seasonsrpg | Event #6: Doctor Why Instead of Who

Event #6: Doctor Why Instead of Who

Doctor Why Instead of Who
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Sawyer's Return

Sawyer, the Autumn Guild Leader, addresses the network on noon on the 19th. He's back from wherever he has been since disappearing in November. The message goes as follows.

Click for a Gif

"This is Sawyer. I lead the Autumn Guild as the last Autumn Power Holder native to this world. I was accused of crimes relating to the portal mysteries and sabotage in the Research Center in November. Well, I guess I still am.

I managed to track down the real culprit, but couldn't capture them. Instead, I got the device they used just before they disappeared into yet another portal. The device still has the coordinates to the location they went to. Instead of pursuing them myself, I'm asking for everyone's help, since I got injured fighting them. I'm leaving the device to Olwen, along with a file on another incident, and letting Harrison put me in jail until the real culprit is captured. Hopefully after Jade looks me over.

Anyway, I'm counting on all of you to capture the bastard. They go by the name "The Doctor".

Harrison, I'm waiting behind the Amberfall Guild."

Any inquiries about the video will be met with a "We are forming a plan of action, please wait" for the first few days after. But everyone will be assures that Sawyer did get medical attention before taken away! (Handwaved) Visitations are permitted while he's in custody.

Color Me Inked
(Duration: Whole month)

Part 1

There is some really good news following the slightly worrying news from before: The Fairy Queen has reacquired all of her powers! That's why anyone who is interested is invited to Amberfall to gain an upgrade for their seasonal powers. This upgrade comes in the form of a magical tattoo. These tattoos not only give boosts but it can also move around one's body (for example, if someone's tattoo is a bird, the bird can fly around, especially when powers are activated).

These tattoos are permanent by default, but they can also be temporary should the person wish so. Temporary tattoos will wear out in a month (or earlier, if the tattoo is in constant use).

The basic effect of the tattoo is simple: seasonal powers stronger against the dark energy, meaning everyone will be able to fight creatures coated in it easier. That is, however, not the only effect; two more effects can be chosen when the tattoo is made, from a pool of choices provided.

Tattoo extra effects
• Danger Sense (gives an ability to sense danger in the surroundings)
• Door Creation (lets the user create a temporary fake door to pass through walls and other obstacles)
• Elemental Resistance (one element) (can be chosen twice)
• Enhanced Sense (choose one of the basic senses) (can be chosen twice)
• Guardian Spirit (summons an astral being to physically protect them, in the shape of something important to them - stays for an hour per summon)
• Mermaid Song (gives an ability to be able to heal minor injuries with singing)
• Minor Regeneration Powers (automatically heal minor injuries)
• New Element creation and manipulation (choose from electricity, light, neutral) (can be chosen twice)
• Retrocognition (able to see an item's past by touching it (does not work on living things))
• X-Ray Vision (lets user see through walls and other objects by touching them (does not work on living things))

All extra effects of the tattoo drain magical energy just like any other abilities do. If someone is low on magical powers, the tattoo will look like it's faded out (animal based tattoos may even start sleeping). No one automatically masters these abilities, so it might take some time to get used to them and properly use them in a fight.

Part 2

Various booths have been set all around Nightwake that let people test their new abilities. Most of the booths utilize just one ability (like being attacked by a water balloon with a blindfold on to test danger sense or test their enhanced senses) but some of them have several ways to complete them. They vary from obstacle courses to target shooting. These are mostly fun, harmless things

There's also just general fighting areas set up for people to just fight it out with their new abilities (they know by now that otherworlders love their fights). There are also robots that are installed with various martial arts to use as opponents, for those who prefer not to fight other people.

Bigger on the Inside

(Duration: January 22nd -> 26th)

Part 1

Olwen, the Winter Guild Leader, is the next one to address everyone through a message sent to all devices. It's an invitation to join him in tracking down and capturing The Doctor, but also for anyone who wishes to join the support side of things. The team will be gathering in Blossomcrown Park, on the 22nd of January at noon, where he will explain the plan.

The park has several tents set up. All of them are somehow related to aiding the fighters who will be entering the portals, so all non-combatants will be asked to man them. There are healing, food and even touch energy tents. After an analyzation done on the portal device, it seems that touch energy will drain faster inside the portals than they do normally.

Before the portal is opened, Olwen greets and thanks everyone for coming. He will explain that their primary goal is to find The Doctor, but also prevent monsters from entering Nightwake while the portal is open (it cannot be shut while someone is inside, unless you're someone like The Doctor). He explains that the nature of this portal is otherwise still unknown and he advises anyone who starts feeling bad in any way to return to Nightwake right away.

Once everyone is done with preparations Olwen activates the portal device and leads the way inside, holding a sword and shield in hand.

Part 2

When people first enter the portal they are met with a breathtaking view. It looks as if the water surface and the sky melt together, as the water reflects the starry sky. On the water there are several rowing boats. Once at least two people are inside a boat it will start moving across the surface of water and will eventually disappear into a mist (all except for Olwen, who disappears alone for some reason, who tells everyone to stay focused on the mission before the mist takes him).

The boats take people into sceneries that reflect their seasons. If there's more than one season on the same boat the scenery will be a mix of them.

• Winter is a cave of ice and water, filled with monsters named Glaciduets (Rock monsters with various animal bodies that shoot ice and rocks as weapons)
• Spring is a place among the clouds, filled with monsters named Galeduets (Birds that are partially fishes, that use sharp winds and icicles as weapons and dive among the clouds)
• Summer is a village that is burning, filled with monsters named Flameduets (Various dinosaurs with wings that use fire and wind as their weapons)
• Autumn is a rainy forest filled with monsters named Terraduets (Skeletons with fiery armor that use earth and fire as their weapons)

All of the monsters are far sturdier than they look and can provide to be difficult opponents. To proceed, they all (at least five monsters, can be more) have to be defeated and if any of them get past them into the mist the people entered from they will attempt to enter the portal into Nightwake. The mist is also the way to escape and return to regroup if needed.

Part 3

Defeating enough monsters will destroy the space they entered. Once enough spaces are destroyed, one final space is revealed (this will take a few days, there are a lot of these spaces). It's where Olwen can be seen fighting a masked, hooded person. Olwen is using his sword, water and ice - while the other figure uses force fields to protect themselves from magic and two swords. From the looks of it, the fight is rather even.

Those who try to help Olwen will be met with another force field around the area, preventing anyone from entering. Destroying the devices making the field will help Olwen get past the villain's defenses, but they're guarded by shadow monsters called Shadow Moths (This creature takes the shadows of people to become bigger and faster. It usually takes the form of a giant mothman that has shadowy vines as its weapons. If hit by the vines, characters would start doing everything backwards).

Once the devices have been destroyed, Olwen manages to encase the figure in ice before collapsing on the ground himself from exhaustion. All that's left now is to get both the ice covered villain and Olwen out of the portal and closing the portal - but with that, it's mission accomplished.

The masked villain (still frozen) will be taken by the Law Enforcement into custody to be questioned while Olwen gets Jade (Spring Guild Leader) to look after him right away. Olwen is tired, but thanks everyone who came to help with the mission (whether fighting or supporting) with a healthy sum of 20,000 Moon Coins.

Epilogue

With The Doctor in custody, Sawyer is free. Harrison makes a public apology, which Sawyer accepts and a viral video can be seen of all the guild leaders hugging him and telling him how they always believed in him. Are those tears in Sawyer's eyes? You must be seeing things!

Information about the villain will be given at a later date, once they manage to interrogate them. Meanwhile Sawyer will return to his guild duties. This time actually doing them without (as many) complaints.

Waiting in the Shadows
(Duration: January 28th - 31st)

Part 1

The Research Center Leader, Helene, and the Fairy Queen have been working on a project while the Portal fight has been going on. They send a message that there's another mission to take to those who are interested, with a 50,000 moon coins reward because of how dangerous and important this mission is.

Those who agree to take on the mission are asked to take at least a temporary magical tattoo. Those who already have a tattoo (permanent or temporary) will have theirs temporarily enhanced. This is the only requirement to participate in the mission. The enhancements for the tattoo are to protect the user from what they are about to face and make magic work against it - as well as work as an emergency exit if all else fails.

Explanation of what they are about to face is a dangerous entity once faced by two otherworlders. It has been named the All-Consuming Darkness: an experiment made by the Doctor that was meant to be unleashed to destroy the barriers around Ellipsa. Under normal circumstances it would eat any attacks delivered at it. But with the Fairy Queens magic tattoo boosts that danger will be out of the way.

After all the preparations and explanations, they are advised to take the new, temporary teleport crystal out to the Autumn Segment, straight to the Abandoned Mansion.

Part 2

The Abandoned Mansion is a creepy, old two story building that looks quite rundown. It's surrounded by mist that expands into the forest. There's not much to look at on the outside, other than two tombstones with the names of Kamisato Ayato and Kaveh on them. Anyone who has previously visited the mansion might remember they definitely weren't there before June, when the place was sealed.

Magical tattoos let everyone pass through the barrier and into the house. The strategy is simple: find all the arms of the monster, spread out to the mansions every room, and destroy them. With the boost from the tattoos all attacks can now deal damage, but the monster can still inflict status effects (silence, stun, burn, poison) and the air around it generally feels poisoned.

The being itself has no actual figure. It's a shapeless blob of mass that attacks people relentlessly with its arms. It will also try to capture anyone it can and eat them to make itself bigger, since it no longer can consume attacks to do so. Even with the magical tattoo boost it's still a difficult opponent to face.

Those that do get eaten will receive their own tombstone outside. It seems it appears automatically after death.

Everyone is also advised to retreat if they need to, which they can do by passing the barrier out of the house. With how many arms the being has the fight may take a while.

Part 3

Once all the arms are destroyed, the shadow blob will evaporate and the eerie feeling that was all over the place will vanish. The spirits that were guarding the doors will open the windows and doors, relieved that the danger was now gone. It's almost as if the nature was celebrating too, as sun beams start to fill the mansion as well.

The teleport crystals will take them back, but there's also a promise of a free luxury airship ride back for those who want to pamper themselves for a job well done. The airship is parked at the Autumn Airship Station.

OOC TIPS

• Ask Event-related questions here!

• Smut is not allowed on the event post, so if your thread is heading that way, please move it to a private entry of your own (your own entry or a new locked post on the comms).

• Remember to content and spoiler warn as necessary!

• Characters are responsible for coming up with their designs for the tattoos or at least ideas for them (the fairies doing the tattoos can offer options). As a bonus, there's no healing time for the tattoos, as they are completely magical! It also doesn't hurt (unless the person is very sensitive to it, then it might. Player's choice). Everyone is also allowed to get temporary tattoos first before committing to a permanent one (the limit is one permanent tattoo per character).

• Those with special skin (mechanical or otherwise) will still be able to get a tattoo, as they are magical. Even those whose skin would normally regenerate (like titan shifters) can have a tattoo stay permanently. These tattoos will also be available as "aesthetic only" ones after the event.

• Neutral Element is what it says on the tin. It's a shapeless energy that usually takes a blank, white form (but can be different colored, too). No creature is super weak against the element, but none of them resist it either; it's the element that will always deal damage, no matter what.

• Reminder that this month does not have Activity Check-in!

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[Nen! Don't look at him like that. It makes him feel like he did something wrong!

Kagami pauses on the stairs to look down at them. His mask doesn't vanish, he simply replaces it with a sheepish smile and twirls up the stairs recklessly.]

Is a medical check-up truly necessary? I'd much rather get straight to celebrating...although I suppose I can agree it's important for you to get one after this. But I'm fine, just looking at you is enough to a make me feel better~

[His head hurts.]

That's great! Would ya be down for a spar? I need ta test out my new tattoo.

Woah!

[Xinyan is too slow to bring out her weapon, but the shield takes the brunt of the damage. She skids back a bit, and her pyro shield is gone, but she doesn't look any worse for wear. She pulls out her claymore before the moth can close the distance again and swings her claymore in a spinning attack that hits the moth several times and it falls.]

Thanks fer the heads up! Let's finish the rest of them off!

[Her skill in fighting may be big flashy fire moves, but she'll do her best without them from here in order to not burn Aymeric.]

I guess we'll be doubly fine since I can heal us too. [ He sounds a bit more relieved by that at least. Two healers shouldn't have any trouble with this place, right?! One of them or both being eldritch creatures is a bonus too!?? ]

Since we're working together, I-I'm Shigeru Miyata. It's nice to meet you.

It only made sense. Back then, it had been a mutual ritual too, making sure limbs were working properly before or after a life or death situation where an unfortunate muscle spasm could spell the end. Erwin has already given him the most amazing gift by simply being here, but for the first time since that thunder spear spent him flying, Levi feels... almost pain free. He'd forgotten how that felt. He's light and energetic and perhaps even a little playful, and therefore eager to return the favor.

Levi considers shifting sideways or sitting cross-legged to make more room in front of him, but he doesn't want to jostle his leg too much now that he can barely feel it. He ends up spreading his legs to the sides instead and does his best not to think about what it looks like too much while Erwin settles somewhere between his calves - too far away, he thinks, but he'll work with what he's given. He eyes the other man's back for a few ~~disrespectful~~ moments, marveling at the sheer size of him, then sighs and leans forward, hands reaching for Erwin's shoulders.

He starts at his deltoids, carefully kneading his fingers into and around the muscle, dipping down to where it meats the biceps - or what's left of it, in the case of Erwin's right arm, and Levi's extra careful about it but making sure it gets some attention too - and then back up, over the trapezius and sliding his palms forward until his fingertips touch below the collar bones, and finishes by working the sides of the other man's neck. He's slow and methodical, firm but not forceful, making sure to pause whenever he feels tension under his fingers -- quite amazing that his shadow fingers seem to be just as good at the task -- and knead at it until he feels the rigidity easing away. He'd think there's less stress to carry here, but he supposes some habits -- some natural reactions, even -- are hard to shake.

He moves on to the back of Erwin's neck, working at it stubbornly as if he's determined to count his bones, then goes over the sides and to where his neck meets his shoulders again, rubbing soothing circles into it.

"Lean back some more. I can't put enough pressure at this angle."

He probably could, if he really wanted to. But he's still craving more contact, and suddenly the absolutely insane idea of convincing Erwin to lean against him seems very tempting and achievable.

Edited 2024-02-22 00:35 (UTC)

[She will keep pace with them! If they get worn out before they get to the park they won't be very good at hunting.

Once they do get there, she speaks quietly to them.]

The first part of hunting is to be very quiet. You want to sneak up on your prey silently.

"Estinien!" Aymeric hissed. Wincing, he stepped away from Night Sky and took an offensive stance as he continued, "I'm sorry, but I cannot stand idly by like this..."

He was likely about to make his injury worse, or at the very least put himself in a whole lot of pain. But he could deal with that if it meant keeping his friend and wife (and Sun Spear) safe.

"I am the spear of the Fury and the shield of my comrades!" he yelled, his voice like steel, before charging forward with -

- what was supposed to be a battle cry, but instead was a sound of alarm and pain both as vines wrapped around his torso and legs.

"Aymeric, don't-" Night Sky knew it was coming the second the arm burst through the wall. The fact that her husband had managed to stay on the sidelines this long was nothing short of a miracle. And she let him go with the assumption that he would defend, not jump into the fray.

She apparently assumed wrongly. And the second he charged forward she decided that, yeah, no, that wasn't happening. He could be mad about it later, but right now he was entangled in strong, sturdy vines and being forcefully yanked back to her side, her eyes shimmering in the dim light of the mansion. "Stop."

Sun Spear regained her own balance just as Estinien was clocked by the the arm. The whole mission had become an absolute shitshow in seconds and she had little other choice but to man up and get over her own shit so she could keep everyone else from dying.

Estinien did not have to make the suggestion twice. She was already jamming the Impaler through the arm when he said it, yanking with all her strength to turn its attention fully on her. It flailed wildly, but she held fast, digging into whatever mass of the arm she could and sawing through until it cut off at the wrist. Then she stabbed that about... fifteen more times or so, until it finally stopped moving.

Are they something you do not enjoy?

[ Nen has to have them at least once a week, sometimes more depending on what their health is doing on any given day. Every morning starts with a check of his pulse to make sure their heart rate is where it should be, their eyes to confirm they aren't jaundiced or experiencing liver failure, and their arms and legs to make sure they haven't wound up with any cuts or bruises.

And that's just what they started doing on their own. When the researchers were still around, a whole battery of tests would be sent their way for any number of reasons. Biopsies might as well have been national holidays for how often they would happen.

They have no aversion to medical exams; they know how important they are to make sure their health holds. Trying to understand why Kagami might not want to have them is a concept that's not easy to wrap their head around. ]

...I do not think I am well-suited to revenge.

[ Not after their last fiasco, good grief. Nenonen's not one to feel embarrassed, but even they feel an odd pang when they think about the guy they shook down while possessed.

But it might also be a little bit of revenge. They're just not...sure. ]

But I would like to keep it from happening to anyone else. I want to protect them.

Alright. I'll protect you no matter what. [ Shigeru says with a very determined look and tone in his voice. He'll never let anything happen to Nen if he can help it. Once inside the building looks just as bad inside as it does outside. Abandoned and decrepit there are cobwebs everywhere, paint peeling off the walls, a distinct stale smell lingering in the air. The dirt and dust are visible in most rooms and it makes Shigeru's skin crawl since it reminds him of the abandoned mansion back home. He's cautious as he moves through the house keeping Nen close to him as he looks around, wary and alert. ]

I don't see or hear anything yet.

[How dishonorable, to be clung to his companion like this, using him as if he were its personal shield (personal ammo cache, ftfy childe) and mocking them like this (it really isn't.) It stirs up Tartaglia's combative personality, and yet he's professional enough that he wouldn't dare hurt Hijikata in this situation. So, Things Tartaglia Would Normally Do are off the table, not leaving him with much he can do, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a plan. Coming up with something on the fly as things develop is a strength of his, and he's definitely gunna "do it" all over this dumb squirrel's face.]

...

[He's quiet and barely moving, staring at it intently and waiting for the right moment. Suddenly, without warning, Childe's body moves, his arms swing in a blur as his foot pivots to put all his strength into the torque of his body.

The tiniest brush of something against Hijikata's pant leg is all he'll feel, a small breeze accompanied by the loud crack of stone hitting the newly formed hydro baseball bat that's in Childe's hands as he sends that dumb squirrel flying off into archon knows where. His hand comes up over his brow as if to shield his eyes from the non-existent sun, looking out to see how far he hit it.]

Huh. Home run.

[That'll show 'em. Thanks for being his baseball tee, buddy.]

[He doesn't disagree with Nen on that one. Though it was pretty funny now in hindsight, he's pretty sure they don't really know how to do revenge right, but that's okay. Sometimes, that's for the best.]

That's a good of a reason as any. I'm not particularly keen on allowing that beast to get a hold of anyone else I know, either.

[He likes his friends, and he really likes them when they're alive, even if he would make them not alive if the circumstances called for it.]

I trust you've taken the necessary precautions to keep yourself alive during this expedition?

[Please tell him you aren't going to die too, Nen ;;]

[Surprising as that choice of weapon and attack is, Hijikata takes it entirely in stride. If anything, Tartaglia managing to pull it off without also breaking his leg (like his bad friends at home surely would've) earns him so much more respect and fondness from the samurai! He turns to likewise follow the trajectory of the squirrel pieces as they fly off into the distance.]

I'd say you deserve to be player of the season.

[What that a seasonal pun... regardless, something else is starting to happen: While the houses seemed to remain at the same level of destruction despite the raging fire, they now seem to all but disintegrate, and the ice and rocks all over the cave begin to crack. There's no rumbling, so it isn't an earthquake, but Hijikata instinctively backs up towards the boat.]

[There's a satisfaction from seeing that thing fly off into the distance that quells his fiery temper, enough that he can snort at the pun that Hijikata's just made. He looks over to him, letting out a sigh that seems to let some of the stress go with it, before turning to follow him back to the boat. It seems like their work is done here and they'll be able to continue forward, which he's all the more excited for once he starts thinking about it.]

Hah, you flatter me. To be honest, I've never really played.

[Baseball isn't exactly big in Snezhnaya.]

I've seen it on television here, though. Seems like an interesting game. I wouldn't mind trying it sometime.

It's fun! It's popular where I'm from. We can give it a shot one of these days!

[He beams Hinobuta back into the pokéball for the time being to save them all some space on the boat. As he and Tartaglia settle back into their little vessel, their surroundings dissipate and fall apart entirely, like smoke and mirrors, and before they know it, it's only the fog on the water once more.]

Let's see what's ahead!

[Tartaglia doesn't seem to want to turn around yet, so he won't either! As always, they only spur each other on. But they really should have enough left in them for another battle - especially if they come upon that blasted Doctor! Facing that nefarious villain would honestly be more welcome than having to deal with another pesky little critter.]

{ he hasn't been here long enough to consider charging in after a stranger either. a month or two is no where near long enough to do that. }

Hanging back. They said we can't let any of them pass, right? Being a last line of defence is pretty important too. What about you? Not want a trip in all that fog either?

( Ugh, alright. It's a bit of a faff, the pain stinging as she wriggles herself out of the wreck of her top, but there's little more than a hiss of complaint from her.

She won't let herself look weak like that. Just like she won't let the wave of relief which washes over her at that reassurance be visible. It's nothing more than a twitch of her fingers.

She's fine. This is fine. She can handle it. )

Go for it.

( Just get this fucking pain out of her, please. )

All right.

[He'll make this quick. And as painless as he can, given the circumstances.]

[His hands hover lightly over the injury, barely grazing it, before they settle into place. A deep breath, focusing. Before his own energy begins to pour into her shoulder, encouraging the body to heal, the skin to mend, flesh to smooth.]

[It shouldn't take too long before there's not much left but a red mark where there once was burned flesh.]

...You could say that, I guess.

[Kagami laughs into something that trails off nervously. He doesn't like being poked, prodded. Too many questions, and he has to play along while getting nothing out of it. He'd always put in a painstaking effort to treat himself and any ailments so he wouldn't have to visit anyone. It just feels...wrong. To let a stranger ask questions about this body.

Doctors are annoying.]

Well, I suppose it's different when it's Shigeru~! [He adds with a teasing smile and leans forward to whisper to Nenonen, even though they are alone.]

It feels good - really good - to be touched like this. While life here is incredibly sedate compared to the world they come from, it's hard to convince your body to let go of long-held tension. There's...a lot of it yet, frankly, so Levi has his work cut out for him. But even if he can't manage to knead all of it out, it's a start, and much better than it's been in a long, long time.

Erwin can't help but hold himself carefully still as fingers work toward the stump of his missing arm. It isn't shame or embarrassment; Levi's seen the ragged flesh on him plenty of times, though by now it actually looks more healed than ever. It had still been relatively new when he'd died, after all. But the sensations are still...strange, sometimes, and shadows of guilt and worry still manage to whisper at the back of his mind briefly.

But they're quickly chased away as strong fingers move onto other places. Erwin isn't shy about sighs of relief, or soft little groans of encouragement when Levi finds a particularly good spot there, that's good. Minute by minute, he relaxes more and more, the heat of the water soaking into his muscles, the massage unwinding others, and Levi's presence, comforting and familiar.

That request takes no extra convincing.

Erwin just glances back briefly, judging the distance between them, and then carefully lowers himself back...settling with his head to Levi's left shoulder, to stay within his field of vision. A new wave of contentment unfurls through him as he carefully leans his weight against Levi's chest. This closeness, yes - this is where he belongs.

His left hand finds Levi's leg under the water, just gently resting there, fingers curling around his calf to have more contact.

Erwin turns his head a little towards Levi's, nose bare millimeters from his jaw. "...is this all right?" he murmurs softly.

Is he crushing you with his weight yet?

( It's a comment he's going to have to get used to, and while it seems logical for other worlds to not have Food Souls, actually confronting that fact has Steak stuttering to try and figure out what to say or how to explain it.

Is it a more peaceful world, then? One where humans needed nothing to defend themselves from the monsters? )

We, ah, we're beings summoned to serve our human attendants. We ensure that the Fallen Angels on Tierra do not harm anyone.

( Well, that's mostly what he does. But there's a lot of odd jobs too. Construction, deliveries, dressing up as someone's deceased boyfriend and proposing to them... )

Levi hopes the touches to the missing arm are reassuring. That Levi isn't afraid of it, or looking down on Erwin for this limitation; that he accepts it as part of him, equally worthy of love just like the rest of him.

He doesn't know if it's coming through, but at least it seems to be giving Erwin some respite; he's growing gradually more pliant in Levi's grip, and the little sounds he makes say plenty, too. He almost feels bad to not have offered him a massage earlier; the man must have been walking around with all this for months.

Well, at least they get to work it out now; that is what matters.

Erwin leans against him and all is right in the world. This is, actually, just as uncomfortable as it was before to get any work done on his shoulders, but it's also what Levi has been hoping for the last hour, so he's not going to correct him. Levi still kneads at his neck a little longer just to keep up pretense -- and hopefully put an end to another knot or two in the man's muscles -- but his movements slow gradually, stilling when Erwin's hand finds his calf and he can feel his breath under his jaw.

He thinks his heart stutters a little bit right there.

"Yeah," he says gently back. He's tempted to turn his head and press his lips to that large nose, but all of the sudden, with how close and very much skin to skin they are at the moment, he feels a little shy. Instead he cants his head slightly so his cheek rests against Erwin's ~~eyebrow~~ temple, and lets his hands slowly slide away from the man's neck, wrapping his arms loosely around him instead.

It's more than alright. It's perfect.

Levi doesn't mind the weight, either. He's strong, and while he'd definitely feel it if Erwin decided to lie on him out on land, he'd still most likely be fine. Here in the tub, most of their weight offset by the water, the weight feels comforting rather than oppressive. Just another proof that this existence which he's lost, which he's buried under the weeping rains of fall, which he's mourned for four years, which he's holding carefully right now, is real.

He's not sure if he even needs to ask, and at the same time, feels oddly terrified to.

"...Can we stay like this, for a little while?"

It is reassuring; because that is what Levi always has been for him. When doubts nipped at his heels or sunk teeth into his flesh, Levi was there to pull them away, to lift him up, away. In so many ways that have nothing to do with his strength, Erwin would never have gotten as far without him.

As the massage turns into a light embrace, as Levi leans their heads together, a gentle, wonderful feeling settles over them. Erwin feels his eyes slip shut, feels some remaining tension in his shoulders melt away. There's a tingling at the missing stump of his arm, as he imagines lifting his right hand to curl softly over Levi's wrist, just to hold him there.

His heartbeat and breath slow as a relaxation and contentment wend through his body, made possible only because it is Levi's arms around him, Levi's chest at his back, Levi's voice asking if they can hold onto this.

Is this...peace? It must be. Erwin can't imagine anything else coming close.

It is perfect.

"Yes, please," he answers softly, simply, not moving at all except to draw little circles with his thumb against Levi's leg, just to touch. "As long as you want, Levi."

( Well, as long as that tentacle is getting knocked back, Steak is going to use the opening to charge forward and slam his blades into the... flesh? Does it count as flesh?

Fuck if he knows. )

Alright! ( It might be sooner than Steak would like, given the fact that a tentacle comes rushing towards them, forcing him to dash backwards and in front of his new companion, summoning an iridescent bubble around himself in an attempt to endure the crash of limb atop him. )

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Event #6: Doctor Why Instead of Who

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u_u so nice to me

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SFGSDKGK i forgot i wrote that

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