Hijikata Toshirou (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
mayoninofukucho) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
avalononline2021-04-08 01:35 pm
mayoninofukucho) wrote in avalononline2021-04-08 01:35 pm
Video | UN: hijikata | Irregular Quest: Keep a Man out of the Sun for a Day
[It's after dinnertime on another rainy evening when a new video pops up on AOL. Hijikata has never posted anything on the network before (beyond responses to other people), so he's not exactly a familiar face... but those who do know him may be surprised by the changes to his outfit and the large black wings on his back. He looks a lot more composed than usual and gives the camera a slow blink before starting to speak.]
My name is Arashi. I am the familiar of Hijikata-san, whose body I am inhabiting by means of familiar fusion to bring you this message. I am afraid that I find myself in need of some assistance.
[He seems to be in a hotel room, and attentive listeners may be able to catch the occasional high-pitched little noise in the background, as if there were guinea pigs or other small pets running around. Arashi keeps a straight face.]
It has come to my attention that Hijikata-san has been struggling to reverse the impact of the wishes that were made about two months ago. I cannot maintain the familiar fusion state for very long, so I seek the support of anyone willing and able to keep him away from the sunlight for a day.
[What the reclusive crow tengu isn't telling the viewers: due to the heavy rains he decided to check on his bond partner, only to find his hotel room full of mayonnaise mascots. When the flooding began Hijikata had fetched them in a panic from the smallholding farm the owners of which had been letting him keep them in an enclosure, and their presence immediately made it clear to Arashi that he never fixed his messed-up magic. Hijikata had just finished preparing a familiar fusion essence in his room for later use in an emergency, and ultimately it was used much sooner as a result of the ensuing fight.]
Please come to Room 306 at the main inn if you are interested. I cannot offer gold, but I am able to train users of wind magic and help awaken it for novice users of elemental magic, or otherwise I can offer some rare items.
Just as a warning, there are some... creatures here.
[The mayonnaise mascots are harmless, but kind of creepy looking in his opinion. They are unnatural, wholly unnatural. The sooner they disappear the better.]
(OOC: This is open for anyone, no dibs (after all we've got time loops happening around here!). Villains and pranksters are also welcome (after all Arashi is such an absent familiar that he wouldn't be able to tell who Hijikata's friends are, or if he has any at all). If you'd like to plot anything specific out I have my CR meme post here!)
My name is Arashi. I am the familiar of Hijikata-san, whose body I am inhabiting by means of familiar fusion to bring you this message. I am afraid that I find myself in need of some assistance.
[He seems to be in a hotel room, and attentive listeners may be able to catch the occasional high-pitched little noise in the background, as if there were guinea pigs or other small pets running around. Arashi keeps a straight face.]
It has come to my attention that Hijikata-san has been struggling to reverse the impact of the wishes that were made about two months ago. I cannot maintain the familiar fusion state for very long, so I seek the support of anyone willing and able to keep him away from the sunlight for a day.
[What the reclusive crow tengu isn't telling the viewers: due to the heavy rains he decided to check on his bond partner, only to find his hotel room full of mayonnaise mascots. When the flooding began Hijikata had fetched them in a panic from the smallholding farm the owners of which had been letting him keep them in an enclosure, and their presence immediately made it clear to Arashi that he never fixed his messed-up magic. Hijikata had just finished preparing a familiar fusion essence in his room for later use in an emergency, and ultimately it was used much sooner as a result of the ensuing fight.]
Please come to Room 306 at the main inn if you are interested. I cannot offer gold, but I am able to train users of wind magic and help awaken it for novice users of elemental magic, or otherwise I can offer some rare items.
Just as a warning, there are some... creatures here.
[The mayonnaise mascots are harmless, but kind of creepy looking in his opinion. They are unnatural, wholly unnatural. The sooner they disappear the better.]
(OOC: This is open for anyone, no dibs (after all we've got time loops happening around here!). Villains and pranksters are also welcome (after all Arashi is such an absent familiar that he wouldn't be able to tell who Hijikata's friends are, or if he has any at all). If you'd like to plot anything specific out I have my CR meme post here!)
no subject
I believe I can hold the fusion for about 45 more minutes.
[He knows that's not a lot of time, and he hates to think that he's putting Shoto under pressure, but the familiar fusion just burns up too much magical energy to sustain for longer than an hour, give or take. The little mascots are moving in on them again, toddling up to Shoto and reaching for his arms, waving at him, and tugging at his clothes for attention while letting out indistinct babbles.]
If it would help if we moved locations, or if I can assist you in any other way, please do not hesiate to ask.
Sorry for the delay! Hiatus went longer...
Mostly: what are they?
The gnomes were least important. And still, he seeks logic, his curiosity moves to surface, and then he's trying to make sense of things. Which he can't. Honestly... What sort of mage was Hijikata-san... when his air's seemed so distinguished—his flames and cool demeanor, nearly strong as any Hero's—that he'd keep this strange magic?
It's concerning, too, yes. But—
If Hijikata's this stubborn... he could match him twice over.
Todoroki's no different. He keeps himself, one way or another, from revealing too much, before he's pausing to think.]
No. This is fine. [The small space works.]
I'll take care of it. [Unspoken implication, here. Flatly. Of you, or, leave it to me, without its need for much softness. In the end, there's still his worry, and this is all he can do. His blanked expression strays— and then he's following with his eyes where little, tiny hands attach themselves, as if avoidance exhausts him. He doesn't move, allowing their fingers to find his own, and yet he doesn't seem startled. Beneath his surface, still scheming; still with thoughts in three places: between his tasks, and on the gnomes, and on their 45 minutes.
He's dealt with children before—with teasing chants of "five wee wees"—and at least, they're not mocking. The mascots, he could handle, and he'd simply adapt. Another small, strange challenge, among his list of strange others.
His mind's on Hijikata.
He softens.
Once the closest onion (?) greets him, he drops to inspect it.]
What are they? [He pokes its cheek, gently.] Why are you following me?
No worries, and welcome back!
Apparently they are copies of a fictional character Hijikata-san likes.
[Having to say this feels inane. For the man to use the power of creating anything he wants on these... Arashi will need a long time to fully get over this.]
I cannot say if they act on their own judgement or inherited Hijikata-san's memories of those he knows. In any case it may be of help that they appear to take so kindly to you. Shall I release the fusion? Or would you prefer to make any preparations beforehand?
[Honestly, Arashi would almost feel more comfortable with Hijikata tied up or handcuffed to the heater or somesuch... but Shoto seems to have no such plans, which marks him as significantly more brave or more diplomatic (Arashi isn't quite sure which it is) than probably the majority of off-worlders on Avalon.]
Thank you! (Trying to be back, at least!)
Doll's laughter in human tone makes him flinch and fall back, although he nods, understanding.
He doesn't mind the gnomes. Only ignores their smaller hands, their fattened arms around his knees, their presumed false affections. He isn't sure. He doesn't care. They're at worst a small distraction, and to the end, he's methodical: all the while up till now in how he's silently prepared himself.]
Thanks but, I don't need to. [Calmly, without the ego. Either way he's on his own, and he wants to earn trust.] Go ahead, Arashi-san. [His charge is in his care; and while this side of him's newly discovered—less destructive—he projects reassurance.
All Might would always grin; send him off with all his sun, the biggest laughter he could manage.
"Hero" Shoto isn't All Might.
His seriousness persists (it's too soon for him, he hopes, to lose his precious potential friendships), and then again, he's slow rising, cautious, and so that hands detach gently.]
I'll look after Hijikata-san.
[Even Quirkless, still trying. Shoto's more than half convinced that when he's faced with opposition, troublesome people (like his father), his defiance wins out. But, Hijikata isn't Endeavor; this difficult almost-stranger: much kinder, more patient, and just with that, his source of awe. It hasn't taken very much... With all the strangeness surrounding his family, his friendships, his protective self's blooming. Honestly. He'll see how stubborn the boy could be.
He tenses. Breathes out frost.
He isn't sly, or diplomatic. He's aggressive when he needs to be, and he simply wants to keep them. Whatever it takes.]
Don't worry.
1/2
Alright, then.
[As he releases the spell dark fog envelopes his form, and when it dissipates the crow tengu and the human are separate entities again, each with all the limbs and features that belong to him.]
2/2
Arashi..!! You didn't need to use my fusion elixir!
Do forgive me, Hijikata-san. I felt that it was the only way to arrange for the intervention you require.
I don't need an intervention!! Frankly you've caused me quite a lot of grief, and I'd like you to leave now!
[Anyone who knows Hijikata from back home would be absolutely astonished to witness this level of composure from him. He's really making an effort!! Arashi lowers his eyes and inclines his head as he walks to the door.]
Very well. I shall leave you in the care of Shoto-san. Shoto-san, again, you have my utmost gratitude.
no subject
The boy, who's eyeing him strangely, through equal turns of shock and confusion, can just barely comprehend this shift. From smiling warmth, to hot seething. The cold dismissal of words outright, without his listening for even a second, rings uncomfortably familiar. His eyes float up, searching, and in his daze, he inches back—as if he doesn't quite believe it. That his show of anger's mild, not violent, makes it no less surprising.
This is where it strikes him; ice cold, eventual understanding paired with sobering realization. He'd yet to see his temper, clearly, a glimpse of something "hostile", although a more complete picture.
Arashi was right to steal his potion.
He bristles like a cat.]
Hijikata-san! [Sharply. The barest snap of something scolding. Initial politeness fading behind an unusual interruption. Of the man who's now present—furious—the idea of him that sits in mind—now less kindly than once imagined. And still, it isn't judgement; only annoyance he isn't more grateful; less scathing. Another side he'll come to accept despite his obvious urge to shake him. Say, you'll have bigger things to worry about!
He needs him to focus.]
Hijikata-san, what is all this? [Gesturing towards his dolls, the obvious mess of things present. His annoyance leaves as cold, and with its breath, another cloud of frost rises.]
Don't blame Arashi. I think... he was worried. [Must be, with all the threat of disappearances, or of the pair's nonexistence. The possibility still exists: a pressing fear of sleeping frozen, a memory, not at all just Arashi's.] It's not like I'm here for a visit...
[Not with things in disarray like this.]
I'm- [Obviously, struggling. He's never been much for words beyond occasional bursts of interest. Though he'd simply turned his back before, where it'd been easier not to meddle. It's truly not his business; but even so, he waits on edge, eyes narrowed, white with magic he has no grasp of, and dormant flames inside him both, now. Still mindful of all the gnomes, with shrinking distance between them. Arashi's mentioned "preparations", and this is him, in his way of it, whether or not the need's obvious.] I was worried, too.
["About you" goes unspoken. He's agitated.]
no subject
...
I didn't mean to worry you. It's just... Arashi and I don't see eye to eye on the matter, as you've surely realised. I prefer the magic that allowed me to create these little ones over the magic Avalon gave me, that's really what it boils down to.
[Since he was conscious during the others' exchange, despite not having been in control of his body, he already knows that Arashi gave Shoto a clear explanation of his concerns, one he won't be able to dissolve. With most other people he'd still argue his case regardless, maybe throw a bit of a tantrum or even get into a physical kerfuffle, but the fact that Shoto actually has a degree of admiration for him nullifies all those options. Hijikata sighs.]
I just wanted a little more time, but I'll do what he wants. In the end there's no way around it.