concerned.

Even as the little fairies seem to be peeking out of their home and fluttering up around them in happy greeting.]

... I- If it helps, Gokudera-san... I was in one other world before coming to this one and... It wasn't the greatest place to be. I hope wherever you went that it was alright on you.

[But if he needs someone to talk to...]

And, welcome back to Camelot.

[Gokudera seems far more gentler than he had the last time he'd interacted with the fairies. This is a boy who isn't afraid of a curse anymore, and honestly, being in nature (no matter how magical and other-worldly it feels), is a comfort he hadn't known he'd missed so much.

He searches in his pockets for any sweets, knowing it's best to keep them for the fae. The boy sets them down, then returns his attention to Midoriya.]

What world was that? Lunatia?

[He won't tell this guy know how horrible those worlds were. New Camelot, Avalon is basically a vacation by comparison.]

Thank you. It's good to be back.

[Camelot really is a vacation compared to the last world Izuku was in. But unfortunately, he doesn't recognize that name.

He takes a moment to smile at a small fairy that flutters near his ear and tucks a flower into his green hair. Seems the fairies are in a good mood today.]

It was a world called South Sister. I'm- I'm not sure if I can call it an entire world, though... It was mostly a contained town on an island. I was trapped there for a few months... I haven't met a lot of other people who this sort of thing has happened to them before.

[Gokudera is enjoying the company of the fairies, and seems less tense than the last time he was seen around them. It's almost as if he's forgotten the curse he'd had to deal with when he'd last been in Avalon.]

South Sister... I've not heard of that place before. Did you go back to your home world between there and Avalon?

[He's starting to pluck clover flowers and weave a long garland out of them, passing out more sweets whenever other fairies approach him.]

I've met a few people who were on other worlds before this. Some also have been on two worlds before, and most I've met have been on Lunatia. Have you heard of that place?

[It is something to notice. Izuku recalls that Gokudera was a bit cold about the whole thing with the fairies at first. He didn't want to seem like he was doing anything nice, especially when Izuku had said he was good. He wonders a bit about what's changed?]

N-no. I fell asleep one day in South Sister and the next I was in the lake here.

[He rubs his hair gently, fixing the flowers so they sit better. Thank you, fairies-san!]

I didn't think it was even possible that so many of us might be from multiple other places... But I've never heard of Lunatia. That's where you were? What was it like? I-If you don't mind me asking...

[Yes, Gokudera used to be a lot more tsundere. That was before he was spirited away, then back home, then traveled through the future, then to two other worlds. He's learned and dealt with a lot that has changed him. Made him kinder, but also much more sensitive in other ways. There is something so comforting about the magic in this world, and the life.]

I didn't come from Lunatia. I just know many people that have. I came from Amoi, then Anchor... and my home world of Namimori, but it has been a long time. Both worlds were awful in their own ways... Amoi more so than Anchor.

[Gokudera smiles at the fairies and allows them to fasten the flower garland around the crown of his head that he'd been making.]

I don't mind you asking. But... it's nothing to speak lightly about.

[It'd be information best shared in private, perhaps over a drink. Or... if he knew Midoriya better, this instance would be fine.]

[Amazing how a few different settings can really shape a person. If Izuku knew the full extent of all that he might compare a few things to how Katsuki has changed over their months of being away from home. Izuku listens to the worlds and the explanation and takes a few mental notes.]

I see...

[He's not too sure if it's his place to ask. He's curious, of course. Izuku's own experiences in his last world weren't exactly pleasant. And it is interesting finding out someone else might share that sort of experience. But he doesn't press for now.

Instead, the fairies seem more than happy to visit with them. Adding flowers and things to Izuku's hair so he looks more like a potted plant by the minute.]

I hope after all of this that we'll be able to get back to our home worlds. But I- ... After being away for so long... Do you want to go back?

[Gokudera has some pretty odd theories about dimensional space travel, and his own existence. Often, he doubts he's real, and doesn't offer much insight except for seeming a bit tense from time to time... lost in thought and prone to being spooked back into present moments.

He looks on at Midoriya getting decorated by the faeries and his amused smile turns into something oddly warm. Affectionate, even. Hard to believe this is the same rough guy who'd been so concerned about being 'good' when Midoriya had pointed it out during their last meeting.]

If I don't remember what I've been through, maybe. But my body has changed, too... so if it all just went back to normal as if I'd never left, again... maybe. But... I've made relationships I don't want to lose.

[He looks down pointedly at the silver band on his ring finger, and he turns it. There are initials in it, but they aren't easy to make out, especially as he twists them on his mildly disfigured hand.]

[Izuku has had a few existential crises in the past. Bouncing from one off world to the next one makes him think there is some sort of mix up in the galaxy. And with friends being from all sorts of different timelines on top of that sometimes he wonders if a blackhole opened up in space. It makes his head hurt when he over thinks it all...

He almost lets out a small sneeze the more wildflowers that the pixies start weaving into his green hair. Izuku doesn't have the heart to swat them away so he only sniffles and laughs softly as they continue to make his hair look like a field of flowers. Maybe they're attached to him because his hair is green? Either way, it's kind of good to be able to see Gokudera smile.]

Ah- Wha- Gokudera-san... Did you have to leave someone behind? [Is that a wedding ring??] I never considered something like that happening, but I guess it could... I wouldn't want to let go of those memories either.

[So if he were in Gokudera's situation he might think twice about going home too...]

[Maybe it has something to do with their roles in life, and what makes them stand out. Gokudera has never seen a classmate outside of the mafia in any of the worlds he's been on. No familiar faces to suggest that large groups are pulled in. Most people from the same world seem to know each other.]

Yes... and no. [He left his lover behind, but the same person is here with no recollection of his feelings or their relationship.]

It sort of hurts to hang onto, since it won't likely happen again. I've met six different versions of my important person...

S-six...?!

[That's somehow such a heartbreaking thing to hear. For a moment Izuku wonders what it would be like to meet someone he cares about who didn't remember what they might have gone through before and even he can feel how it pinches his heart.]

I'm sorry, Gokudera-san... M-maybe having those memories with that person and being around them even now is better than not having that at all.

[At least, that's what Izuku thinks...]

[He gives a small hum. Yes, six.

Then he shakes his head and pulls out a small notebook, doodling some of the flowers around them as little squiggles before plucking a blade of grass and rubbing it on the paper. Then, he's poking two holes in the center top and bottom before making a sign and placing that in the dirt.]

It is what it is... I'd rather they just be happy. That's enough.

[Even if it does hurt.]

[... It's so sad.

Izuku kneels down so he can fix up some of the structure around the nest. Hands neatly working on it with Alchemy. Seems Izuku's getting better at this and quickly.]

M-maybe it is... I think it would be enough for me if that happened to me...

[Gokudera looks on at the picture he's made, watches as Midoriya improves the structures with his magic. He smiles softly, then takes a deep breath of the air around them.]

I'm very grateful for where I am, even if I am sad. It's better being here and focusing on that. Soothing to appreciate what I have rather than what I've lost. Besides, it's not like he's gone... just... still an idiot.

[He says this with obvious affection, then leans back until he's lying down, staring up at the sky.]

[Izuku looks up and watches as Gokudera lays down. Some of the grass flutters up into the air getting carried away by the wind. Izuku decides to sit nearby, reaching up to touch at the flowers getting weaved into his hair.]

I think... there's something important to remember in everything that happens to us. And at least some things haven't changed?

[Good that this special someone is spoken about so fondly. He must be a good idiot.]

[Only the best idiot. Kind, stubborn, and dependable. Gokudera would give up the entire world to keep him safe. So for now he will happily accept his happiness even if he isn't responsible for it.]

That's very wise.

[He settles, looking comfortable enough to take a nap, until there is a flower dropped right onto his face. Gokudera turns his head, wipes at his face, but doesn't open his eyes or object. Some of the fairies giggle and then they're dropping independent petals on him. Gokudera blinks his eyes open.]

Are you happier on this world than the last, Midoriya?

[Gokudera is a good and kind person, after all...!

Now that they're sitting here in the open grass and flowers, letting the pixies do what they wish Izuku feels oddly relaxed. Although the following question has Izuku looking down to twiddle some of the grass in his fingers into a twist.]

I think I am. I mean- I'm worried about home all the time but there's something peaceful about this place. And I think I've learned a lot about myself. [He likes it here... The last world? He laughs sheepishly.] The last world I was in was always dark, it wasn't a great place. I'm glad I'm not there anymore.

[He is, and a lot more accepting of it now that he's been through... as much as he has. The worlds he was on felt so dead that he's almost having the most euphoric experience just... lying down in the grass, staring up at the sky.]

Don't worry about home. Trust me, it'll be just the way you left it and in the same spot you left it.

Hmm? You learned a lot about yourself? In what ways? [Gokudera wonders if he's learned more about himself, hasn't really reflected on some of the positives like that as much as he should.]

Yeah. Me too. [He'd say he's happy Midoriya is here, but that'd just be too sappy, even if it is true. He seems like a nice guy.]

[He looks at Gokudera and smiles for that. Knowing that home is going to be alright until he gets back is...]

That's good to know, I think that helps.

[He then blushes just slightly as he gives a sheepish shrug. Still twiddling with that little piece of grass in his fingers.]

People used to say I was way too reckless for my own good, charging into things... [He laughs.] I think being here has helped me realize I need to work on things like that. So I don't worry the people important to me. That and... Getting a chance to learn something like magic that's all my own has been amazing. I never had anything that was just... mine from the start.

[He looks at his hands. He really likes his alchemy magic. And he's getting there with his blood magic too.]

Maybe that's a good thing about having jumped from world to world. Just the experiences?

Mnn. Avalon will seem little more than a dream.

What an easy way of putting it. [Gokudera watches the clouds drift in the sky above them and wonders if he's learned anything about himself. He knows he's changed. Maybe for the better?]

I time-traveled in my own world, and I learned a lot there, and I think that changed me. But... these other worlds. Amoi... It feels like I was back at square one. [He used to feel inadequate, had a pretty bad inferiority complex, and would lash out regularly at anyone who ever wanted to be a friend or just... be around him. That world separated him, put him in a caste away from his family and made it illegal for him to be around them. He was a mongrel and they were Elite and he was not only angry, but left feeling not good enough.

This world has taken his powers from him, and he's not very thrilled with the magic he has now, but it's better than being in the same sort of situations Amoi regularly put him in. He closes his eyes, brows furrowed. It's depressing to think about.]

The perspective helps. The powers I had back home traded for a place like this, that's peaceful most of the time... I'll take it, I guess.

A dream...

[He does hope that when he does manage to go home that he'll be able to hold onto at least some of his experiences here. Some of the growth and the feelings he's gone through in this place have really set some heavy memories into his heart. He wonders if that'll change... That makes him feel strange.

But he smiles anyway, looking at Gokudera with a small nod.]

Was it frustrating starting over? Or being in worlds that weren't as peaceful as this one... [...] I'll take the peace too, I think.

[The question provokes a lot of thought, and Gokudera takes a deep breath as he considers his answer. Answering that question would mean sharing what those other worlds were like. He's already communicated that they were awful, but... how so, he said was not something to take lightly.

Gokudera sits up, eyes open, and looks on at that smile. He hums and decides he can share more. He's told enough people about the circumstances he was in. As long as Midoriya knows to not tell anyone, it should be fine.]

Was it frustrating starting over? No. But... I feel like I've changed too much for anything to go back to normal. I'm stuck with this [He points to the collar on his neck, which just looks like an odd fashion choice.] until I can get my owner to remove it, and it regularly causes me pain, making daily life here more difficult. I'm essentially a freed slave, and the work I do now treats me well. The people I care for are safe and well. This world, even if it can be full of danger, is nothing compared to the last two I was on. I was killed in the last world I was on.

I came back, but the circumstances surrounding my death are... understandably something difficult to move past. It is especially difficult because neither my boss or my fiancé will talk to me about any of it.

So I'm quiet around them and I get to live out these days in Avalon pretending none of it has ever happened.

I'm happy to be here. I should probably get a few potions to deal with the things I can't move past. [Like something to help him sleep, something to numb the pain his collar signals through him, maybe something to get rid of the vivid scarring all over his back from self immolation during a zombie invasion.]

I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't tell anyone.

Ah...?

[It's a lot to take in. Izuku goes through a lot of thoughts when Gokudera explains. Realizing the heaviness that Gokudera carries with him explains a few things that he's noticed. The collar in particular is...

He starts off with a small stutter but slowly, with one thing at a time.]

Th-There's no way to remove the collar now? Even without whoever put it on? ... I have alchemy- maybe I could try. Wearing something like that? I can't imagine it...

[Being a slave? Worlds like that? Unfortunately, Izuku can't say he's surprised. It's harrowing but he knows in this strange new multiverse that yeah- things can be awful.]

I won't tell anyone, Gokudera-san. But... Maybe talking to someone about everything that happened would help you out. Maybe talking would help you figure out and move past those memories the right way.

The last world I was in... We were trapped there, we had to go through a lot of horrific things. I had to watch friends being hunted down, demons in the walls... Things like- that.

[It doesn't compare to what the other has gone through, but he wonders if it would be a mild relatable comfort.]

It helped to have my friend close. We were both there. He's here too, and ... I don't think any of my other friends realize what we had to deal with there.

[Gokudera shakes his head at the mention of removing his collar. If only it were that simple and if only they could try. He's left out that his owner is his clueless fiancé he's pining after. If he could get the courage to approach him about it, things would be easier.]

Tampering or any attempts to remove it will sever the limb it is attached to. [He moves to hook his fingers in the chain of his half choke collar. Gokudera gives it a sharp tug and then continues to pull it until there's a bit of light beneath the leather and it starts to burn and tighten. He lets it go with a soft hiss.]

I've talked to a few people. I've had technomancers look at the collar, and it's much too advanced and... I'm sure that there are some uh modifications to my body along with it. I may need potions to deal with the pain, and I've been taking what I can to sleep.

But the memories... [He considers it. It's not easy to find a therapist in New Camelot. So many people are concerned with their own problems, anyways, and no one has made any offers for talking through trauma. His specifically... is hard to bring up since he doesn't want to disturb the Tenth.]

What friend is that? [Someone to look out for, to help protect the same way he wants to look out for Midoriya. It's the least he can do to repay him for listening to him and helping him out with the faeries.]

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cw: mentions of slavery and graphic character death

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