aefenglom | 002. | un: aragaki

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002. | un: aragaki

Name: Shinjiro Aragaki
Date: Ieneuer 23rd
Format: Video

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[Hello, Aefenglom! Much like the rest of the mirrorbound, Shinjiro looks exhausted. It has been a rough couple days, especially for people who were far worse off. Regardless, the video starts in his kitchen, which was thankfully untouched by Louis's previous arson. He lifts a hand to brush his hair out of his eyes (complete with crazy rectangular pupils,) before starting.]

Hey. This probably ain't the most important, with everything that's gone down, but I figured I'd let people know I found a bunch of shit while we were raiding the place. If any of it belongs to you, lemme know. You can come pick it up, or I'll bring it out, whichever.

[While he's speaking there's an excited bark from off camera, but he shushes the dog and continues, reaching out to pick up the watch and shift the camera's perspective. Laid out on the table is an assortment of things! And he starts with poorly centering the video on some small glass containers with various oily-looking liquids in them.]

Uh... someone's potions or booze or whatever. I didn't open 'em up to smell them.

[A shift and-- yep there is definitely a straight up hand (robotic, thankfully) laid out on the table, fingers half-curled, next to someone's Watch.]

I guess whoever lost the watch can't see this, so hopefully they know someone who can tell 'em where it is. I ain't about to go nailing up found posters. Good luck putting the hand back on, too, I guess.

[Another bark from off camera, and there's a rocky shift in the camera with clear movement, followed by a sharp 'thunk' across the room. It may be confusing, or people may be able to work out that he just crouched down to grab something and throw it for the dog to fetch. This post is definitely not up for a cinematography Oscar. Anyway, the next in a row is something that almost looked like a santa hat, with less fluff and fur trim-- it might be recognizable as a pajama nightcap. After that is a large guitar.]

You guys were carrying some weird shit when they took you, you know. Anyway, if no one claims the guitar I'll give it to Elliot or something. I think he collects instruments. And-

[Oh, Louis's leg is there, too. This asshole forgot to give it to him.] --Ah, shit.

[Another bark, and the camera finally pans down to show a small, albino Shiba Inu! Koromaru is happily wagging his tail and holding what looks to be a long bone in his mouth- a tibia, likely, with tufts of fur attached to it. It has definitely been gnawed on.] Calm down, I'll play with you in a second-

[Annnd that's it, that's the feed. This hot mess of an unplanned post is why he usually just uses text, obviously.]

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[ His ears twitch along with his tail at the pet. It feels great through the bond, of course. But, he had been so separated from the others that it was nice to be near them, too. Louis didn't realize how much he needed them until they weren't there. It sucks that it took that. ]

Mhm.

[ Bela's not left his side much at all except when he needed out, so the second he hears Shinji, he'll snap to his attention and look at him just as if he were any other domesticated dog. Being around Koromaru is starting to do him good, Louis notes. ]

What, you'd rather I go home than stick around? Hmm? Should I be offended or grateful for that, Shinjiro? Better luck next time, then?

You kidding? I'd be shit outta luck if you left. [With that he sits up again-- and really, his own short tail is flickering in return at those subtle, pleased gestures from Louis. The bond only cements that reassurance of their friendship, really, and the relief in Louis finally being home.]

What're the odds I get another witch who'll put up with my bullshit?

[Sitting up again, now, he looks over to Bela and taps the bed, the Petalwolf eagerly jumping up to squeeze between his master and the guy who spoils the hell out of him, leaves and sprigs rustling in contentment.]

...So when you end up back home, you think you're gonna keep your magic powers or what? [As always, it's talking around the actual problems, rather than facing them directly.]

Zero. The odds are zero.

[ Louis is mostly joking, but he knows Shinjiro isn't the easiest guy to deal with. But, Louis tends to gravitate towards people who others may look at as difficult. He liked people he probably shouldn't. And, well, Shinjiro was probably one of those people he shouldn't like, but genuinely does. No one could ague that Louis didn't care. ]

I'm pretty tolerant for idiots. [ Affectionately, of course. ] I might even like them from time to time. [ A tease. He moves his fingers over the petalwolf, cozy between them. He considers Shinjiro's question. ]

Probably not. At home there's nothing like this. There's no superpowers, just animals and our skills as animals. Though if being a total dumbass were a superpower, I know a few with it.

[ He stops himself from asking Shinjiro what would happen after this - because he knows this is the end of the road for the other. It's here or dead. ]

You say when, not if. As if it's going to happen no matter what. You must really think this house is cursed, huh.

[There's a moment before he responds, and when he does, his tone is fairly flat. Maybe a touch dismal, but mostly just as though reading off an unhappy fact.]

Not too wild of a thought. Way more people leaving than coming.

[After all, it had been a while since any mirrorbound had arrived at all. Maybe even before the business in Dorcharcht-- he'd not really sure. But it was really cemented in when, instead of people, objects belonging to those already present here had tumbled through the mirrors instead.

Maybe whatever magic had dragged them all through was weakening.]

But I guess that makes sense. If there ain't anything to fuel your spells or whatever, then you can't keep it up. Shame, though. [A short, amused noise, and he ruffles Bela's fur again.]

Woulda been cool if you could just char-grill an alligator at any second.

[ Oh. That's just sad. But, with the rate Louis was seeing things, he wasn't wrong. Not that Louis anticipated that he'd ever see his friends again unless he went home. He's accepted this, though, and he was fine with it. When he gets home, they will be there, he's sure. But Shinjiro and Fie? They won't be. It's probably bad that for now, he's fine being with them. The fact that they were respecting his need for space, but staying close was nice. He's not sure if he could have gotten that at home.

To know that his needs were being met and what he wanted was respected was nice. ]

An alligator is an interesting choice, Shinjiro. I'd probably go for a tiger or something. [ He joked, but he's not sorry. ] But there's nothing like that at home.

We're good old fashion guns and regular murder. No magical deaths there.

Your world have magic?

[There's definitely a comfort to be found in the familiar- and in this place, that's what their bond and friendship had become. It's easy and predictable and safe- routine, in a way. And with everything else a chaotic mess, that sort of comfort is definitely needed.

He breathes out a quiet laugh at the correction- Tigers, not alligators- and waves a hand dismissively.]

Yeah-- guess the scales would protect 'em anyway.

[Though at the question of his word, his brows crease and he frowns. Not out of distaste so much as trying to decide just how to answer.]

I mean.... I dunno if I'd call it magic... but I dont have any better way to describe it either.

[He lays back again, staring up at the ceiling with his gangly, furry legs still hanging off the edge.]

But yeah, kinda. The team I was on-- we were the only ones who could experience what we called the Dark Hour. It's like.... Sort of a weird fuckup in time, I guess. It starts at midnight, goes on, and when it's over it's back to midnight again, and no one else has any idea it even exists.

[He tilts his head to look to Louis.] Thats where-- or when, I guess-- those monsters are that'll eat people's minds. I think I mentioned 'em one time.

We could fight them off, but we'd have to summon our Personas to do it. And those are like.... A part of yourself given form into a huge monster.

[He tucks one arm under his head as he speaks, knowing the explanation is likely pretty lacking.]

Can't do it here, though.

[ Louis listens with total, and complete focus. There's total fascination when he listens to the other speaking. He was curious, and while he'd heard bits and pieces about his world, it's nice to have a fuller picture of what it's like. Just a bit more about his friends. Things he never would have asked people to share before, he's asking for now. ]

That sounds...

[ There's only a moment's pause. ]

Awesome. I mean, not about the monsters that ate minds, but that you could fight with a part of you like that. I mean [ there's an amused twist in his features ] I won't apologize for this, but I imagine things that are a part of you now as this giant... goat.

I'm sure that's not right, but... that's what I'm going to see in my head.

[ Not sorry. ]

[The 'joke' (if it even is one) has him take a moment to scowl at Louis-- before laughing himself at it. Just a quiet sort of chuckle, but definitely honest.]

I dunno if that's how it works... but who knows, you could be right.

[He folds one leg over the other (an extremely awkward motion), and shrugs where he is against the bed.]

But you ain't too far off. Castor- that's his name- is kinda like.... A horse and rider. If the horse was a skeleton and only had one leg. Which sounds weird, but they're all kinda freaky like that.

[He falls quiet for a moment, as though wondering how much further to go... but really, if it's a good distraction for Louis, helps him settle after all he'd been through, opens him up a bit... then sure.]

All the Personas are based off old myths and stories from back home. Castor and Pollux. I told you 'bout 'em once, I think. My Persona's Castor. And my friend back home, Akihiko- his was Pollux.

[His next laugh is a bit more hollow. Not quite bitter, but with no real mirth.] Guess it always fit. He's always had the drive to keep going and getting better. And I got shot to death in a gutter.

[ Louis shrugs, it's fine if it doesn't work that way. It's fine because regardless as to the actual image Shinjiro is trying to portray, he'll always imagine this adorable, small goat-like creature instead of the grand skeletal horse and rider it actually is. There's an amused smirk and he shifts onto his side, scooting in as close as he can to Shinjiro. An annoyed Bela climbing over him to take place at the pillows and plop down to observe.

He places one hand on either of his cheeks and smiles. That soft, easy affection that he rarely shows, but almost always has for his friends is present. A soft tap, and then, the tone that comes out is quiet, easy, soft, friendly.

Everything that Louis isn't for anyone. ]

What did I say about talking bad about yourself. I'm pretty sure I've told you not to do that. Maybe you were just unlucky and a little cursed.

[ And then - he adds: ]

I'm a little cursed, too. Sometimes you stay cursed your entire life and it ends short. Sometimes you're given a chance to get past that. Mine came when I was alive, yours came now.

[He looks over when Louis lays down as well, scrunching the petalwolf between them. (Though Bela doesn't stay for long, understandably so.) His brows crease, as though not quite understanding, even when those furred hands come up to either cheek, and suddenly their dumb conversation is like something from a sleepover- quiet words exchanged, unfiltered honesty in the safety of close friendship, the utter freedom of being able to be whatever you feel without judgement. Louis able to chide him like this, instead of hold up his professional demeanor, and Shinjiro willingly talking about the things from home that haunt him.

He gives a quick huff on an exhale at the comments of being 'cursed'-- though maybe he has a point. He hadn't quite understood it the first time Louis had mentioned it, but now it's becoming a bit clearer.

And he always did have shit luck. Maybe the 'curse' idea is part of it.]

Right, right. I think I get what you're talking about, though. About having something come along that breaks your curse. Like when your wolf bud ate your leg.

[He shifts more on his side to face Louis, bringing up one of his own hands to meet the deers arm, before adding flatly:]

But y'know... You still ain't taken me out to dinner, yet. So careful with sweet-talking me here in your bed. Us fauns'll get the wrong idea.

[ He doesn't pull away or withdraw. It's so nice to be back, Louis knows. It's good to be back because he's with people he cares about and that care about him, and he can feel it. There's no guessing based on body language, there's no questioning intentions. Louis knows it, and he never knew how much he had it until he couldn't feel them anymore. So, he remains unfiltered and stays in close because it's - safe.

Even at their closest, he still sometimes kept himself at a safe distance from Legosi. It wasn't always even clear to himself as to why - for himself or the wolf. This is different. While he never fully let the wolf in, he's let his Bonds feel what he does.

He never imagined he'd find others he'd willingly sacrifice every bit of himself for. If he thought it could make them live longer, he'd do it. He knows it. His own life is better for them, so that must count for something. ]

You're cute. [ There's a laugh. ] And a little stupid. Just my type. [ He's teasing, of course. Because, why not? ] Be careful with those ideas, though.

[ But, as he doesn't want to derail him too far. He wants to make sure the other knows: ]

I know this feels like borrowed time here, but you don't have to feel bad about how you got here, or what you were before here. That's the stuff that doesn't really matter all that much. I don't like you less because of that.

[He has to laugh at how Louis plays along-- but doesn't let himself be derailed by the inane conversation. Which is probably for the best, really. Too often they manage to use dumb jokes to avoid actually talking about things that hit too close, so getting pulled back to the serious conversation once in a while helps tether them.

He moves his hand up once again to rub at the growing antler buds, before pulling back and sitting up.]

Yeah, I know. And really...

[He frowns, trying to think of how to word it, even as he shifts to draw his legs up, to sit cross-legged (sort of) on the bed.]

It's been nice. Just... being here, with you guys. Every now and then I still feel a bit bad for enjoying it, but mostly it just is. This is just where we're at right now.

So I'm glad you didn't disappear and go home just yet. And I'll look forward to seeing those assholes that took you guys get chewed up by the natives here.

[ Louis remains on his side, watching Shinjiro, but propping himself on his elbow, leaning into his hand. It feels easy, it feels nice, and he's hurting. Not just physically. After the years he's lived, the things he did: physical pain didn't get to him much, but in those cells, he hadn't been the only one who was trapped. There were some that were seasoned, some that...were fresh there. And to be honest, he wondered about some. How would they make it afterwards?

He never imagined he'd share anything. ]

You're right. It just is. And I mean, if you weren't here -- [ His voice trails, Shinjiro surely knows what he's imply. ]

I'm sure they will suffer plenty, and if they don't, I know who not to trust. I mean, for me, it was kind of a been there, done that. But there were others there who were a bit green, to be honest. Never been trapped behind bars waiting to be liberated. And for their sakes, I hope that the perpetrators get punished.

Really punished. So even if I should be at home, I'm going to allow myself to enjoy this place for all that it can offer.

And I'm glad you're starting to, too.

[He's quiet for a moment, letting Louis speak. And while the deer has a point- he had been there- that doesn't mean he's immune from the pain of having to go through it another time. He doesn't deserve to been seen as lesser or livestock or an object. And Shinji doesn't want for the experiences to eat at him, no matter how subtly.]

Maybe that dragon chick had the right idea. Just fuck off from this town and make our own way. [It's said with a wry sort of smile, though it doesn't come close to actually reaching his eyes.]

But like you said- might as well focus on just enjoying this place.

[With that his lips curl up a bit more honestly this time, and he brings a hand up to loop some long strands of hair behind one of his still-short horns.] So that said: Anything you really wanna do here? Not like right away, but in general.

[ What did he want? Good question. He didn't get asked it very often, either. Louis did things, most of the time, that he had to do. He had duties and responsibilities. And more often than not, he knew the answer for 'what he had to do'. But what he wanted sometimes contrasted? And sometimes, when he did what he wanted he went a little off the rails. Like join the yakuza or let a friend eat a part of his body. His decision making skills could easily be criticized. But he still doesn't regret doing what he had wanted.

So, he joked: ]

I was thinking I'd join another criminal organization. [ Yes, a joke. Probably, at least. ] Maybe I'll take it over, too.

I'm really trying not to take on too many responsibilities. Though I'd personally love a little bit of revenge - good old Yakuza style. I want to keep learning magic. Continue getting stronger, better.

I don't get many opportunities to keep people I care about safe. So I want to be able to always do that.

[While it may be said as a joke, and Shinjiro may give a short laugh at it, Louis's consideration of taking over his own organization.... It doesn't sound too far-fetched. Despite the clean-cut, purely-professional look he has, Louis absolutely has the heart of a mob boss.]

If you do a takeover, lemme know. We can figure out some sweet tats for you.

[And really, he trusts in Louis's morals, gray and flexible as they are. He may not be a particularly lawful person, but he does what he thinks is right. And maybe that's why they get along as well as they do.]

Those ain't bad plans. Revenge might be tough, with how the city snapped 'em all up, but... [He shrugs. He's never quite been a revenge type, but he definitely understands the urge behind it-- and won't stand in the way of someone attaining it, if they'd thought it through.]

So power, without too much responsibility. That'll be a hard balance to hit.

[ There's an amused grin. He could imagine himself doing it all over again if he were here. If that was what he needed to do in order to get something done, he would. Louis doesn't mind the idea of playing a little dirty. ]

Man, I should have gotten some tattoos when I ran yakuza back at home. I missed out on a big chance. Though I'm not sure what I'd get when I can make the choice. Yakuza for justice, I guess.

[ Amused. He seems like he's considering it - and in part, he honestly is. He can get things done when he doesn't hold himself back or restrict himself to just the laws of the land. All he cares about is improvements. ]

Revenge... I know. I want it because I know while I can deal with what went on in there, there are others who cannot. Many others.

The lion-gang, right? [That air of amusement never seems to fade, and even as his talk, those long, furry ears flicker forward slightly in interest as he asks about it. As an idea hits, his smirk grows a bit wider.] I mean, lions make for pretty cool art. Or you could just get a big backpiece with a lion skin covered in hoofprints.

[which would work if 1. it wasn't subtle as a brick and 2. louis, or any deer in his world, actually had hooves. Oh well.

But there's only so long they can avoid talking about the real problem, and he's quiet for a moment after Louis speaks.]

I mean... whether they can or can't, you all got to. It happened. [It's a bit quieter and point-blank. Whether they could deal with it because it had happened before, or whether they were shattered, they were all still alive. It had happened, it was fact. There was no changing that.]

I don't think wanting revenge is ever about others, though. There ain't anything noble about it. You want revenge because they did something wrong and you got a strong sense of justice. Doesn't matter if everyone could handle it or not.

Yeah. Them. I'd probably get something for them. They were important to me. [ Louis would almost say he misses them as much as he misses Legosi. Sometimes even more. He misses Ibuki because he knows when he gets home, he'll be gone. But Ibuki - he was almost like a father to him. He helped him more than Louis was sure he understood. Differently than his own father had. ] Are important to me.

[ The correction comes easily. ]

Justice is a nice way of saying it, and maybe you're right. [ Shrugs ] I've seen people like that before. Those who keep people who don't deserve it locked away, waiting for their turn to finally die and be devoured or just murdered. [ His attempts to distance this from himself have failed pretty horribly. ]

They don't stop until they're made to stop. So unless we cut off the head, we'll be dealing with this long term.

I want them to die because I know they'll be back if they don't die.

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002. | un: aragaki

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