[It's definitely not Erika, that much is for sure, but the rapping continues as it gets louder, until his fists are red. He hears voices from the other side, and-]
[Hajime's incredulous protests fall on deaf ears, and he can't help but bring a hand to his temple as if to ward off an incoming headache with a sigh. Now there'll be... two loud guys in one room, huh.
That's some pretty insistent knocking, though. In spite of himself, Hajime can't help but be a little concerned as he leans forward enough to look around Gundam and try to catch a glimpse of what's got Ryuji so bothered.]
[Gundam answers the door with some spoken word antics to highlight the entire "Gundam Experience", and Ryuji has to narrow his eyes at this. Seriously? Doesn't he know that he has, in his hands, a practical fucking Death Notebook?
And he sees Hajime in the room, thank god, because really, when you see someone's school handbook and a bunch of their classmates are dead, you kind of get the sense that the owner of that handbook might be a murderer.
Even if that truth bullet might be a blank.]
Oh, shit!!!!
[He is making a combat pose at the entrance and Ryuji will just... summon his mask right onto his face.
[Seeing as how he is a descendant of a devil and does not take leisurely strolls through the chapel -- no he does not know that Ryuji.
He does know that Ryuji abruptly summoning a mask out of thin air is definitely an impressive aesthetic! ... but even he can sense that Ryuji didn't show him that for purely aesthetic reasons.]
You dare to try ambushing me in my own realm?
[It would be problematic if Hajime got caught in the crossfire of Gundam kicking Ryuji's ass...]
Stand back! Or after seeing the true terror I can render, it'll be quite a sight to see how long your sanity lasts.
[Hajime scrambles to his feet, because Ryuji pulling his mask out of nowhere means this is actually serious business, and not just him playing around with Gundam for some unknown reason.]
O-Oi, both of you, calm down!!
[He's not quite getting in between both of them, but he is coming up behind Gundam with both hands extended outward, all but patting the air.]
[He'd like to think that he got a better control over his temper through his time as a Phantom Thief, but the anger is so clearly written into him, from the way his free fist balls, to the tenacity he has within him right now, enough to stand up to anything, no matter the size of the opponent.]
Hajime!
[Gaze fixated on Gundam in case he pulls anything quick, he steps forward, the handbook clenched tightly in his hand.]
You wanna explain this, Gundam!?
[And raises up the item he's found in the chapel.]
[Hajime does step forward this time, though he doesn't take the handbook; instead he just grabs Ryuji's wrist, trying to get him to lower his hand. Or at least not try to punch the ham-man in the face with it.
That's about all he's got, though, because it can't just be a student handbook if Ryuji's this worked up about it.]
[--- and is stopped in mid sentence by Hajime's hand clasping around his, his persona forming behind him but only in mid place, not even enough to make the actual visage of Seiten-Taisei, but rather, wisps of a blue color that dances in brilliance and fizzles out.
Effectively stopped, he looks at Hajime, and then Gundam. His instincts are to take Hajime and pull him away from Gundam, but the more he looks at that grasp to get a control of his anger, the more confused he is by it.]
What're you---
That shit has a bunch of high schoolers marked off for dead on it, and this weird lookin' bear thingy writin' out rules for murders and trials. What the hell is goin' on, here!?
If you foolishly stick your head where it doesn't belong, you shall not live long enough to regret it.
[Gundam's hamsters had been watching the entire exchange, waiting for Gundam to command them to strike if he willed it.
Gundam eyes the wisps of color that form behind Ryuji and then disappear with Hajime's interference and sees his opportunity.]
Skyline Lamentation Art of the Demon Mouse!
[San-D lunges through the air, making a grab for the E-Handbook and knock it out of Ryuji's grip! It's too big to carry by herself but the other three Devas are positioned on the ground to run off with it if she's successful in her attempt.]
[Hajime's mouth is open, ready to refute with a no, what're YOU doing?! but Ryuji continues to speak, and suddenly, Hajime's heart rises into his throat and his grip loosens around Ryuji's wrist.
He's still wearing the mask, Hajime notes absently, even as the wispy bits of (Persona? That's his Persona, right?) fizzle out. But he doesn't need to see most of Ryuji's face to understand what he's saying. A list of dead high schoolers? Murder trials?]
W-What...? --Gyah!!
[And suddenly there's hams at work. God damn it, you chuuni ass.]
[If an attack has a name that's longer to say than the actual attack, it definitely needs some rethinking in terms of practicality, but, sure- he's thrown off guard enough by all this bullshit as an adorable little hamster darts for his hand and just knocks the handbook straight out and onto the floor.
He doesn't know how durable this thing is, but he assumes that Gundam is just trying to destroy the evidence, which... okay, dude, you're a seriously bad serial killer.]
This is effin' ridiculous.
[Taking back his wrist to wipe across his face and conceal his mask, he looks at the floor. Still kind of pissed, he accepts that maybe there's some sort of explanation behind it?]
[Hajime doesn't resist Ryuji taking his hand back; his own hand finds the knot of his tie, gripping it like some kind of lifeline. Murder trials? Dead high schoolers?
In spite of himself, he can't help but immediately think of Natsumi and Satou, but he roughly shakes his head to try to dismiss those thoughts.]
If you ain't gonna say anything, I'm gonna assume the worst and get back to punchin'.
[Maybe it wasn't supposed to happen this way, but he's been around enough cagey assholes in his life to know when something is intentionally being avoided. And he's aggressively protective of the things that matter to him.
What's really fucking him up is how Gundam was slowly coming into the peripheral of that circle of people, too.
[Gundam crosses his arms over his chest, with a laugh.]
Kekeke...
I was simply at a loss for words. It has been a while since I have been confronted by such a combination of stupidity and arrogance. To think that trash like yourself has any place demanding explanations from one as grand as the Supreme Overlord of Ice?
If you wish to challenge me, then I accept. I have not yet begun to show you how serious I can be.
[Even Hajime looks surprised at how sharp his voice comes out as he lowers his hand from his tie, using it as a physical barrier to preemptively block Ryuji from just trying to lunge at him.]
You said we're classmates, right? Tell me what's going on. Ryuji wouldn't come charging in here like this for no reason, just-- tell me.
[Which, honestly, is a pretty smart move from Hajime, considering that was exactly what Ryuji was just ready to do a second ago. He's probably too easy to read, and yeah, he's pretty surprised by the sternness in his voice.
Actually? It sounds nice on him.]
Seriously!?
[Trash.
That word is one that really stings, even if Gundam doesn't know how deeply he hates it. He's heard it enough times that he should be immune to it, but some old wounds never really heal the right way.
Everyone and their mother (and his own mother) had tried to get him to stop acting fist-first through, and he wants to, so badly, just push Hajime aside and throw himself right at Gundam, but why would he be hiding something? Something that's so important to him that he wouldn't...
[Gundam digs his nails into his arm, a clenching sensation squeezing in his chest at the sternness in Hajime's voice.
It's true. Someone as seemingly carefree and friendly as Ryuji wouldn't have marched in here for no reason wanting to fight with him. He saw the contents of that handbook and assumed the worst of him.
The feeling tightens around his heart again.]
...
[It's a characterization befitting of a cursed being.]
You've finally come to understand my unavoidable malicious aura Ryuji Sakamoto! You've seen it clearly... and you are right to be terrified for all who approach me.
I am the forbiden ruler who makes even the god of darkness flee in terror! Perhaps it would be wise for you to escape now with your beloved compatriot.
As a reward for your amusing show of bravado earlier... I'll even give you a ten second head start.
[Hajime's open palm presses back more firmly into Ryuji's chest as he answers, his arm stretched out straight between the two boys. He knows full well that Ryuji won't back down, and Hajime isn't leaving without answers.
Li peeks out from beneath Gundam's rumpled covers, letting out a questioning, purring mrrrrow? and then a bark. Hey friends, she's here too!!
Hajime keeps his hand between Ryuji and Gundam, without breaking eye contact with the animal breeder. His heart is pounding obtrusively loudly in his chest as he shakes his head.]
Tanaka, show me the handbook. This has to do with... with Jabberwock Island, doesn't it?
[If there ever was a look that could capture "please let me kick his ass, Hajime," that's the one Ryuji is sporting on his features right now, because he absolutely believes Gundam deserves it at the moment. But Hajime is the one speaking, and Ryuji keeps the ball in his court, leashed up and caged behind the smallest nod for approval to go ahead and do it.
This is a fucking mess, that's for sure- and a huge misunderstanding, probably, but there's no sign that he's gotten the inkling he's wrong here, and Gundam keeps provoking him more--- Ryuji just doesn't know if he's more pissed off about that, than the obvious... whatever it is he's trying to keep under wraps.
But, also, if the time difference in their home world is actually a thing, he's conflicted here. He's close enough to someone who can control time itself to know not to fuck with major spoilers in the sequence of events, since it has the potential to alter them... is that a thing? Which is more important, though? Confirming Gundam's not a killer and keeping Hajime safe right now, or potentially messing something up down the road otherwise?
Fuck it, the only thing that matters is right now.]
Why are there pictures of DEAD STUDENTS in there!?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
Open the hell up!
no subject
One must always be vigilant when confronting entities of the unknown!
This insistent and unrelenting barrage of knocking-- [It could be insidious.] A harbinger of chaos!
Stand back! [Gundam says to. A still sitting Hajime. Quickly opening the door and striking a combative stance.]
Open sesame pandemonium!
no subject
[Hajime's incredulous protests fall on deaf ears, and he can't help but bring a hand to his temple as if to ward off an incoming headache with a sigh. Now there'll be... two loud guys in one room, huh.
That's some pretty insistent knocking, though. In spite of himself, Hajime can't help but be a little concerned as he leans forward enough to look around Gundam and try to catch a glimpse of what's got Ryuji so bothered.]
no subject
And he sees Hajime in the room, thank god, because really, when you see someone's school handbook and a bunch of their classmates are dead, you kind of get the sense that the owner of that handbook might be a murderer.
Even if that truth bullet might be a blank.]
Oh, shit!!!!
[He is making a combat pose at the entrance and Ryuji will just... summon his mask right onto his face.
PROTECT HAJIME AT ALL COSTS, 2019.]
no subject
He does know that Ryuji abruptly summoning a mask out of thin air is definitely an impressive aesthetic! ... but even he can sense that Ryuji didn't show him that for purely aesthetic reasons.]
You dare to try ambushing me in my own realm?
[It would be problematic if Hajime got caught in the crossfire of Gundam kicking Ryuji's ass...]
Stand back! Or after seeing the true terror I can render, it'll be quite a sight to see how long your sanity lasts.
no subject
[Hajime scrambles to his feet, because Ryuji pulling his mask out of nowhere means this is actually serious business, and not just him playing around with Gundam for some unknown reason.]
O-Oi, both of you, calm down!!
[He's not quite getting in between both of them, but he is coming up behind Gundam with both hands extended outward, all but patting the air.]
Ryuji, what's going on?
no subject
Hajime!
[Gaze fixated on Gundam in case he pulls anything quick, he steps forward, the handbook clenched tightly in his hand.]
You wanna explain this, Gundam!?
[And raises up the item he's found in the chapel.]
1/2
...
2/2
Hand it over.
no subject
[Hajime does step forward this time, though he doesn't take the handbook; instead he just grabs Ryuji's wrist, trying to get him to lower his hand. Or at least not try to punch the ham-man in the face with it.
That's about all he's got, though, because it can't just be a student handbook if Ryuji's this worked up about it.]
no subject
MAZIO---
[--- and is stopped in mid sentence by Hajime's hand clasping around his, his persona forming behind him but only in mid place, not even enough to make the actual visage of Seiten-Taisei, but rather, wisps of a blue color that dances in brilliance and fizzles out.
Effectively stopped, he looks at Hajime, and then Gundam. His instincts are to take Hajime and pull him away from Gundam, but the more he looks at that grasp to get a control of his anger, the more confused he is by it.]
What're you---
That shit has a bunch of high schoolers marked off for dead on it, and this weird lookin' bear thingy writin' out rules for murders and trials. What the hell is goin' on, here!?
no subject
[Gundam's hamsters had been watching the entire exchange, waiting for Gundam to command them to strike if he willed it.
Gundam eyes the wisps of color that form behind Ryuji and then disappear with Hajime's interference and sees his opportunity.]
Skyline Lamentation Art of the Demon Mouse!
[San-D lunges through the air, making a grab for the E-Handbook and knock it out of Ryuji's grip! It's too big to carry by herself but the other three Devas are positioned on the ground to run off with it if she's successful in her attempt.]
no subject
He's still wearing the mask, Hajime notes absently, even as the wispy bits of (Persona? That's his Persona, right?) fizzle out. But he doesn't need to see most of Ryuji's face to understand what he's saying. A list of dead high schoolers? Murder trials?]
W-What...? --Gyah!!
[And suddenly there's hams at work. God damn it, you chuuni ass.]
no subject
He doesn't know how durable this thing is, but he assumes that Gundam is just trying to destroy the evidence, which... okay, dude, you're a seriously bad serial killer.]
This is effin' ridiculous.
[Taking back his wrist to wipe across his face and conceal his mask, he looks at the floor. Still kind of pissed, he accepts that maybe there's some sort of explanation behind it?]
What the hell's goin' on. Be truthful, dude.
no subject
The Devas immediately scoop it up and run it over to Gundam.]
...
[Gundam doesn't say anything to explain the situation.]
no subject
In spite of himself, he can't help but immediately think of Natsumi and Satou, but he roughly shakes his head to try to dismiss those thoughts.]
Tanaka... what's going on?
no subject
[Maybe it wasn't supposed to happen this way, but he's been around enough cagey assholes in his life to know when something is intentionally being avoided. And he's aggressively protective of the things that matter to him.
What's really fucking him up is how Gundam was slowly coming into the peripheral of that circle of people, too.
He doesn't want to distrust you, dude.]
1/2
Such a transgression would defy the promise he made Hajime to protect him.]
2/2
Kekeke...
I was simply at a loss for words. It has been a while since I have been confronted by such a combination of stupidity and arrogance. To think that trash like yourself has any place demanding explanations from one as grand as the Supreme Overlord of Ice?
If you wish to challenge me, then I accept. I have not yet begun to show you how serious I can be.
no subject
[Even Hajime looks surprised at how sharp his voice comes out as he lowers his hand from his tie, using it as a physical barrier to preemptively block Ryuji from just trying to lunge at him.]
You said we're classmates, right? Tell me what's going on. Ryuji wouldn't come charging in here like this for no reason, just-- tell me.
no subject
Actually? It sounds nice on him.]
Seriously!?
[Trash.
That word is one that really stings, even if Gundam doesn't know how deeply he hates it. He's heard it enough times that he should be immune to it, but some old wounds never really heal the right way.
Everyone and their mother (and his own mother) had tried to get him to stop acting fist-first through, and he wants to, so badly, just push Hajime aside and throw himself right at Gundam, but why would he be hiding something? Something that's so important to him that he wouldn't...
Oh.]
Are you two from the same time?
1/2
It's true. Someone as seemingly carefree and friendly as Ryuji wouldn't have marched in here for no reason wanting to fight with him. He saw the contents of that handbook and assumed the worst of him.
The feeling tightens around his heart again.]
...
[It's a characterization befitting of a cursed being.]
2/2
FUAHAHAHAHAHA HA HA HA!
Such inane questions!
You've finally come to understand my unavoidable malicious aura Ryuji Sakamoto! You've seen it clearly... and you are right to be terrified for all who approach me.
I am the forbiden ruler who makes even the god of darkness flee in terror! Perhaps it would be wise for you to escape now with your beloved compatriot.
As a reward for your amusing show of bravado earlier... I'll even give you a ten second head start.
no subject
[Hajime's open palm presses back more firmly into Ryuji's chest as he answers, his arm stretched out straight between the two boys. He knows full well that Ryuji won't back down, and Hajime isn't leaving without answers.
Li peeks out from beneath Gundam's rumpled covers, letting out a questioning, purring mrrrrow? and then a bark. Hey friends, she's here too!!
Hajime keeps his hand between Ryuji and Gundam, without breaking eye contact with the animal breeder. His heart is pounding obtrusively loudly in his chest as he shakes his head.]
Tanaka, show me the handbook. This has to do with... with Jabberwock Island, doesn't it?
no subject
This is a fucking mess, that's for sure- and a huge misunderstanding, probably, but there's no sign that he's gotten the inkling he's wrong here, and Gundam keeps provoking him more--- Ryuji just doesn't know if he's more pissed off about that, than the obvious... whatever it is he's trying to keep under wraps.
But, also, if the time difference in their home world is actually a thing, he's conflicted here. He's close enough to someone who can control time itself to know not to fuck with major spoilers in the sequence of events, since it has the potential to alter them... is that a thing? Which is more important, though? Confirming Gundam's not a killer and keeping Hajime safe right now, or potentially messing something up down the road otherwise?
Fuck it, the only thing that matters is right now.]
Why are there pictures of DEAD STUDENTS in there!?
1/2
2/3 this is way harder than doing russian roulete with one bullet
3/3
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/2
2/3
3/3
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/2
2/2
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/2
2/2
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/3
2/3
3/4
4/4 like i said the whole time
(no subject)