[Video + Action]

[you_will_suffer]

[A figure stumbles from the docks, dressed in black. They are incredibly pale, the black strands of their hair sticking to their cheeks and neck. The heat is not their friend and the sudden change in circumstances isn't helping.]

Where...is this? [Akito runs a hand through their hair, dropping onto the nearest bench available.] I am Akito Sohma. If I have been kidnapped, I demand to know the reason why.

[It really is hard to tell their gender. At first glance, one would think boy, but that can be misleading. Their voice is feminine, but low. Or maybe they are projecting it lower on purpose.]

Tell me.

Comments

[Video]

[enchantinglily]

[Lily is frowning at Akito but doesn't seem upset with him...her....whichever. If anything, there's an innocence about Lily that she can't help but show even through video.]

You could ask a little nicer since there are some that may take that the wrong way and who you may not want to upset. But to answer your question, I don't think anyone really knows the reason why we're here, and it's awfully pleasant here for just a kidnapping, so I'm not sure if it is one of if there's some other circumstance or reason we've ended up here.

Either way, it's nice to meet you even under the circumstances, Akito. I'm Lily.

[Video]

[you_will_suffer]

I should care about the feelings of criminals? [A scoff and Akito observes Lily coldly. Great. Another pretty girl.] What's pleasant about it? Do you like being kidnapped? What a strange woman!

[Gritting their teeth tightly, temper rising, they try to count to ten. It never works.]

Where are the proper authorities?

Re: [Video]

[enchantinglily]

I'm not talking about criminals. I'm speaking of those in the same situation as you. I'm afraid the authorities won't really tell you much different.

As I've said, I'm not sure if it's a kidnapping or some other cause for us being here, but for some of us, this is a better situation then our own worlds. You'll find that everyone here are from different ones. Perhaps there are some from your own.

[Akito could call Lily strange all they wanted, Lily didn't care. If anything, she was used to it.]

[Video]

[you_will_suffer]

I don't have time for prisoners with Stockholm syndrome. [Like their life couldn't use a huge change. Akito is miserable, has been miserable and is certain they will remain miserable.]

Can everyone hear me over this thing? [It's not like they have the energy to go shouting through the streets.]

Re: [Video]

[enchantinglily]

Say what you want, but you'll figure it all out. For some of us this is a new start to be who we want to be for once. If you want to go home, then you're welcome to search for a way or go visit the dream docks. I hear people have been able to at least go home mentally that way, though it's temporary and not pleasant when you return from what I hear.

And yes, everyone can hear you.

[Video]

[you_will_suffer]

[To be who they want to be...? Akito didn't dare believe that. It wasn't possible.]

That isn't a solution. [Breathe. 1, 2, 3...] Good. I will get to the bottom of this much quicker that way.

[Forcing themselves onto their feet, they begin to walk again, fists balled at their sides. This takes effort.]

I feel sick.

Re: [Video]

[enchantinglily]

It's the only solution that we have at the moment. Even if you don't like it.

[She pauses when Akito mentions being sick.]

Do you need help? I'm a healer.

[Video]

[you_will_suffer]

[A healer? Without Hatori, they might -

No. They will find Hatori.]

I can't be healed. [It's the weight of the curse. Akito was born feeble.]

Re: [Video]

[enchantinglily]

Perhaps. Perhaps not. But I can try to see what I can do. My magic should at least be able to relieve your symptoms if not more.

Action

[theonigiri]

[For some reason, she always ended up back at The Bay.

Maybe it was because this was where she had first arrived? Tohru had heard of animals that returned to where they hatched, and she had hatched out of a pod. Or maybe she just came here because it was neat to look at. Especially that Hologram: It was like something out of a Mogeta cartoon!

But mostly, it was because she was lonely. Tohru tried every day to brush that feeling away, but it kept coming back. She had been very lucky to make friends when she arrived. She even had 'Pokemon' to keep her company. So she shouldn't feel lonely! And yet...

She kept coming back. Hoping that maybe Yuki or Kyo would walk out. Or Uo and Hana... Maybe Momiji would spring into view. Or Kisa, or Haru, maybe Hatori, Shigure...

Tohru's eyes had tricked her all week and she kept thinking that she saw their precious profiles in crowds. She had just reminded herself to be grateful when she passed a certain bench... And saw a certain person.]

... ah.

[She stops in her tracks. Of all the people she listed in her heard, this one hadn't come up... Sure, Tohru thought of them. Her cheek was bandaged now, but she had scratches to prove their past encounter. Still, she never dreamed of seeing Akito near The Bay.

Tohru stares silently at first. Her emotions tangled. What are these feelings? Fear? Maybe. But also... all of that loneliness, refusing to be filtered---

She steps forward.]

Akito-san? Is that you?

Action

[you_will_suffer]

[This is a nightmare. The two who come to their rescue are beautiful girls. Of course they are! Akito nearly snaps, but that requires energy. They had been clear with that thing; why is she even bothering?

The bandage is a sign the conversation happened, at least.]

Who else would it be? [Anyone else. They aren't the one Tohru wants.] What is this hellish place? The beach was bad enough!

[theonigiri]

[Tohru's emotional overload, for once, is helpful: It prevents her from frantic babbling. Instead, it feels like all of her emotions and feelings have frozen in her throat. Even Tohru's steps are slow.]

It's... Genessia.

[The answer is hard to give. Tohru hears her voice shaking and realizes

she's scared.

She can remember Momiji's expression after the incident. No, even before that... The way that Akito made Yuki look. The way that the energy drained from the beach house. So much makes sense now, and Tohru is reminded most of all of her own ignorance.

Her trembling answer is followed by a shaky inhale. Still a mess, she isn't sure what to do... But at least now, in this moment, she knows Akito must also be surprised. Maybe even lonely.]



I'm sorry, I just didn't expect to see anyone I knew. Have you been here long?

[you_will_suffer]

[Genessia. The name has no meaning to them; no connection. Dark eyes fix on Tohru, beads of sweat rolling down deathly pale cheeks. Their hands shake ever so slightly, but they won't show weakness before her. The Gorgon.]

I know of no Genessia. [They know the continents, the countries... Sohma doesn't just serve Japan.]

No. Take me somewhere cooler. [It's an order...or a plea? No, they would never plead. Ren's voice, mocking them, follows that almost slip.

Weak, aren't you?] I don't like the heat.

[Why so defensive? Well, you would be too with a mother like Ren Sohma who picked at your every flaw - even when they were strengths instead.

Akito stands, only holding onto the bench briefly.]

[theonigiri]

[This is honestly something that Tohru can get behind: Helping. Even the order is almost, for a moment, comforting. It reminds her of Kyo, in a strange sort of way. A firm sound, but with some softer emotions echoing underneath.

And it reminds Tohru that she barely knows Akito. She is caught between two images-- of the Akito everyone loves and the Akito that is feared,--- and decides to herself I'll set them both aside. Because regardless, they're together now. And they can't leave their connection: The lovely people who would want both of them safe.]

Of course. I have an apartment here. I can take you there.

[Tohru visibly debates offering Akito a hand, then timidly points down the street.] It's not far.

[you_will_suffer]

[Either Tohru is terrified enough to agree or she is just that nice. Akito has a thousand and one words for such a fool, but that kindness cuts deeper than fingernails. I need to rest. Then they would be able to think and come up with a solution. They couldn't depend on her or anyone else...

She isn't controlled by the curse. They aren't either. Only the Sohma belong to them.]

Start walking. [Tohru will look like she has a shadow - a fitting image for the pair of them.] There are no Sohma? I would know if they were here.

[theonigiri]

Of course!

[Tohru is happy to take an order and sets a mindful pace. She keeps her ears peeled for the sound of Akito following her and wills a small smile to her face. Better that than a frown right now.]

No, no one else is here. I hope they aren't worrying too much.

[With Akito here, will everyone panic? There was a point before they knew Tohru, but Akito is their pillar. Tohru can only imagine how worried everyone must be... Which makes it even more important that she make sure Akito is safe and comfortable!

The comment about 'knowing' allows Tohru's smile to soften.]

You really are close.

[you_will_suffer]

[The sound of her footsteps is easy to follow; Akito lets their eyes close for a moment. But maybe that isn't such a good idea. They force themselves back into awareness, swallowing against their rapidly beating heart.]

They must be in a full panic. [Over them. Only them.] They will be fine without you.

[Nothing changes. Nothing gets better.]

What sort of god would I be? [The curse weighs on them and as bad as Ren is, it is probably her strength (which they inherited) that has kept Akito going this long.] They will know I am missing.

[Video]

[light_of_willpower]

[Their appearance is what concerns Trunks first, as he pulls up the video function.]

Unfortunately we don't have many answers, least of all why we've all been kidnapped. Are you alright? Hurt? Do you need medical attention?

[Video]

[you_will_suffer]

[The heat bears down on them like a physical burden. Their head throbs and their legs shake.]

Why would I be alright? [They snap the words, aggravated.] My head feels like it is going to explode!

Re: [Video]

[light_of_willpower]

[He's resisting the urge to roll his eyes, as the snap isn't unexpected. Heck, Trunks wouldn't even call that a 'snap' compared to how his father or mother had been known to react when aggravated.]

Okay, are you far from the arrival area? Can you read any signs nearby?

[Because he's already grabbing a few capsules for supplies and preparing to come help. Triage at least, even though he's not a medical professional.]

If you can, get to a shadey spot out of the heat and keep talking with me alright?

[Video]

[you_will_suffer]

No. [They push themselves into a better position, dark strands of hair falling into their eyes.] The signs...mean nothing. I suppose they are the cities I could travel to?

[Akito jerks the feed so that he can see the tree over the bench where they are sitting.]

Re: [Video]

[light_of_willpower]

[Trunks is going to move quickly then. Already halfway out of Capsule Corps and as soon as he hits the street in Nova he takes to the air. Best to start in Genessia, so heading for that gate at reasonable speed and from there--the bay.]

That helps, can you point the camera at any of the signs? You said your name was Akito Sohma right? I'm sorry if I mess up which is your family name, but just keep chatting with me Mr. Sohma. My name is Trunks.

[Video]

[you_will_suffer]

[They do as they are asked, revealing that they aren't far from the Bay. It's hard to go anywhere when you feel like passing out.]

That's right. Sohma is my surname. [Their lips twist bitterly, but the ruse has lasted this long; why would Trunks think differently?] Hello, Trunks.

Re: [Video]

[light_of_willpower]

[Shouldn't be too long then to get to the bay, as Trunks is grateful for the confirmation.]

Is it Ms. Sohma then? I'm sorry for the mistake. More concerned about your health right now, but I prefer being polite when I can. Makes things easier. Tell me what's going on, how're you feeling? Any headache?

Re: [Video]

[you_will_suffer]

[Their eyes narrow and they glance down at their chest briefly. No, everything is...concealed.]

Miss? Do I look like a Miss? [Like Yuki, if Akito were a boy, he would be cursed with being pretty.] My head is throbbing. I don't have my medicine with me.