[closed] no cat puns allowed

[dissonyance]

WHO: Leaks & 'friends'
WHERE: Stygia
WHEN: November
WHAT: Catch-all for the month
WARNINGS: Nothing yet; will update when needed


[ starters below for the month!
want something? just PM me and let's set something up!
alternatively, touch my plotting post here. ]

Comments

➤ sasuke

[dissonyance]

[ on this particular day in serene, he hasn't started his trek up the trees in order to reach the library. no--- leaks has somewhat settled into his new home, having found a small and unoccupied dwelling just outside of the forest proper, where he could easily leave and head into the foliage without much effort. the air here is surprisingly clean and rarely does he encounter anyone else: two things that he needs. that he's desired and wanted for a long, long time.

it's because of these necessities, preconditions to the closest thing that leaks could call peace, that allows him to retreat into a less thick patch of trees and grass, of bushes and flowers. where he can take a seat at the base of a tree that isn't particularly hidden or obscures his form; the shade might touch all around him but not cover him at all. the whispering in the back of his mind tells him it'll be fine. why not lower those defenses for a moment? and he can barely put up a fight, as he closes his eyes with a book in his lap and drifts off to something that he has very little experience with: sleep.

behind those eyelids, he can see it. sparks of a flame, bright dancing colors. the shouting of those who want to hunt him down: 'find the magician! don't let him escape! burn everything, leave nothing but ashes!' but of course, he has long fled. leaks had sensed them even before they stepped into his territory. the more the fire takes, the more anger takes him.

unconsciously, he balls his hands into fists, ears twitching as he murmurs under his breath. ]

[chokuto]

[The tree Leaks has chosen is, surprisingly, occupied.

Sasuke stirs at the sound of movement from below the screen of leaves that shield him from view, perched on the limb of a branch high off the ground. Naturally having concealed his presence as shinobi are trained to do, it's no wonder he wasn't noticed, but now it puts him in a predicament. Should he jump down and risk startling the individual who has settled beneath the tree? Or should he announce himself first? ... Or, perhaps circumventing that altogether, he could leap to the next tree and vanish.

Something catches his eye. Sasuke peers down more critically. (Are those... cat ears?) Then — unable to resist the tickle in his throat — he coughs. The noise is rough from deep in his chest, but thankfully doesn't expel any of those irritating yellow petals.

Well, there's no point to hiding any longer.]

Are you reading that book, or is it only an excuse to look busy?

[dissonyance]

[ why would leaks check to see if a tree has already been claimed by another? perhaps it's a lack of foresight, a hint of arrogance, and a habit formed a long time ago by knowing he would be alone almost one hundred percent of the time. he'd logically come to those conclusions eventually, but... maybe this will be a lesson he'll need to learn. check the tree before you choose it as your resting place for the day.

because, well. the cough causes both of those ears to twitch. then the question? he slowly opens one eye. his heart? calm for now. again, he thinks about the fact that if he were in danger, then he would've been dispatched. if he were in this person's position, leaks wouldn't have thought any further. easy is as easy does. ]

... does it look like I am carrying around this book as some kind of decoration?

[ he sits up straight, not bothering to look up yet. ]

Reading is a better activity than watching people.

[chokuto]

[He sees the twitch, mismatched eyes narrowing in scrutiny, wondering if it's a trick of the light. No. Those are cat ears. Sasuke slings his legs over the branch of the tree, then drops down gracefully into the grass a few feet away. His cloak flutters with the movement; there's a glimpse of the sword at his waist, but otherwise he keeps his body relaxed to show that he means no harm.]

You were sleeping, not reading.

[Or, at least, it had seemed that way by the man's (cat's?) posture, as well as the calm, rhythmic breathing.]

I was watching to see if you were a threat. I still can't tell. [There's something there, he thinks, he can feel the vague pulse of a sensation. But it is nothing like Grimmjow, or anyone else he has met, and it certainly isn't chakra.] At the moment, you seem harmless enough.

[dissonyance]

Was not.

[ now the ears fold. they go flat and still against top of his head, as leaks does his best to keep a growl and a hiss out of his voice. hard not to, though--- lying is easier when you're not caught flat footed and he's been practically been found prone.

what catches his attention isn't the sight of the young man, but the way that he falls. that his movements have been 'silent'. eyes go to the weapon, and he takes note of it as well. there are things that make him wonder why humans disappeared from his world, and perhaps if they were all like this one, they would have survived. something about sasuke reminds him of his own race. ]

I am only a threat if you are. [ he sniffs. ] Would you consider yourself one?

[ but leaks does conclude that, regardless of his answer, this one can be dangerous. ]

[chokuto]

[Now on the earth, Sasuke kneels, seating himself on the grass. There's no purpose to remain standing; his sword is adjusted at his waist to lay across his own lap, eyes flickering briefly to the movement of ears. It's difficult not to look at them, for their quick movements, too telling of tone.]

Yes. [Incongruent to his current attitude, cross-legged a short distance away. His voice is flatly assured.] It would be negligent to claim otherwise. Though not to you, and not right now.

[He frowns, an expression fit comfortably on a dour face.]

Are you native to this world? I haven't seen your kind before.

[dissonyance]

[ pragmatic. he likes that in a person. most cats are instinctual, rely on reaction, and end up getting themselves killed. that's why he's survived--- fear doesn't drive him mad, only the actions of others and the lack of thinking behind them do. it's why he prefers the silence of a forest and the quiet of his own mind and not the hustle and bustle of more occupied places...

and leaks also likes seeing that expression. malcontent fits everyone better than a smile does. that's what he wants to believe, anyway. ]

No, I am not. [ he leans forward, raising his knees up to his chest and wrapping his hands around where his calves would be if the lower half of his robes didn't cover his legs. ] And by that, do you mean Ribika?

[ leaks clears his throat. ]

Though I suppose it would be easier to just refer to my kind as cats, as that is what we are.

➤ dokja

[dissonyance]

[ it makes sense to start at the beginning... or the bottom, in this case, when the library is as big as it is. that there are so many winding staircases, huge and looming stacks of books that must've taken a while to put on shelves without some kind of magical assistance, and plenty of places where there have been things left and perhaps never touched again. this is why leaks is happy; he doesn't have to climb to find something new and/or unusual. there is material available to him that this catte does NOT have to stretch for, and... well. that's pretty good for him.

so! he takes one that looks particularly interesting--- something about a guide to various plantlife found in the netherworld--- and cracks it open. while reading, he walks to a place where he can sit. there's plenty of chairs and tables, some of which are more cluttered than others, but this place in particular is just empty enough where leaks doesn't feel crowded. or, hopefully, one where he can do his learning in peace.

his tail swishes from side to side as he hums to himself, all of his attention on the book and not on his surroundings. ]

[salvageable]

[ There are two bookworms in this library with their noses too deep into what they're reading to pay attention to what's going on around them. Dokja's been spending a lot of time in this place after his unfortunate bout of too much coughing and, not wanting to alarm his housemates, has taken to hiding in this ginormous library. The patrons here mostly leave him alone, it's quiet, it's peaceful, and he's grown to have a certain routine over the weeks.

Which is why when he travels through his usual path to a favorite nook of his, he's not expecting to literally run in to anyone coming from the opposite direction. This would probably be a meet cute if it wasn't so violent in nature, a crash of book spines and then Dokja's face meeting the pages as he collides with Leaks.

Thankfully, he has the coordination to not go sprawling on his backside, but he does shout in alarm as he moves to take several steps back. ]

What—!

[dissonyance]

[ this could be the start to a horrible math problem. 'two nerds walk into each other, one at x feet per second and another at y feet per second... based on their momentum, who falls over first'?

the answer is leaks. unlike dokja and in spite of the fact he's catte-like, he's not as fortunate to avoid more than just a stagger. he has to catch himself by grasping a chair, steadying himself, causing much more sound that he'd like--- especially in a place like this. what was quiet just moments ago now echoes hollowly against the shelves, the stacks, everything...

and all leaks can do is hiss. ]

Watch where you are going!

[ both ears fold. his tail poofs up, though it's only the tip that lashes angrily out behind him. ]

[salvageable]

[ All the commotion turns heads, staff members already looking cross at the disruption to the peace that was being so immaculately maintained throughout their library, and Dokja shrinks in on himself at the all the undue attention. And to make matters worse, the person he'd just run into is now speaking at a volume that is higher than the approved library voice, so Dokja quickly steps forward with raised, placating hands.

... Is that a tail? And what kind of ears...? ]

I'm sorry...!

[ It's a hushed apology as he spares another glance to the staff members with a sheepish grin. Nothing to see here... He's got it under control... ]

That was my fault. I wasn't paying attention. Are you okay?

[dissonyance]

[ leaks sighs, slightly overexaggerated and overdramatically. there's too much attention on them now and the catte is very much unhappy with that outcome. of course he wishes he could just outright punish dokja for his insolence... his ignorance... all of those things, none of which are leaks' fault! retaliation lingers on his mind, the temptation growing as he feels the tension welling up in his chest.

but slowly and surely, his ears return to normal. the fur relaxes, just like the rest of him. ]

... you seem like it.

[ genuinely apologetic. he folds his arms across his body, book still in hand, and lets his resting frown face hang for a while. ]

I am fine. [ his braid is hanging lopsidedly from his shoulders, a little less straight compared to from before. ] I am interested in what has your attention, enough to the point where you could have encountered someone or something dangerous.

[ like him, only he's not... trying to seem like he is... ]

[salvageable]

[ The waters seem to have calmed for now and for that, Dokja is grateful. He tries to relax, to ignore the stares until they go away, and finds himself taking quick peeks out of the corner of his eye to make sure the other library dwellers are going on with their routines. As soon as they start shuffling off, he finally does drop his shoulders with an exhale that could be considered a sigh.

It would have sucked if he'd been kicked out of the library for causing a commotion. This is one of his only safe havens now.

He directs his attention back to Leaks, eyebrows drawing together in confusion at what danger he could possibly encounter in a library of all places, but this guy seems a bit high-strung? So he'll pass over that at the moment, and... hide the book in his hand behind him. ]

It's just a book I started. [ A fantasy novel that he may be slightly embarrassed of which can be noted in the way he quickly tries to change the subject. ] What about you? You were reading something too, weren't you?

➤ callisto

[dissonyance]

[ his aims of being a more well-rounded magician never left him, even when lost in a whirlwind of grief and hatred. the concept of magic as a way to heal the wounded has always been part of his studies; how one can turn that knowledge into new and innovative ways to inflict harm on others is what makes him effective. though science is a relatively new concept to him, he's also aware of the traditional use of holistic medicines as being some kind of precursor. the benefit of being a dead catte in the netherworld is being exposed to technology, to things that could be hailed as transcendental and easier to use... or just mysterious in general? amazing. simply amazing.

right now, though? he tends to those who wander into the main infirmary. leaks, despite the weakening and inconsistencies placed upon his magic, still is effective. he knows this, self-confidence aside.

leaks turns his head. it sounds like someone is coming. looking out the corner of his eye, he's pretty sure he sees a familiar face. a familiar form. but he says nothing, just keeps his arms folded across his chest with a calm and dispassionate look on his face. ]

[uncourteous]

[ being wounded isn’t anything new to callisto. being on the frontlines of war, fending off assassins even on his home front— these were simply a part of the life he led and role he adopted as the crown prince and soon-to-be emperor of the kingdom. it would be a lie to say he didn’t resent it to an extent, but he never presumed any other sort of life existed for him. not if he wanted to survive in the world.

but, it looked like it was also for nought in the end. or well, he’s heard some differing opinions and so while the judge was still out on whether they were truly dead or not, he had no issues with what was required of them here. or whatever messes he inevitably gets into it. the aftermath of the newest events left him with a few scratches and mild stab wound to his rib. while he was normally used to dressing these wounds himself, it can be seen in his scars that he wasn’t exactly some prolific healer of any sort.

hence, he wanted to sneak into the infirmary and take some supplies for himself, what he doesn’t expect is the shadow… of an all too familiar figure. ] It’s you. [ …. because he is so well-mannered.

after a second: ] What are you doing here? Stealing a few items, as well? [ should someone who was royalty until not so long ago feel so comfortable admitting he’s a thief in this case? who knows. ]

[dissonyance]

It is me.

[ an answer that is dry and frigid, but a truthful answer nonetheless. it's indeed him, who makes his way over to callisto with no concern in his eyes as he sizes the man up. it's not the first one that he's encountered here and won't be the last, so leaks is relatively prepared to handle the physical aspect of things.

it's the rest that might not sit well. ]

No, I am not stealing. [ frown! ] I am... here to assist those who have been wounded.

[ he reaches out, presses a finger against one of those scratches. ]

You have been fortunate. Now, follow me to one of these beds and sit.

[ already leaks is thinking about the easiest and fastest way to treat callisto. with silent strides, he practically glides over to one of the makeshift beds and begins to organize the supplies at the wheelable cart next to it. ]

[uncourteous]

[ oh...

that is actually quite different than stealing. if callisto were the type to feel bad, this probably would have been one of those moments, but instead, he seems to brush it off all the same. instead, opting to let out a sound of awe, as if he were impressed. ] You have a lot of skills.

[ and... an interesting lot of skills for sure. one he instantly discovers himself curious over. to be honest, he's not completely sure what to expect of his skills, but the way leaks offers his help so naturally shows him that he was likely confident in his abilities.

that said, he gives a brief pause at his words: ] You're likely the only one to label wounds as "fortunate." [ except, he's kidding. he gets the meaning of his words, and it shows in his eventual compliance as he sits at the edge of the beds. with that, he figures, he should probably unbutton his shirt at least, which he reaches to do. ]

[dissonyance]

I do. It is better to be prepared for all things. For better or for worse.

[ being studious and observational can give anyone critical insight into any possible 'field'. he was lucky enough to have a lifetime or two of just reading his books and practicing within his own space. things that he could do in theory but perhaps not put them into something discrete, and...

leaks hums. he watches callisto strip, shirt off of his body. he looks fit. he's not the kind that would ogle this close... or be this shameless. ]

Fortunate to be in one piece. Fortunate to be breathing. There are a lot of things to be fortunate about, would you not agree?

[ the catte takes a cloth and presses it against one of those scratches--- mostly to clean it. keep it from getting infected. ]

[uncourteous]

[ it's not a bad point. he knows for a fact from his own experiences that sometimes, the most seemingly innocuous or peculiar shred of knowledge could save one's life. when he recalls how archaeology of all things were able to forge their path from being trapped in some unmarked cave, he has to really praise those scholars out there. hence, he releases something of a scoff, though it's more in ironic agreement than it is mocking.

but, what a diligent catte. callisto watches the way he seems to work with practiced ease. despite the sting of cloth against his scratches, he keeps his expression surprisingly even. as if he had endured this many times before. ] Seriously? How heartless. I could be in major pain here, you know. [ but, despite his own words, he doesn't actually deny anything that's said. ]

Do you speak to all your patients in that manner?

➤ tartaglia

[dissonyance]

[ it's in serene where leaks feels the freest, that he can wield his magic without prying eyes. despite feeling a lingering weakness that dulls some of those senses, he still feels like he can accomplish plenty with what he has. though there are times when fire doesn't spring immediately from the tips of his fingers, or the dark and mostly invisible blades formed through darkness and pressure alone don't slice through his target, at least he can still do these things. that he is still able to enchant and create and follow his own whims without question.

which is why... just like how a cat must sharpen its claws, he must keep himself capable. and though he loathes to use nature as a 'scratching post', it's easily accessible. which is why he has found the thickest tree to work on.

he goes through each element. flames lash out like a whip. icicles dart and embed themselves into the trunk. lightning crackles and licks at the bark. finally, sharp winds pierce and make themselves visible as they slam into the tree over and over again. leaks rotates, continues to do this--- only stopping when the magic seems to drop and fade for a moment. not out of exhaustion or lack of focus, but... ]

[lackluster]

[ Leaks cycles through his magic without much fanfare, but it isn't without a captive audience. Tartaglia isn't too far away from where the Ribika is, perched on one of the higher tree branches available, almost like a cat would. He'd been training earlier on but stopped to watch his feline friend (they're not friends) after realizing that's what the commotion is all about.

He seems content to watch Leaks go through all his tricks. The lightning ones in particular, he watches with rapt fascination. It all comes to a stop when the Ribika's magic seems to fade away. That makes him thing something is wrong, and so he abandons his perch, landing gracefully on the ground before making his approach. ]

You stopped. Are you tired?

[ Genuinely concerned. ]

[dissonyance]

[ a snap of his head and leaks spins to face his potential aggressor, fangs bared. his shoulders raised, his entire body an exclamation point and a spring, coiled up and ready to go. it's only when he realizes it's this infuriating man that he begins to slowly cool down but just slightly. very slightly. ]

No, I am not tired. For whatever reason...

[ as he raises his hand in front of himself, a mote of light appears in his palm. it starts strong but begins to dim almost immediately before snuffing itself out. ]

... despite my effort, I cannot maintain certain spells for long.

[ and then leaks huffs, rubbing a spot above his right eyebrow. ]

How long have you been watching.

[lackluster]

[ Tartaglia notes that reaction speed, smiling in approval. It's good that someone like Leaks has his wits about him especially given their environment. At least he knows to never let his guard down.

Curiously, he watches the mote of light flicker and smother itself out so soon. ]

I wonder if that's a consequence of being here. As it is, I'm unable to access more than half of my capabilities too... but the reason for it is a bit different. [ That is, he doesn't have his Vision nor Delusion on him. ] As for that, I've been watching for a while.

[ 'A while' is so vague. He'll leave it up to Leaks to decide the timeframe. ]

What other magic can you do?

[dissonyance]

It is a possibility. Whether the act of dying has also taken a portion of our strength, or at the very least this place does not produce the same kind of energies that we are accustomed to...

[ they are all unproven and untested theories that he would like to delve into, and while now doesn't seem like the best time to do it, this man certainly provides an opportunity that wasn't there before. ]

... if you were watching this entire time, you should have said something.

[ so that he could've ran away! damn you, handsome human. at least leaks is easily distracted talking about himself. so. ]

There is little I cannot do. Outside of using magic in... I suppose you could say harmful ways, there are practical kinds as well.

[ leaks snorts. ]

Why? Would you like further demonstrations?

[lackluster]

[ Tartaglia falls silent while he listens to Leaks talk. It would make sense that their powers wouldn't work the same way as they did back at home because this world has its own rules and laws, but — he disagrees that it has anything to do with them dying. Because they haven't died. As far as he's aware, anyway.

He would have said so too if he hadn't been distracted by something else Leaks said. It turns out Tartaglia is easily distracted himself. ]

Oh? You're going to show off? Sure, I'd love to see what else you can do, especially the harmful ways you can use your magic.

[ Is he serious??? Absolutely. He even looks like a puppy who is eager to see a trick. ]