Ink and Mist

Indie Multimuse , Feat Niimi Nankichi Written by Luci Semi-Hiatus || Low Activity

[phasmascript]

An independent multifandom multimuse written by Luci. Affiliated with vulpesly. Mun is 25+ with 7+ years of rp experience. Personals Do Not Interact.

••• Mains •••

• barxlupin • heartbloomd •

BSD

Ayatsuji Yukito • Yumeno Kyusaku • Niimi Nankichi • Orikuchi Shinobu • Itou Sachio • Shiga Naoya • Kitamura Tokoku • Kawabata Yasunari

HSR Zhihao

OTHER FANDOM/FANDOMLESS Louis Amamiya • Tokito Muichiro • Ashiya Itsuki • Ahiya Atsuki • Lucifer • Sync the Tempest • Itachi • Dagonet

[vulpesly]

Haruki lifts his head, perking up. It's weird hearing someone other than Kitamura or Kyu call him Haru, but it's weird in a nice way. Once they get out of here, he is going to find something nice to do for or give Itou, he decides. That's got to be a good first step at being officially friends with someone, plus Itou's trying so hard to keep Haruki's spirits up even though he's just as trapped in here.

As long as they keep talking like Itou suggests, then time will pass quicker without Haruki having to think about the rocks piled all around them. What to talk about, though? He's already asked about cows and tea--

"Do you... have any pets? Or siblings?" Both of those seem like something important to know about a friend.

[phasmascript]

There is a pause at that question, enough to make it clear the subject is a bit difficult for Itou to talk about. But Haruki had asked earnestly with only pure intentions. Itou owed it to him to answer those questions.

“I have three older brothers in total, though I wouldn’t say we are practically close. As for pets, I have two rabbits. Their names are Taro and Genma. Taro is black and white like a cow while Genma is a soft brown. They are both super cute. You can come see them sometime if you’d like?"

Itou can picture haruki getting excited at meeting the two rabbits. Probably even beg to feed and hold them. It's something nice to think about.

"Does Kitamura-senpai let you have pets? You live with him, correct?"

[vulpesly]

He really must be feeling out of sorts today, Gengetsu had half expected him to bolt once she joined him in the bath, but aside from his usual blush Itou remains where he is. That makes her all the more determined to help ease his unhappiness. Her hands continue their work, moving to one of his arms to knead at joints and muscles alike.

"I see. I assume this person provoked you?" She can't imagine Itou being angry without reason, and even if she could conjure such an impossible mental image, she could not then add to it Itou attacking someone else because he's upset. Considerable provocation seems the most likely culprit.

Although perhaps lingering on the subject is not worthwhile. Gengetsu looks up when Itou makes his quiet offer. She releases her hold on him then only so that she can gently reach up, taking his chin in her hand so that she can lift his gaze to meet hers.

"I'd like that, yes." Lightly her thumb brushes along his cheek. "But first, is there anything else I can do to help you? You're the one who's had a difficult day, I want to do what I can to ease your troubles."

[phasmascript]

Thinking back on the fight and the argument leading up to it, it has Itou’s frown deepen. Troubled and frustrated. He looks away for a moment and nods his head to her question, eyes closing tightly as if it would banish the days events. It wouldn’t. He’d carry this guilt with him for a time to come.

“… I tried to steer him away from the subject- asked him to stop… over and over again but he wouldn’t listen.” That earlier frustration bleeds into his voice. It had been frustrating, so much so he ended up lashing out when he should have tried to keep things calm. I read there was a fight. Fingers curled into fist for a moment before he freezes up when Gengetsu takes his chin and pulls him from his spiraling thoughts, focusing again on the question he had asked prior.

A blink, soft brown eyes watching her, his cheeks still flushed under her thumb. What could she do? Slowly, gently so not to knock her hand away, he shakes his head. A gentle smile adorns his lips, even if a bit forced. “Being here is enough, maybe we can cook together in the morning…” The herbs were doing their job, but now that he wasn't stressed and anxious, all the exhaustion can finally settle in.

[heartbloomd]

continued : @phasmascript !

"Students?"

A curious pastime. Guinevere wonders if Tokoku Kitamura would've been a teacher had he not been recruited into the Hunting Dogs; certainly, it's a question she's pondered for herself and her other comrades. Free of the knights, what professions would they pursue? Perhaps she'd open a tea shop—-one that doubles as a bookstore, with Arthur to run that half of the business. How simple life would be then.

Her gaze flickers to the worksheets, briefly enough to be attributed to passing curiosity without the intention to pry. A quick glance provides more information to her than it would the average person, however, given her experience spying. "I don't mind at all," she assures with a gentle smile. "Some peace and quiet is pleasant, isn't it?"

[phasmascript]

“You’ve met one of them already. Shimazaki Haruki.” Who was currently pestering the other young hunting into a fight. It’d only be a matter of time till Shiga and Haruki ended up in the infirmary once more for maiming each other.

The worksheets were vocabulary and kanji lessons, geared more towards that of a young teen. Both sets were in the same level while the mathematical worksheets were very different.

"This will be the only bit I get till 10 tonight. I can't imagine you get much silence with the self-proclaimed jester running around."

[vulpesly]

Mordred crosses his arms, watching the two with... well, few would call it a smile, but the medic's expression as certainly softened. The fox and the kid are both cute, it's hard not to be endeared by their antics. Although what they're doing running around a museum in the middle of the day is anyone's guess. "Shouldn't you be in school now, though?"

Oh, wait--

"Hang on. Were you with that class?" Mordred points toward the exhibit he had seen a group of students around. Except the students and teachers are no longer in sight, and he's not sure which direction they had gone. "We should get you back before someone notices." Before Niimi gets in trouble, or Mordred gets mistaken for some foreign kidnapper.

[phasmascript]

Eek-! This man was sharp- Guessing that Niimi was with the class that was currently touring right now. But he didn't slip away only to go right back- No way! Niimi holds Gon close, looking at the man, then around him. Maybe if he's quick-

"I think they went this way!" And he points one way- and then jolts off the other. Sorry friend of Gon! Niimi has decided to commit to an act of truancy. "Have fun, Mister! Say hi to Jono for me~"

[vulpesly]

"No," a simple response for a complicated answer. There would, should all play out ideally, come a point when Merlin would seek out the stray prince again, but that day is not today. By now, Arthur should have delivered her letter, and if he has, she's confident Mordred will be anything but receptive to the idea of speaking with her. These things take time.

But Merlin does not feel Dagonet needs to worry about any of that, so she only shakes her head again, even if the motion looks peculiar coming from a tiny rodent. "I don't care for sweets. Order another bowl, if you like. If you're quick about it, you'll be able to finish two more before the owner realizes you've snuck an animal into his shop. You'll be kicked out then."

[phasmascript]

Her answer is no, so the jester sees little reason to push. Not when he can have more food instead. However if he gets caught and kicked out, he won't be allowed to come back, not with this face at least.

"I think I'll save space incase we come across a food stall~" With that, he'll get up and head to the counter near the exit to pay for his many bowls of ramen. Being sure to let Merlin hide in his hoodie or pocket should she prefer. "Do I get to know why you've visited? Or can I think of it as you missing your silly jester, Granny?"

[vulpesly]

Liekki hasn't be picked up by the scruff in years, yet his response is the same as it was even as a pup: he holds still and doesn't raise a fuss as he's carried up to the top of the cliff. Once he's set on his feet, however, he turns to give Gon an incredulous stare. "How does someone so small do that?" He's impressed, and shocked, forced to laugh as he can't decide which feeling is stronger.

Then Niimi is talking again, which only has Liekki peering more closely at the two young foxes. This pair seems to have all kinds of tricks and secrets, he was right in taking the time to befriend them.

"You're not destined for business, are you, little one? Giving away secrets for free won't make you rich." He laughs again, taking Niimi's hand. His other, however, seeks out a pocket in his bag, where it soon produces a miniature glass piece hanging from a chain, shaped like a bird in flight, its core filled with Liekki's signature flames. Despite the figure's small size, as it dangles from the fox's hand it illuminates the area around them in a soft light. "You lead the way, I'll light the way, yeah?"

[phasmascript]

"Gon's an ability. You've heard of them right?" Gon gives a yip. Neither would be surprised if Liekki thought Gon was a fox youkai like Niimi was. But if Liekki doesn’t know what an ability is… Niimi wouldn’t know how to best word and explain it. Maybe say it the same way the old priest had explained to them.

Niimi frowns at those words, shoulders slumped. Why did so many care about money and being rich? Niimi doesn’t get it at all. "I don't need to be rich at all! Nii-chan is plenty rich and takes care of me. He owns the top floor of a really tall building and it has a loft where my room is-“ Arms are waved as if to give his fellow fox an idea of the place he know called home. But eventually gets distracted by sudden light and the bird it originates from.

So pretty-! “Okay!” A quick step inside the cave, nothing looks too odd about it minus the rock with a rope tied around it. Right beside it was a hole that went down. “This way! Do you need Gon’s help again?”

[vulpesly]

Mordred ignores the question, gaze still intently fixed on Lucifer, watching his movements, both his careful and his careless ones. Only after a moment does the medic shake his head, denying the request. "Not yet. I said I'd have questions and you agreed to answer truthfully."

"What kind of pain are you in? Does it originate around your ribcage?" Not 'are you in pain?', but instead directly to the point of the injuries he's hiding. Mordred has had too many years of practice keeping a watchful eye on someone who excels at concealing his every discomfort, the slight awkwardness of Lucifer's movements may as well be blaring alarm bells to Mordred.

[phasmascript]

The single visible purple eye narrows for a moment. This medic was sharp. Lying would make his suspicious and it wasn’t like the guy hadn’t already figured it out already. A grumble as he slouch deepens.

What a drag.

“It’s not that painful, just a bruise or two. And yeah, around the diaphragm area. Can I go now? I wanna go home and take a nap.” A stifled yawn to punctuate his words. Lucifer has half the mind to simply just leave on his own, consequences be damned.

[vulpesly]

As far as orders go, Atsuki's is a reasonable one meant to keep Itsuki safe, yet Yutu's answer is a simple shake of their head. Any pretenses at being the obedient shikigami are dropped, the rabbit's expression hardening. "I will not. Should something happen to you, my contract is ended--" And there are debts accrued by this family that require repaying. While they would not dream of endangering Itsuki, Yutu deliberately does not make mention of this. A deception for Atsuki's sake. Concern for his little sister has driven the heir in the past, let it likewise drive him now to combat the poison coursing through him. Fight to survive, because he cannot fully trust his shikigami to look after Itsuki if he dies.

"That's not something we need to discuss, however," Yutu continues as they move to help prop Atsuki up, "you will not die today. I may not know what poison this is--yet--but I will soon enough. I've cured more insidious ones before, I can handle this, young master."

And figuring out the source is made easier with Atsuki being awake, something Yutu isn't going to let go to waste. Leaning in, their face brought close to Atsuki's as they examine his features. "How do you feel? Any numbing? Or burning? Sharp or dull pain? I suspect, considering your family, some manner of snake venom, but we can't rule out something originating from a plant."

[phasmascript]

Were it not for the excruciating pain he was in, Atsuki would argue. With the way Shingetsu only showed emotions after meeting Itsuki, there was no way the rabbit would abandon her. Atsuki knew this. He knew Shingetsu didn't have the heart to turn their back on Itsuki. Still the disobedience irks him. His hand grabs onto the front of Shingetsu's robe- partly in threat and partly in response to the pain that burns through him as the moon rabbit props the young man up from laying on the floor.

"It was in the sake that was served mid meal. I only took a sip-" Because he disliked the drink and due to the flavor. "...It's burning, like fire. Not like any of the snake venom I've dealt with before-" Maybe he should have saved some of that sake instead of letting it be taken away. But the past can't be changed and there was nothing Atsuki could do now. All he can do is answer whatever questions he could till his body gave out.

Atsuki is pale, more than he usually is, but his eyes are still sharp and alert. "Sharp. Sharp and burning, that's how it feels." His grip tightens on Shingetsu's robe.

[vulpesly]

Gengetsu glances at the newest text, feeling briefly guilty. She should have warned Niimi but she had been more focused upon hurrying to the apartment as well as linking up with the shikigami she sent ahead. Allowing herself to slow only slightly, she sends another rushed message to reassure the boy.

✉ [ text to : little fox 🦊 ]➥ My shiki are fighting it

✉ [ text to : little fox 🦊 ]➥ I'll be there soon

It's a difficult task to race over rooftops while likewise viewing another location through a shikigami's eyes, but fortunately Gengetsu is long practiced in the art, permitting her to keep a watch on the battle between spirits. What she sees chills her to the core. The intruder appears to be an amanojaku... no casual trickster or stray spirit, but something deeply evil.

Gengetsu is only a block away when the first of her shiki, the mantis, is torn to shreds by the amanojaku. She staggers as the connection is severed, quick to right herself and press on. In the meantime, the stag beetle continues to do battle with the monster. Niimi may be given a fright then, as the beetle is sent crashing into the door with enough force to rattle the walls and spill plates from the cupboards.

[phasmascript]

Gengetsu was on her way. And when all this is said and done, he'll be sure to ask what exactly a shiki is. A hand reaches out to pet Gon, a little at ease at the thought that Gengetsu would be here soon. No need to worry. Everything will be perfectly fine-

Or not! The crash has three sets of tails poof out and the poor sugar gliders scurrying into one of Jono's jackets. Slowly, he crawls out of the closet door, pausing as Gon starts to follow. A shake of the head is given and the small fox reluctantly steps back to keep guard of the others.

There is still fighting happening, too loud to be ignored. If only he could find where Jono keeps the weapons. The best he can do for now is to shove some furniture against Jono's bedroom door. He won't be happy when he comes home for work.... but hopefully no one gets hurt.

The best he can do is hide the door with an illusion so it looks like there was nothing there but a wall.

[heartbloomd]

...why would she need an ability to cut a chestnut? Had the phantom not already been lurking behind her, Kyouka would've used her own knife to fulfill the request—-it'd certainly be more practical than doing so with an oversized katana. But she'll use this as a test of precision, which Demon Snow will pass if it doesn't injure Niimi in the process.

And... success. "I have, but not in a long time. He can roast it now?"

[phasmascript]

Wide eyes in awe at Demon Snow. Gon chirps and a small fox fire forms and roasts the chestnuts with relative ease. Niimi could, but, he doesn’t know how much Jono has told her about that part of himself. Best, as his mom had always told him, to keep that part of himself hidden away. He does give Gon a glance and nods his head. Freedom to show off.

“I can do all sorts of things Kyouka-tan~!!” A jump from Niimi’s shoulder to land on Kyouka’s. “Am I cool too? Right? Right??”

[vulpesly]

Oh, man. This kid is too innocent for his own good. He can sort of understand why Jono is so protective of that fact, but Mutsuki doesn't feel like it's doing the pup a lot of favors to shield him so much either, not when there's tons of danger just waiting for a chance to sink its claws into an unsuspecting child.

Arms crossed, Mutsuki bows his head in exasperation. Guess someone is going to have to open Niimi's eyes. A little, anyway. Don't want to traumatize him or anything. "Listen, kid. You know not to talk to strangers, don't you? Someone acting friendly doesn't mean they have good intentions. Besides, you're a fox; tricks are your bread and butter, she's no different. She just uses her tricks to hurt people. Don't just trust someone at their word, got it?"

[phasmascript]

Niimi frowns, looking down and away from Mutsuki. He gets it, he isn’t stupid. But Niimi wants to think the best of people. Niimi wants to trust and wants others to be good. It’s naive. Childish. But to not think that way felt so wrong.

“… I know… I don’t get why she’d want to hurt anyone…” And Niimi doubts he ever could. Even when angry the most he does is scratch and bite- or throw out an insult. It's frusting in a way that Niimi doesn't know how to deal with. So he won't. With a small frown, the boy runs ahead a little, picking up Gon as he does so.

"Let's go bug hunting."

[vulpesly]

Midgardsormr has awoken...

G'raha stares, awestruck as though the father of the first brood himself has appeared before him. Of all the news Niimi could bring, this piece in particular fills him with a joy he cannot begin to describe. The realm would heal, its people would live and grow, all is not lost. Where before it had been Hydaelyn and her champion safeguarding them, now they would have Midgardsormr and Niimi, her peoples could not be in safer hands.

"Truly Etheirys is the last bastion of hope."

"If I may be so bold in saying so... I believe your brother's decision proved the right one in the end. You have helped bring that realm back from the brink, you are Eorzea's champion and her hope." Anticipating protests from Niimi, G'raha holds up a hand to forestall him. He does not know the full depths of Niimi's struggles over that fateful moment but he understands enough that Niimi must have struggled with why Jono would choose to save him over anyone else. G'raha has felt often like a footnote in the legends that would be told, and while he has been content with such a role, he has come to learn that every part, every note, is a vital piece of the story in the end. "Yes, you did not do so alone, but your brother also did not fight his battles alone; he needed friends and support as much as you do now. You two aren't so different. Your legacy won't soon be forgotten, of that I am sure."

G'raha lets his hand fall then, turning his head to look out in the direction they'd spied Jono at in the distance. When he speaks again, it's softer, "I think... no, I know he would be proud of you."

[phasmascript]

"I know that I can't win an argument with you, Raha-" Niimi’s learnt prior that he was no match for a Sharlayan scholar. No. It’d be better to talk about other things. The mantle of hero was one neither fox had set out for when they ended up in Eorzea. Niimi still recalls the day Jono brought up leaving their home for the continent rich in adventures. To think that choice would lead to where they sit now. Faded as that memory was to him, it was probably still fresh to the child still clinging to his brother’s arm.

“… You know, we were stowaways fleeing a bounty. Some jerk pinned a bunch of horrible things on us so we had to run away.” That part he removers clearly- the hate and disdain of their fellow fox, the disgust that had been directed at them. “Nii-san heard that Eorzea needed adventures and if we were adventurers we wouldn’t have to steal and hunt for our food. And now we are both heroes. Just like the epic stories you read, right?”

A light laugh leaves Niimi’s lips as he watches Jono from afar. “Now you have to tell me what happened in the first. Everyone is dying to know. I know they’ll be happy to hear it succeeded and history was undone, even if it wasn’t ours.”

[vulpesly]

"A favorite...?" Crossing his arms, Mordred bows his head as he gives the question serious consideration. "I'd say... the one that has no plant or animal life at all. You'd think it'd be a wasteland but it's full of different types of fungi, and the way she describes it... they're in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. I can only imagine! A forest that's all mushrooms--"

Now that Dagonet has got him talking, he'll find the prince has become more animated, expression brightening, hands gesturing eagerly alongside his words. Mordred seems to notice this as well, catching himself after a moment. There's a flash of embarrassment in his eyes before hands are sheepishly returned to his lap.

"Sorry. I'm rambling. You said you like scripts and poetry, yeah? I'll confess I've never had much of a head for poems--or music, for that matter--but there's a lot of great ones out there. What sorts do you like?" Sure, while Mordred could make assumptions based on the jester's antics, he doesn't feel that's doing Dagonet any justice. He's already seen enough glimpses beneath the mask to know there's more to Dagonet than jokes, bells, and tricks.

[phasmascript]

Little as Dagonet cares about science-fiction or botany, Mordred is opposite. The gloomy medic’s face lights up in a way Dagonet had never really seen before. Green eyes watch with avid interest at the motions and expressions the prince makes as he talks.

“I like listening to you ramble. All everyone in the knights talks about is missions and knightly stuff, hearing about mushrooms and novels is way better~” A smile adorns his lips. It only faltering a little at the question being turned back at him. What did Dagonet like about poetry and plays?

A roll to lay on his back, placing the ice pack on his face and covering his eyes. “I like poetry that carries emotions. I like plays and musicals that make you feel something.” It’s a vague answer, Mordred has given him one so he should return the favor. The mere thought makes him feel vulnerable. “I like things that carry soul- raw and unfiltered. Silly isn’t it~?”

[phasmascript]

It's nothing fancy, but Setsuki has brought Kawabata a nice big serving of shaved ice. "Happy birthday, dude! Here's to staying out of the sun, yeah?"

"Did you get yourself any?" Kawabata will take the shaved ice with the smallest hint of a smile. He'll be sure to usher Setsuki inside the apartment which is a bit chilly. Nice and cool and the exact opposite of the weather outside.

"I bought an anime about go, if your interested. Or you can play a game with me." No promises that Kawabata will go easy on poor Setsuki.

[phasmascript]

It's his birthday, but he has been cursed to have been born in summer. Why is it so hot out?

[humanity-error404]

It felt different. Dazai’s gaze fell upon his own palm, contemplating the absence of any sensation besides the previous softness. That’s interesting.

Approaching with a smile, both hands raised as his restless fingers moved with mischief. “Aaaah~, I’m in the mood for a chase, Gon-kun.”

… oh, my.

“I have no interest in men.” He admitted. “However, I could use a cup of tea.~”

Of course, Niimi would be treating him. There’s no money in his wallet. Alas, the hard life of the salaried.

[phasmascript]

A chase! Niimi and Gon were good at those. But this person looks like he’d be unable to catch either of them. It’s the other comment that has the boy tilt his head, confused. Where hugs different depending on who hugs you? Or. Does this stranger just not like hugs? That's sad.

"Do you not like hugs? I always feel better when my nii-chan hugs me. His hugs are the best!" Maybe this stanger didn't have a nii-chan or nee-chan to give him hugs? That's really sad. But the stranger did offer to get tea.

"I think I know the way to the tea shop my nii-chan likes. It's kinda expensive, though. But they have really yummy dango! I can buy my own dango though~"