phantasmalrift | idk pretend there's a title here

idk pretend there's a title here

Who: Akira, Shido, and whoever else! It's open!
What: recovery from the fissure, beating up Shido, Dogkira
When: ICly, April 20 - 27; OOCly, May 2 - 9 (so, it's mostly backdated!)
Where: roof, kitchen, beach, etc!
Warnings: Shido

a) for AW YEAH C O F F E E . . .

[ The last thing he remembers is looking at the day on the makeshift calendar he's made. That's why April 20th feels like any other Friday to him - the kind of Friday that leaves him lightly jolting awake, his heart pounding. And, it's not until after several seconds pass of total silence, he releases a laugh... It amounts to nothing more than a puff of air laced with some bitterness. How much longer before he finally stops doing that?

Well, he's not getting back to sleep anytime soon... even if he does feel like he hasn't slept nearly enough.

It's after he's managed to navigate his shared bedroom like it's a Palace - as stealthily as possible, for the sake of not disturbing Goro and Kurama, he makes his way down to the kitchen. Ehhhh... a full meal isn't going to happen just yet, but that doesn't mean he can't enjoy some snacks, right? And some coffee... Lots... and lots of coffee.

No, seriously, somebody might catch him while he's on his third cup (and still looking pretty damn exhausted. Alternatively, maybe they're catching him while his face is pressed against the countertop.

He's fine... Just tired.

Akira will spend the next several days primarily on the rooftop (where he'll be reading or writing), except when he's hanging out in the kitchen (where he'll just be sitting at... or on the counter, because he's a heathen like that).

Around the 24th, he can be seen doing all of the above plus playing some video games. Those goshdarn millennials and their fancy TV games. ]

b) for BACK TO THE LAND OF THE LIVING?

[ And it's starting around the 25th, that he can be seen looking even more lively than he did by the 24th.

He can be seen spending more time outside... and snacking more often? When was the last time he ate a proper meal, though... Well, whatever, he's eating, and that's all that matters! At least they're healthy snacks? ... Listen, Morgana...

... Chips come from potatoes.

If someone wants to lecture him, he can be found in the library and on the beach the most. ]

c) for CLOSED TO THAT ONE ASSHOLE NAMED SHIDO

[ It's on some random day, just after the whole Network Stuff Happened, he's out on the beach, intending to do some training. He's... cooled off a lot, but that doesn't take away from the restlessness. He'd meant it about the hand-to-hand sparring stuff, but Robin was right about Wound Up being an understatement. Maybe people should cool off before going at each other.

... Not to mention, maybe he could just use some time to clear his head out here, mostly alone.

Which... heh. Guess he wasn't the only one thinking this. They say speak of the devil, and he will come, but what does it say about a devil who's there without being spoken of?

Sigh... okay. He'd meant what he'd said to Prompto - he needs to just... find a way to work through his own feelings, after all, if he wants to help Goro work through his. So, with a deep breath, he walks right over to the older man. His tone is deadpan. ]

Didn't expect you to be the type to enjoy long walks on the beach.

d) for DOGGO STUFF

[ SOME TIME AFTER THE PALACE HEIST THING...

Akira's been feeling a bit weird since even before heading into the Palace. Granted, it was kind of clear something happened to him as a result of helping stabilize the Fissure...

Well, in any case, it's made clear the morning after Chapter: Izunia Palace is officially closed. He's tried running, tried multiple forms of exercise to just... get rid of that feeling! And, it's as he's out on the roof, he's reading in an attempt to just... ignore that weird feeling that nothing else seems to be helping with.

Eventually, it does help? In fact, he dozes off...

And that's what leads to an opportunity for people to wander up to the roof and find a dog curled up right where Akira was sitting. All of his things are still there... Hm. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ That question earns the quirk of one brow. There's a faint smirk before he says in an overly-pleasant tone: ]

Contrary to belief, I don't think you're worth the trouble of beating a dead horse.

[ But it's... drained-sounding. On top of everything, dealing with Touma had been... well? Needless to say, Akira doesn't have much of that fiery anger left, more than he simply has the lingering bitterness and remnants of hate. Maybe even... some pity? After all this guy is pathetic, compared to what he once was.

Or maybe he always was this pathetic, and just hid it behind masks. Either way, Akira's releasing a heavy exhale, one hand firmly pressing to the back of his neck.. ]

... As shocking as it might seem, I walked over to ask how you're doing.

[He does notice the lack of energy immediately. It's a rather stark contrast to the conversation they had over the devices, when he was so full of energy he could've easily kept ranting at Shido for hours, had there not been an... intervention of some sort, he presumes.

And yes, that is rather shocking. He isn't sure where this is coming from (he's certain it's not coming from any genuine concern), but...]

I'll manage.

[He's still tense. Still expecting something, but he makes no move to retreat.]

You sound exhausted.

[There's a note of apology in that observation. He knows at least a portion of that exhaustion is coming from having finally expressed all that bitterness and anger he had at Shido.]

Edited 2018-05-09 18:51 (UTC)

[ Since Shido is noticing all the other details, maybe he'll notice the way Akira's expression flickers at those last three words. Maybe he'll see the way that his body tenses ever-so-slightly.

After a brief moment, the ghost of a smirk appears, only to vanish almost instantaneously. ]

And you? [ he tilts his head to the side a bit, twisting a strand of his bangs before continuing ] You just said you'll manage. Meaning you'll get by... but not without struggling.

[ He lowers his hand completely back down to the side. ]

It's exhausting, living that way... maybe feeling like the entire world is against you. [ holding a blink for a couple of seconds, then giving something of a wry smirk ] And carrying a ton of guilt on top of it all? I don't know what that could feel like.

[ That sure is a lie with that last part. He's loosely folding his arms over his chest, and then giving the smallest shrug. ]

But why do you even care how I feel?

[And you?

His brow pinches a little at the words. What... about him? He expects to be mocked, but the words that follow... don't feel like mocking, and there's definitely confusion in his gaze the more the boy continues.

... is he sympathizing with him?

It's such a stark contrast from their other encounters that he can't help but wonder if this is some sort of ruse meant to lower his guard... Yet that defensive gesture does at least, in some way, feel genuine.]

Because you're important to him.

[Though... he worries. Is the relationship they have healthy? Is what they have... good? It goes against everything he's been taught, and Akira has... the anger he's shown makes him wonder if he's enabling that same sort of angry behavior within Akechi.

But he is a mere stranger, and two interactions do not paint a whole picture of a person. He wants to understand, first and foremost, so that he can figure out the best way to help hi... Akechi.]

Not to mention what I've done to you directly.

[...funny enough, those feelings are persisting, even despite the violence and mercilessness Akira has shown towards Shido thus far...]

[ He doesn't bother suppressing the frown. There's some surprise within it, and that combines with some underlying uncertainty. Because he's important to Goro, Shido is trying to check up on him? Change of heart, indeed, he supposes.

It's reeeeally annoying seeing all of... certain reminders. Reminders given with those last words, too, even. With a tightened jawline, he shakes his head. ]

For the record, it goes both ways. [ expression shifting to something firmer ] I love him, and I'll protect him from anything and anyone.

[ With his arms lowering to his sides, he shakes his head. His voice is calm and steady. ]

... But you're right. You did a lot to mess up my life, including using your own son - a different version from the one who's here, that is - to try and have me killed. There's nobody I've hated more than how I felt towards you before now, and that's saying a lot.

[ Leeet him just clarify that last part. ]

Not to say I don't still hate you. [ a shrug ] But a lot of that hate is reserved for the Shido we still need to take care of, back in Goro's timeline. Because he doesn't regret anything he's done, yet.

[ Still, with a firm expression: ]

I'm tired of clinging to hate, though. Like I told somebody else, I can't help Goro if I don't help myself get past this, first. He's more than worth that effort, to me.

[...ah. He actually feels something in him ease at that. So this is the young man behind the blinding rage and vindictiveness; a fiercely loyal and protective person who would put aside his own differences to help the person that he loves.

...hah. The word still itches in his brain, knowing that he's referring to two males. Yet, logically... he can find nothing wrong or troubling about what he said. The fact that he seems to want to come to some sort of truce with Shido for Akechi is nothing less than admirable.]

But does it actually work that way?

[The way he speaks to Akira is the way he has been— there's no patronizing lilt to his tone anymore, nothing suggesting that he is better. He speaks to him as an equal, without any intent to aggravate.]

Even if Akechi is your motivation, it's still a personal matter between you and me.

[He glances out to the waters, something distant and longing in his gaze.]

If he feels the same way for you... I doubt he would want you to push aside your own grievances for him.

[ There's no hesitation before he responds. ]

Goro may be my motivation, but it's still a personal desire.

[ Then there's a small, wry smirk. ]

Like I just said... I'm tired of clinging to hate. After spending so many years hating my own father, the last thing I need is to feel this way towards someone else's.

[ His voice is even... calm. The opposite of how he feels inside while saying those words. After releasing a silent, quiet breath, he shakes his head. ]

Anyway, how do you feel about getting started on learning to fight? I think it could do you some good, since we do have Fissures to take care of. And the more useful people we have, the better.

[His own father...? Yet another child who's been unfairly forced to live their life the way it was due to an inadequate parent? It's... somehow frustrating.]

... very well.

[Ah. Learning to fight. ... so this is how he's going to learn to let go of that hate, huh? By hitting Shido? Heh... he can't help the wry smirk.]

Eager to get started right away? [Not that he blames him...] Yes, I am. [As simple as that. Shido meant it when he said he was going to do more than just throw well-meaning words around.]

[ He manages to contain the smirk. ]

All right.

[ So, hey, time for Joker. He's just... casually summoning Vishnu. ]

Then I dare you to try hitting me. Don't worry... there's no way you could hurt me.

[ Remarkably, it's said with honesty, rather than mockery? ]

[He instinctively tenses at the appearance of Joker and of his Persona. He draws in an uneasy breath, eying Vishnu, then turning his eyes to the boy.

... maybe before, this wouldn't have been as tall of an order. But now? Every part of his mind... feels like a chain pulling him back. No, don't. Don't.

He blinks at Joker, the conflict apparent in his eyes. He says there's no way he could hurt him... So he closes his eyes, taking a breath, then opens them, steeling himself as he finally draws forward, swinging a fist at the boy's chest—

And feels himself repelled, eyes widening in surprise as the blow comes back and nails him in the chest, the grunt being more one of surprise than anything else— seems like he pulled his punch a bit...]

... impressive.

Edited 2018-05-23 01:21 (UTC)

[ That hesitation is reassuring... and this is probably the most patience Shido's seen from him, since they met in this place. Although, maybe "patience" is the wrong word. It's more like a cool-headed fearlessness; his head is cocked to the side just a bit, gaze calm and collected...

And then Shido swings. Akira moves as though he's dodging, but maybe it will be clear he's intentionally letting the older man hit him...

... Which the reason for is immediately discovered. A small smirk is given as he begins sifting through his Personas. He decides to go for his default, Satanael. It won't completely nullify any damage, but... Shido is just a regular guy with no fighting experience. This will do just fine. ]

This one doesn't reflect attacks, but now hitting me will be almost like hitting a wall. Not that it matters, [ a smirk ] since actually landing a hit won't be so easy from here on out.

[ Despite the words themselves, they're not said in a very teasing tone. Sorry, Shido, but you have a looooong way to go before Akira becomes less frosty and less rude towards you. ]

Try again.

[He narrows his eyes a bit at that taunt, and try again he does. It's mostly just Shido spending a lot of time trying to get used to Akira's movement patterns, trying to determine what move he's going to take so he's one step ahead... and of course, taking the ocassional blow— christ, this kid packs a punch...

... it's only after about a minute of this, though, that Shido is breathing hard and is clearly struggling to keep up. Not too long after, his hands come down to brace themselves on his legs as he gasps for air like he was nearly drowned. He's already sore as hell...]

[ Amazing what can happen in a minute, honestly...

Shido manages to land a total of one (1) hit, but the fact that he even manages a hit at all? Well, it either says that Akira needs to get more rest before doing something like this, or the power of Shido's Determination is better than he anticipated.

It's with a slow exhale, he pulls a bottle of water out of his inventory and holds it out for Shido.

He rubs at the spot on his chest that Shido managed to land a hit on; honestly, they shouldn't need to heal...? A little soreness never hurt anybody, right? (He'll see how the old man's holding up after the break.) ]

[He looks up at the water bottle and blinks; he didn't... have that before, did he? Nevertheless, he gives a nod and takes it. In which case he opens the bottle and... actually just squirts some on his face and head.

Look, it's fucking hot out here.]

Are you alright?

[I MEAN... Akira did tell him that the damage would be mitigated, but he sees that rubbing and. He still feels. Really weird? About hitting a kid??? Even though the kid could whoop his ass in no time flat...]

Edited 2018-05-31 17:14 (UTC)

[ Well, fine...

Akira smirks a little at that before pulling his own bottle out and taking a drink from it. The question has him blinking softly. ]

Hm? [ ah ] Yeah. I'm just surprised you managed to land a decent blow, is all.

[ That might be a hiiiint of teasing. ]

[He drinks from his own bottle as well.]

You're not the only one. I can't help but wonder if I'm too old for this sort of thing, though...

[ There's a small snort - look at that! You almost made him laugh!!! ]

That sounds like an excuse. [ shaking his head ] I'd place money on "too inexperienced."

[ He folds his arms over his chest. ]

I think you need to do some solo training on the side.

[what! he's old, he knows it!!!]

Is this sort of thing really effective to begin with? If the main threats are beasts, then I ought to be shooting at them with a gun of some sort, not grappling with them at close range where they can tear me apart.

So, you plan to only train for scenarios where there'd be a guaranteed chance of long-range fighting?

[ Just. tilting his head to the side, giving him a Look. ]

Not saying you can't choose to focus on learning how to handle a gun, but you don't always get to pick your battles. It's smarter to prepare yourself for all the possibilities. [ a gesture to the side ] You might surprise yourself and learn you have a natural talent in an area you don't expect.

[ He shrugs both shoulders. ]

I do know a lot about firing a gun at this point, so I can give you a few pointers. If you promise to work on that lack of endurance.

Last I checked, guns work perfectly fine at close-range. Unlike you, I don't have the luxury of powers to protect me.

[He scoffs at the idea of him having any natural talent in something like this, however, and takes another drink of his water bottle.

There's something about the statement that makes him momentarily bristle. It feels more like a jab than a simple request, and for a moment something defensive in him flares up. Stop talking down to him...]

... so now my word is good enough, is it?

You think that's all there is to it? Special powers or guns, and that's it?

[ But he doesn't seem annoyed; he actually gives a small smirk. ]

All right. So you have yourself a gun. You're down to the last bullet and all your allies have fallen. The monster isn't even halfway dead, and you still don't know where the weak point is. Your phone is nowhere to be found because it got knocked away in the heat of battle. You poured all your efforts until now into perfecting your aim, so the thought of running to get help from a healer is laughable.

What do you do?

Edited 2018-06-07 05:59 (UTC)

[u lil shit]

If the monster isn't halfway dead at that point, then I doubt I could take it down with my bare hands. Or any sort of weapon, unless I happened to be extremely fortunate.

[A hard sigh as some of that anger tapers off and he glances away.]

...the most I could is run and try to bring that monster somewhere where it couldn't hurt the others.

Edited 2018-06-08 01:43 (UTC)

[ ✧* ]

... Which works out better if you've done things to build up stamina and improve your dodging skills, at the very least. And learning how to use a weapon that doesn't require ammo means that you have something to defend yourself until you get far enough away.

[ In spite of earlier, his tone is actually... softer for a brief moment. It doesn't sound like he was simply aiming to prove Shido wrong, at least. ]

Anyway, your promise is the down payment. It's after you prove you've followed through that I'll start to actually trust you.

[A sigh.]

... fine. What should I do?

[ You need him to give you an exercise regimen? Welp... ]

I can give you a list of suggestions if you like? You can pick whatever works best for you.

[ HE KINDA. PUSHED HIMSELF THROUGH A LOT TO GET WHERE HE IS??? but... ]

Just don't overdo it.

[ After a soft hum, he twists a strand of his bangs. ]

Maybe a routine could do you good, period...

idk pretend there's a title here

i'd say "poor shido" but... y'know...

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