Goro Akechi (Bad End AU) (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
seekerofjustice) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
personavelvetroomdr2024-08-16 01:11 pm
seekerofjustice) wrote in personavelvetroomdr2024-08-16 01:11 pm
Entry tags:
(Open) Sick Days
When Dove woke up this morning, he felt... strange. He felt sluggish, heavy, his head was pounding (Without questioning Maruki's reality, at that...?!), he felt warm, he felt cold... A lot of things that didn't really make any sense.
'How odd', he thought to himself. 'Why do I feel so... awful?'
He could have stayed in bed. He could have just rested up, and gotten back up and at 'em the next day, or whenever he started feeling better... but really, he wouldn't be Akechi if he wasn't stubborn.
So he got up, and decided to try to go about his daily routine...
--
Option 1: He decides to visit Leblanc first, trying to get a cup of coffee for the sake of waking himself up. Unfortunately for him, his stomach curls as he begins brewing the coffee... Ugh, why does it make him feel worse when he smells the coffee...?
Unfortunately, he's slow as molasses so if anyone else wants a cup, then that may be a problem...
Option 2: He's passing through the Velvet Room, looking practically like a zombie. He's pale, he's clammy, and yet he still keeps going. He opens the door from Tokyo, and as he reaches the door to Iwatodai he simply stares blankly at the doorknob. He... needs a second, he tells himself. His head's spinning a bit as he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
...What's he even trying to accomplish, anyway? He's not entirely sure, he just feels terrible. It's not like it's time to go to Tartarus anyway, it's way too early in the day for that...
Option 3: He's next to the subway as the various cognitions pass him by, completely oblivious to how he feels a gust of wind could knock him over.
He can't lay off his training. He knows that. He knows that, and yet... he feels like absolute garbage. He's holding his phone in his hand, staring at it with a glazed look in his eye. Can he really fight like this? It's a horrible idea, especially when he's alone... He also knows that.
He's duty-bound to continue his training though, so he gets ready to click the Meta-Nav on his phone... This is a horrible idea.
'How odd', he thought to himself. 'Why do I feel so... awful?'
He could have stayed in bed. He could have just rested up, and gotten back up and at 'em the next day, or whenever he started feeling better... but really, he wouldn't be Akechi if he wasn't stubborn.
So he got up, and decided to try to go about his daily routine...
--
Option 1: He decides to visit Leblanc first, trying to get a cup of coffee for the sake of waking himself up. Unfortunately for him, his stomach curls as he begins brewing the coffee... Ugh, why does it make him feel worse when he smells the coffee...?
Unfortunately, he's slow as molasses so if anyone else wants a cup, then that may be a problem...
Option 2: He's passing through the Velvet Room, looking practically like a zombie. He's pale, he's clammy, and yet he still keeps going. He opens the door from Tokyo, and as he reaches the door to Iwatodai he simply stares blankly at the doorknob. He... needs a second, he tells himself. His head's spinning a bit as he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
...What's he even trying to accomplish, anyway? He's not entirely sure, he just feels terrible. It's not like it's time to go to Tartarus anyway, it's way too early in the day for that...
Option 3: He's next to the subway as the various cognitions pass him by, completely oblivious to how he feels a gust of wind could knock him over.
He can't lay off his training. He knows that. He knows that, and yet... he feels like absolute garbage. He's holding his phone in his hand, staring at it with a glazed look in his eye. Can he really fight like this? It's a horrible idea, especially when he's alone... He also knows that.
He's duty-bound to continue his training though, so he gets ready to click the Meta-Nav on his phone... This is a horrible idea.
Option 3
After all if mementos is still here it’d be good to keep her skills up.
Though she’s surprised to see Dove here! They keep running into each other how fun! Unaware of anything being off, Hanne jogs over with a wave.
“Dove-San! Hi!” She greets cheerily...
And loud.
Re: Option 3
"...? Oh, Hannei-san."
He manages a small smile, but he just feels exhausted. Probably looks like it, too, being pale and rather clammy.
"I wasn't expecting to see you here... How have you been?"
His voice is a little quieter than normal as well, but he's doing his best to mask how bad he feels. Just try to seem like nothing's wrong, Dove...
Re: Option 3
“I’ve been good! Keeping busy” she bounces on her heels.
“I’ve been looking into the tv Chanel’s lately. Did you know there’s a whole channel dedicated to those Gorb things? It’s really neat!” Oh god she’s found the Gorb Chanel.
She tilts her head a bit, noticing something off about Dove.
…
She doesn’t ask yet. Instead she asks.
“What about you? Whatcha up to?”
no subject
"Haha, yes, it is quite interesting isn't it? They're always doing something or other on there..."
His own experiences with the Gorbs on television is quite strange, it's almost like they know what he's thinking at the time he turns the channel on...
There's a quiet pause as he thinks about that, but then Hannei asks about what he's up to, which snaps him out of his thoughts again.
"...Oh, I was considering visiting Mementos. I tend to go there for some of my training... I need to be prepared for when I return home, after all."
He keeps up the smile as he looks back at the phone. Well... If Hannei is here, perhaps he can put it off until later, at least.
So he starts putting away his phone, turning more properly to face Hannei. Come on, don't think about how your head hurts, just keep focused...
no subject
Though hearing about a mementos dive, she perks up.
“Oh! Well if you’re going I can come with if you want?” She tilts her head the other way.
“I haven’t been yet myself, didn’t seem safe to go in alone when I don’t know how similar it’ll be to the mementos I’m familiar with” she bounces on her heels again. Plus if something is wrong sticking with dove would be the better option until she figures out what.
no subject
"...Oh? All right, in that case..."
He pulls his phone back out, and begins pulling up the Meta-Nav. He narrows his eyes slightly as he reads through it, dealing with the haze of the headache.
"Are you ready to depart, then? I can't speak for the Mementos in your world, but... it resembles the one from my own rather well..."
On her cue, he'll press the button.
no subject
“Ready when you are, Dove-san”
She’ll figure out what’s wrong. And investigate this world’s mememtos along the way!
no subject
"Mementos."
The world begins shifting around the two of them, and Dove actually has to close his eyes as it makes him feel more ill. Oh, he severely underestimated how ill that would make him feel, ugh...
"..."
Soon enough, the two find themselves in Mementos, familiar as ever... Dove keeps his eyes closed for a few seconds longer, and takes a deep breath.
He's wearing his prince-like attire and red mask now, and he's wielding his blade and model gun.
"...Here we are. As I said, it's quite similar to the version from my world... Does it look familiar to you?"
He finally opens his eyes again, turning to look towards Hannei.
no subject
Well, some things never change huh?
Feeling her metaverse outfit form around her, she takes a moment to adjust her mask, which looks a bit more vicious for someone so sweet, before turning to face Dove.
“Looks the same as it does back home. Might be a good thing then” she’s going to consider it that for now. It means she has some information about what she’s getting into.
no subject
"You have quite a nice mask. The yellow lens are a nice touch..."
...He pauses though, looking at her eyes a little more closely. Something about them seems... a little different.
"...? Your eyes..."
...Maybe it's his imagination? He's not sure, perhaps the fact he's feeling off is making his eyes play tricks on him.
no subject
You know, maybe the more vicious look does fit better than it appears.
Though Dove noticing her eyes. She actually smirks at that.
“You noticed huh? Nothing gets past an akechi!” She hums, then lifts her mask to her forehead to show off her face properly.
Namely her eyes, which look like the yellow of a shadow.
“It’s because of my distortion. At least that’s what Akechi-Kun theorizes.” She says, like this is a proper explanation.
no subject
But his eyes actually widen a bit when he sees her eyes, now bright yellow-- the look of a Shadow.
"...A result of your distortion... I suppose it's possible. Cognitive psience and the workings of cognition are rather difficult to pin down, so it's certainly as good a guess as any other."
...Why does he feel short of breath after saying all of that? It wasn't that much...
Again, he takes another breath, turning back to face Mementos proper. Just stay firm and calm, Dove, you'll be fine...
"I suppose I should ask what layer you feel most comfortable challenging. I've only been able to challenge Sheriruth in my current state, but if you feel confident..."
no subject
“It’s our best guess for now. Unless we learn otherwise.” She shrugs, like figuring out what’s wrong with you is no big deal.
Instead, when dove turns to face mementos, she gives a stretch.
“Sheriruth sounds fine to me. I’ll do my best to support you then. But I’ll let you know if I have any issues” it’s a role she’s played before.
She can support. She can help.
Fenrir is ready for a fight.
And if something is wrong that Dove is hiding she’ll be there to help when he needs it.
no subject
"I see... In that case, shall we be off?"
He begins stepping forward, and... oh, he also underestimated the pressure in the air around Mementos. His shoulders sag slightly, but he does his best to keep himself upright and focused.
"Sheriruth, then..."
As he starts inputting the location into his phone, he can't help but take another somewhat deep breath as he feels a rush of nausea hit him again. Ugh...
There's a quiet pause as he feels it, not quite ready to confirm the location.
"...Sheriruth... Yes, of course..."
After a handful more seconds, he forces himself to keep going, and again, their surroundings shift... to one of the safe areas in Sheriruth.
Dove can't help but put a hand to his head this time with the shifting scenery.
"...Well, let's begin moving, shall we?"
As he starts heading for the stairs downward.
no subject
Oh yeah something is wrong, and he seems to be trying to push forward anyways.
Hm.
Hm hm.
She squints slightly but says nothing as they reach their destination, following after Dove easily.
It wouldn’t be the first time she’s seen Akechi try and work while not at 100%. And Dove is sweet so he probably doesn’t want to worry her.
Or he doesn’t think it’s that bad.
She needs more information.
“So, we’re just going after the roaming shadows right?”
no subject
"Yes, that's the plan... It's just simple training today, no need to press further than this layer or anything grandiose."
His grip on his blade tightens... and yet he feels it's not as tight as he'd like. He doesn't have enough energy to hold it quite as firmly as normal.
As they reach the next floor, Dove begins moving forward, staying close to the wall. After all, it's not as though he has a vehicle to just plow through enemies with. Oh, how some part of him wishes he did. That would be incredibly convenient today...
Up ahead he spots a single Shadow, one that hasn't quite noticed the duo yet... All right, it's time. His eyes shift towards Hannei, and he gives her a quiet nod.
He's ready to strike when she is.
no subject
She adjusts her grip on her claw weapons, and when she spots the shadow she gives Dove a nod.
She’ll follow his lead.
And she’s more than ready to pounce!
no subject
"...Robin Hood...! Eigaon!"
As he pulls it away, and the familiar figure of Robin Hood appears behind him, the Shadow-- now revealed to be a replica of the Kushinada-Hime Persona, is surrounded by darkness erupting beneath its feet...
...Unfortunately the noise of the Shadow's shrieking catches the attention of two other Shadows, one that resembles Queen Mab and one more Kushinada-Hime. Thankfully, none of them were prepared for the ambush, so Hannei has a chance to launch her own offensive!
no subject
She comes out of hiding and dashes into the fight, only pausing to reach for her mask and call her persona.
“Fenrir! Freidyne!”
The wolf like persona forms behind her with a howl, and The nuclear spell hits the Queen Mab and she readies to pounce if directed.
Pay attention.
Know your enemies weakness.
Show no mercy!
no subject
"Nuke skills... Focus your efforts on the Kushinada-Hime, if I recall, they're weak to it...!"
So he shifts his own attention to the Queen Mab, and with a hint of a wobble in his starting step, he charges forward to deliver a swift slash to the Shadow!
The second Kushinada-Hime, the one that hasn't been hit, unleashes a blast of ice towards both Dove and Hannei!
Dove, unfortunately, does not have the energy to dodge, thus taking the brunt of the spell with a gasp. He staggers as he tries to disengage the Queen Mab, but does not fall.
no subject
She does react in time to block the incoming attack, taking the hint with a flinch, though seeing Dove stager snaps her attention to him.
Keep an eye on health.
Don’t let your team mate get too low.
Don’t back down.
Cover him!
“Do any of them reflect Nuclear?” She calls, if two of them are weak, then she’d rather use one attack to knock them down.
no subject
Cue the Queen Mab Shadow deciding it isn't happy with Dove's attempt at offense, as it raises a hand towards him, letting out a burst of flames!
Dove does manage to dodge this one, though just barely. His legs wobble slightly as he steadies himself.
"...Kougaon...!"
The Queen Mab Shadow gets a blast of light in return for its own attack, finally fading away into nothing as Dove takes a quiet breath.
That just leaves the two Kushinada-Hime Shadows, the other one of which is raising her hand to let another Mabufula loose!
Dove grits his teeth, and calls out again.
"Another one... Prepare yourself...!"
no subject
Don’t let him fall.
Don’t let him-
“Oh no you don’t! Mafreidyne!” She calls out another attack, hoping to intercept the shadows attack and knock them down.
She can take a hit.
She can take a hit.
And if she puts herself between Dove and the incoming attack then he won’t be as injured.
Right?
no subject
Dove can't help but look at Hannei with a noticeable concern as he tries to straighten himself back up...
"Don't put yourself in danger...! I'll be fine. Please, don't worry..."
...OK, that's a lie with how he's breathing a bit more heavily than earlier. He's already fatigued, and he's going to have a hard time going forward at this rate...
But he stands up and again calls upon Robin Hood...
"E... Eigaon...!"
Again, a burst of darkness appears around the Queen Mab, which staggers as it's hit. This is your chance, Hannei!
no subject
“I can take a hit” is all she says in response to Dove’s concern.
She knows for sure now, he can’t take one currently.
And when the shadow staggers she dashes forward and slashes with her claws at the shadow.
“Die already!!” She growls as she swipes
She’ll have to heal him after this.
Don’t let your teammate fall.
no subject
"..."
Dove quietly sighs a breath of relief, looking towards Hannei with a small smile.
"You did excellently. I need to..."
He's interrupted by a shiver. Oh yeah, he was hit by ice... On top of feeling sick, well, now he has a chill.
"...I need to pick up the pace, now don't I?"
He tells himself that, at least. If he was stronger, then perhaps he'd be able to withstand feeling sick like this-- no... that's not how it works, some part of him knows, but it certainly feels like he needs to.
Imagine if it happened when he's supposed to face Maruki. That would be the worst, and if he can't push through now, then imagine it then... He needs to be able to do what's needed, and how he feels doesn't matter in the long run.
At least, that's what he tells himself.
"Do you need healing? I have another Persona that would be able to..."
no subject
She squints at him a moment, then approaches him.
Then she just.
Pokes his cheek, not hard, her gloves have claws after all.
“That’s my line” she says, “I can heal you if needed.” She then squints at him, poking his cheek again.
“you’re sick aren’t you.” She states rather than asks.
She figured it out!
Now she just needs to figure out how to get him to admit he needs rest.
no subject
He just kind of blinks when she pokes him... and he pauses when she brings up that he's sick.
"Huh? I..."
...Is that what it is? He doesn't ever remember being sick in his entire life, but now that she says that... Of course he's sick, why didn't he realize that? That should have been the first thing he thought of...
"...I... am sick, yes. I woke up feeling rather off-kilter this morning, and... well, I knew I still had things I needed to attend to..."
Despite saying that, he sounds weirdly uncertain about it...
Thanks, Maruki, for scrambling his brain enough that he couldn't even process he was sick.
"There's no need to worry though, I'll be fine..."
He tries to walk a bit further into Mementos, but he stumbles slightly over the railroad tracks. He manages to catch himself just barely, but it's clear he's definitely not focused and he's exhausted.
no subject
Oh good he admits he is sick. She was worried she’d have to be stubborn about it like when Akechi-kun insisted on trying to do a metaverse dive when sick-
Nope she spoke too soon. She frowns when dove insists he’s fine.
“No you’re not” she huffs. And pokes his cheek again. Fine, if he’s going to be like that…
“Don’t be stubborn. What do you think will happen if you collapse in a fight? There’s only two of us.” Then she’s going to treat this like when she had to convince her akechi to take a break when sick.
With logic.
no subject
He takes a deep breath, and closes his eyes as he tries to switch Personas. It takes more effort than he'd like to be able to focus on the Persona he wants, but after a couple of seconds he opens his eyes again.
"Diarama...!"
Suddenly another Persona appears rather than Robin Hood... This one being Parvati, who holds out a hand towards Hannei. A soft glow appears around her, and she may feel the pain of some of her injuries fade.
He very much seems to ignore his own condition though... and tries to ignore the poking. It's actually a little... annoying, is that the word? He doesn't feel well, and the poking is a lot more frustrating than it should be. He knows that Hannei means well though, so...
"...I'm not going to collapse. I assure you, I'm quite capable of... continuing to..."
Oh, maybe he's used a bit too much energy on spells. He feels pretty lightheaded now...
"...Fight. I can still fight. I... won't let anything happen to..."
He doesn't finish his sentence, but he means to say he won't let Hannei fight on her own. She's not going to get hurt on his watch.
no subject
She could have done that herself.
She sighs.
“You look about ready to collapse right now. Can you even heal yourself?” She challenges.
You’re not the only one who can be stubborn, and she learned from the best!
She pokes his cheek one more time before finally pulling away to cross her arms. “I mean it. I’ll carry you back to the surface if I have to.”
She’s worried. And he’s sick.
no subject
"...Of course I can heal myself... Here, I'll show you. Parvati..."
And he focuses-- or rather tries to. Unfortunately too much effort is being used to remain standing, and the spells he was already using took way more energy than they should have... Parvati does not appear behind him, and instead he's just standing there, sweating profusely.
He just did it. He just healed her, why can't he...?
So... he tries again. This time trying harder.
"...Diarama...!"
There's still no response from Parvati, and instead of being able to heal her, he just feels a rush of dizziness.
His legs wobble a bit before they finally cave in, and he lands on his knees. His head's spinning, and Parvati isn't appearing...
"...?"
He manages to look up at Hannei after a couple of seconds, feeling a little-- actually no, very frustrated.
"...This proves nothing..."
'This proves nothing'-- Dove, you're on the ground. Hannei's absolutely made her point.
no subject
But only for a moment.
No instead she pokes his forehead and calls for her own persona.
“Fenrir, Diarahn” she deadpans, and as the wolf persona appears and healing magic hits Dove, she takes a step back and sets her hands on her hips.
“I repeat. You are sick” she is seriously considering just dragging him back out. “Now do you want me to carry you, or get Fenrir to scruff you?” …wait can he do that? Also Dove probably can walk!… maybe, the healing might at least help with that?
no subject
"..."
He takes a quiet breath, feeling a little more rested after that... and he lowers his head, raising a hand up with a small wave.
"...No, no, that's not necessary. I can walk..."
As he starts rising back up to his feet, he wavers just a little, but manages to get back up to standing.
"...I wasn't aware your Persona could do such a thing though. Fascinating..."
He seems to have accepted his defeat as he starts turning around, and walking back towards the entrance. He's a bit slow, but it does seem that he's doing better than just a moment ago.
no subject
“Have you never summoned a persona and just let them hang out? I’ve done it with Fenrir before, and I know Akechi-kun can, but I think he doesn’t really do that since loki bugs him.” Maybe it’s just something that happens in her world? Hm, she can maybe ask about that later.
First priority is making sure Dove gets out of mementos safe, and then get him home.
… actually speaking of home.
“Where do you live by the way? I can walk you there.” She tilts her head. “Or somewhere else where you can get some food. Soup helps when you’re sick” and unfortunately she isn’t allowed in the kitchen so it’s probably better if someone else can cook any food
no subject
"No, I can't say I have. It never occurred to me to try it, but perhaps I should..."
He struggles connecting with his Personas, but this could be a way to improve his bond and understanding with them. Judging by the fact that he feels something in the back of his mind... Robin Hood, perhaps? Seeming to respond to that thought, then he definitely should.
He snaps out of his thoughts when Hannei asks where he lives though.
"...Hmm? I've taken up residence in one of the apartments in the cognitive version of Tokyo here in the Velvet Room... I can show you the way once we're out of here..."
Honestly, the idea of eating something makes his stomach wrap itself in knots right now, ugh... But he hasn't actually had much of anything to eat today, so perhaps he should...
"...If you would like to stop somewhere though, we certainly can..."
OK, they've made it back to the stairs without much trouble, at least, so that's good. Now it's just a matter of getting up to the safe room, teleporting back, and then leaving.
no subject
“I’d recommend it, let me know how it goes if you do” she hopes it goes well for him.
Oh apartments! That makes sense she nods at that. “That’d be nice! I’d probably need to learn the way anyways if we’re going to have that featherman marathon” sucks that he got sick before they could properly schedule that, but oh well.
“Fluids are important when you’re sick, so yes we’re doing that” …so yeah she’s stopping to pick up some food on the way back that’s for sure.
To the safe room! She can’t let her guard down just yet. They’re still in mementos after all
no subject
Next time he's in Mementos-- and feeling better, he'll have to try it out.
"Ah, yes... The marathon. It is a shame I came down with something now, otherwise we could have been doing that, instead... Apologies for the poor timing, Hannei-san."
As the duo make it into the safe area, Dove starts pulling out his phone once more.
"We need to return to the entrance..."
He stares blankly at the phone for a second before slowly inputting the entrance as their next location.
"..."
The world shifts around the duo again, and Dove takes a deep breath as he closes his eyes and lets it happen... without looking this time, he's not repeating that mess from when they first entered.
"Fluids... Yes, of course. I will admit, my experience with illness is... quite limited. This is the first time I can recall actually being sick, so do forgive my ignorance..."
He's actually rather embarrassed and frustrated by it, but he doesn't have the energy to deal with it right now.
no subject
“You didn’t get sick on purpose. It’s not your fault” she can’t hold it against him.
Just means she gets more time to plan out the snacks hehe!
She stays with dove as they’re transported to the entrance. Thankfully she’s not being judgmental about the sick thing.
“Well, it’s a good thing I’m here then!” She grins. “I helped Muhen-San when akechi-kun got sick one time. He was being really stubborn about it! But I’ll be able to help” let’s see, what did Muhen have her do last time.
Fluids, that was important, medicine, and lots of rest. Ok, she can do that!
no subject
"I'll simply have to bring even better snacks for us when it's time, now won't I?"
Perhaps that's not the best thing he can do, but at the very least he can guarantee that he'll bring the best he can find for their marathon.
But he can't help but be a little surprised, hearing about her Akechi and his own bout with illness.
"It sounds as though you have experience with stubbornness, then."
If her Akechi was that stubborn... Honestly, it's not everyday he hears a similarity between himself and the 'real' Akechi.
no subject
“I’ll hold you to it. But first you need to get better”
Oh yeah she knows stubborn, she is stubborn! Especially when she wants to get what she wants.
And what she wants is to help her friend.
“That’s Akechi-kun for you! I’m willing to bet it’s a constant” at least from what she’s observed so far. Some things don’t change huh?