♪ when the hope of new beginnings burned our feet.

[jocoeur]

Who: Akira & OPEN ( all prompts )
What: Burns and paintball and kigurumi, oh my!
Where: Various locations.
When: September 17th-30th catch-all post!
Warnings: Injury mentions ( contusions, burns, etc... )
Notes: Feel free to run into the nasty crime boy in any of the locations in bold on any of the dates included! Any format is welcome also, I'll match preferences!



09/17-09/19: YOU'RE FIRED.

( pain surged through his arm like the burning hot blaze of the fires that had tried to ravage the cave for the past few days. joker, complete in his phantom thief attire, can be found staggering his way through the streets, looking a little worse for wear. luckily it had mostly been his left arm that had taken the brunt of it, the tattered remains of his sleeves hanging as he supported it with his right arm.

leaning against the door to what he hoped was the clinic, a single, airy chuckle sounding from him as he removed his mask, his clothes changing back to his school uniform. what would doctor takemi think of of him in such a sorry state? )

09/20-09/22: CHILLIN' OUT MAXIN' RELAXIN' ALL COOL.

The pain the burns had caused had subsided, the blisters had started to heal and it no longer hurt to bend and use his fingers. It probably hadn't been the wisest choice to have been caught in the blaze like he had been, but standing around and doing nothing just hadn't been an option, either.

Over the next few days of repose, Akira can be found mainly at home, perhaps in his room, or lounging on the oddly shaped couch of the living room with the blank pages of a journal he'd gotten from somewhere, or in the misshapen kitchen, trying his best to come up with some sort of coffee alternative.

09/23-09/27: PAINTBALL PARADISE.

( waking up to strange objects in his room was no longer something to be surprised about. however, akira had to admit that this paintball gun was preferable to that mirror of hell that had shown up last month. as soon as he left the house, and clicked the gun to life, his attire changed to his phantom gear, and as he touched the mask that appeared on his face, joker grinned.

this could... actually be fun.

he takes to the rooftops for the most part, his infiltration skills playing a big part in his ability to go undetected. he may or may not be using his penchant for sneakiness to his advantage, perhaps spying on you for a little while at first, before deciding whether or not to make a move... or maybe you're looking to make a victim out of him? )

09/28-09/30: PAINTBALL PARADEATH PARTY.

As soon as he realizes he's inside the Colosseum, Akira jumps to his feet. The rush of movement causes his head to go fuzzy, making him sway on his position at first, trying to get a hang of being conscious again. His next thought goes to what horrors might await him this time now that he's back here, but when his grey eyes finally come back into focus again all he can see are... party favours?

He stumbles slightly, wincing at what he's sure is a few decent sized bruises from the days before, as he makes his way over to the tables of food and drinks trying to make sense of any of what happened. And there are card games, too? What the...

After a while though, those rooms off to the side are looking mighty comfortable. Maybe even comfortable enough for a nap...

Comments

09/21

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou's been spending a lot of time in the kitchen, familiarizing himself with the modern appliances and unfamiliar foods that turn up in Hadriel. A self-sufficient person, he know how to cook, but this isn't much like home cooking. He does his best with what he's got. Today, what he's got from the shops is a box of Hamburger Helper. It'll do.

Once he's done, he'll bring a plate out to Akira in the living room. He's got a few scorch marks himself that he's recovering from, but nothing too bad. Just another week in Hadriel.]

Here. Don't hold it against me if it's no good, though.

[jocoeur]

Hmm?

( at first, akira only looks over the top of his journal, not expecting to see a plate of food being handed to him. ) Oh— ( it gets him moving quickly though, closing the book and re-positioning himself as he takes it from raidou with his good hand. )

Thanks. ( there's a genuine smile to back it up. akira was sure it probably tasted fine. that, and he hadn't really been eating well since the fire, so the gesture was appreciated. )

With everything going on it's hard to remember to eat sometimes. ( it's a half-joke. can't you tell by his smirk? )

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou nodded in agreement. He was the same way. But making himself learn to cook more was a good way of keeping him fed and on a schedule. With no day and night, with nothing really to do, it was easy to feel listless in Hadriel.

He plops down in a chair after grabbing his own plate of food. He poked at it a bit. It was okay. Serviceable.]

How're you feeling?

[jocoeur]

Not bad, all things considered. ( he's keeping a positive outlook, at least!
as he fumbles just slightly trying to balance the plate on his knees while forking some of the food. ) They did a good job at the clinic patching up anyone that found themselves there, I think.

( chewing, he thinks about all the things he had wanted to ask radiou up until now. but between running track in a fake world and arson in the streets, well... it had never really been the best of times for pleasant revelations conversations. )

I saw you, briefly. You were running around with Jack Frost, right?

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou nodded, looking a little dejected.]

We tried, but it was a drop in the bucket. But I wanted to do something.

[As he thoughtfully chew another bite, a slight smile crept in.]

Jack Frost says I "owe him" now, but he says that a lot. For someone slinging ice spells, he's full of a lot of hot air.

[jocoeur]

Yeah... ( he knows that feeling too, buddy. the bandages are proof enough.
but dwelling on fiery regrets didn't sound like super-wonderful meal time talk. so focusing on jack frost's antics seemed like the much more light-hearted option. )

You can say that again. ( akira chuckles quietly. ) I guess some things never change. ( and then there's a pause. as he seems to consider his next question... finally taking the plunge. )

Jack Frost and Nue... are they the only Pers— I mean, demons, that you know?

[the_fourteenth]

[He shook his head.] They're the only two that made the trip along to Hadriel. I had ten on me at the time, and I've fought countless more. I'm... concerned about what might have happened to those other eight, though.

[Did they stay behind? Get lost somewhere along the way? Those thoughts nag him sometimes.]

I know they can take care of themselves, no matter where they ended up, though.

clinic time

[hot_mes]

[Despite the general air of panic between the fire and the worry whether it would reach the clinic, Law was going about in a perfectly calm manner, moving with purpose but not fear. He had his senses on alert for anyone approaching the building, so he knew Akira was coming even before he showed his face in the door, but he still had to wash his hands first and met him after the mask was already off.

His eyes went straight to the injured arm, even if he did recognize the patient as someone he knew.]

This way. How bad is it - what level of pain?

[jocoeur]

Huh? ( he hadn't expected a familiar face to meet him at the entrance, but then... he hadn't expected to get second-degree burns this week, either. )

Oh, well, not too bad I guess... a six or— ( looking down at his arm, his fingers seemed to twitch on their own, which cause him to wince. ) M-maybe a seven...

[hot_mes]

[Law takes a quick glance before herding him into the next room, where there's places to sit]

Not too bad, he says. I'll be the judge of that. Sit, hold still. I'll take care of it.

[he gathers up clean water, bandages, and what medications he recognizes before getting down to it, tearing away the bits of sleeve to get at all sides of Akira's arm]

[jocoeur]

( akira allows himself to be ushered to the room without any resistance. he wasn't even sure if he could or not in his state, anyway. watching silently as law worked, he couldn't help but be taken back into memories of the takemi medical clinic...

he grey eyes seem to follow law's movement's carefully. it's painful, but it could certainly be worse... )

I didn't realize... you worked here. ( a pirate doctor. who would have guessed. )

[hot_mes]

[it's a shame his ability can't just erase pain. It doesn't work that way. But Law is purposeful and careful, cleaning everything delicately with cool water to stop it from blistering. After a moment he brings up a Room around them, in order to Scan the burn area for worse damage.]

For a certain value of work. My talents are better put to use here. [and, as dour as he usually is, there's a light of keen interest deep in his eyes. This is much more fascinating and requires more of his skill than putting band-aids on cuts.] I should be able to prevent scarring, but there still might be a risk of infection.

[jocoeur]

( he's used to being a guinea pig, really. to being given strange brews to test out, new techniques to be punished with, passing out on the cot... so law's approach is actually quite gentle indeed, as far as akira was concerned.

a visible relief washes over him at the same time the cool water does, helping him to relax as the painful burn resonating along his arms eased away. ) Then, it seems I made the right choice to come here.

( it's a compliment. he smiles at law, noting that ever-so-slight glint in his eye as he works. )

Have... a lot of people been coming through here? With all the fires, I mean. ( how many people had been affected by the blaze he had to wonder, his tone slightly sombre. )

9/20

[cakebuffet]

[Akira showing up with burns had initially sent Ann into a worried panic, though it seemed like the worst of it had already been taken care of at the clinic. Carmen's healing magic couldn't do much about all the blisters, but Ann herself has been hovering regardless, checking in on him regularly and making sure that he's staying put where she can easily keep tabs on him.

By the time the afternoon rolls around, it's been awhile since her last check-up, but any peace Akira might have managed to find in her absence is soon interrupted as she knocks at his door, leaning heavily against the wall beside it as she waits for an answer.]

Akira? Can I come in?

[At least she's polite enough to ask, rather than just barge in.]

[jocoeur]

( akira had to admit it actually felt... nice to have someone worry about you. as selfish as it might have seemed, he was glad that ann was around even if... he'd gone an done something stupid to make her worry.

it seemed he was good at that sort of thing. that dumb, stupid, reckless sort of thing.
he'd been laying on his bed when the knock sounded, swinging his legs over into a seated position as he called out past the door, hair as frizzy as ever. )

Yeah. Come on in.

[cakebuffet]

[She's glad he doesn't seem to be exhausted with her need to keep an eye on him, and lets out a brief sigh of relief as she opens the door to let herself in, propping a hand against her hip once she's crossed the threshold.]

You sure you should be sitting up?

[Honestly, it's probably fine, but she can't help being concerned with what a mess he'd been when he'd come home.]

Sorry, I know I'm being over-protective...

[jocoeur]

( as he closes his eyes briefly, there's a smile at that— one that comes with a breathy chuckle. And with his good, un-bandaged hand, he pats the spot on the bed next to him, inviting her to sit with him. )

I'm fine, really. ( law really had done an excellent job of patching him up at the clinic. but as akira looks back up towards her, there's a sincerity in his eyes as he speaks next. a gentle— ) Sorry if I made you worry.

[cakebuffet]

[She smiles, leaving the door ajar behind her as she moves to join him, careful not to jostle anything too much as she sits down on the edge of the bed beside him.]

You should be.

[But her tone is affectionate and teasing-- she had been worried when he'd shown up the way he did, but she feels better now that he's put some time into resting. Still, she does appreciate the sincerity.]

You should take me with you next time. Safety in numbers, right? I could help you.

[jocoeur]

I should have. ( she's right, things just... happened so fast in a way he wasn't expecting. and when some of the residents had needed help right away, time was a luxury that the flames hadn't waited for... )

I mean, at least then we could have fought fire with fire, right? ( he's so dumb, ann... but he's giving a dopey, reassuring grin along with his stupidity. )

Are you settling in okay?

( clinic | 09/17 )

[puzzlingly]

[ Atem shouldn't be here... Never mind that no one should, or he, in particular, shouldn't even be alive, but it's not about that, he shouldn't be at the clinic anymore. Or at least he didn't feel he should be. His wound felt better somehow even if walking was still a pain, and he was sure the infection was gone, surely he could nurse it without the need of a doctor around (clueless as he is), but the truth was... He didn't know where else to go. He felt stupidly lonely, and even if the pirate doctor wasn't exactly someone he'd call a friend, well, he wasn't going to lie, having him around felt... okay. So he stayed.

And then, the fire started and checking out was less of an option. He watched in horror through the clinic's windows, flashbacks of the past haunting him, and yet again he felt useless. What could he do to help, with a wound in the leg and no awesome powers whatsoever? Maybe it would be better to leave people who knew what they were doing do their job. So, he remained, a day gave way to another, and another.

Whatever happened in the clinic, he would listen, hoping that anyone that got there wouldn't be a serious case.
Most people would get a quick check up, get patched and leave, but then some would have to remain, as him, to be nursed back to health, magic wasn't exactly everything sometimes. Sometimes a rest was well deserved.

And so Atem, sitting up on his cot, shuffled his cards without even really looking -- it helped him with boredom, with anxiety, apparently --, his eyes set on the closest window. He could no longer feel the heat in the air, the fire was probably coming to an end, hopefully. And such were his thoughts until he was distracted by the creaking of the cot next to his.

He looks up in curiosity and examines the stranger. Aw man, he looks tired... ]

Hey... Are you okay?

[ What an stupid question to ask! It's obvious the other is not okay, if the bandages in his arm are any proof. But it is necessary sometimes. ]

[jocoeur]

( it was better, akira had convinced himself, to stay at the clinic at least for tonight. the thought of going home and having either ann or raidou see him in such a state didn't sit right with him even... if he knew ann in particular would worry. it was one of his worse traits, really, keeping things like this to himself.

it was nearly impossible to get comfortable, though. he tossed and turned on the thin mattress, wincing— he hoped silently— as his bandaged arm brushed against things as he moved. law's treatments had helped, but time was still the greatest of all healers. he had been trying to keep to himself, perhaps a little embarrassed by his situation, as he re-positioned himself again, unable to distract himself from the pulsing of his wounds. )

Sorry— ( he sounds even a little sheepish. ) Was I being too loud? These beds don't have a lot in the way of cushioning, and a lot in the way of creaking.

( there's an apologetic glance thrown atem's way... which falls quickly to spy the deck of cards in his hands. )

[puzzlingly]

Not at all.

「 Atem shifts and sits up with his legs hanging on the side of the bed so he can face his roomie better, in the process he keeps his deck in the case of his belt with a swift natural movement -- it's clear he's rather skilled at handling the cards. 」

Do you need anything?

「 Maybe he can make himself useful for once... 」

[jocoeur]

No it's fine, I— ( there's definitely something important going on with those cards.
actually, it reminds him of a conversation... from just before everything with fire-haywire.

sitting up, he swings his legs over as well, leaning in a little closer. the lighting, turned slightly dim in the room for the night, shadowed over his glasses for a moment. )

Could you be... the King of Duelists?

[puzzlingly]

「 Those words evidently stir something, if the raw surprise in Atem's face is any evidence of it. And for a moment he is not sure if he just found someone from home —the idea makes his heart beat a little faster — he's famous enough back there, and he and Yugi often found themselves dealing with passionate fans. Not that the Pharaoh cared in the slightest in comparison to his shy partner.

But there is something about the way he asks that doesn't allow all the pieces of the puzzle to fit in. It is when he recalls the conversation he had a few days before.

Atem leans over a little bit. 」

Akira-kun?

[jocoeur]

Hn. ( there's a a wily smile at that as akira moves to push his glasses back up his nose, revealing a glint in his eye. evidently, he's pleased. )

That's right. ( a quick up and down glance of atem doesn't seem to reveal any visible injuries on the other young man but... hey, who is akira to judge why he's here? )

I can't say I pictured our first meeting to be like this, but here we are.