enteloki | LABY - IC INBOX

They're a way in. Ultimately, those who hold power are the ideal ally in this situation. Working our way up, forging connections to that source with these nobodies, is mandatory.

[Kazuya's intelligent and resourceful enough to understand why. The man's a resource too. Nothing more.

With the dog on its divine rat munching mission, Akechi uses the flashlight on his phone to look under the large can - one rat remains, terrified and pressed into a corner. What a shame. He assumes the dog will get it.]

If I may - what's your plan, Kazuya? For this place, this reality, this world - what's your end goal?

[Akechi is a man on a mission and that mission is inciting hallucinations in a dark room to prove a book right or wrong. Zoning out is a skill he's long mastered. Breathing, the pervasive presence of another only centimeters away - all are easy to force out of his mind.

So he stares. Leans forward - presses hands to the counter and keeps his gaze level on the reflection like a cat seeing itself for the first time. The darkness becomes a non-issue as his eyes adjust to it. He feels a pair on him. Ignores it for the greater purpose of whatever the fuck this is. Eren will speak up if something needs noting.

Then it happens. A minute, maybe two - Akechi's will is strong, but a cognition is a powerful overrider of it.

The reflection's pupils widen - larger, overriding the whites. Flat lips twist up and down and fade into a thin line going inward. Invisible fingertips form indents along his arms, shoulders - look like they're gripping to pull and peel apart clothes and skin and-

Goosebumps form along his spine. It's bizarre. Weird and-

He laughs.

It's so goddamn stupid. All the training and mental stress endured in the Metaverse can't withstand two minutes looking in a fucking mirror.

It's funny. Tone light - entertained by the absurdity of it all. He keeps watching to see what else this shit does.]

[ That's true. But numbers also tend to sway power, if he knows anything. The more of the citizenry that look to them with respect, the easier it'll be to use that pressure later.

And it's true, once the rat is backed into a corner, Garm lunges into the can, jaws snapping wildly as the animal squeaks in terror. ]

I'd like to know who holds this contract of mine. The only way for a demon to be free of such a thing is death of the contract holder. Freedom from that is the end goal, of course.

[ He hums, thoughtfully. ]

I've already told you that demons are bound to serve the one who holds the contract. And even if I didn't mean to, and don't know how it happened, the fact remains that I signed one, and am bound to serve a master.

[ He looks at Akechi out of the corner of his eye as his demon violently tries to shake the garbage can off of itself once the rat's cries go silent. ]

It's why I'm trusting you to find a way to kill me. You have a strong drive, and you're quite intelligent. There might come a time when we actually have to fight and I'll have a proper leash and collar. I expect you to be smart enough to have fogured out how to put me down efficiently by then. Whether temporary or permanently.

[ He doesn't want to be the slave of some unknown master. ]

[ Maruki may not have experience with this sort of thing, but he has common sense. He hadn't expected it to be a thrilling experience. If it's boring, then they're doing it right. Watching, listening, learning. Slowly and steadily currying favor. There was no one to do that with in Somnius – well, perhaps the moon, but Akechi certainly made sure that would never happen – and they can't waste this opportunity now that they have it.

He nods to Akechi, resists the urge to try his hand at acting and lay it on thick. Be normal... ]

Of course. It's an honor to be able to help in any way we can.

[ Okay, maybe it's a little thick. He'll shut the fuck up as the carriage gets going. ]

[That-

Catches his attention in full. The grotesque munching sounds lost to Kazuya's words in this dim, disgusting alleyway.]

Are you that weak that you need to rely on another to kill you and keep you sane?

[He will - without hesitation. Akechi thrives in putting the powerful in their place and soaking the ground with their rot.]

A contract may bind you, but you're still a king. You still hold power. If you can't break the chains that control you, use them. A master controls a puppet's strings. The puppet still has a connection to exploit.

[A gun to the head, a knife to the throat, Loki and Robin Hood in tandem - Akechi will kill Kazuya someday]

The elite will always find ways to hold you under their thumb. Take advantage when they do. Make them regret tying down the King of Bel.

You make something so complex sound so easy. [ It's not his fault. He doesn't know. ] It's not a matter of keeping sane. I've likely long since lost my chance to make a bid for freedom by killing whoever amd whatever it is holding the strings.

[ Back when he was first summoned. If he had been able to find out who it was then, then maybe he could have done something about it. A breif period between being summoned and signing that peice of parchment. ]

You should already be aware that a demon can't attack the person who holds it's contract. They're absolute, beyond even my power. For me to obtain freedom from it, the holder has to die. For me to do that, they'd have to offer their life.

[ Like how the Founder of the Shomonkai had with Belberith, though then again, he doesn't think an actual contract was involved. More mutual agreement, he shploses. Something easily broken. ]

And beyond the fact that I don't want to be anyone's puppet, I want to know if it's even possible. You're around the same age as me. What would you do if you had eternity with no end to look forward to? What happens when you complete your goals? What about when the world changes and you're forced to stagnation? You could say find another hobby, but eternity as a concept all on it's own is frightening, isn't it?

[The trick doesn't work - not for Eren, anyway. He can't look away from Akechi no matter how hard he tries; truthfully, he doesn't try that hard at all.

[The silence is shattered by bright, loud laughter, and Eren feels goosebumps prickle up all over his body, his heart beating in his throat.

[He shouldn't. He knows he shouldn't. He doesn't care. Akechi can kill him if he wants to.

[He puts one hand on the man's lower back, another to his cheek. He steps in close, leans forward, and capture's Akechi's lips in a kiss.]

[The smallest part of his brain registers Eren touching his back - it's all too common, all too normalized as a part of their routine. Warmth against his cheek pulls him away from the mirror. Heat against his lips -

Infuriates. Eren really thinks he can get away with whatever he wants, at any opportunity.

Maybe it's because Aubrey's gone. Maybe she let him get away with stuff like this and he's trying to find a replacement in Akechi Goro. It's pathetic.

He ignores his own lips moving against Eren's, as if they do this. As if he wants to open the man's mouth with his tongue. As if he only needs to act, not think, when this happens. Akechi knows better.

An arm rests on Eren's shoulder without a second thought - pulls back just as quick. Raises up to the man's face like he's going to mimic the gesture on his own cheek, only to push Eren's face away and break the connection by force.

Akechi resists the temptation to dig his fingers into Eren's cheek - does so anyway, until he can see dark indents from his nails even in the pitch black room.

Whatever's gotten into him ends now.]

Knock it off or I'll do worse than a little scratch.

[There it is, their little dance. It may as well be foreplay at this point, to threaten each other the way they do. Eren feels stinging on his cheek, and then his head is pushed away. Good, because then Eren can take his face and force their lips together again, good because Akechi will rage and bite and shove, good because one day he may actually rip Eren's heart out of his chest and bite it in half--

[Not tonight. Tonight, Eren takes a step back and drops his arms at his side. Tonight, Eren's heart isn't eaten, just broken. Tonight, he doesn't want to fight. Maybe that will enrage Akechi more than anything. He doesn't know. He doesn't care. Can't care.

[He loves him anyway. Akechi's lips moved warm against his, and he's grateful, even if only for that.

[His right hand twists at his side. His throat is tight. His voice matches it.]

I'm glad-- [You're still here? No. Akechi would hate that. He doesn't want to be here. Aubrey leaving was a good thing.

[Eren swallows down something hard in his throat, eyes momentarily rolling up to the ceiling. He lets out what might be a laugh, but it isn't one.]

I'm glad I got to see you tonight.

[He doesn't care.

A puppet is a puppet - asking Akechi to kill him isn't a mercy, it's an obligation and it ties him down just as much as Kazuya.

The questions that follow-Don't matter.

Nothing matters outside of Shido's fall from grace. Once it happens, who cares.

Akechi will die, through the hand of a cabal looking for scraps of power. Stagnating. Eternity. It's out of reach - as impossible to fathom as two years from now.

He keeps one palm pressed against his waist, the other laying at his side and expression bordering on irate.]

Let me be blunt - you made your choice and the consequences that follow are all your own. You may have felt forced into your position. May have thought there was no other way to proceed, but the simple fact is that. If you stagnate, if you're kept under a thumb for the rest of time-

[Forced into an ideal world or a dystopian one-]

It's up to you and you alone to figure it out. Not that girl holding you together, not me, not the innumerable amount of people who come and go from this reality - it's you, Kazuya.

[Akechi will kill him, but not because Kazuya wants it.]

Your will is stronger than whatever binds you. You become a god as a nobody. Kept a world from tearing itself apart. I won't say this again - your power is greater than what you think binds you, so use this opportunity to find a way to free yourself. To accept what you feel is inevitable isn't an option. I won't allow it.

You have all the time in the world, after all. Why give up so soon?

[This isn't what they do.

Eren doesn't pull back - won't listen and oblige Akechi's rejection. He gets in a mood and they end up in a different kind of battle. One he doesn't dislike. Based on a mutual unspoken want and hatred.

Eren pulls back. Looks up. Makes a noise that might be pained. Shows weakness in this dark room. Maybe he thinks Akechi is another shadow protecting him from the unjust world that takes and takes and takes.

I'm glad I got to see you tonight is sincere. Reminds him of sitting in a tunnel that exposed a heart. Eren doesn't deserve mercy, but Akechi sees a debt to repay in quiet grief.]

Sit down.

[It feels like an odd request, but Eren really has no reason to think so. Maybe it's the lack of ire that surprises him, but he feels too tired to remain surprised for long. Even a sick dog can follow a basic command. Eren sits on the edge of the bathtub. His reflection never did take on a life of its own.]

[Akechi sits next to him - close, only the smallest sliver of space separating. It's uncomfortable.

Quiet.

He doesn't break the silence for a minute, then two and-]

Let me be blunt-

[Whatever's happening Eren's head has to stop. They don't have the luxury to lament the loss of those always meant to leave.]

Aubrey is a strong woman - you helped her become that. Physically. Mentally. Even without powers, I feel as if her will rivaled those of gods at times. In her reality, or should she be pulled back here or to any others, nothing will shake her again. She'll go on to live a long life, unburdened by an unjust world. Your bond with her allowed her heart to be free.

[It's a lie - it's the truth. He hates Aubrey. He doesn't miss her. Wonders if all her friends greeted her the day she arrived back.]

You have a power to make others stronger - this cannot with her. With the rest of your entourage. With Maruki or whoever else you deem worthy in this moment. It's a gift you have that no one else can match and our greatest asset in this fight.

[It's dark. He can see still see the grooves between the tile under their feet - follows the lines with his eyes up to the cabinet and back.]

For as long as these lights are off, you can grieve to your heart's content - do whatever you wish. I won't hear or see a thing, just as you didn't a few weeks ago. I'll allow this much and I'll remain here to ensure this room stays yours.

[No one will come in. He'll send a nasty text about it if they try. There's more than one bathroom in this place.

But when they flip the lights back on and leave-]

Do you understand?

[Akechi is right, and Akechi is wrong.

He didn't feel forced into being Overlord and King of Bel. He'd make that decision every single time except for in the worlds where he doesn't. Where he lives instead under the thumb of God and plays the part of Messiah.

It's a deplorable thought, to not rally and fight against such oppression. The desire for freedom above all else echoes in that empty spot that once have must housed a soul. Demons are creatures of Desires and Wants. They do what they want. Whatever that Want may be.

A contract is in direct conflict of that. Kazuya knows that now, that it's also an acceptance that whoever holds it is stronger than the demon it has power over. That's the part that bothers him. Has bothered him since he arrived, that he would have signed such a thing, and signed away his freedom with it. All for a wish that in the grand scheme of things, probably won't ever come true.

So Akechi is right, in that he needs to find the power to stand on his own two legs somewhere. To figure his shit out on his own, because at the end of the day, relying on people is only going to get them into trouble. He's right in saying that he should find a way to use the contract against the holder, but then the problem becomes that he still doesn't know who it is. Vaeros is dead. If he was the one who held that power, then he should have been freed from that control. Should be able to do and go where he pleases as he pleases, and he can't.

Which means there's someone else.]

I get it.

[He does. Akechi isn't wrong. But it also feels like he doesn't quite understand what Kazuya is asking of him either. He can't simply kill himself, and if there comes a day when his contract is held in hand, if it happens before he figures out his freedom, then he needs someone on the outside who can at least temporarily remove him from the picture.]

I don't think of it really as giving up, though. I have all the time in the world, but the truth is at any point that contract I have can be called upon for any number of reasons. Maybe I've figured something out in that time, maybe I haven't. It's the latter I'm more concerned about. It's one thing to have a plan, but having a back up in case things go awry isn't necessarily a terrible thing, is it? Cover all your bases. Gather knowledge, make the best choices you can in that moment.

[It's strange. It's strange because it isn't, somehow. Akechi's words are undeniably kind. He may as well be giving a pep talk. His voice is his own though. He says it like Akechi Goro would say it; so, Eren can start to believe it, or, at least, believe that Akechi really feels that way.

[It matters to him how Akechi feels.

["Your bond with her allowed her heart to be free."

[Since when does Akechi Goro speak to matters of the heart? "Do you understand"? He knows grief. "Do you understand?" He knows Eren. "Do you understand?"

[Eren starts to nod, but it's too dark to see. He whispers a hoarse, "Yes."

[And then he feels for Akechi's hand. He takes it. He pulls it over onto his thigh and lays his other hand over it. The muscles in his fingers twitch and shift, but he doesn't let go. He stares forward, and it's black, silent.

[Every once in a while, there's a quiet

drip

drip

drip

[on the tile.

[And that's all. Until Akechi stands up, turns on the light, that's all.]

Have you been doing anything else to try to curry favor with the people in Stellari?

I've been completing quests and minor tasks.

Admittedly, I'm still trying to find paths to those in power. It's a slow process, but that's not unexpected.

Have you investigated the cult?

[Later, Akechi will speak to him in this empty, lightless room that protects - offer unprompted advice in a near silent whisper. 'Don't form bonds that will ruin you. If that means being alone, that's what it requires.' Weakness is a luxury. Eren is allowed one moment because he gave one when Akechi didn't know he needed it most. He gets one to repay a debt. He gets one-

Because that's what allies are supposed to do. It's the image he's trying to convey. It's a mercy kind hearted princes give, even though that vision vanishes in front of Eren more often than not these days.

He gets one because the warm hand clasping his against a thigh is a lifeline. Akechi reached for one in the throes of his grief as a child, and never got it. Eren should receive the same treatment. Eren knows he can't rely on people, so reaching out now should be punished.

Akechi doesn't move. Stays ramrod straight, completely still, and does nothing as promised for the duration of their time in there. Ignores noise. Doesn't even turn towards Eren. Fills the silence with thoughts about this world, this reality, the numerous others waiting and the singular one they'll all return to.

However long it takes, Akechi stays. However long this lasts, he waits. When Eren loosens the grip on his hand, he pulls back. When they stand-

Akechi pulls at the loose hairs at the back of Eren's head - readjusts the bun because he's absolutely pathetic and they can't leave a dark bathroom together looking like a mess. The line of questioning that would follow-

He doesn't want to deal with it.

'That's all the time you get' are his final parting words before a blaring, brilliant light shines over them.]

Also a slow process. I don't want to come off too eager and earn their suspicion, but I do stop by at least once every other day to "pay my respects."

I wonder if there's more we could do.

If there is, it will become clear to us when we earn it. Until then, we'll take advantage of every single opportunity to speed up the process.

Eventually, someone of value will be in our sights.

This could take weeks. Months even. Trust is slow to earn and we're intruders trying to prove ourselves.

Oh, I don't expect it to happen quickly. I was just looking at that board again today and wondered if those are the only ways in.

You said you've been doing other favors? Like what?

[Akechi keeps up the quiet, menial chatter. Ensures Maruki isn't tempted to listen into the equally quiet conversation happening in the carriage. The topics are light as they move along. Discussion about homes, people, foods seen as they pass through the unfamiliar city filling the time. Less so as they enter parts that require more protection. The occasional low stakes fight. Negotiations made by parts of the convey when necessary. It's, overall, a relaxed escort mission.

They're back in Somnius before long with a sea of crystal blocking their path. Cut through, it's implied, because the powerful don't have time to waste looking for alternative paths. That's what tools are for.]

You can go first - be sure not to scare the horses with your power.

I don't disagree.

[It's logical. It's methodical. It's a plan b, c, d, e and for the inevitable failure of plan a. It doesn't change Akechi's stance in the slightest. There is no singular path that allows someone to rely on another. There's no reality where Akechi will turn around to help save a king, when there's another pound of flesh he's after.

The snarling demon and the crunch of bones pull his attention to the alleyway for a moment. Kazuya's words drag him back.]

But a word of warning - you can't rely on anyone. Not your cousin, not me, not that girl waiting for you, not the friends you think will stand by you or anyone in this reality you feel a bond with. They're fragile, unreliable and unnecessary.

[The message clear enough - Kazuya will have to take matters into his own hands. Akechi won't stop him. Might-]

Though in saying that -

[Akechi will-]

If your failure stands in the way of my goal, I won't hesitate to put you down. You have my word on that.

Naoya would be the last person I'd ever rely on.

[And that's the truth of the matter. He can trust Naoya for certain things, but something like this? No, there's no way. Besides, he feels confident that most of the time Naoya's love for him isn't for him, it's for someone who he resembles. Someone who he had the soul of, the brief memories of. Someone he killed, and someone he feels bad for killing, even if he'd never apologize for doing it.

That much is alright with him.

And as for Yuzu... Fragile does seem like a word to describe their now relationship too. He'd hurt her, unknowingly, unwittingly. Made her think that he'd become the worst possible version of himself, even if that's the last thing he thinks that he'd ever want.

But the truth is, she'd left him. She'd left him, when he'd needed her the most. He's not angry about it. Upset, yes, it's a wound that will forever be raw and open, he feels, but he doesn't blame her for it. Could never blame her for it.

But Atsuro... Atsuro didn't leave him. Wouldn't leave him. Followed him as far as he could, and was only stopped when he was physically unable to, and even then, he'd made his complaints heard loud and clear. He'd have followed him down any path he'd taken. He feels that much deep in whatever shredded pieces of his soul that remain.

So again, Akechi isn't necessarily wrong to say what he's saying for the most part. People can be unreliable. For any number of reasons. Some selfish, some out of love. Some out of fear of being hurt.]

Then if that's the word I'll get from you, then that's the word I'll hold you too. Though it's possible that if your goal is to escape this place, then I might end up standing against you at some point unwillingly. So take my apology for that here and now for whatever you think it's worth.

[ Oh, of course. What a kind offer from the gracious prince.

Maruki's smile is nothing less than grateful as he slides out of his seat in the carriage. ]

I wouldn't dream of it.

[ Even babies ride horses. And horses should be able to withstand a little crystal destruction without going mad with fright.

He steps out, circles around their little caravan to face the intended path. Best to put some distance between them before he summons Azathoth, and he's about a dozen paces away when he notices one of the dragonkin guards following after him, a few steps behind.

Alright then.

Azathoth appears with its customary silent summon, preceded only by that aurora. Maruki hasn't had reason to summon it since things calmed down in December – the way it reflects off the densely packed crystal is a stunning sight.

He admires it for only a second longer before extending his left hand. One of Azathoth's tendrils rises up from the ground in front of the offending crystal, and Piercing Strike hits until it shatters. Then another couple feet to the next crystal, then another, then another...

It's a lot of crystal. Dear lord.

Maruki glances back, then–

Hits the next swath of crystal with Raining Seeds instead. Too much? ]

LABY - IC INBOX

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matchies...

cw: violent thoughts

cw: suicidal thoughts

cw: uhhhhh this is maybe dubcon (sfw) idrk

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cw: there's a lot of dubcon/non-con adjacent language in this tag but it's not real don't believe it

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I'm already sick please

get sicker

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hopefully akechi lets him do this, but if not, I can adjust my tag - also die

text; un: doc0203

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cw: ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

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cw: suicidal SOMETHING

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