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ximilialog2023-07-08 07:16 pm
- ! event log,
- ace attorney: kazuma asogi,
- ace attorney: phoenix wright,
- ace attorney: ryunosuke naruhodo,
- ace attorney: yujin mikotoba,
- adventure time: finn mertens,
- alice in borderland: shuntaro chishiya,
- castlevania (netflix): alucard,
- grishaverse: the darkling,
- grishaverse: zoya nazyalensky,
- gundam seed/destiny: yzak jule,
- star trek aos: james t. kirk,
- star trek aos: leonard mccoy,
- star wars: anakin skywalker,
- star wars: rey,
- the 100: clarke griffin,
- the old guard: andromache,
- the untamed: lan sizhui,
- the untamed: wei wuxian,
- wwdits: guillermo de la cruz
MISSION: ROAD TO ANKATA
● ● ● M I S S I O N 1 5 . 0
It's around noon, after a late breakfast or just before your lunch, when you get a ping in your earpiece with the alert of a new mission file. This time it's a long one, complete with not just an overview of the mission itself but also an explanation of the small companions — Cubits — that you'll be working with for the duration of the mission. Shortly after, you hear Viveca’s voice.
Perhaps this time you start your preparations at a more leisurely rate, not just because you have a full 24 hours to do them but also because the mission ahead doesn't sound so fraught with the dangers you're used to — unless you’re incredibly allergic to all animals, of course … (Meds can and will be provided in such cases.)
The next day you'll have enough time to schedule a proper breakfast, along with some last-minute packing additions, before it’s time to head to the teleportation platform. As ever, Viveca and Degar are already there, almost deliberately focused on their quiet conversation, only pausing every now and then to nod in greeting to a new arrival.
Once everyone has gathered, they both turn their attention to the team.
As if on cue, the hum of the machine amps up just as the lights get brighter and brighter — and then you feel it: the tug in the pit of your stomach, pulling you across space and time. For a moment, there's nothing but the light ... and then there are voices, echoes, whispers letting you know what's required of you during the mission.
And then they’re gone — just as the light, replaced by shining blue sky above you and lush green grass beneath your feet.
Welcome to Ankata, Orbers.
From where you stand in the Stilsweep Fields you'll have the option to choose your path between the following three towns, and a friendly wooden post will provide you with approximate directions. To your left is Goldthorp, marked by a little lightning symbol. To your right is Poppyhurst, marked by a red flame. And finally, straight ahead is Beacon’s Hill, marked by a small leaf shape. Where you decide to go will mark the start of your Cubit journey as you begin your investigations for the orb, all while learning the culture and ways of this world.
Your walk forward is pleasant, with the sun bright and warm (but not too warm!) above you in the blue sky. Puffy white clouds accompany you as you continue your trek by foot, and every now and then you may be met with a passing friendly face, or someone very determined to get to their destination. Some may be traveling alone, but almost everyone else that you pass by has a small creature that walks, glides, or flies beside them.
And soon, once you meet Professor Ginger B. Cress, it will be your turn as well.
1.0 Straight ahead you’ll continue on a path that remains uphill and as you enter the town of Beacon’s Hill, which sits on an elevated plane, you'll be able to overlook part of the ways to Goldthorp, Poppyhurst, and far off towards the horizon, the ocean (and the gentle specks of a seaside town called Mallard Harbour). Surrounded by soft, green grass and plenty of meadows to lie down in, the small and cozy town feels almost suburban with cottages that make up clusters of neighbourhood homes. There are several shops that sell the basics that can also be found in all towns across Ankata as well: empty cubitiles, healing tonics, teaching manuals, tips and tricks magazines, maps, clothing, accessories, footwear, and other beauty products to help keep your Cubit clean and happy. There are also restaurants with fresh food and packed goods that can be used on your long travels in many delicious, and local flavours to that town’s cuisine. This along with spare kindling, tents, blankets and other camping equipment will be useful on your journey.
Beacon’s Hill is home to Professor Cress’ main research lab, though she has plenty of smaller labs located in all of Ankata’s ten towns across the region. When you arrive, she’ll cheerfully greet you, offer you a brief tour of the town (which includes, homes, shops, a medical centre, her research lab … and of course the Beacon’s Hill gym), and allow you to pick your very first Cubit. She’ll also offer you three empty cubitiles and tell you that if you’d like to specialize in the grass-type, you’re in the right place.
2.0 If you decided to turn left upon your arrival, you’ll follow the friendly dirt path towards a large and looming city centre known as Goldthorp. Past the manicured stone gates you’ll easily spot the clocktower that takes centre-stage within the city as it’s the highest structure in Goldthorp and it keeps the time to the precise second, chiming a pleasant tune on the hour. The city’s gym is just behind it, a magnificent glass-domed building with a wiry metal structure resembling a gilded cage. Professor Cress will greet you at her research lab to offer you your first Cubit and give you the very basic run-down of the city’s amenities. Like Beacon’s Hill, Goldthorp features residential neighbourhoods, retail shops (with more variety than you'll find in Beacon’s Hill and include all of the necessities in different colours, styles, and makes), a medical centre, and the gym of course. Everything in Goldthorp, including the lighting, the heat, and all household appliances is powered by steam — and if you concentrate for a moment, you may hear the low sounds of pumping valves and softly clicking gears, the beating heart of the city.
Many of the locals here are accompanied by electric type Cubits and Professor Cress will confirm that Goldthorp happens to specialize in a much more concentrated population of electric type Cubits if you’re curious to add one (or two) to your team. Like those in Beacon’s Hill, Professor Cress will also hand you three empty cubitiles to start. You can always purchase additional tiles at the shops if you need more.
3.0 The path leading furthest to the right takes you towards Poppyhurst, a town that can only be reached through the Silverstake Mines. The Cubits that live within the mines are mostly rock, fighting, and ghost types; but they’re friendly enough to any Orber that passes through and can be captured without difficulty. However, without an empty Cubitile, you will have to return here after your meeting in town with Professor Cress if you’re interested in adding any of the Silverstake Mines Cubits to your team.
Cobblestone roads pave the way as you arrive into town. The buildings here are made from heavy-set stone, brick, and magical fire-resistant thatched roofing. The sweet smell of burning wood wafts in the air and the ringing sound of metal clanging against harder, more robust metal echoes from behind walls. Fire-based Cubits move to and fro, helping their masters carry materials. Some have learned to help with the crafting of weapons and goods and accessories. Poppyhurst is a town that makes its wealth through smithing, and sponsorship deals through the efforts of the gym. Even from here, you’ll be able to spot the gym in the centre of the town for its large circular girth and simple pointed roof, the structure resembling a yurt. As all other towns in Ankata, Poppyhurst also offers shops for supplies and gear for both trainers and their Cubits; there are restaurants and residential homes; and Professor Cress’ research lab, and the medical centre located in close proximity to the gym. You’ll be offered your first choice of Cubit and three empty cubitiles, but you’ll have the opportunity to purchase more if needed.
Once you've exhausted all the possibilities from the town of your arrival, it is time to set your sights on the other locations in the region — and perhaps the other gyms — and what they have to offer. The days will be pleasant, but the nights do get a little chilly. It's best to pack a light jacket and a spare pair of socks, and be sure to keep an eye out for any thick cloud-cover that moves in across the sky. Oftentimes, there will be little else you have to do but look at the map or consult the helpful signage that point to roads taking you to the nine other towns outside the one you have familiarized yourself with ... but there is always a chance that your journey may take a turn for the perilous.
4.0 After leaving Goldthorp, you will find that a herd of Volreep have made a home in the middle of a canyon that one must cross on their way to Stonington, and their combined presence there has caused a massive thunderstorm to circle around the canyon, making the journey through it a dangerous one. Going around the storm will add several days of delay, however, and take you off-course to boot, so those not wanting to waste time may want to brave it anyway and figure out a safe way through.
Meanwhile, on the road north from Beacon’s Hill, a massive Cortouga has decided to take a nap right in the middle of the road, and its snores are causing the earth in the immediate area to tremble rather badly, breaking apart the roads and causing a few trees to fall forward ... maybe you want to take a detour into the forest nearby, or maybe you’re confident that you can wake the sleeping Cubit! Either way, the road remains blocked until the Cortouga is woken up.
Right outside the Silverstake Mines, following the shore of a wide river leading downstream towards the sea, some enthusiastic Magsea are causing a bit of a disaster: seeming to be engaged in a competition amongst each other to see which of them can shoot fireballs the furthest, the entire shoreline for a few miles is either scorched or constantly burning — not the ideal conditions to take to a boat to cross the river — or walk along it! Unfortunately, the only way forward to the cities in the south involve crossing it, so you better fireproof yourself or do something about the rowdy Magsea herd.
5.0 You may also come across a traveling salesman dressed in sensible camping clothing (including plaid flannel and cargo pants, a warm woolen toque, and dark black boots), riding across Ankata’s plains on his bright red bicycle. His name is Flint Thorn and he’ll happily stop to chat with you if you happen to have any questions about any of the towns — not to boast but he’s really quite well-traveled, and has been back and forth on many an occasion getting to know the people and their Cubits quite well! — but he can also offer all manner of emergency items if you're a little too far from one town or another to help your Cubits as you earn your badges. He can offer: fruits and berries, boosts and tonics, and some very beautiful looking jewels he’d also come across after witnessing a gang who call themselves Team Torpedo attempt to mug a group of Cubit trainers just three days ago. Dangerous sort, he’ll say, and encourage you to steer clear of them if you can help it. If you’re too far away from a nearby town and are in need of emergency supplies, keep an eye out for Flint and have your wallet ready.
6.0 If and when you manage to move past the obstacles to really begin your travels, you’ll have likely acquired a map by now — either from Professor Cress herself, or through browsing one of the town shops. This will help you plot your journey and decide which town (and which gym) you want to venture to next. You’ll need money in order to keep going, and while sponsorship deals are possible if you meet and know the right people, there are also a number of other ways to earn Ankata’s common currency, the Cubit Dollar. The most lucrative way, of course, is through battling others (which lends itself the double benefit of strengthening your Cubit team and earning a profit), but one can find roles across every town in research, medical healing, rehabilitation, breeding, and selling goods which vary in earnings.
If your Cubit can fly and is large enough to carry you, you can always travel part way with your Cubit alone. The rapid-train is the fastest way to reach all of the other towns and a train-pass will take you far. At only 15 CD (Cubit Dollars) for any trainer with their identification, it’s practically a steal. This same pass will cost 20 CD for all non-trainers. Still not bad, but a little more.
Wimseyview: Light and bright, airy and pink, Wimseyview can be reached by traveling through Wimsey Forest, and is one of the smaller villages in Ankata — though it is, by no means, without all of the necessities for any Cubit trainer. Shops, a research lab, and medical centre are its staples, along with a speckling of residential homes. It is surrounded by thick, lush forest cover and trees, and lit up with beautiful glowing mushrooms, fireflies, and enchanted plantlife in all manner of colour and illumination as the ground-level remains dark almost all year round. It makes its home to the fairy-type Cubit, but the occasional water Cubit can also be found in the nearby pond. In order to earn your badge from this town, you’ll need to battle Juliette Kukui at her gym.
Oldenshard: A large graveyard town, Oldenshard is always gloomy and grey with thick cloud-cover. Wrought iron gates, worn-in cool grey stone and dark black shingled roofs characterize the town’s colouring, and its uneven cobblestone roads that wind around large swathes of graveyard plots provide its texture. These are the homes of many local ghost-type Cubits. But there is greenery too: wiry, thorny branches and vines manage to wind their way around built structures, poking into spare holes and broken stone like fingers that dig through the material. It’s quiet and calm in the town, with all the usual trainer's amenities, and while you might feel the faintest hint of unease, the locals are incredibly friendly despite their eerie appearance. Corie Graves is currently leader of the Oldenshard gym and will need to be defeated in order to earn your badge here.
Tarrytown: Straight-lined buildings, flat roofs, and postmodern shapes and silhouettes form the skyline of Tarrytown. For those who come from the 20th century Earth, you’ll almost wonder whether you’ve returned home. There are hydro poles and electrical wires strung up everywhere, and neon signage advertises shops and restaurants and other commercial and retail establishments in a foreign language that takes a moment for you to understand once your comms device kicks in. Psychic-type Cubits can most commonly be found and caught here. You’ll quickly learn that the Team Torpedo headquarters is also located here, somewhere in the heart of the downtown core … but will you listen to Thorn’s advice and proceed with earning your gym badge against Hiro Darkmoon, or will you try and investigate? Or will you try both?
Boothbay: Made up of gritty and worn lower-level storefronts that sit below two-storeys of apartment buildings, all squeezed next to each other on neighbourhood blocks with cracked asphalt roads and concrete curbs to the backdrop of a sparse speckling of taller skyscraper buildings, Boothbay manages to feel out-dated and old in a way that even the oldest towns (Poppyhurst, and Kernelshollow for example) don’t. Still, despite the graffiti art and spray-painted tags on bare walls, the town doesn’t feel unsafe … you may even find fighting-type Cubits feel most at home here, using the city as their own training ground. Emmet Redwood is the leader of Boothbay’s gym and will need to be defeated to gain this city’s badge.
Stonington: Partially hidden away within the protection of a valley and surrounded by a mountain range, the humble town of Stonington is very brown and very dry, with wooden buildings and metal framework to keep everything anchored. There is very little lush greenery here, with the cactus and desert grasses being the most common plants. A large water tower providing the town with fresh water sits next to the gym. This is the perfect place to collect your rock Cubits as they can most commonly be found here, thriving within the environment. When you’ve added one or two (or more) to your team, it’s time to challenge gym leader Heath Steele for the rock gym badge.
Mallard Harbour: With its pristine white sands and clear blue waters, arriving at Mallard Harbour may feel more like a vacation than a milestone in one’s very serious trainer’s journey to capture all of the badges before challenging the Champion. Buildings hover above the water on strong wooden stilts buried deep into the ground, reachable by bridges or by small paddle boats. These house are mostly private residences and a few exclusive restaurants. Other structures, such as shops, Professor Cress’ small research lab, and the medical centre, float on platforms, anchored to the coast with thick rope. Most of these houses are made of wood and straw and mud, with thatch roofs for shelter … or are otherwise open to the skies and the elements. Mallard Harbour is, unsurprisingly, the easiest town to capture any manner of water Cubits, but its gym leader, Nico Seabreeze, is a well-renowned sailor in his own right and will pose a challenge to capture his gym badge.
7.0 Wherever your journey takes you, if you decide to collect the gym badges, you’ll need to build your team and train them. With the spare cubitiles given to you by Professor Cress, you’ll want to use your first Cubit, whoever or whatever it may be, to challenge a wild Cubit of your choosing. As you continue to train your starter Cubit, you’ll quickly learn that certain attacks are more effective than others depending on your opponent’s ‘type’.
Other trainers that pass by may bestow certain words of wisdom to you after seeing your struggles, or they may encourage your victories, or want to challenge you to see what you’ve got. You might choose to curate a team with a finite number (five, ten, twenty), or you may decide that you want to go beyond that, to collect as many Cubits as you can to fill your Cubidex as this may not only test your strengths and ability, but collecting more information on the Cubits that live in the wild will broaden your knowledge through learning from them, studying them, and letting them, in their way, teach you.
Battle another trainer’s Cubit on your own, or team up with another trainer (whether they’re your friend or a random passerby) and find others to double-battle with. The combinations are endless, and the more experience you gain, the stronger you and your Cubits will be — all the better to prepare you for each gym battle you embark on.
Even if you decide not to pursue collecting gym badges, collecting Cubits and filling one’s Cubidex can be a great exercise in learning more about the region of Ankata and its local fauna: their personalities, their habits, their preferences, strengths, weaknesses, variations of attacks and abilities — the works.
For those who want to pursue the sweet thrill of competition, becoming a Cubit trainer and going after the title of Champion starts with victories from the gyms — and what could be more convenient than starting with the gym in the town of your arrival?
In Beacon’s Hill, a winding path through beautiful meadows will lead you to the gym. The building itself is made from brick-like stone, grass and flowers growing in its crevices, and vines climbing up towards the narrowing, moss-covered tile roof. Once you make it to the doorway, you will see a video greeting from Yuuki Comet, leader of the gym:
The gym in Goldthorp lies just past the clocktower, its glass dome reflecting the sunlight, the building itself sleek and elegant. Finding the entrance is easy: it is a heavy metallic gate — one that remains closed even as you walk closer. In front of you, a video feed of the gym’s leader, Bia Watts, starts to play.
The cobbled streets of Poppyhurst will lead you to their gym, torches lining the road there. The building, underneath its high, pointed roof, is divided into two levels, the lower of which consists of a large room with stone walls lined with engraved images, while the tiles on the floor all bear different marks. At the back of the room there is a door with an inscription on it; but before you have a chance to read it, Solara, the gym’s leader, speaks into a video screen on the side of the door.
But if chasing the gyms for glory isn't quite your bag and all you really want to do is try and find the one who carries the Champion's title already, it'll prove more tricky than you anticipated. The current Champion, Yasuo Fern seems to be a little more elusive than you'd hoped. In Mallard Harbour, you hear of him having just visited Wimseyview, but when you hurry there, you’re told he's just left for Oldenshard. And when you try to follow his footsteps there, you’re only in for disappointment as you've just narrowly missed him — but why not try Boothbay? He was definitely going there next. Or was it Stonington …?
In the end, the best and most foolproof way to get a chance to speak to Yasuo seems to be beating all ten gyms — after all, it's the leader who gets the chance to meet the current champion and challenge him for the title.
F Y I
• If you have questions about any of the prompts or the mission in general, please direct them HERE.
• Search requests will be handled a little differently for this mission. Please note you can only choose one or the other:
Regular investigations can only be conducted individually — this includes exploring specific areas and seeking to look into or speak with an NPC — submit your request HERE.• For an opportunity to get interrupted by members of Team Torpedo, reply HERE.
For an opportunity to speak with Yasuo Fern and receive prizes, players must form groups and engage in the gym battling mechanic. More info on that is located HERE.
• And finally, your soundtrack for this log: ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪
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(In the next car, a woman glances through the window leading into their car right on time to see Yujin lunge. Her jaw drops: whisking her Mardreave into her arms, she hurries away, calling for the conductor. Yujin, full of adrenaline and half-blind with rage, has missed this entirely.)
Jake won't get to finish that name. Yujin drives a fierce right hook into his jaw. Hard enough to knock him off his feet? Maybe. At the very least, it'll wipe that smug smile off his face.]
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Hrk--! [ Jake chokes, catching himself clumsily on an opposing table. The momentum of a man his size was enough to set the booth seating at a strange angle, turning the entire seat into more of a recliner situation. Jake works his jaw with a wince, reaching a hand up to spit out some of the blood pooling in his cheek. Distantly, he can hear a lady screaming for help. Even more distantly, he might be able to hear the thunder of conductor footsteps racing towards them. What stood out loudest was the high, tinny ring of his jaw vibrating all the way up to his eardrum.
Slumped against the booth like this, Yujin didn't just look tall. He looked towering. Jake might've thought it would be hard to look at him, but he found he couldn't look at anything else.
Which of course made it all the more startling when those distant footsteps suddenly weren't so distant anymore. Strong arms linked tightly around Yujin's shoulders, pinning the man's arms behind his back abruptly. Jake's wild, instinctual urge to tell the strangers to lay off is swallowed up by his persistent daze.
Were he more aware of his surroundings, he might've notice the ringing in his ears was joined by the squealing sound of breaking wheels. ]
Hands at your side, sir. [ The conductor ordered brusquely, nodding to his companion to check on Jake. ] I will restrain you further if I have to.
cw police violence...
And then, the peak of his adrenaline drops off a cliff. The ugliness sets in. The snarl of contempt in his expression untangles itself, leaving behind-- what? Betrayal? Regret? Just some sad man past his prime who allowed himself to be goaded into violence? Hell if he knows, anymore. As is, all that he's certain of is that he can't tear his gaze away from the look on Jake's face.
Just as he opens his mouth, however, Yujin feels his body pitch backward and into the rough grip of the conductor. Although he wills his body to go lax and compliant, the man's still twisting his arm in an unnatural angle. Yujin's voice goes tight with pain, and he wriggles in the man's grasp to readjust himself.] I'll cooperate, he didn't-- agh! [Only, of course, for the man to yank him backward again. He grunts and goes still, sharp eyes once again on Jake.
Meanwhile, the train officer heeds the conductor's order, elbowing Yujin sharply in the head on his way to Jake. He gives the other man a quick once over: he's obviously been struck, but he's not in need of any medical attention. He extends a hand to him-- grabs Jake's hand and pulls him up, more like-- and states firmly:
"Gentlemen, I'm going to have to ask you both to leave."
Suddenly, Yujin's senses seem to return. He blurts:] H-hold on. What stop is this? [only to break off as the conductor twists his arm once more.]
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Jake was already half off the ground before the conductor managed to utter the word gentleman. ]
Eugh... [ He groans, picking himself up from where his face had landed hard in the dirt. He spits a few times, brushing blades of dried grass from his fur -- wait, no, hair, humans called it hair -- as the train's engines roared back to life. ] Ow.
Closest town is twenty miles that way. [ The conductor points out across the field, voice muffled by the bloody handkerchief pressed to his nose. ] Sun goes down in an hour. Good luck.
[ As if to punctuate those dubious well wishes, the second conductor (this one with a black eye) heaves Yujin's luggage out onto the ground, where it promptly pops open like it had been spring loaded. Clothes and papers fluttered around them like confetti. ]
Hey, it's like a real bon voyage party. [ Jake comments idly, watching the door slam shut as the train's engines begin purring back to life. ] Not sure he meant it about the good luck though, eh, Yooj?
[ When there's no response, Jake turns towards reflexively towards the man laying beside him on the ground. ]
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Violet gets one look at All Of This before she just... turns her head with an irritated "Slow, slowysaur" and gets to work collecting Yujin's things. Clover, realizing now is not the time to screw around, starts zipping about after loose leaves of paper that're beginning to fly away in the light breeze. Behind them, the train is already slipping away towards the horizon: gone forever, and definitely not taking them those last twenty miles to civilization.
For a long moment, Yujin says nothing. He's just been unceremoniously hauled out of a train car, beside a dog-- man-- he wants nothing more than to turn around and throttle right now. But, soon enough, he rolls over, wobbles back up to his feet, then reaches down to extend a hand towards Jake. It's almost certainly the most disheveled that Jake has ever seen him. His hair's come undone, falling over his forehead and into his eyes; there's blood on his collar (whether Jake's, a conductor's, or his own is unclear); his white coat is already speckled with dirt and grass stains from that one tumble onto the ground from the train doors.]
Thank you, Jake. You've made something very clear to me at last.
[With a grimace, he states flatly:] I've gone completely insane.
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The less time spent meditating on that particular resemblance the better.
After that moment of hesitation that may a well have been a year, Jake takes Yujin's offered hand and wobbles up to his feet. ]
Oh? [ Jake asks, avoiding making eye contact as he went to assist the Cubits in gathering their things. His voice wasn't flat so much as eerily conversational, a mirror of the particularly unpleasant tone he'd taken before... well, you know. ] How's that, man?
youre welcome jake
Meanwhile, Yujin-- also avoiding making eye contact with Jake, but just because he'll be tempted to punch him a second time-- also begins to pick his things up off the ground alongside his loyal Cubit. He grabs an armful of notebooks from his Slowysaur's vines, straightens them in a hurry, then stuffs them back into his bag.
The honest answer to his question? Yujin's still livid. Although he had struck first, it was only because he'd been goaded by Jake. And yet, Jake had fought for him, then tumbled off the train right alongside him. The two of them are almost certainly banned from the train system for the rest of the time they're in Ankata.
But, undeniably... tussling with the police? Jumping out of a moving train? If he'd had any other reason to be doing this, it might've almost been fun. And that, of all things, makes him even angrier.]
Any man would, dealing with you! Look where it's got us! [He throws his hands up into the air. Now, both Yujin and Violet are glaring at Jake.] This was supposed to be a short trip: I don't have a Cubit that can transport us, and I haven't got any of my camping supplies, and you-- you--
[Yujin stops short, narrowing his eyes. He points a sudden accusatory finger at Jake.]
Your damned bullet wound isn't even covered! What are we supposed to do now?!
just when i thought we were out, you pull me back in
He'd even allowed himself the brief, wild thought that at least that's over. Followed, selfishly, by maybe we'll never have to talk about any of that again.
And then Yujin had to go and say that--]
Me!? [ Jake blurts, gesturing to himself with his bad arm out of spite. ] Did you hit your head on a rock or something!? I'm serious, I'm concerned!
[ He doesn't sound concerned. ]
'Cuz if you seriously think every single thing that happened just now wasn't 100% on you, you need to get your dang head examined.
no subject
Fantastic! We're both insane.
[Unluckily for Jake, Yujin's concern for Jake's injuries and how pissed off he currently is at him are not mutually exclusive. Already, he's mentally assessing the damage on that half-healed wound, even as he continues to... yell ineffectually at him in this grassy clearing in the middle of nowhere.]
Don't forget that it was you who egged me on, Jake. I wouldn't have hit you if you didn't deserve it.
[What had even started this argument, again? Everything prior to what'd made him punch Jake seems as hazy and far away as the train itself.]
cw: being insensitive to period-accurate homophobia 'cuz you're from the future and also a dog
Unfortunately, the closest Jake gets to appreciating any of that is when he bitterly scans their surroundings for a good throwing rock. ]
Egged you on!? [ It's impressive how even as a human, Jake somehow manages to growl. ] --I mean, whatever, maybe in the end, but come on. You freaked out over a joke. You're still freaking out over a joke! You're too old to be this bonkers sensitive, man!
[ Jake stretches his hand into a fleshy megaphone, which does nothing to amplify the sound of his voice but a lot to unsettle. ]
Newsflash, homie: nobody cares if you like guys!
more cw period internalized homophobia, george cecil ives we're really in it now
I care!
[And for a second that seems to span much, much longer, those two words hang, damning, in the air. Even Yujin looks a little stunned. And then, seizing his luggage with a huff, he turns on his heel and begins to march in the vague direction of town. His shoes trample through the tall grass: already ruined by now, no doubt. Violet trots after him in a hurry, hustling her short legs until she's back at her trainer's heels once more.]
Look. [he continues, still fuming as he stomps through the brush.] Yes. I care for men as well as I do women. But it was frowned upon. I have had to be cautious for--
[he's not going to count the exact number of years; it'll only make him more upset] --a long, [he falters, stumbling a little on a halfway decent throwing walk,] long while.
A year on the Ximilia is scarcely any time at all, next to that.
no subject
That they should find the root rot now, stranded in a run of the mill forest with only each other to blame, was so comparatively mundane. Jake didn't feel like celebrating when Yujin brushes past him. The full, pleasant feeling he got after an afternoon spent bickering with Yujin over music -- or books, or hobbies, or (most relevantly) boys -- was missing entirely. In its place was profound certainty that letting Yujin walk away from him now meant they'd never walk toward each other again.
So Jake doesn't walk at all; he takes off at a jog, settling into a brisk stride to keep pace with Yujin's. ]
Well, obviously, if I'd known that--! [ Jake groans at the lack of response from Yujin, snapping his fingers loudly by his ear in an attempt to get the guy to just look at him. It's a petulant, immature tactic and thus right at home in Jake's argument strategy thus far. ] You can't just keep everything locked up and then act surprised when you get hurt!
[ There's a raggedness to Jake's words, eyes glued to Yujin's set profile as the forest canopy above them grows denser and the sun darker. Jake continues insistences that Yujin stop, slow down, wait are only interrupted by the occasional stumble.
After the largest stumble step yet, Jake reaches out to finally grab at Yujin's shirt -- half to keep himself upright, half to finally stop him for good. ]
Dude. [ He swallows hard, grip tightening stubbornly. ] If you don't stop so we can freakin' talk, I'm gonna make you stop.
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But he can't hold out forever. Borne down by exhaustion, the sudden sincerity in Jake's voice, he finally stops abruptly when Jake pulls him back.
By now, the fire in him has died down. All he is is tired. He doesn't turn, nor does he have it in him to snap at Jake again. Instead, he states lamely:]
All right.
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All right. [ Jake echoes, sounding somehow both relieved and terrified at once. The sun was low in the sky now, turning what little still dappled through the tree cover into shades of deep honeyed orange. He looks past Yujin's shoulder, then over his own, never quite allowing his own gaze to settling in one spot very long. ] All right, I...
[ It takes a swallow for him to meet his friend's eye, however momentarily. ]
I think first thing's first, we should find somewhere to weather the night. It gets cold as a bin lid in this part of the island. [ It wasn't exactly the kind of talking Jake wanted, or surely not the talking Yujin expected after that impassioned display, but. It was something. It was an entire two sentences given without any insult in them at all. Jake wasn't the type to keep a close accounting of the way he spoke to others, but... something told him it'd been a while.
His grip on Yujin's shirt hasn't loosened yet. ]
Once we're somewhere warm and dry we can, like... [ Raking a hand over his hair, Jake looks momentarily distraught by how to finish the sentence. ] Be real, you and me.
[ Finally. ]
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[It's funny, that hand balled tightly in his shirt. Yujin thinks of Susato-- seven and a half, wailing at the top of her lungs, and pleading with him not to depart for a week-long business trip. He almost hadn't, he recalls, because of how immense of a relief it'd been: at long last, she had deemed him an irrevocable piece of her small world, and she refused with all her heart that he might leave it again.
At last, he turns. He only catches Jake's eye briefly before his gaze darts off again, the deep red-orange hues of the setting sun casting themselves onto the familiar-unfamiliar profile of his friend's face.]
I think... I think that'd be for the best. [he answers quietly.
Staying put isn't much. But, he has to admit to himself, it really is a great relief.]
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That's the trouble with desire, Jake thinks as he releases his grip on Yujin's shirt. Suffering couldn't exist without it, according to the books he'd read. And the thing is, Jake really did believe that.
But he also believed that, once in a long while, the joy gained made up for that suffering it took to get keep it. Even when that joy finds you in a world that doesn't belong to either of you; lost and chilly and staring back with a hurt you couldn't stand having put there. ]
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When Jake ventures into the woods to find some decent firewood, he returns to a circle of stones and a tidy pile of Yujin's notes. They were pre-shredded by Yujin himself, as if to signal to Jake that he shouldn't question using them as kindling.
And when Yujin discovers a gathering of Cubits around the base of a fruit tree, it only takes two failed jumps for a (regrettably fleshy) platform to appear at his side. While the lower branches were picked clean by passing Cubits, Yujin was pleased to find the higher parts of the tree untouched. The small red fruits had slick shine to them, difficult to grasp in large quantities... particularly while also keeping his grip on the tree with bruised knuckles. But then, one glance back down will reveal the Jake-platform morphed into a Jake-basket plenty large enough to toss the fruits into.
It was the sort of effortless anticipation that's easy to forget was there, provided you never left room for silence in your friendship before now.
When the light from the retreating sun fades in favor the moon's cooler glow, their campsite was in surprisingly fine fettle. They wouldn't be getting their picture taken for a magazine or anything, but the fire cast an inviting glow and the shallow cave beneath an outcropping of rocks appears significantly cozier after Jake's handiwork. A cushion of clothes was laid out over the floor, providing a barrier between them and the cold earth below. Large, makeshift pillows were scattered inside, cobbled together out of Yujin's sweaters and gathered leaves. Clover wastes no time claiming the largest one for himself immediately, resembling a pearl nestled inside a giant clam. ]
Sweet haul, man. [ Jake comments, peering into the contents of the Jake-basket. Everything about his demeanor was effortlessly casual; you'd never know it was the first words they'd spoken directly to each other in two hours. ] Good to know we won't go hungry.
[ Jake tips the fruit into Yujin's now-empty case before reverting the basket back into his left hand. ]
Have you tried one yet?
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Settling into tonight's makeshift camp feels like one of those rests. For all the hurt that still hangs between him and Jake, there's already an understanding there, tying them together by mere presence alone. By hard work. By shared fortune and misfortune, and by burdens carried together.
He's watching Clover ruffle himself into a little ball of feathers when Jake, breaking that silence at last, pulls him out of his reverie.]
We did better than I hoped. [he replies, stretching his hands nearer to the crackling fire. After all, they'd been kicked off the train with next to nothing on them. His hands come to rest back at his sides again when Jake transfers their little harvest from his hand-basket to the empty case: the hard, red fruits tumble in, colliding with each other with a soft rumble like a drumroll.
Yujin takes one of the strange Ankatan fruits, rubbing it clean against his shirt sleeve. He brings it to his mouth, and his teeth sink through the tart skin and into the sweet, pink flesh with a crunch: the texture of a crisp persimmon, its flavor crossed strangely with a plum. Or a peach? He's not sure. Yujin utters an approving hum.]
They're good.
[The hesitant ghost of a smile crosses his lips. A second later, it's gone, because the basket of fruit is again his friend's hand, marred by burns far along, but not quite finished, in their healing. Yujin's eyes walk along, stopping at the bullet wound (unsightly but healing) and ending on Jake's bruised cheek-- new, blooming, his fault.]
Does it still hurt?
[He forgets to specify what. Maybe he's asking about everything. He's not entirely sure.]
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It wasn't until later in life that Jake came to appreciate those rests that Yujin settled into so naturally. A noisy life was great, until you wanted to hear yourself think. Or, in Jake's case, grieve.
He glances over at Yujin, watching the man's mustache twitch from tartness in the wavering glow of firelight. It isn't long before the man was looking back at him. Or more specifically, looking him over. His own mustache quirks a little at that, following Yujin's eyes to where they lay still against his cheek.
That was another advantage about silences, wasn't it? They left room to notice the tiny invisible things in life, such as words left unspoken by a dear friend. ]
Hurt? Nah, man. [ Jake smiles ruefully, rubbing it out of habit. The skin was still swollen, tender to the touch, but the pain only came when Jake pressed on the bruise. He's still pressing it, almost academically, as he sinks down by the fire and invites Yujin to do the same. ] Don't get me wrong though, it was still pretty awesome that you decked me. Didn't know you had it in ya.
[ But that was a lie, wasn't it? Jake sighs, the mask of good humor fading to something more contemplative as he turns his attention towards the fire. When Yujin doesn't immediately sit beside him, Jake continues with glib efficiency: ] If you don't park your ass right here in two seconds, I'm gonna pick you up and tip you over like I did all-a them joojee fruits.
[ A joking threat, but certainly not an idle one. ]
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I'm full of surprises. [Yujin settles in, staring into the fire with a dry, ironic expression on his face.] Also, you made me.
[The joke softens the sting of remembering the entire argument, but not entirely. Pulling his knees in closer, he rests his arms around them-- not pulling them into his chest completely, but still crouched protectively into himself. Dirty, exhausted, and in this almost boyish pose, it makes for a strange, vulnerable sight.
There's a moment of stillness. Clover yawns, then ruffles his feathers once more before he falls asleep and begins to faintly snore. Yujin finishes the Ankatan fruit-- for all its resemblance to stone fruit, there isn't actually a pit-- and wipes its juice off his mouth with the back of his hand.
Now is as good as time as any for them both to face the music.]
Would you like to speak first, or shall I?
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