genessia | [Video + Action]

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[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.

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[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?

[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!

[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?

[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.]

[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.

[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.

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.

[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.

[That's right. Akito is "god" to the Zodiac banquet. It still surprises Tohru that she never figured that out. She is keeping her thoughts with Akito, which is how she reaches her conclusion.]

Of course. After all, you're all family.

[The words slip out. Akito is so important to the Sohmas. And Tohru doesn't want that family to be sad.]

We're almost there. Are you hungry?

[Family. That word should bring a sense of belonging and joy. Akito could usually mimic those emotions even if, deep down, they are aware they are losing their grip on the Sohmas. But they are too exhausted to fight the panic.]

We are. We will always be family.

[Imagine them sitting alone in a room, repeating that mantra to themselves.]

I feel sick. Why would I want food?

[A mantra, which Tohru briefly echos in actions: She touches the photo in her pocket, reminding herself that she, too--

Hold on.

What was it Akito said after that?]

E, Ehh? Sick? Did you say sick? [She stops and spins around, a frantic expression overtaking her previous smile. That's right! Hasn't she heard that Hatori looks after Akito? And given how Yuki is... No no, hopefully it's nothing serious??]

I'm sorry, I didn't realize! Should I call a doctor when we're inside? I should make soup, I could make soup, I will make soup.

[She is confusing. Akito scowls, expecting that this is some sort of deception. Does Tohru want the upper-hand? Can they trust anything she makes for them?]

Calm down. [Rubbing one temple with the palm of their hand, they sigh in frustration.] And don't be so loud. I get bad headaches; Hatori is the only one that can help.

[The pain is likely caused by tension or they could be migraines. Hatori is a gifted physician, but Akito also loves him. Dearly. Possessively.]

R, Right. Gotta be calm. Be sharp! [Especially after Akito says that it's a headache. Is there medicine for that? Is Tohru's convenience store medicine even good enough for Akito?]

Leet's get in quickly. [Tohru guides them to her apartment, now more motivated than ever.] I'm no where near as smart as Hatori-san, but I think I have medicine?

[What even.] I'm not going to fall for your little...act. [That is a risk they can't take. Tohru is young, attractive and she could leave ruins behind her.]

...aspirin. [Maybe.] With your soup.

[If only they could get cool. Akito collapses into a chair inside, burying their face in their hands.]

[The meaning of those words don't register with Tohru. Act? Akito must be as annoyed with how she worries as Kyo gets! She needs to tone it down. Less selfish panic, and more helpful action!]

Yes, of course. Here, let me-- [Tohru goes to turn on her floor fan. Sure, the apartment has AC... But Tohru is not used to it, and has the fan out of habit.]

Please, rest your eyes. You can use the bedroom if the kitchen is too loud. Oh, and. [She stands up after turning on the fan. And now, asks a question that may seem like it's coming from the left field:] Are you okay with turtles?

[The cool counter feels nice against their feverish forehead. Akito exhales, long and slow, willing their pounding skull to quiet. Air from the fan cools the sweat on their skin and finally their surprisingly fragile body begins to relax.]

Turtles - ? [They lift their head slowly, carefully, eyes narrowed.] I don't think about them.

Yes.

[She's on her feet and making her way to the kitchenette. Headaches and fevers don't always go hand in hand, but she decides to play it safe. Tohru is first fetching a glass of ice water, with plans to get Akito a cool cloth next.]

You see, there's a giant turtle in the bedroom. [It's her Pokemon. Tohru is definitely ready to elaborate, but she's already returning with the glass of water.] But if he's a bother, I can move him. Your comfort comes first.

[For them, they usually do. Both offerings will be used - their sign of being appreciative - but you can bet Akito's bad temper will be back when they are feeling better.]

...a giant turtle? Really? [Now they pick themselves up and walk to said bedroom. Apartments shouldn't be that difficult to figure out, right? Oh hi, giant turtle. Akito blinks several times before kneeling down and stretching out their hand.]

[She watches Akito, trying to train her expression to be neutral. Also, failing. She doesn't sense any malice in Akito and finds herself trusting this interaction with Grotle.

The Grotle in her room is three feet tall, including the leafy hedges growing from his shell, and he lifts his head when Akito approaches. He doesn't know anything about the Sohma family. Tohru would never even mumble that guarded secret to her Pokemon. As a result, he stares at Akito with no malice. He lowers his head, inviting safe contact.]

These animals are called 'Pokemon.' They're all over this city right now. Oh, and I call him 'Akane.'

[Tohru sets the glass of water nearby, then goes back to hunt for medicine.]

[Akito is careful, touching the leafy hedges in wonder, seeing where they connect to Grotle's shell. Then they lightly touch the Pokémon's head, caressing him like they do their little birds. ~~When they aren't crushing the poor things instead.~~]

Akane...

[This is a wonderful creature and Akito sips on the water absently, watching him move about.]

He doesn't seem like a monster.

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explaining pokemon can't be done normally i'm so sorry

8( he's perfect.

five years later

<33333 you're fine!