cultor | 〈OPEN〉 LE SALUT.

Entry tags:

virche: adolphe

〈OPEN〉 LE SALUT.

WHO: Adolphe and anyone
WHERE: somewhere on the streets
WHEN: Week 3-4 discovery
WHAT: We are dying, literally. Adolphe will be dying and his lingering emotions, thoughts, and dreams will swallow the area around his corpse for people to go on an immersive adventure.
WARNINGS: Virche spoilers, possibly! Death, gore, and for the dream parts you can refer to this comment. If you want to interact, but wish to opt-out of certain themes, do leave a comment there.

The ruptures have burst and the monsters have flooded the waking world. Lesser Guardians, Dreamhounds, maybe you are running through the awfully dark streets and alleys to escape. Shelter, haven, it could be so close, and yet so far. It stays on the mind to reach a door and turn the knob, but life never goes the way you'd want.

The fungal growths on this path stay, but with them are lycoris flowers that flourish over rot and mold. There's the scent of salt in the air, familiar enough yet different—the sea is awfully close. Behind you, there are no monsters from nightmares to bite at your heels. Manhattan has disappeared, too. Sleep's presence can still be felt, maybe her voice niggling in your ear, but it fades to the back to be a guest—for who is she if not an appreciator of love... And that's the story you and her both will see.

Love. Suffered, tortured, and twisted.

But where are you? It feels there is no sign of anyone here on this new island. You can only see the golden sun on the horizon where the sky and ocean meet, the green grass under your feet, and the lycoris flowers dotted along the cliffside.

If your character was tethered to him, then I guess that is severed. Play with that as you want. This is my placeholder waiting room before we get sucked into a CYOA journey in Arpéchéle! If you're interested in going on the ride to discover Adolphe's corpse, leave a comment on themes you want to explore for your character. You may include important scenarios or people from your canon that you may want parallels for in this. I will send a tailored starter after.

If you'd like to make this a stepping stone for your character's development in any way, I'm open to crafting something to help.

This is my plotting comment which has a couple of ideas listed in case you're drawing blanks! My head is also empty.

Icons for other characters are made by

planes!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Seeking escape… to be successful? No, this can't be a real escape. Caelus knows he must have wandered into some kind of dream again. Still lost. Still trapped. Considering the nature of this particular Manhattan, it's not that surprising anymore. Labyrinth after labyrinth… That's just how it is here. Still, this place… It's rather beautiful despite everything else.

Caelus doesn't bother to stand up immediately. It's been so long since he's seen such a spectacular sight. A world that isn't covered in rot, and the air as crisp and fresh as it could get. The sunset itself doesn't feel dreadful, and the colors around him are almost like heaven. Yet despite the surrounding calm beauty, lies a dire feeling that he can't seem to shake off.

He supposes… It's time to stand up and move. ]

[ It seems when Caelus takes steps forward, the world warps again... Or at least that's what it feels like. A blink and he has integrated into the setting.

Like before, he had little memory of his time before the Astral Express, but he had been welcome regardless. Taken in, even, after being found in the lycoris fields by a girl with golden hair and blue eyes. Her eyes are kind... And she offers the orphanage she lives in as shelter for the time Caelus is here in Arpéchéle.

During his stay he learns:

This is Arpéchéle, the waters are too dangerous to leave and the black lycoris fields are dangerous to most people except for Ceres.
People on this island only live to 23.
Reliver technology was created to workaround this, you upload your memories and plant them into clone bodies. it costs a lot of money.
There are issues with it, happenings in town where Relivers don't feel emotions like they used to.
People are reliant on this technology, likewise don't value lives as much after they can afford a memory upload.
They all treat Ceres poorly because people around her seem to die. they call her "Death."
Adolphe is her older foster brother in the orphanage, she is very attached to him.
He doesn't show up a lot, having moved out a year ago and working in the Corps and selling vegetables at the marché on the side.

It almost feels like Caelus had a life here, now seated in the orphanage next to the girl who found him, Ceres. Beside them are two baskets, one of laundry to fold and the other of folded laundry. ]

Did you know it's Adolphe's birthday is in a couple of days? He's going to turn nineteen.

[ She's sixteen, folding the laundry while suspiciously looking away. Maybe she is hoping that Caelus and her can plan something small... Like a nice curated gift for her older brother. ]

[ Never did Caelus think he'd actually see Arpéchéle for himself, and so soon at that. Well, this is… a dream, after all. So, maybe he shouldn't be too shocked at the occurrence. Even back in his home universe, before meeting Sleep at all, he's all too familiar with wandering through dreams.

… This is… still a dream, right? Sometimes, it's hard to tell anymore. And it's especially difficult whenever he interacts with people who feel so real, such as Ceres right beside him. Is she really here, or is she only a manifestation of Adolphe's memories…? Of course, he keeps such thoughts to himself, keeping silent as he continues to witness the events of this place.

Somewhere at the back of his head, he has a lingering dread. He doesn't like where this is heading. He's not sure why, but the sensation won't leave. What's going to happen at the end of everything? All he can do is keep living on through the days of this sad dream.

This whole place is filled with such sadness. Even so, while Caelus is capable of it, he'd like to make this place feel a little better. For the people of Arpéchéle, including Ceres and Adolphe. It doesn't matter if it's not real. He wants to believe… despite that, all their feelings are.

So, Caelus smiles brightly when Ceres hints at something cute. ]

Eh, really!? Then, we'd better prepare for it!

[ Even though he's confused why he's in a time when Adolphe is suddenly younger than him, his excitement still overtakes the confusion. ]

Is a birthday cake doable for us?

[ She tries to not look overly excited and relieved that Caelus is keen on it. They've only known each other for a short time, but... Perhaps she has considered them friends with a small bound of hope. ]

A cake is doable. [ A nod as she folds these shirts and pants. ] It's embarrassing to admit, but I don't know his favorite flavor. He never seemed to dislike anything?

[ Which is kind of similar to not knowing what he actually likes. ]

This reminds me—how old are you, Caelus? Is your birthday soon, too?

Edited 2026-02-09 19:01 (UTC)

[ Without a doubt, Caelus does see them as friends already. Ceres has been so kind to him all this time, so he wants to treasure her properly as his gratitude. She didn't doubt him at all and gave him a place to stay. Besides, he already appreciates her for being someone important to Adolphe. He wants to do everything right for the sake of these two.

A little birthday celebration is certainly not too much to ask. He's also relieved to know that a cake wouldn't be too expensive for the orphanage. He had to make sure, considering this place is quite small… ]

Hmm… I think it's more that he loves everything you make, Ceres.

[ From what Caelus knows of Adolphe, he's confident this is the case. Ceres can make any food at all, and Adolphe is sure to love each little bite. ]

I wouldn't worry! You are definitely pleasing him with your cooking.

[ But Caelus understands Ceres might want something more specific, so… ]

How about traditional chocolate? It's hard to dislike chocolate! And, no, actually… My birthday already passed not long ago. Right now, I'm twenty-one.

I want to believe you.

[ As embarrassing yet flattering it is that she makes anything worth liking... She tries to keep a smile on her face even though she does think otherwise. It's not a good attempt with Caelus announcing his age.

Her expression grows pale, eyes wide. ]

A-are you feeling all right? Usually, by twenty-one, you'd start to feel the curse's symptoms. You don't need to help me if you're feeling ill! I can do the shopping and the baking! How much chocolate would we need?

[ She is distraught, thinking someone who has been kind to her may disappear in only two years. ]

[ Right… There was that thing in this place. Caelus spaces out for a couple of seconds, recalling some words that Adolphe told him several weeks ago.

"... My sister—had a sickness that was going to kill her. I had a rare regenerative ability that mutated from my genes or something."

Caelus wonders. Is the "curse" the same sickness that Adolphe mentioned before? Everyone else seems to feel the same way about it, even coming up with stupid superstitions like Ceres causing all of them to die or something. (Bullshit, Caelus doesn't believe that at all.) They must be all desperate for a real cure, but all they can do is keep cloning themselves as a band-aid solution… It's tragic.

But… if so, that means that Adolphe might have possibly lied about his age here, assuming he's aware of his immunity against the sickness. He would have to, if he wanted to avoid attention to himself. This also would fit why Adolphe is suddenly "younger" and doesn't align with what Caelus knows. Even the trailblazer realizes just now, maybe he should've said he's only a teenager. It's easier than trying to explain he's an alien from outer space.

Well, it's too late now. For now, he has to find a way to reassure her that he's genuinely okay. So he smiles at her worried reaction, reaching out to hold her hands with sincerity. ]

I'm okay! I'm okay, really. Please, don't worry. I truly am.

[ See, he'll even prove it by smoothly moving, putting away all the already-folded clothes into the right basket instantly. No pauses in his movements, indicating how fit he is. And a tease follows after— ]

I'll even lift you if I have to! Anyway, you can't leave me here. I'm coming to the market, too!

[ She is unaware of the detective work that Caelus is doing in his little noggin', simply worried that Caelus is approaching his grave very soon. Her big blue eyes stay on him, scanning for any signs of death. A cough. Aching joints. Muscle strain.

... He does seem healthy, so she stops clutching the clean laundry on her lap and goes back to folding. That's the last of the clean laundry. ]

N-no, it's all right. [ That would be too embarrassing. She's already worried him spending so much time would gain the animosity of the children in the orphanage and the rest of the country. ] Shall we go, then? We have some of the ingredients here, but cocoa powder and chocolate itself if we wanted to add chunks.

[ All of them can mock him for spending time with precious Ceres, but he's not budging! Caelus doesn't believe in their superstitions anyway, so he doesn't fear being near her at all, even if that means he has to deal with people's hatred for it. Whatever! He just has to find a way to convince them one day that she's innocent!

Then Caelus sees her concerned eyes staring at him, to which he returns with a brilliant smile again. When Ceres finishes with the laundry, he stands up first and then takes her hand one more time. He gives it a reassuring, warm squeeze. He has no intention of putting distance between them, and he wants her to be well aware of that. ]

Yeah! Let's go, go!

[ Cheerily, he pulls her along with his usual energy. The same vibrant energy that stuns people in the places he's ever stepped through. ]

We should add chocolate chunks, for sure. It's a rare and special occasion, after all.

[ At least he isn't the only one that stands by Ceres' side... Adolphe rebuffs them all, too. Her hand in his slowly take hold and she's standing up now.

Truly, she feels... Fortunate and blessed. Not that she isn't grateful for what she has, both Mother and Adolphe at her side, but that's such a small world. ]

Maybe some nuts? [ Hehe. ] Let me bring a basket and a bag.

[ With a bright smile in return, she quickly puts the laundry baskets to the side and fetches the bags. They can be ready to go to the marché. It isn't a far walk from the orphanage, either.

It seems like someone is patrolling the area here, in uniform and everything. ]

[ Since Ceres needs to prepare before heading out, Caelus lets her hands go for now. He decides to wait outside the orphanage, hanging out on the street right in front of it. He once more ponders over everything as he patiently waits out here. Still the same thoughts as earlier, circling over him again.

Once Ceres reunites with him, Caelus shakes it off and focuses on her. He renews his expression so she can be at ease. Along the way, they encounter a super familiar face, and the trailblazer doesn't hesitate to zoom right through to meet with him. Of course, he takes Ceres's hand and runs along with her. ]

Addy!!

[ With his other hand (that's carrying the empty basket for Ceres), he waves the basket around to catch his attention. ]

(Theme-wise, maybe we can work with the difference between living for others versus finding a reason to live for yourself? :|a

Sister trauma feels obligatory with these two, though!)

[ Tough lessons to learn, but the dream morphs after a moment. The black lycoris flowers increase in number, swathed over the hill like they'll consume Megumi. Night falls...

And the scene changes to a humble room. Not much decoration aside from a nightstand, a chair with a throw blanket over it, and an occupied bed. Beside it sits Adolphe, holding someone's hand. In the bed is a girl with golden hair with burns across her body. If it didn't look like she was in so much pain, maybe the patterns the burns take would be beautiful—lycoris flowers in bloom. Slowly, they keep blooming, marring her skin.

Her coughs are violent, yet they show how weak she is. ]

... Why?

[ He grips onto her hand tighter, not realizing there's someone else in the room. ]

This whole world can go to hell, but why...

[ ...he's not sure where "here" is, but falling in and out of places he doesn't recognize is starting to become old hat, so Megumi's attention refocuses on what's important here.

Or who, rather.

He takes a few steps forward, although he keeps enough distance that his presence hopefully won't be too startling. ]

Is...there nothing we can do?

[ It doesn't seem like the girl in the bed stirs to the sound of a stranger's voice, but Megumi can feel acknowledgment like his existence has been accepted into this fabrication.

Adolphe turns his head, still holding onto her hand, eyes wide. As much as he'd like to address his question, he's a bit surprised and confused. ]

Megumi...? [ Somehow, he seems to remember this much. ] You shouldn't be here.

I figured, but... [ He shrugs and shakes his head. ] Here I am. Somehow.

[ The more he sees happen, the less he's willing to assume about any of the boundaries to Sleep's reach. ]

This is...your home?

[ This may just be what happens here in this world, but it doesn't make Adolphe settle more. He offers an apologetic expression, unsure how to take any of it because his memory is a bit of a haze, like it's contending with what's here and what's outside. Or what is meant to be outside.

Not like he ever understood the situations he's in, ever. ]

... Yeah, this is Arpéchéle. The island cursed by Death. [ Ominous. ] I'd keep quiet about being from outside the country, even if this might not be real.

[ The girl in the bed struggles, but somehow she's able to utter something. It's dry, almost croaked, yet it carries something bright.

Said slowly, ]

Is... This your friend, Adolphe?

...that dangerous?

[ Aside from the mention of curses and death, of course. But even if not all places are welcoming to outsiders, the urgency there seems to suggest he'd be risking worse than a few dirty looks in the streets, if he let on too much.

But then the girl speaks, and Megumi's attention turns to her. He hadn't expected the chance to meet Adolphe's sister (because who else could this be, honestly?). ]

Yeah, something like that. I'm Megumi.

[ Adolphe raises his free left hand, staring at it before flexing it a bit like to make sure it's still there. ]

Many people here will do anything to live past twenty-three, including experimenting on people. Especially those with normal lifespans. They did it in secret, approved by the monarchy.

[ So, not as nice as dirty and disapproving looks.

How nice for Adolphe to have a friend(?), her gloomy and dour brother. She starts coughing when she wants to return pleasantries. With each cough, more marks appear on her skin. ]

Don't push yourself, Ceres. [ ... ] I'm no scientist, so there's nothing I can do to undo it, but... If you could go back and you had another chance, would you save Tsumiki?

[ Would saving one person be worth undoing everything that has been done? To change events, both bad and good? To undo all the other relationships you hold dear, too? Does this sound insane? ]

Once she's gone, I will have nothing left to live for.

[ Oh. He can't say it surprises him; goodness knows he's seen plenty of the darker side of humanity. But if he's here for more than just a fleeting dream(?), moving around could be difficult, especially if there aren't other Japanese people here...

Well. Burn that bridge when they come to it, he supposes. Maybe all he's going to see of Arpéchéle is this room, for all he knows. ]

I...

[ It's a hard question. Saving Tsumiki, by necessity, would go back to her coma, before he even started at Jujutsu High. He'd probably still be the obnoxious kid who didn't want anything to do with jujutsu society; it wouldn't get him out of attending, but he certainly wouldn't have anything approaching the same attitude toward his studies.

That would surely change everything about that year. The missions, if he was even still trusted with the same ones... ]

I want to say yes. But...that would change a lot more than just saving her.

[ Would he still meet Yuji? ]

The cost of survival, isolation, alienation, childhood's end, another Man in the pile for sister trauma.

Enjoying the death imagery in virche a lot (adolphe why is your route locked behind all these other routes?)...trying to save a shikigami...we think about it.

[ Because his route is the best route. Saheon can enjoy the pleasant ocean breeze that Adolphe hates for a moment because the next second the scene morphs.

There is no air, limited oxygen in his lungs, and when he gasps he's punished with salt water. The torrents are too strong and Saheon will feel that he can barely fight against them. The waters will take him where they want and maybe there's peace in that. But... You don't want to die, do you?

There are voices, 'someone as worthless as you isn't welcome here.'

Images flash... An empty home, bereft of any love. It becomes hostile day by day.

'If only you were never born. A daughter would've fetched a better price.'

Your older siblings telling you they're leaving, but not to worry. You know, though. You won't ever be seeing them and you have mixed feelings—you're being saved from exploitation, yet you're left feeling unwanted again.

'You deserve to die miserable and alone for being so useless.'

WHY DON'T YOU LIVE IN SPITE? The stars are so kind, for Saheon will feel wet sand under his tired waterlogged body. Something shakes his shoulder a couple of times. ]

Hey... Are you dead?

[ It is a young voice, early teens. By this time, he can realize that while he was strangled by the ocean and while he's sprawled on the sand, he doesn't feel as tall or as broad. He, too, is a child now. ]

[ He doesn't think he was a strong swimmer. There isn't much time for thought or memory at first, just the sudden call to action, a jump cut into time, space, memory. The impression he has, fighting against the ocean currents is that he lived somewhere far away from any water, far away enough that the smell of the ocean should have been like freedom. But he should not be able to swim for hours, to stay afloat. The fight to keep his head above water is simply another type of derangement. Spite.

But its alright. At times like this, everything else is pointless except repeating the same few actions. Being born useless and unwanted are the concerns of a person, not the reptilian refrain of water in my mouth can't breathe try again try again try again

It's not peace. Nothing has changed. Yet, it's all that matters, until his knees touch sand and the waves tumbled over and under in a resounding cycle.

Someone is talking. This usually would not matter, but he's been rolled face side up all of a sudden by a shaking hand his shoulder. With a hacking cough, there is suddenly enough air. Slowly, rubbing the salt crusted around both eyes, Saheon cracks them open blinking wildly as he stares up at the sky. He can breathe. For a second, that fact is too overwhelming for coherent thought. ]

I'm never going to die.

[ He announces, insanely, to the sky. ]

[ The one hovering over Saheon is a twelve or thirteen year-old Adolphe who's also soaking left, expression blank despite hearing such an insane thing. ]

Okay, but this is the island of death.

[ Somehow, his tone lacks more emotion than when he's an adult. ]

[ Saheon, meanwhile, despite having both eyes and a better complexion, makes a very typical scowl up at the other boy. He even pushes himself up onto his elbows to scowl more efficiently. ]

Oh yeah? And who said that?

[ Just you! Some random... no he knows this person. He can't remember how, right now, but there is a certainty there even if the rest of his head is spinning with warped memories. ]

[ Adolphe backs up to give Saheon space, but still watching him. There's barely curiosity, but it's there as the smallest glint in his eyes.

A pause. ]

... My mom and dad. They said somewhere in this sea, there's an island plagued by death.

[ He picks himself up onto his feet, then dusts the sand off his wet clothes. It seems this child doesn't recognize him, but Saheon can keep being haunted by familiarity. His memories can come whenever convenient or inconvenient.

Without saying more, he starts his trek. ]

[ It's only a faint sense of affinity, no more then the nudge of a waking mind in a dream. It keeps him from outright ignoring Adolphe and wandering off, at least. He pushes himself up onto his feet, dragging his sodden body along after the other. ]

Oh sure. Let me guess, if you're bad you'll get dragged there by ghosts.

[ Parents make up all sorts of garbage to get you to obey! If Saheon listened to everything his family said, he'd be stuck doing chores all day afraid one wrong step would get him branded by misfortune and forgotten by god. Stupid.

Clearly, Adolphe is stupid!! ]

I decided to stop believing in that garbage a while ago!

I don't know how being bad has to do with this. We're here.

[ The island of death exists as it is. It is a fact rather than a tall tale to scare children and teach them lessons, at least from what he can tell when he has heard other people that visited his home talk about it.

He isn't sure if his parents cared about good or bad to begin with... Scum. ]

Why are you following me?

[ Is this what children do? He has never interacted with other kids for that long. ]

Whatever! I hope they threw me here because I was making trouble!

[ The boy walking beside Adolphe continues, as if ignoring him. He moves his hand up in an overexaggerated motion, hitting his chest to accentuate the point. That's right. Maybe he did cause so many problems they kicked him out! Be impressed, or he'll get mad!

Perhaps he should be worried...His sister will be worried, but if she causes trouble, they'll just throw her in the ocean too, and she'll wash up here? It'll be fine... ]

Dunno. Maybe I want to take your stuff? We can fight for it. [ Like any boy between the age of eight to thirteen, he perks up at the idea of wrestling Adolphe to the ground and trying to grab his pockets. This is how well adjusted children play. ]

[ Adolphe is unsure what he should think about this... Because this is really his first encounter with a child around his age outside of his family. Is this normal? Maybe.

In his soul, he doesn't think so, but what does he know? They're approaching greenery, fields of grass with wildflowers spread out and the accursed black lycoris flowers that mar the bright colors. ]

I don't have anything. [ His clothes are tattered and old, hand-me-downs that have holes here and there. His pockets may as well not exist. ] Do you hate your family?

[ For the best then, that he had nothing and Saheon didn't end up tackling them both into a lycoris field and ending this adventure early. ]

Lame. Are you poor?

[ He just comes out and says it. Ignore that his own clothes are equally as ragged, still stained by salt. Everyone gets the same in Jisan, food, board, clothing... so he had nothing to carry here. ]

Who doesn't? [He spreads his arms and walks backwards, facing Adolphe with an scowl. ] They're so annoying! I can never do what I want, and only my sister listens to me. She's the only one I like.

My parents have money. I hate them, too.

[ But maybe he is poor? He never thought about wealth... Because he was taught he's a commodity.

Adolphe sees that they are similar, both ragged runts. He thinks he should be looking out for a grim reaper, but he's distracted by Saheon instead. The other boy is loud and grating, yet... Talking soothes something he can't pinpoint (it's loneliness). ]

You don't want to go back to her?

Oh. You could rob them.

[ He keeps moving further ahead, thoughtlessly approaching the death awaiting them without any sense of purpose. The black flowers are strange, a blight on the horizon, but it's more interesting then looking at the mirrored shape behind him. More interesting by far...

... ]

I- [ There's something bothering him, the way its asked. He can't go back, he realizes. He can't go back to where his sister is, behind him. Can't even look, or it will take him. It doesn't make any sense at all... ]

I have to think about myself right now. She can take care of herself, wherever she is...right?

[ He recognized the flowers at once, of course. ]

Grave violets...

[ These flowers grew in graveyards, and were said to aid in calling to the spirits of the dead. These were unique, however -- scarlet as a bloodrose. A feeling of misgiving, of something missing. Had he forgotten something important again...?

The Ironeye turned his path up the cliffside, plucking a bloom as he went. The sound of the sea was soothing, even if nothing else about the world he'd woken up in was. ]

[ Upon picking one of the black lycoris flowers, there's a sense of death that rises with it. It permeates the place, like a leak from the very earth. It doesn't affect Ironeye, though, because he is not from this place...

But hands break out from the soil beneath him and grab onto his ankles—are you our savior? A person from beyond the dark sea, capable of living past the age of twenty-three, a beacon of hope and despair. The hands are like hungry supplicants, looking for salvation, yet the greed is unholy. Desperate like anyone would be on the brink of death.

They drag him down into the blood-soaked dirt, burying him as all these hands want a piece. Won't his blood undo this island's curse?

But Ironeye doesn't stay buried alive or torn into pieces, he shows up in a modest cathedral among a uniform group. Adolphe is also here, wearing the same uniform. For some reason, Ironeye matches. Welcome to the Corps. ]

Yves is going to be cooking today...

[ Said solemnly like their funeral will be tomorrow. ]

[ A familiar sensation, being grasped by those clinging to the living world. At least it passed quickly, or he would have been tempted to fight his way free. Instead, this -- feeling somewhat exposed in a foreign uniform that promised to protect against neither bolt nor blade. ]

Have you already said your prayers?

[ A note of fondness to the question, in the manner of old friends. He sensed that he was here to play a role, perhaps of one of Adolphe's other comrades. ]

[ They are too poor to have armor, it seems. A stab would not be great in these conditions. ]

We can still run for it.

[ Adolphe seems comfortable enough to talk, even if he is hovering by a corner or wall, away from the rest of the group. ]

Hey... Are you two planning to run away? After I made food for everyone already?

[ Guess who is here... It is Yves in similar uniform, giving them a disapproving look after the short stint in eavesdropping. He especially pouts at Ironeye because Adolphe seems to be completely ignoring him. ]

He seems to only talk to you, Ironeye. How do you do it? I've been trying to get him to open up for months...

Some are more solitary by nature. [ Ironeye was the same, though by now he had learned to cooperate with others. Before, it had been a skill borne only of necessity. ]

Don't worry so much. We're all comrades in the same cause, are we not?

[ They would surely come together, should the need arise. He shifted his attention to Adolphe's best friend. There was a gleam of humor in his blue eyes. ]

And what challenge have you in store for us today?

One day I'll get you to spill your solitary whisperer secrets, Ironeye...

[ Just wait! He will extract them by bothering him constantly, or that is the implication if this wasn't a simple dream. Yves wants to be friends, more than comrade-in-arms. ]

Didn't you guys get your assignments already?

[ Because obviously his food is not a challenge or a trial! It should be something to be enjoyed because he poured ALL his love into it! ]

[ Adolphe is forced to interact here with a sigh. ]

I was going to debrief him.

[ While Yves is envious of Ironeye being able to talk to Adolphe so easily, he is just as happy for Adolphe to talk to anyone at all.

With a smile, he pulls out plates of... Food and puts it into their hands. It looks like it. ]

You can debrief over a meal! [ It is like dealing with a puppy. ] Oh, I should keep passing plates out.

[ So Yves will bow out to feed the rest of the Corps. Each person within view turning pale as they're forced a plate. ]

[ There was... so much love in this Food. Ironeye looked down at his plate, then at Adolphe. ]

What... is this?

[ A regional dish? A personal concoction by Yves? Or... something else entirely? He dug a spoon in doubtfully, hoping that this Food would not recoil in response. ]

So he's been trying for months, has he? Do you dislike him...?

[ There is something so wrong about this food... Somehow, it looks fine, but it's the aura. It doesn't seem to have a strange texture when Ironeye plays with it.

Adolphe doesn't touch it at all, simply holding his place. He debates if he wants a bite because he is not made of money and food is sustenance even if it doesn't taste good. ]

... Food.

[ Helpful. He starts playing with it, too. ]

People aren't kind for no reason. [ And it would seem he'd end it there, but... ] He was in the same orphanage as my foster sister. Before it caught on fire and gave him the scar he's hiding behind his mask. Everyone blames her for the fire already.

[ So why wouldn't Yves? ]

[ Ironeye spooned some of the Food into his mouth. His expression remained completely neutral, unmoving. Still. As he listened to Adolphe, his face did not change in any way. Seconds passed. A minute.

Then, as if deciding to forget everything that had just happened to him save for Adolphe's words: ]

You think he wishes to revenge himself upon you? ...There are surely quicker ways to accomplish this.

... More like my sister.

[ Adolphe isn't worried about himself, but now instead he's worried about Ironeye. He hasn't touched his food because he had been doing his best to prepare himself mentally and physically for the ordeal.

Ironeye may feel that... While it doesn't taste the worst (it doesn't take good), that it's sitting like a rock in his stomach. The existence of this foreign object is so palpable in his gut. His body is trying to fight it. ]

Are you okay?

[ Ironeye refused to acknowledge the Food. If he ignored the Food, the Food would cease to exist. Yet... he also could not bring himself to answer Adolphe's question, other than by means of the wordless supplication in his eyes. ]

I'm fine.

[ Undo this Food's existence, Adolphe. ]

Yet... this Food is so filling. I could not possibly eat another bite.

[ He's apologetic... Pitying, but thinking to himself that it must be on the edible spectrum since Ironeye hasn't keeled over immediately. Or it speaks to the man's resilience and constitution.

The Food continues to exist until he acknowledges it. Not quite to the point of sickening him, but it is always edging that line. It hovers over it, like if Ironeye were to make one wrong move it'll be over for him. ]

You can just say it's bad. Plenty of people have passed out because of it.

[ And yet they still let Yves cook? ]

[ Cough. Cough. ]

[ Perhaps this was an unexpected advantage. Perhaps they might have the man cook for anyone in the Corps' way. Ironeye turned his gaze to Yves's back, then back to Adolphe. ]

You don't speak often about your sister. How is she?

[ That was what normal people did, right? Ask about family members and such? Though why one might blame a child for a fire, he was unsure about. Perhaps it had been an accident... ]

( alienation, grief, escapism + here for my "given another chance to save your most precious person*" misery... also i'm opting IN to every warning ever. let's go.

*might be of note that this person (his bestie hikaru) is so super dead in canon. like 'found his corpse in the mountains' dead. yoshiki's whole thing is supposed to be moving on from this death so of course i must put the temptation of never having to move on in front of him once again. please go wild, i just want them to suffer so much together ♡ and then yoshiki can find another corpse! yay! )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

〈OPEN〉 LE SALUT.

23rd birthday

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putting themes here but happy to write a starter later king

you will not be doing anything takes your paws off the keyboard

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yaps out themes + possible parallels but i can do up a starter just lmk 🛐