jigokulogs | ᴏᴘᴇɴ ▸ out of the deep waters and all its intricacies.

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ᴏᴘᴇɴ ▸ out of the deep waters and all its intricacies.

Who ⬤ Six & you.
What ⬤ The Kappa Round-up, as per the Enma's orders.
When ⬤ After the Night Parade; soon after the Enma's order goes out.
Where ⬤ Around the city.
Content Warnings ⬤ Violence, most likely.

i. cyberkinetic
( OPEN TO OTHER ENMA MEMBERS )

[ six thinks that it was only a matter of time before such an order was issued.

things have been going well. too well, in fact, with hardly any hiccups in between. the night parade almost felt like a complete lie, a fabricated scenario meant to reassure everyone involved that there was nothing wrong. not even his experience with the strange drug from that bunny doctor can match up with how everything is right now — a complete mess in every sense of the world.

not only did early preparations do nothing to prevent the tragedy from happening, but now the department of enma has been deployed to do clean-up of the unsavoury kind. while six himself has reservations about the order, he knows that it's barely worth the effort of going against it. if he doesn't help with rounding up the kappa and everyone else involved with them, he knows that the enma can just as well send someone much worse to do the job itself.

he'd rather avoid that, if he can. ]

OPTION A - ASSIST.

[ it's almost funny how quickly he has to play the part of a loyal lapdog, the way he doesn't bother asking any questions and instead just focuses on getting the job done. he stalks along the streets of jigokucho in search for any kappa that are hiding or are currently on the run. he's quick and efficient when it comes to rounding them up, knocking the ones he caught unconscious rather than causing them too much harm.

it's a different story when it comes to the ones who do struggle against his attempts though. he doesn't even bother holding back.

if you happen to pass his way, he might gesture for you to come closer with a jerk of his head. ]

... There are some hiding over here. [ this building, this particular alleyway, or anywhere else. ] Mind giving me a hand?

OPTION B - HINDER.

[ of course, not everyone has to agree with what's happening. six knows this. he understands. it's never going to be easy for everyone to harm someone who is just trying to run away, but that's exactly why he has to be the one who does it. if it isn't going to be easy for others, the least he can do is be the bad guy so no one gets in trouble for the lack of action.

he can always worry about the consequences later.

or you can make it his problem now, by confronting him and standing in his way just before he grabs another kappa to knock out along with the rest. ]

Don't get in my way. You either help or stay out of this.

ii. fireflies
( OPEN TO ALL )

[ it doesn't surprise him that there are those outside of his faction attempting to help the kappa too.

if he happens to find you hiding the kappa at your place or catch you in the middle of the act of letting them escape, he'll attempt to put himself in between you and the way out. he assumes an offensive stance, claws out and ready to strike if he must. ]

... Don't be stupid.

[ a warning, a threat, and everything else it could in between. his voice is low and even, but if one pays close enough attention, it almost sounds like he's struggling to remain neutral. after all, despite admitting that he'll do what must be done, it doesn't mean he has to like it.

this is one of those moments where that's practically obvious.

the last thing he wants to do is to hurt someone who is only trying to do good things. ]

If you hand them over, no one will know you were ever involved.

iii. reconfigure
( OPEN TO ALL )

[ once all is said and done, six doesn't immediately retreat to his assigned quarters. he roams around the neon-lit city streets with no rhyme nor reason instead. he didn't come out of that scuffle completely intact (shallow cuts and purple bruises), but the physical aches hardly compare to the mental ones. his exhaustion runs bone-deep, even more so now that he's been all over the place without giving himself any respite.

somehow, it almost seems as though he's punishing himself. not only for what he just did, but perhaps for other unknown reasons that he keeps close to his heart. when his body leans against the closest thing — a wall, a street light, a random object — keen ears would hear him mutter quietly to himself. ]

Is this enough, I wonder... How do I make up for what I've done?

[ even if you try to catch his attention now, it doesn't seem like he's going to notice. it might take a few attempts, given just how absentminded he is right now. ]

iv. wildcard me, baby

( ooc. sometimes i forget six is a chuuni edgelord. but let me know if you need something specific from me!

in terms of specifics, six can be found stalking the streets of the city in search of the kappa or anyone attempting to help them. he is fully decked out in his eternals uniform plus the weapons he has on his person. i'm happy to write custom starters if none of the ones above ping you so pls feel free to pm me. 💜 )

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[ robin says that so easily as if it was the only acceptable truth in the world. the erune thinks about how naive that is, but then again, there are others in his life who hold the same ideals. maybe it doesn't make any sense to him for now but he'll let robin have this. it doesn't sound like he'll be able to change the guy's mind, anyway.

that said, his ears do twitch once they're pointed out. ]

My ears—? [ well. he is a furry. it's not the first time someone said something like this. ] That's... why do you like my ears?

[ what a random thing to say??? ]

Well, who wouldn't? But you must forgive me for assuming so. The fact that there's someone like you who did not want to do this in the first place is reassuring.

[ shylock is not one for law and order at all, so he's always lowkey apprehensive of the authorities. it comes with the territory. ]

But no, I was talking of my status as a member of the Tamamo clan. One would think that most of us would turn a blind eye to this, but...

[ he looks at the kappa, who's still enjoying their drinking and pretending that he's not overhearing their conversation. how cute. ]

It's the least I can do.

Moreover, the kappa aren't the only once in the Alliance, aren't they? It is not fair that they're being persecuted when the victim is a tengu.

[ let him live in his world of rainbows and sunshine... it's worked for him so far. the optimism that there will always be a forgiving and gentle path for those who are kind is one that he wants to keep as long as he can. even when others around him have given up, he has a tenacious spirit in that regard. ]

They're fluffy! They look soft! What, have you never touched your own before?

[ a way to break the ice. a way to gently push six back, in the metaphorical sense. it's like a very careful fencing patch; robin using his position to catch the erune flat-footed.

except he's not thinking about it strategically like this; he just wants to touch them... sometime... ]

At least they didn't get hurt... right?

[ six can't help but wonder if his reluctance is any better, especially since he's still carrying out the enma's orders. it's not exactly the most reassuring behaviour when he hasn't run into anyone from the department who was more openly against what was going on.

he sighs quietly. ]

I don't believe they're trying to pin the murder on the kappa. They were just... [ how should he put this. he barely knows what's going on either. ] Their tribe was building something underground, and you saw what happened at the parade.

It's too convenient.

[ then again, it can also be an accident too, but who knows at this point. ]

I've touched them before, but I don't see how that's relevant to anything...

[ what is going on. it seems like it doesn't matter where he ends up because there's almost always someone who wants to touch his ears. are they really that fluffy? they're just ears... other erunes have ears too. does nehan get asked this all the time too?

he shakes his head and just looks away. ]

I had to hurt some of them. Sorry.

[ no point in lying about that. ]

They'll be fine.

... You don't know what a TV is? [ a pause, and then: ] In that case, wait until I get one!

[ he's not— judging. maybe a bit surprised but even itadori understood almost everyone here came from a different culture, different worlds too. there is a lot he didn't know about his new friend and many questions he wishes to seek an answer to. however, he's not rushing. itadori had a feeling he will enjoy getting to know this boy at their own pace. for now, he follows him inside the apartment; rubbing his hands together while eyeing the kitchen in the corner. again, he's not going to ridicule six's humble way of living, as the sorcerer is not doing any better either.

they are all trying their best here. ]

Nah, I know you're far too tired for a trip to the grocery store. Besides, there is a delivery service.

[ -that will cost him a bit, but whatever. they're equally too drained to take another step out, and they honestly deserve to take it easy for the rest of the night. itadori shoves a hand inside his pocket and pulls out his phone, he then takes a moment to search through his contact list; eyes on the screen as he spoke. ]

In the meantime, get yourself more comfortable ... maybe a change of clothes or something. I'll make the order and then start prepping the other ingredients.

They did?

[ robin stops immediately. all of a sudden, this is a very serious situation. he immediately turns, looks at six's ears, and tries to get a good look at them from as many angles as he can. ]

W-why would you hurt them?! Or did someone else when you were... um... doing what you had to do...?

[ he begins to dig in his pockets. maybe he has some kind of handkerchief? or some hand sanitizer, or something to help... ]

I'm not a doctor, but there seems to be plenty of them around...!

[ is a tv that good? given the way yuuji makes sound worth waiting for, he can't help but wonder.

six isn't the type to need a whole lot in his life. as a skyfarer, it was rare he was ever in one place for long enough, so he never bothered to learn the art of filling up a space with things that make it your own. he didn't bother with it back at hakagemachi either; most of the things in his shared apartment belonged to his roommate who...

he shakes his head, distracting himself by focusing on what yuuji just said. ]

Doesn't it cost more to get it delivered? [ by the time he says that, maybe it's too late? ] ... At least let me pay half of it.

[ they just met, technically, so it wouldn't feel right to have yuuji pay for everything.

he looks down at himself, ears flattening. yuuji does have a point about a change of clothes, however. the ones he's wearing right now are too dirty. ]

Do you want something to change into as well, while we wait? I'm sure my clothes will fit you, or I can grab yours from next door.

They tried to escape.

[ six can only answer honestly, because he's never been the type to lie. there's not much more he can say about matter. ]

... I'll be okay. As soon as I make it back, I'll deal with it.

[ it's too much trouble to clean himself up right now. ]

[ too convenient indeed, but an accident shouldn't be ruled out earlier. maybe the enma -- at least the ones in six's position for the time being -- are just as in the dark as the rest of them. ]

The wrong place at the wrong time. But the underground is the kappa's home, isn't it, little one?

[ the kappa is by no means little, at least in their species' standards, but they nod nonetheless. their drink has been drained, delicious as it is, and they just look down, not sure what to do from here on out.

shylock looks at them and sighs, then turns to six. ]

I'll take your word that no harm will come to them should you take them away from questioning. My kind may not have a rigid moral compass, but we do have standards. [ he did decide on taking the kappa in by sheer whimsiness, after all. he's unpredictable that way. ] If the Department decides to punish them all regardless... well. You'll have to hear from me.

[ he smiles. ]

Do we have a deal?

[ he nods, choosing to ignore his words for now. maybe it is, maybe it isn't. ]

Let's try introducing ourselves together. That makes it seem like an official visit as opposed to something else more unsavoury.

[ although the difference is rather minute ... it's the appearance of it that matters. ]

How could your ears try to escape?

[ i'm so sorry. ]

It wouldn't take that long to make sure they're okay.

[ he's been thinking about six's ears this entire time. after all, six did say he knocked whoever was defending the kappa out... he has no reason to not believe him.

but now he wonders if six's ears come off. maybe they ARE part of some elaborate costume. ]

Introducing ourselves? And say we're from the Department?

[ this is so formal... he wonders if it will make much of a difference. ]

You go first. You have charisma.

[ a compliment!! ]

[ hang on a second here. ]

My ears—? Were we talking about my ears?

[ that's it, that's the tag. ]

[ now that the kappa is done their drink, six expects shylock to hold up his end of the bargain. there should be no attempts to intervene when the erune settles a hand on the kappa's shoulder, making them flinch. what the man wants six to promise is difficult to keep, because it's not like he has much say in the matter, but... ]

I can't claim to know what the Department is up to, but rest assured I'll do my best to see that no harm will come upon them.

[ he won't know about his fellow policemen getting all violent-happy, but. he's going to try his best regardless. ]

The name I was given is Six. You can come look for me if anything happens.

[ he urges the kappa to get up so they can leave. ]

You can pay me back later!

[ at some point, itadori knew he had to loosen up and not let the other feel like he's a burden, otherwise— six might feel uncomfortable around him and that's unacceptable. it's a compromise that will, hopefully, put them both at ease. as for placing the order, it took a few seconds for itadori to name all the vegetables they need, adding to the list some drinks too. as for six's kind offer, he considered it while eyeing those adorable ears' flop then flutter back up like a feline.

... cute. ]

Hmm. I don't want to mess up your clean clothes ...

[ he mutters, mostly to himself, as brushed his hands over the fabric of his jacket. it's a bit dusty, somewhat covered in dirt (maybe some dried bloodstains) — yeah, it's kinda gross. ]

Maybe toss me a shirt before you run off to clean up? I'll start by boiling some eggs. The order will reach in about ten minutes.

Yeah!

[ robin giggles. what a funny man, with the nicest ears... it reminds him of another person around here. ]

They're a pretty important part of you, aren't they? And they stick out, so it'd probably be easy to get to them if someone wanted to. Right?

[ he wouldn't know. he still wants to touch... ]

[ the kappa gulps, then turns to shylock who only returns their trepidation with a smile. as if to say, "yes, for now, you can trust this man." ]

My name is Shylock, and I most certainly will.

[ and with that, he takes a small bow. ]

Do come again sometime.

[ the kappa then nods, takes one look at six before following him out of the premises without nary a complaint. looks like the cucumber cocktail helped, after all. ]

[ when yuuji says he can be paid back later, then that's all six needs to accept his terms. it's true that if he'd been refused, he would have insisted until yuuji caved so... this works out for the better in the long run. still, he feels bad that the other has to spend so much when they essentially just met.

then again, yuuji has always been like this. too kind and generous for his own good.

his ears perk up at the mention of a shirt before nodding. ]

Alright. I'll get you one. [ the apartment is small enough that he's able to quickly grab a clean black shirt from a pile nearby. thankfully, it's not one with holes. he doesn't think yuuji will appreciate an erune's preference for shirts that much. ] Here.

[ once he hands over the shirt, he excuses himself to the small bathroom to get cleaned up. there is more blood on him than he initially thought, but that comes away with some soap and water. his uniform is ruined for now though, at least until he's able to get it cleaned properly.

it's not long before he changes to clean clothes. he makes it back to where yuuji is before the order is delivered. the shirt he's wearing is backless, but ah. that's erune fashion for you. ]

... How are the eggs?

I... guess? I would be able to stop them if they tried though.

[ this is so strange. he can understand why his ears are tempting, because most people he has met wanted to touch them in some shape or form, but. ]

What is the point you're trying to make here?

[ send help ]

[ no elp ]

I think if you care about others, then you'll take care of yourself too. If your ears were all torn up or chewed or had nicks in them, then maybe I'd be more concerned about you lying to me!

[ it's the litmus test of "if you're cute or handsome you can't possibly be bad". it's the most accurate test on the planet. ]

But also? Maybe I just want to hope for the best in all things. It's an easier way to live, isn't it? Even here!

[ that is the shadiest way to tell whether or not someone is good or bad... ]

You're only making things harder for yourself if that's how you see things. Sometimes there isn't "the best" side in everyone.

[ he won't even mention all that talk about his ears. this guy is weirdly fixated on them, even more so than what's normal for those who have never encountered an erune in their lives. ]

[ by the time six steps out of the bathroom, he'd find the eggs are already peeled and set aside. the sorcerer's jacket was neatly folded on the other corner of the counter, and that clean shirt seemed to fit itadori perfectly. now that the eggs are ready, he moves ahead with prepping the instant ramen, turning up the heat to a boil before tossing them into the water. ]

Eggs are done. I just need to add the vegetables, and seasoning then put them all together! Trust me, it will taste great!

[ it took him a while to notice that backless shirt six had on, and when he did— oh man, itadori had an epiphany. there is something oddly sinful about that design that he could not understand. was it the way the fabric was teasing a sneak peek and yet kept the other boy modest at the same time? was it those shoulder blades? wait— is someone's back shoulder even considered sexy? what is it about this damn shirt?!!

in the end, it is itadori. subtle is not his thing. ]

Wow! You look nice!

[ an honest compliment; one without any hidden intent but appreciating the other. ]

I'd rather look towards the light than the dark. Everyone has a little bit of that inside of them, even if they can't acknowledge it.

[ and those who won't will live in the darkness forever. probably will find their death in it, too. ]

We're almost there, right? I've had to bring some deliveries to some of the Enma buildings. Everyone's so formal and businesslike. Not anything like I'm used to!

[ everything does smell delicious. one can tell that six is anticipating the food with the way his ears twitch out of their own accord, but his expression otherwise remains neutral as he observes what yuuji is doing in the kitchen. it's what the other says next that has six faltering.

a light, red flush creeps up on him, dusting his cheeks. ]

... Do I look any different?

[ all he did was put on a shirt (granted, it's a shirt that's almost close to looking like a certain virgin killing sweater—), so he's not sure why he received such a compliment.

then again, he can also accept that this is just yuuji being nice as usual. ]

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ᴏᴘᴇɴ ▸ out of the deep waters and all its intricacies.

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