[Open] This Is What Happens After a Month of Sleeping...

[blue_eyed_obsession]

Who: Seto Kaiba & You
What: This is a catch-all for November where I will be adding prompts as the month progresses.
Where: All over
When: Various time periods!
Content Warnings: None currently



The Top-levels will contain the prompts, but I can always add more if you want something specific!

Comments

Merlaut Apartments | Post-Nightmare Event | OTA

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Waking up for the first time in a month, Kaiba found himself lying on his back, left arm crossed over his body, and right laying limply to his side. His body ached from inaction and the light streaming in from outside was making him squint to keep from being blinded. Feeling a little disoriented he didn't sit up immediately trying to assess just where he was now, and how he'd gotten here in the first place. Emitting a groan, was one of the first signs that he was truly conscious to anyone that might have been within range to hear it.

His limp body had apparently been blocking one of the exits, that managed to jog his memory a little. He'd been on his way out when sleep over took him, it was fortunate really- that he hadn't made it outdoors where he could have been prey for any animals roaming around. He'd also managed to collapse in such a dramatic fashion. All he needed to complete the look was a fainting couch.

He remained lying there a little longer, staring up at the ceiling. Raising a hand he buried his fingers into his hair as he tried to will the rest of the grogginess away. When he'd been unconscious he'd looked so serene, his features finally getting a chance to relax from their usual scowls. Some of that had carried over to this wakeful state, but how long it would last.]

... At least the walls in here aren't made of pulsating flesh.

[Yeah, because aesthetics are the most important thing.]

[bluecastleace]

[Nevermind Iwaizumi just trying to explore his new apartment complex with 0 knowledge of what occurred last month - he’s new. He stares blankly at the man lying dramatically by the exit to the floor he’s currently lost on.

[Did he...did he just hear that right?]

Par...don?

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[To the stranger's credit- at least he didn't have the audacity to trip over the collapsed form. Growing weary of this position, Kaiba was about to push himself into a crouch when he heard the unfamiliar stammering voice.]

Urgh..

[Yup. That totally answered the question sufficiently and accurately. In a swift motion, he rolled forward and got to his feet. When he stood up, he dusted himself off, smoothing out the folds in his characteristic white jacket, then he leveled a stare at the other guy. Whoever he was supposed to be...]

What- you don't agree? [He could have just repeated it, or offered up an explanation but.... no. Too easy]

[pinwheels]

[ Rinoa is still groggy, even as she makes her way downstairs. She's only just woken up herself, and Angelo and Felix are still curled sleepily on the couch in her apartment. There's still a dull ache in her hand, something half-forgotten, and the feeling of emptiness where her magic should be, something she thought she'd gotten used to during her time here.

She doesn't really know what happened, or how long she was out for, if the dream was just hers or if it was one they all shared.

So when she makes it to the foyer and hears Kaiba talking to himself, a tired smile forms on her lips, and she crosses the floor to his side. ]

That's a definite plus, right?

[ It's an agreement, but she's not sure she's entirely happy with the development; as horrifying as their shared - that seems to be confirmed now - nightmare was, at least she had access to her powers while trapped inside it.

And it felt good.

...She doesn't want to think too much about that though, not yet. Instead, she offers him a hand, in case he needs help getting back to his feet. ]

Rise and shine, Seto.

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Considering the people and creatures Kaiba ran into in the other environment, he's sure that it had to have been a shared experience since he doubts he would have dreamed about these people normally. It wasn't as if he was incapable of such a thing, so much as he didn't like to entertain the notion that they could have held enough of an impact over him to have filtered in as staples into his subconscious.

What he had lost, he wasn't currently aware of, the connection he had for technological devices was strong but not yet an integrated part of his own system. Since this was the Merlaut however- it was safe to assume that electronics would be on the blink once more. He would miss his Blue-Eyes White Dragons...]

Mm and an understatement. [The sound of her voice, prompted him to consider getting out of this undignified position with more haste. The offered hand he considered before opting to force himself up without her aide. It was nothing personal, just his own stubborn streak to prove he was still quite capable.

Once he was standing, the world seemed to be spin before his eyes until things had a chance to settle.]

... [He pondered briefly, since when did she start calling him Seto? It was to her benefit that his thoughts were clouded. He didn't want to openly make a fuss over it if he'd neglected to before. So- apparently using his first name was allowed now...] How long were we out... [The question falling from his lips before he realized it might be impossible to answer, also he hadn't personally seen her there so... he gave Rinoa a visual inspection as if that would clue him in. Oddly, he didn't find her presence displeasing, quite the opposite.. actually. This place was having an adverse effect on him, clearly] ... you saw it too, right?

Wall Market Bathhouse | OTA

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[This wasn't an ideal situation, however lying comatose for an extended duration was forcing Kaiba's hand. He was filled with this overwhelming desire to bathe. First he'd made a detour to Shibumenosaki Underground Academy to pick up a few supplies, including but not limited to a small collection of the school uniforms that happened to be in his size. They looked terribly cliché however he needed to clean his regular attire as well. Now one of those uniforms that was primarily black with red accents in the plaid and the buttons was stowed in one of the lockers awaiting his return.

He'd only entered the building when he was sure it was vacated, since he honestly didn't want anyone to see him disrobed. The bath he would forego, but the shower would serve well enough. Having followed the rules, he removed his shoes, entered the changing area and taken the liberty of using more than one towel. One to cover the lower region, and another was draped across his shoulders to more or less cover his back.

Then he made his way to the shower, took a moment to reassess the area, pausing near the doorway to ensure it was empty, then he went inside. Not taking any chances he had the audacity to wedge the door closed with the implements available since that was conveniently not mentioned in the rules. After all that, he was finally able to shower.]

Takoba Beach | Throughout the month | OTA

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Whenever a new concept was introduced it was met with disastrous results. First the need to consume sustenance, then sleep. The lack of engaging in either activity beforehand seemed to increase the severity of the backlash. Therefor it stood to reason that a person should be putting forth their best efforts to remain in pique condition to guard themselves from such setbacks in future. That was precisely what had drawn Seto it the beach today. he was there without his traditional coat and duel disk, having secured them away somewhere else.

After a cursory inspection, the strip of beach furthest from the water seemed to be sufficiently clear of debris. So he set to work completing a series of stretches to limber up before getting in some laps. Like most things, he was taking this seriously so he wasn't looking for socializing.]

[menaretrash]

[ Everything about what happened over the last nearly month has absolutely sucked. A literal nightmare. Upon awakening, Ann had gotten herself together with a meal courtesy of Ren, before she'd finally headed back to her place to make a few alterations to her outfit; winter clothes are fine, but without access to her usual wardrobe, she's limited. So, she's made her jeans into shorts, left the jacket at home, and the long sleeved plaid top she'd arrived in is tied to be a crop top for now. This is easier to move in, especially after a little exploring on her own had her discovering that Mementos... still exists here.

Not particularly lethal, for now, but it's there. And she's realized by now, much to her horror, that while Mementos still exists, Carmen does not. Ann's on her own again, and she's not about to sit around and let the skills that she'd honed at home go to waste now.

It's why she's at the beach, the very same stretch of sand as a matter of fact that Seto's occupying, though she's kicked her heels off in lieu of walking barefoot in the sand, carefully stepping over anything sharp or bulky. She can fight without Carmen, though her Persona certainly makes things a lot easier. But... she's going to have to make due for a while longer, it seems.

She can see him over there, stretching and preparing to do his own thing. It seems they've got the same idea in mind, but, she's not about to bother him, either. So, she just lifts a hand in greeting from her spot to acknowledge his presence, if he's even paying attention, before she turns away to focus on her own tasks. Namely, stretching her left leg up and... over her head, balancing on her right, and just sort of using her left hand to hold the stretch as if she were some sort of gymnast. Yoshizawa would be proud probably ]

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Hyper-focused on the task at hand, he nearly misses the greeting but the motion clues him in. While not surprised to see her preparing to exercise herself, he is surprised by the timing and the alterations to her usual attire. He's definitely not showing near as much skin as she is- and one could argue that he was dressed inappropriately for the activity he was engaging in. If the light was being produced by a sun, he would be on fire not literally.

Great, an audience. The sand would provide some resistance, which is why he'd selected this location, however he could choose the mountain paths instead.

Although he debated the situation in his mind he didn't outwardly display his apprehension. Besides, it's not like he was doing anything peculiar or that could ruin his reputation. So ultimately he decided to remain. He hadn't seen Ann since their time in the dream world and it felt a little.. unexplainably awkward. It shouldn't. Seto knew that it shouldn't, but it was different seeing visions of her in her costume, and actually witnessing it in person, seeing her take on the shadows and fight like some fictionalized super heroine. This world of cognition wasn't exactly.. real. It too was some trick of the mind that didn't fit in with his concept of reality. Still, at least it had some ties to technology. If he was being honest with himself, he would say that he was relieved to see that she appeared well and unharmed.

Did she just lift her leg... over her head?

Not meaning to, he s t a r e d. Was that wise- in shorts? Wasn't she, concerned about showing off too much? Ugh- girls. Looking aside with a shake of his head he tried to push back the unfamiliar sensations he was feeling and will away the heat that threatened to display itself on his cheeks. He was here to get in some exercise and that's it.]

Going to get any actual training in Takamaki, or just showing off?

[He's not sure what prompted him to speak- but .. he had to]

[bridge_princess]

Got a marathon to run, Kaiba?

[Yeah. He might not have been planning on getting interrupted, but he was totally getting interrupted. Old Green Eyes was there, seated on a rock and out of sight until he jogged past the larger rock she rested against, looking out over the water. Why was she here? Why not. She was bored.]

Or you running from a dragon?

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[The sound of that voice nearly made him lose his footing, but he recovered in a way that it might not have been as noticeable. Sure... he was just... slowing down. Right. So he could address her properly, he totally didn't mess up.

Vaguely recalling his nightmares, although he hadn't been as interactive for the one she witnessed, he knew she was there on a subconscious level. Parsee had attempted to interfere. Somehow. He regarded her form coolly, trying not to project any internal apprehension. What would she have done if things had been different...

... In a way he still sympathized with her, but she also had the potential to become an enemy. From what he could recall, she wouldn't have hesitated to cross that thin line.]

No- I don't want to run the risk of getting out of condition. [Not sure that he needed to explain the reasoning behind it. Parsee had always questioned her surroundings so she might have also gotten to this conclusion on her own. No matter what sort of environment this was, they still needed to act as though it was reality or face the consequences when something shifted. With a light snerk he added:] .. What are you doing? Looking for inspiration for your next verbose analogy?

Pokéball Experiments | Various Locations | OTA

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Kaiba can be found in various locations, seated, and tinkering with a variety of colorful pokéballs. Some of them have clearly been broken, others have been more delicately taken apart. Having had the opportunity to see them in action, he was curious about the sudden influx of them at the Underground Academy. Furthermore, they work whether there's a storm or not which is a source for frustration since none of his tech can boast the same. Also, the fact that the balls can break so easily feels like a damning defect, and he's looking into how to strengthen them- ie. he's bored and needs something to occupy his mind. The company that produces these must have found an idiotic consumer base if they're willing to shell out so much for an inferior product... thinking back on the trainers he knows, that doesn't seem surprising.

At other times, he can be found out at Mortis lake, Takoba Beach, wherever monsters tend to gather trying to catch a few for himself. Not that he has a contingency for should he manage to catch one.

In fact, at one point he does manage to catch a winged-giraffe. Afterwards, he just kind of stares at the half-white, half-pink ball with a heart on it. In fact, he really wanted the creature to escape since out of all the balls he received from the machines this clashed the most with his personality and his sense of style, but no. It remained encapsulated inside.]

... What are you waiting for?

[Talking to the shell of the ball, he gave it a shake... but... still nothing.]

I don't believe this.

[Maybe he should have thought about the consequences before undertaking the experiment..]

[forwearemany]

Perhaps it is aware of your prior assistance in driving away preadors.

(Legion remembers that time Kaiba helped save the baby.)

You did not wish for your attempt to succeed?

(Then why try?)

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Looking up from the ball, he glanced over at Legion]

I doubt that it would be feeling all that sentimental over one incident.

[Indicating that he hadn't done anything additional for the winged-giraffes. Granted, he also hadn't witnessed any other altercations among the creatures in general lately]

Not with this ball.

[He'd fully expected the animal to pop out of it because who or what would willingly allow themselves to be captured? The broken pieces still held some technological data, and would be useful in trying to fix the structural flaws... but this one just had to be different. The cosmetic differences in the pokeballs likely didn't hold much significance to the robot...]

[psychokinesia]

[Add has been curious about these strange new ball-devices as well... which is why it shouldn't come as a surprise when he drops by the mall to collect some more samples, only to find someone else already there and tinkering away. Of course, that "someone" also happens to be a very familiar neighbour with a punchable face. It would be difficult to forget about Seto, even if Add has been intentionally avoiding the other ever since their lovely first meeting.

Not because he's embarrassed about getting the whole situation wrong, since it's still obviously Seto's fault for not correcting that confusion sooner. And also not because he almost got his ass handed to him... ah, Add was feeling merciful that day, so he only left the scene because he didn't want to humiliate him too excessively! Yeah, that's definitely how it all went down. He had more important people (and robots) to bother anyway.

Regardless, he's not fond of this stuck-up jerk, and seeing him with a bunch of dismantled parts... there's no way this asshole knows what he's doing, so it's irritating to Add to see someone clearly wasting a perfectly good machine by breaking it apart. He clicks his tongue.]

Tch. The hell do you think you're doing? Don't be so wasteful if you're just going to break it. Leave that kind of work to a professional.

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[For the time being, Kaiba had been enjoying the relative quiet as his fingers deftly worked with the intricate and delicate pieces of the dismantled pokeballs. The weakness appeared to be with the hinge itself, almost as it it was meant to break away. Ha. Why would someone design it like this? There was some question as to how humane it was to stuff a creature into a tiny living space- perhaps.. the defect was made with that in mind? Like the clasps on collars that give way in the event that the accessory gets caught in some fashion to prevent choking the animal. Still, that seemed ridiculous because once the creature was inside, that should be it. The ball should be able to secure it. No harm done.

Seto would like to claim that he'd all but forgotten the unfortunate incident with Add when the dumb brute forced his way into Kaiba's apartment but no- he wasn't that lucky. In his opinion, Add was the one with the punchable face, and it was no mistake that they hadn't run into one another more often. He just saw no point in it, and no reason to waste his time, writing off the other male completely.

Only now- he couldn't just ignore the guy when being addressed, and admonished no less. Setting the implement in his hand down he shot a look at the other.]

What exactly do you think I do for a living?

Takoba Beach | Specifically the Giant Mech | OTA

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Kaiba was often seen at the beach either getting in some exercise, or looking for new resources but he almost never paid attention to the abandoned mech out in the sea. What might seem peculiar onlookers is that he was out there- somehow- scaling up the arm trying to reach it's outstretched hand. The ocean spray made the task more arduous, and the droplets were starting to drench his short-brown hair and cling to his characteristic outfit but still, he didn't seem to care. Carefully, he was looking for handholds and footholds he could utilize that weren't overly rusted or flaking. Sometimes the gaps were wider than he would like but he was determined.

There was something up there he had to reach, something silvery that was catching the light and glinting in the sun. The object was also metallic and rectangular in shape, kind of like a briefcase.

Later, he would return to the beach, soaked- with case in hand. The contents should be perfectly safe, which is what he wanted to test immediately. Kneeling onto the sand, he flicked open the latches and threw open the lid. A smile stretching over his lips, he had it confirmed. Rows of cards stretched from end to end on both sides of the briefcase, and who knows how deep. Now he had access to all of his cards.]

[fluffyharpy]

[Lysandra had been out trying to get rid of the restless feeling that had hung over her since being trapped in a state of sleep for far too long. She had been running across the beach as fast as her legs would carry her, which was impressively fast given her odd physiology.

Upon seeing Kaiba sitting with his cards, however, she stopped, looked at the objects for a moment then promptly spoke.]

What are those?

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[That was becoming a common theme among those gathered in the void, but it was logical. After being docile for so long, the need for increased activity was heightened.

So consumed in raking his eyes over his horde collection, Seto didn't realize she was approaching until she was within a few feet. Assessing the situation briefly he determined that he was in no immediate danger from the youthful scholar.

A part of him wanted this moment to himself since he was finally starting to show some sway over this environment with the inclusion of his personal items. Still- he bit back a sigh. The fact remained that he was the only one here that could spread knowledge of the card game, and therefor potentially expand it's reach. He needed to tolerate inquisitive questions like this.]

Duel Monsters cards. [Slipping a hand into the case he fished out a card that he thought might appeal to her and held it up.] It's a strategy based game with nearly infinite combinations and outcomes- the ultimate test of cerebral fitness. [Trying to oversell it? Maybe just a touch... still there was something about his tone, and the way his eyes seemed to brighten as he spoke fondly of the game that implied his sincerity.]

The Chicago L

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[It was likely that most would think it unwise to he holding onto a metal handrail, and leaning out of a train car that was situated high above the tree tops during a thunderstorm- but then not everyone was Seto Kaiba. He was studying the sky, as light flickered and darted across the air the thunder clapping loud enough in it's wake to lightly shake the train as a whole. It was sheer luck and chance that it hadn't arced downwards instead. Perhaps the brunette didn't think it would have the nerve to strike him or the Chicago L- whatever his reasoning it wasn't sound.

With his free hand, he got out his cell phone and he grimaced. It was working but there still weren't any bars indicating a network connection. Also the image of breaded lizard managed to be the first thing he saw emblazoned on the screen, a firm reminder that he shouldn't have offered up his number to Ann Takamaki.

The train suddenly lurches as the sky cleared. Then just like it had never moved at all the train stopped, and the phone shut off. It was no where near the next stop, and still a ways off the ground.

Seto looked downward to assess whether he could make that leap...]

Re: The Chicago L

[anciently]

Hey! You okay up there?

[ From down on the ground comes the call of someone Kaiba hasn't spoken to in a while: Aerith, passing by. She's got a hand up to partially-shield herself from the rain, but is otherwise squinting in his direction and frowning. ]

You might catch a bolt of lighting if you stand around too long, you know!

[ She's a capable-enough healer, but not everything can be totally undone with a little Cure... ]

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[If the sound could travel that well, then the ground couldn't be that far down. That was if normal physics applied here, and they didn't always. Eh- he was willing to risk it. Without answering her at first, he disappeared from view only briefly, before he took a leap out of the train. As if to highlight Aerith's concerns there was another flash in the distance silhouetting his descent.

In a matter of mere moments, he landed dramatically in a crouch. Righting himself his jacket flared out behind him.]

That's not a bad idea. [What?. Thunderstorms were new, and lightning might not pose the usual threat. If fire was any indication.... still, he wasn't sure he wanted to volunteer to be a lightning rod despite his earlier, more precarious position. Looking her over once, he refrained from saying something as obvious as 'you're still here', though he found himself wondering how she had faired the last two episodes.] Don't you have enough sense to get out of the rain?

The Unforeseen Simulation Joint; Ann Takamaki Only!

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[It had been a difficult process deciding on the best course of action for making good on that bet, at least that's how he was choosing to define it. Lingering on the word date made him feel oddly apprehensive. Kaiba had questioned himself, multiple times for his more recent actions regarding a certain pig-tailed model but he wasn't coming up with any logical conclusions for any of it. He didn't like this affect she was having on him, and yet he felt oddly drawn to her. He tried to spend less time with her, to no avail, but prolonged absences caused a persistent and irritating gnawing sensation to check up on her. Especially since all of that lucid dreaming nonsense. What did any of this mean?!

Kaiba was determined not to make this day weird, he had a plan and he would stick to it while accomplishing a few tasks at that. Whenever Ann woke up she would find a note slipped under her door, informing her of where to meet him, and when. If she didn't show, that was on her or they could reschedule. Maybe. He didn't know... Then he set to work on a few preparations and headed out.

If she did arrive at the domed structure, Kaiba wouldn't initially be in sight, but rest assured.. he wasn't standing her up..]

[menaretrash]

[ The last few days since their little race have been extremely busy. Between volleyball practice with Iwaizumi and other obligations to her other friends, she's been extremely preoccupied. Despite this, she's still been able to spend a little bit of time with Seto, though she's noticed that oddly, he's been a little bit more aloof lately. She's not entirely sure what's up with that, but she hasn't had the nerve to ask, either. If he wants to hang out, then he'll come around. If not.... well. She'll just have to deal with that. She's more antsy the days she doesn't get to see him, and when she's out and about, she looks for him and feels a keen sense of loss and disappointment when she can't seek him out.

Unlike Seto Kaiba, she understands what this is. She just doesn't really know what to do about it, or how to make it stop. Or if she even wants it to stop -- but she can't really read how he feels, even if he did agree to take her out on a date, something she still slightly regrets because it's not fair to him at all. And as the days go by and she's seen a little less of him, she's sort of given up on that idea at all. She can't blame him, it was a dumb idea on her part, and that really put him in a tight spot.

Ann's exhausted, and today's a rare 'off' day. So when she wakes up and sees a note just at the inside of her door, and she's quick to go pick it up and read it. It's short and to the point, and she's glad that she's alone because she's all smiles as she leans back against the wall and hugs the note to her chest. All exhaustion is officially wiped from her mind and body, because she's got preparations to make of her own. There's no way in hell she's wearing the same outfit out on a date, after all. Granted, her only choices are school uniforms, but she's going to make something work.

So, while he does his preparations, she spends the rest of her time picking the stupid logo off of a black blazer and a white shirt, and by the time she's finished, she realizes that she... is still a little disappointed with the outcome, but. It's better than wearing cut off shorts and the same winter top that she's converted over nad over again at least. And at least she's managed to pick a skirt that's mostly dark colors, the plaid is hardly noticeable. She ties the blazer around her waist, and it's... well. It's more appropriate, at least, than... her altered winter attire.

Before she leaves, she makes sure she looks as flawless as possible, giving herself one last once over and hopes that he approves, an she's off to the races. When she arrives to the designated location, she does arrive a little early because she's not one to show up late or be in a rush, especially for this sort of thing. He's not... here? Which is okay, that's fine, she's early. Though... even if he did stand her up, she wouldn't be mad. It's her own fault for putting him on the spot.

There's no thunderstorm in sight, but it's not stopping her from trying to mess with her phone while she waits. Nervous habit? Absolutely, but it's better than outright fidgeting. ]

Intense Training Montage - Void & Misc Locations - OTA

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Kaiba had already been planning on getting in superb physical condition after the extended period of inactivity, however adding public humiliation into the mix had thrown him over the edge. Rage fueled his endeavors, and he was pushing his limits. Though he tried to keep such activities to secluded regions that simply wasn't always possible to maintain. The need for nutrition and rest was a constant annoyance that nagged him as he tried to ignore both.

There were times, when he worked to the point that he was physically unable to proceed, others where he passed out from exhaustion, he did nothing by half-measures, not even this.

Places he could be found and activities he could be engaging in:

I. The Void - It being the least likely place to be inhabited, but with the least amount of recourses. He can be found completing stretches to limber up, running, or oddly enough training the beasts he's captured. Initially he'll be using positive reinforcement with treats to get them used to taking commands, then having them battle against one another.

II. The Gym - It is the best equipped for his purposes. He'll make use of the weights, treadmills, punching bags, and various sundry.

III. Mt. Silver - The inclined terrain offers extra difficulty as well as granting some opportunities to working on upper body strength. Sometimes he'll be training his monsters here as well against the local monsters.

Feel free to run into him wherever just label the where!]