aionlogs | ᴏᴘᴇɴ ▸ with the world as my anchor.

Entry tags:

ᴏᴘᴇɴ ▸ with the world as my anchor.

WHO: Kaeya & you.
WHAT: Bird shenanigans and more.
WHERE: Various.
WHEN: All throughout Sekiseri.
WARNINGS: None, will update if needed. Only silly things allowed.

i. morning breeze.
achamoth

[ It's the beginning of a new month. Do you know where your Kaeya is at?

Rather than the charming, handsome young pirate that he is (no), he is reduced to a small bird, one that is growing increasingly confused and alarmed the longer this goes on. He doesn't know what's happening. He doesn't know how it happened. Why is he a bird? He was never able to do something like this before, so it makes no sense for him to suddenly wake up as a tiny feathered creature with no way to revert it all back.

This is bad. This is so bad that he can't even fly around, or chirp properly, or be a normal bird, but instead he is simply just. Jumping around on the floor to get from point A to point B, no matter where he is. Sometimes he might have figured out how to climb a desk or a chair, but most of the time, he is by your feet, desperately trying to get your attention.

Is he pecking at your shoe? Probably. Does he try to peck your fingers if you try to pick him up? Absolutely.

What's worse is when you catch him in a frenzied moment, because that's how you get your fingers frozen. A small burst of pure cryo energy originating from this tiny little thing is the culprit. Oops. At least he looks sorry about it — if a bird can look sorry, anyway. ]

ii. in flight.
achamoth / godsblood

[ After a while, and with a few lessons of how to be a bird under his wing (shut up, Candace!), Kaeya takes flight and allows himself to wander.

He doesn't have a particular destination in mind — only that it's somewhere far away from the Citadel. There are certain points where he stops in random areas within Achamoth, but for the most part, he's more interested in being further out. He goes past Venera, because he can't quite get over the heartache he experiences whenever he thinks about what happened there, and he isn't ready to step foot in that city just yet. Perhaps one day, he thinks, it will feel less impossible.

It takes some time, he's lost count of how many days along the way, but eventually, he reaches the city of Godsblood. There are far too many things to explore around here. First, he catches some well-needed rest, nesting somewhere hidden or somewhere in plain sight. Maybe it's by your window, on the awning of one of your favourite stalls, or even on a tree branch like most normal birds do. He's usually awake during the godawful hours of the morning, so here's hoping you don't mind the chirping.

If someone hasn't killed him by then, he'll be found everywhere else. Stealing your food. Divebombing you for fun. Nesting in your hair. No matter what, he's going to be a menace, and he can't be stopped.

(Please stop him.) ]

iii. state lines.
godsblood

[ During the days he spends as himself, he is a lot more discreet. Subtle. While he doesn't bother making use of glamours to hide who he is, he does wear a hood over his head to make himself less noticeable. It's chilly over here in Godsblood, so it isn't too strange to have an outsider try to bundle up. Or so he hopes. He isn't all that interested in causing a scene so he'll be mostly looking around, listening to conversations where he can.

And since this is Kaeya, you can most definitely find him in one of the bars, enjoying a drink or two. He'll usually be sitting at the furthest corner where he has a good view of the place, including whoever goes in and out. Is his back against the wall? Absolutely. Maybe someone is a little paranoid, but you can never be too careful.

It's better to be overly cautious than to be caught off guard when you least expect it. ]

iv. wildcard me, baby.

( ooc. i'm happy to write custom starters if none of these work. kaeya can also be seen around achamoth in various places, but he'll be on the move constantly. in godsblood, you're free to assume he could have flown into your room/shop/etc. as a bird, or you might catch him walking around the streets, observing people, taking notes. things like that! feel free to pm me, contact me on plurk, or ping me on discord if you'd like to chat more. 💜

ALSO!! as a general note, pls let me know if your character would likely use true sight to perceive that he's an aion. mostly for my own references. )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Sometimes someone just goes to a library and, instead of reading, they space out or, in this case, doze off. Bruno had picked out a book or two from the Citadel's wildly Regent-specific selection to bring back to a desk with him but that was more or less for looks. He gave them a cursory page-through before leaning his head against a hand and, eventually, dozing off like that. A good a place as any, since he doesn't expect many others will want to bother him in the midst of the Citadel's library, anyhow.

Anyone save for a single bird, apparently.

He gives a faint start when he feels something a-peck peck pecking at his ankle and mumbles something incoherent as he wakes. He scoots his chair out a few inches and looks down. At first, his brow is furrowed and his lips are pursed into a frown, only for that all to change when he sees just what it is that is bothering him. For once, it isn't scary or terrible or entirely mysterious to Bruno.

It's a bird. A little bird. Bruno's frown smooths out into a faint smile instead, any worry or wariness from before ironed out along with it. ]

Oh. [ His voice is pitched soft and friendly, clearly not wanting to scare the bird away. ] Hey there, little guy. How'd you get in here?

[ The Citadel's library is usually the quietest place.

Despite its selection being heavily skewed in favour of the Regent and their exploits, Kaeya has always appreciated the solace it could offer with its silent atmosphere. Bruno is there to take advantage of such solace, but unfortunately for him, that means he's the sole target of Kaeya's attempts to be noticed.

It takes a while for the other man to wake up, and when he does, the tiny bird has his feathers already ruffled. As if trying to ask what took him so long to notice that someone is here? Kaeya has lost track of just how long he has been pecking at the man's ankle, but at least he doesn't have to do it anymore...

He jumps when the seat scrapes along the floor, the sudden noise loud and particularly alarming, especially for a small thing. The question from Bruno does make him look up though, head tilting from side to side as he tries to flap his wings before glancing towards the door.

He walked through there, he's trying to say, duh. ]

[ Anything that Kaeya is trying to get across falls short of Bruno's understanding. He is not, after all, the Madrigal who speaks to animals and a bird's movements are much different from a rat's. If only Kaeya had ended up a rat, then there'd be no problem here, but alas. Still, he tries, silent and squinting thoughtfully at the bird for a moment.

Mmm, yeah, he's got nothing. ]

I don't think any windows are open in here, so... huh... here, you want up? [ At least he won't move the chair around anymore. It's far enough out now that he can lean over and offer Kaeya a hand. ] I'm nice, I promise.

[ Of course, even thinking this is a normal bird doesn't stop him from talking to it. He spent years talking to rats and the habit of simply rambling away at small creatures isn't something easily let go of. ]

[ While Bruno tries to figure it all out, Kaeya, to his credit, remains patient enough to wait for him. He stands by the man's feet, head tilting from side to side while the other puzzles him out. Maybe this would have been easier if Kaeya had turned into a rat, sure, but then again, maybe it wouldn't have either. Sometimes body language isn't enough to carry what you mean to say, though not for lack of trying.

And Kaeya tries again once the palm is offered to him. He does a little hop, and then his body dips forward once, twice. Is that supposed to be a nod? Close enough. He jumps onto Bruno's hand happily, a quiet chirp of approval following soon after. Watch him as he tries to make his way up Bruno's arm because he's impatient and can't wait for the man to bring him up.

Plus, the man promised that he's nice. He won't suddenly shake off a little bird, right? He better not.

Tiny talons allow him to keep a firm grip on fabric as he makes his way up. Once high enough, he takes one look at the desk and flutters right over. He's so proud of himself that chirps again, now facing Bruno once more. Praise him, please. ]

[ True to his word, he is too nice to shake a little bird off. When Kaeya begins scaling his arm, he slows his own movements down, very carefully sitting back up in the chair and drawing his arm in. The bird will get the chance to scale his shirt sleeve and flutter to the desk, where he sits, pleased as pie, apparently. He turns to observe once the bird is off of him and lets out a quiet laugh in reaction to the antics. ]

Cute, aren't ya? [ Perhaps not the exact praise Kaeya was hoping for but, really, he's a cute bird. What else can he expect? ] And used to people, too, if you're aren't bothered by me.

[ It's a guess but an educated one. A wild bird isn't going to hang out with him, no matter how nice he promises to be. He'll even take the chance to reach out with a fingertip and try to give him a tiny little pat on his feathery little head. Same as before, slow and careful movements. ]

[ Kaeya thinks that this man has a warm laugh, the kind that makes him wonder how he managed to land himself within the ranks of monsters. If only he was capable of speaking, he might have said as much right here and now, but as it is, he can only offer a curious chirp. Maybe he can find a way to help him out later...

Once he's no longer a bird, that is. Whenever that will be.

For the time being, he seems content to remain in place when Bruno reaches to pet him on the head. His eyes flutter shut as he enjoys the sensation of it, a simple feeling that has him fluffing up his feathers to show his contentment. He'll even keep his head lowered so that Bruno can continue to pat him. It's a nice feeling. It won't be a bad thing to just let it happen for as long as the man wants it to. ]

[ Kaeya would have ~~his dad~~ Silco to thank for that, the vicious little man having gotten to poor Bruno first when he'd first found himself alone and beyond distraught at his legacy's shrine. He was easy pickings, unfortunately, and, so, here he was, struggling to acclimate to his new situation. It's been... a time. An interesting time. That isn't particularly a good thing, though. ]

I wonder if someone is missing a bird. [ With how unoffended the bird is, the simplest guess is that Kaeya is someone's pet. Sorry, Kaeya. ] Let's see. I bet I have something for...

[ The petting only goes on for a little while longer before he pulls his hand away to search his pockets. ]

...uh, no, that's the salt. And this is. A handkerchief? When did I pick up a...? Oh, wait, this one. Here we go.

[ Why does he have food in his pockets? Look, he just does. He has a leftover cookie from when Ciel was storming the kitchens and, while a little stale at this point, it's still good. Technically. He'll break off a reasonable amount for a bird Kaeya's size and hold that out to him. ]

[ If Kaeya ever finds that ~~his dad~~ Silco is responsible, then his conflicting feelings might get worse. As it is, the more Bruno speaks, the more Kaeya is sure that this is someone who might end up suffering the same fate as Himeka and Abel, if not worse, because he's supposed to be one of them. The Regent wouldn't look too kindly on those who fail to execute their orders, but who knows?

Sometimes even a kind man can hide terrible secrets. He's learned this once before, and it wouldn't surprise him if that applies here now. Even if Bruno is just someone who is searching through his pockets, picking out salt, a handkerchief, and something questionable. Before finding a cookie.

That makes Kaeya perk up, neck stretched a tiny bit to see better. He opens his beak to accept the small piece offered and eats it up, wings spreading to show his gratitude. Don't mind him while he nuzzles his face against Bruno's finger, almost catlike. ]

[ Silco might be responsible, but Bruno had chosen to accept his fate when offered the vial rather than put up a fight and have it forced on him. In spite of that, he had lingered in the cold, unfriendly hall the lodestone resided in for days, until... well, he is here, out in the Citadel, isn't he? Kindness and all. ]

Like that? I'm not planning on finishing this thing, so you can have as much as you want.

[ He rubs his fingertip against the bird's face as he nuzzles against it. Again, gentle. He seems used to handling small animals if nothing else. ]

Now let's see. Are you lost? Did someone lose you in here?

[ Bruno's kindness is one that will be eaten alive out here. Whether or not it's a fate he accepted, it doesn't mean that Kaeya won't try to lessen the chances of that happening. Not that he'll try to help the man find his way out of here, because he still believes that the Kenoma has the better odds of succeeding in all this, but at least he can be a source of comfort if nothing else.

Maybe turning into a bird isn't such a bad thing, if he can do that much.

He nibbles on the rest of the cookies while Bruno continues to pet him lightly. What little he knows about the man — beyond his kindness — is that maybe he has a pretty good chance of understanding Kaeya given the way he's been doing all the right things so far. Small movements, quiet sounds, gestures that won't spook such a small thing like he is right now.

He looks up at the question, blinking. Then he shakes his head to say no, someone didn't lose him — an odd response from a bird, because then it shows he understands what is being said to him. Maybe Bruno will get that? ]

[ Well, he certainly wouldn't turn down a bird friend visiting to cheer him up from time to time. Goodness knows he'll be liable to need it. Bruno carries on offering gentle little pets until the bird gives him what looks distinctly like a shake of his head. That gets a rise of Bruno's eyebrows and gives him pause. He stills, taking a closer look at the bird before drawing his hand back.

Kaeya will have guessed correctly.

As someone who's spent the last decade of his life with only small animals for company, he can tell immediately that this was not a normal animal motion. Besides, the rats that lived with him in casita were peculiarly intelligent in their own ways, meaning it also isn't wholly unexpected behavior apart from it being from, well, a little birdie. ]

Huh. Could you flap your wings, uh. Twice? If you understand me?

[ There it is. The telltale signs that someone is beginning to realize that there's more than meets eye with this tiny bird. As cute as he is, Kaeya knows that he can't keep up the ruse forever, but while he'd rather switch back to his usual self, he can't. Not right now, anyway.

So— he does as Bruno asks. He spreads his wings, flapping them twice. Every word is understood loud and clear.

Now, as far as whether or not the man will figure out that maybe he isn't just a bird, well, that's still up in the air. It's not like Kaeya can speak to prove otherwise, anyway. ]

Oh.

[ Bruno leans back in his chair once his question has been confirmed with a very obvious reply. The bird, this tiny bird, this cute little thing, can comprehend what he's saying. This only creates more questions. ]

Maybe animals in the Citadel are as smart as Casita's rats... I mean, at least I think they were smart. They seemed pretty smart to me and I would be the one to really know, and... uh...

[ Only he's rambling now and, so, he trails off there and leans forward again, sliding his chair back out further as he does so he can fold his arms up on the tabletop and rest his chin on them. Bringing himself down to Kaeya's level, so to speak. ]

But you aren't a rat, obviously. Okay. Are you... are birds just sentient here? Or are you not really a bird?

[ Kaeya looks down at his entire body. Nope, definitely not a rat. Just a small magpie who happens to understand every single thing Bruno is saying. His feathers ruffle before he settles down again, listening to the man work this one out. He wonders if he should give away that he's an Aion...

Not that he has any way of saying so, since the most he can do is blink at Bruno. At least they're almost on the same level now so he can approach the man slowly, one wing reaching out to lightly brush against Bruno's nose.

And then he chirps softly. Hard to say what he's trying to get at here, but these are definitely not birdlike behaviours. ]

[ No flaps to say yes to either of those questions, so... Bruno can only chuckle again when the bird hops up to his face and brushes feathers across his nose. ]

Hey, careful. That tickles.

[ He pulls an arm free from under his chin and lets his head loll over to rest against the one that remains tucked under it. Now that he has a hand free, he can resume petting the little magpie, although with the bird closer now, he can run his fingers down his entire feathery back now. ]

Not gonna tell me, huh? Well, that's fine. I guess birds can be allowed their secrets.

[ He tucks his wing back once Bruno tells him to stop. This is a bird that has way too many secrets so here's hoping Bruno is content with simply having a feathery friend for company. Maybe one of these days Kaeya will admit who he is, but who knows when that will happen?

For now, he is melting under Bruno's touch. This is similar to getting a full-bodied massage which is positively divine. Both his beady little eyes are closed, and his feathers are ruffling because he is happy to enjoy this moment for as long as Bruno allows it to keep going.

His chitters sound dangerously close to a cat's purr. ]

[ Miyako staying in Godsblood is actually a pretty selfish idea at the end of the day - She prefers it to Greentruth. Greentruth is pretty, nice, but if you asked her was like an extended summer camping trip... And she's not a big fan of camping. Or dinosaurs keeping her up at all hours of the night (nevermind that you know, she's up half the night anyway- that probably just makes it worse). So for the most part she stays in Godsblood... Thankfully, an expert at pretending her partner digimon is nothing more than a stuffed animal most days and if they go anywhere he pretends to be one. They did that for way too long in the past -

Still, it's unfair to Poromon and she knows it. Poromon's only freedom while in Godsblood is around the small room above some bakery that she was renting while working there (very Studio Ghibli of her, yes, she's living that dream). Which is, of course, where he was that morning when there's a knocking at the window.

A half asleep Miyako thinks vaguely of the short story, Raven, in her dreams... Poromon's the one to wake up and flutter over to the window. Large, blue eyes staring at the bird - Perhaps, not for the first time, he could speak properly to the more mundane versions of himself as he says, groggily - irritably. :]

Some of us are trying to sleep you know.

[ Because it's just a bird! And he can talk to that (maybe he's going stir crazy). All he knows is with a slight rotation of his body he can see Miyako move in her sleep. If it keeps up his partner will be up and then none of them will be happy. ]

( ooc. assuming the window is still closed... )

[ Miyako living that Studio Ghibli dream doesn't spare her from the nuisance that is Kaeya as a bird. He tap-tap-taps against the glass of her window, as if trying to catch her attention, anyone at all. It takes some time for someone to finally check what the commotion is about, and when a round... feathery thing comes into view, the sight of it is enough to startle him.

He jerks backwards, nearly falling off the edge until he remembers he can fly now, so he does that, flapping his wings wildly. What the heck? What is that? Poromon looks like a cross between a slime and a bird, except he knows there's no way that's possible. Except it is? Poromon is right there? Looking at him with large blue eyes, and...

—it can talk?!

Carefully, he lands on the window sill again, moving forward to get a closer look. He appears to be scrutinizing the other, as if trying to figure out what he is. When he can't find a satisfactory answer, he tap-tap-taps at the window again. Let him in, please. It's cold out here. He won't stop until Poromon lets him in.

He doesn't care if it wakes Miyako up. ]

[ It's good weather in Achamoth today, which means many of the windows of the Citadel are open for the day to let in the air. This also means it's an exceptionally good day for another bird to run some errands, essentially, since getting in and out is far more convenient.

It's as Kaeya is trying to make his way onto a desk that there's a bit of a woosh of air and flapping of wings as a much larger than average crow suddenly lands on the back of the chair. It could be someone's pet, but unlike the corvus that populate the region, this one's eyes are a deep red, and quickly fixating on the other bird.

That, and if Kaeya thinks to look, this particular crow is also a Celebrant of Kenoma. ]

Ah, dear. We will be having to sweep out the wildlife because of the weather, it seems.

[ ...And the fact that it, you know. Talks. It doesn't quite sound like Sebastian, since his voice comes out hoarse and decidedly not English-accented, but the underlying qualities of the voice are the same, as well as the particular way he speaks. ]

[ First of all, this desk is way too tall.

It takes a great deal of effort for Kaeya to scale it with the little knowledge he has to use his wings. Sometimes, it might look like he isn't about to make it, but after making it to the seat of a chair, he can't give up now. He doesn't even notice that something else has decided to enter the room up until he's done struggling to reach the desk.

Finally— except whatever celebratory antics he might have thought of are cut short when someone speaks right behind him. He thought it was a person at first, but when he turned around, he... is looking at a crow? With eyes so red that they might as well be abnormal. Who in the heck. His head tilts to one side, and then the other.

And then his feathers ruffle when the other bird calls him wildlife, seemingly offended. He points one wing at the crow. Excuse you. He isn't the only "wildlife" around here! ]

[ Sebastian laughs, which in this form, comes out as a caw, naturally. The way his wing points is quite unnatural, after all. That sort of gesture would only come from someone used to limbs, wouldn't it?

He shifts along the top of the chair from side to side, then bends down a bit low so that they're closer to eye level. The top of the chair is a bit higher than the desk, after all. ]

My, my. What, did a witch place a curse on you? You should be thankful if so. They are more prone to toads, I have heard. Your plumage is quite handsome.

[ When the crow bends low so that they're nearly eye-to-eye, Kaeya folds his wing back and decides to be the one to approach. Little hops that take him closer to where the crow sits on the top of the chair just so he can have a better look. He doesn't look like anyone Kaeya would recognize as a bird, and the only person that he knows can turn into one is Howl, but his form is much larger, if he remembers correctly…

Unless he's able to shift into this form too? Who knows.

Unable to speak in words, all he can really puff up is his chest when the other bird compliments him. It's no surprise that he looks good even though he'd turned into an animal. Small victories, he thinks, amidst the confusing experience. At least someone else can appreciate it.

Anyway. How does one gesture that he wants to know who this is? He chirps once; it's a shrill sort of noise. Then he tilts his head from side to side, eyes blinking rapidly as he focuses, curious. One wing points at the crow again. Does that work? ]

[ It does indeed! Or... close enough. Dealing with people unable to talk is something he's been encountering with a startling regularity recently, isn't it? He laughs (caws) again as he draws himself back up to sit straight, since leaning down in such a way just isn't comfortable long term. ]

Not even a guess? ...Though I suppose you could not tell it to me at the moment.

[ Which makes it significantly less fun. Sebastian extends one of his wings, but it's so that he can draw the tip of it back towards his chest in a gesture that's familiar. ]

Sebastian Michaelis. At your service, naturally.

[ Watch as Kaeya's tiny beady eyes widen as much as they can, one wing still pointed towards Sebastian while he bows in greeting. It's almost too strange to have the crow perfectly mimic the demon butler's mannerisms even as a feathery creature, but then again, if he truly is "one hell of a butler," maybe this is just part of his skills?

That said, all he can really do is chirp again. He can't speak so that's as far as it goes, but tries to look happy to "meet" Sebastian again. Now, how does he prove who he is... The man already knows that he isn't a bird usually, and—

Oh. There's not much he can do in this form, but he's learned enough to be able to summon a tiny shard made out of ice in front of him, reminiscent of the spike he'd sent straight at the Sanctifier's eye. It should narrow down the options since he doesn't think there are too many of those who can fight with cryo as he does. ]

[ One way or another, Kaeya manages to figure out how shift back into himself. That was such a harrowing experience that he never wants to let that happen again, but that requires learning how to control this particular ability — among other things. At first, he tries to library, thinking that there must be something, anything at all, that would help dissect the steps on how to shapeshift into a bird properly, but it's all wishful thinking.

He leaves the Citadel's library empty-handed and no closer to a solution. That means he might have to ask for someone's help, which is the very last thing he wants to do, since it's almost ridiculous to ask for advice when it comes to this. However, it's slowly becoming clear that he might have no choice.

With a sigh, he heads for Howl's room, hoping to catch him in there. He hadn't seen him during the Innocence entity's execution so he could only assume the worst, but enough time has passed that he should be back, right? One would hope, anyway.

He knocks on his door, quietly. When it opens, he offers a breezy smile. ]

Howl. How are you faring? [ A beat. ] If you're not too busy, I was hoping to ask a favour of you.

[ When Kaeya reaches Howl's door, he might pick up the faint sound of rustling and moving-about happening inside, even before he knocks to make his presence known. The knock makes the noises halt immediately, and it takes a while — several minutes, in fact — for Howl to come to the door. The wizard did not call out in the interim, making it unclear if he was coming to the door at all.

When the door does open, it's only halfway, with Howl's body blocking any view of the room inside. Upon seeing Kaeya's face, he grins and slips out into the hallway to talk, closing the door behind him. ]

Kaeya. What a pleasant surprise. [ Crossing his arms, he glances the man over. He looks and is dressed normal, from what he can remember. What could this be about? ] How can I be of service?

[ In contrast to Howl's assessment of Kaeya, Howl himself clearly does not look 'normal.' Black feathers cover the skin on his neck and collarbones, and the sprinkling of feathers on his forearms have turned into full gloves up to his elbows. ]

[ The faint rustling from beyond the closed door does earn a raised eyebrow from Kaeya, but it's gone by the time Howl greets him. He doesn't bother trying to sneak any glances at whatever the other Aion might be trying to hide since there are far more pressing matters. What he does take note of, however, is how different Howl looks compared to the last time he saw him — well, before the Sanctifier's fight, anyway. That was a completely different version of Howl that he'd never had the chance to witness until then.

Still, the other looks alive and well, and that's all one can ask for, really. (When your standards are so low…)

Anyway. Time to get right to the point. ]

You're able to turn yourself into a bird, yes? I was wondering if you'd be able to… show me a few tricks.

[ He figures the best way to explain why is to simply show Howl what's going on, so— within the next split-second, there's a puff of cold mist that covers the entirety of him before revealing a small magpie where Kaeya used to stand. This tiny thing is looking up at Howl with what could almost be taken as an imploring look.

Please teach him how to be a bird. ]

[ Show him a few tricks? What is he — oh.

Howl blinks down at the little bird, looking just as desperate for answers as it does. There is a moment of hesitation, and then the slightest raising of his shoulders in a shrug, as Howl accepts what just happened before him.

Bending down, he holds out his hand vertically, offering the side of his thumb for Kaeya to use as a perch. ]

Well. This is new. You wouldn't be coming to me for 'tricks' if it weren't.

[ ...can Kaeya talk like this? He blinks again at the magpie, waiting. ]

[ When Howl states that this is new, all Kaeya can do is nod because he can't say speak like this at all. It's one of those things that makes this whole deal unfortunate but he supposes he can make do with simple body language for now. At least, if he's asked simple questions. Harder ones can... take a few more charades.

He looks up at the offered perch, head tilting from side to side. With his wings spread, he flaps them in an effort to fly, but ...

He is practically like a baby bird. How does one fly? It's almost comical the way he struggles, but he is looking at Howl for help. These are the kinds of tricks he needs!! ]

[ Watching the theatrics, Howl finds himself succumbing to a grin. This is cute. And, in a certain way, nostalgic. ]

Never been in a body different from your usual one, I take it?

[ Instead of helping Kaeya, he briefly withdraws his hand so he can go from a kneel to being fully seated on the hallway floor. He then holds his hand back out. ]

You'll have to master the basics before I can teach you any tricks, friend. The first of which is the most essential: comfortable, tight control of your new limbs. Acclimation to your new weight and balance. Adjusting to the change in your senses — both the typical Five and those more subtle and instinctive.

[ You're going to have to get up onto his hand on your own, Kaeya. ]

You're a bird now. You've got the spindly, stringy legs of a bird. They might be fragile but they are all you need to do this. Take your time, focus, and jump up.

[ It is so strange to think of himself as a bird, but Kaeya thinks he understands what Howl is trying to get at. His wings fold over himself, an odd attempt of crossing his "arms," as it were, which ruins the whole point of him being a bird, but hey. He's thinking here. Maybe judging the distance of how far he needs to jump now that Howl has repositioned himself.

Hmm. Howl says to rely on his new limbs, namely the spindly, stringy legs of a bird. Easier said than done when you've never been a bird your whole life, but— here goes nothing.

He takes one look at the offered hand, backing up a few steps before just going for it. His tiny body leaps forward and somehow manages to land — not too gracefully, sadly — on Howl's hand just like he said he would. That...

Deserves a shrill chirp!! Amazing!! He's so pleased with himself, feathers ruffling with pride. ]

[ If he could, Howl would clap his hands in delight. But... well, obviously, that would be a bad idea at the present, so he simply grins down at Kaeya and keeps him steady as he rises back to his feet. ]

Excellent job! You wouldn't believe how many young wizards took ten times as long to do the same thing.

[ With magpie in hand, Howl starts down the hallway, towards the stairs closest to the doors leading outside. ]

How do you feel? Balancing alright? [ he pauses, considering. ] Raise your right wing for yes, and left wing for no.

[The birb jumps his way onto table, and from the other end where a chair rests semi-tucked in, a mass of fur with big blue eyes peer back. The birb may notice the unusual blue coloring, Achamoth isn't known to have many ground-locked furry creatures of that shade. What's this, owo...?

Well, since they're both higher attuned, it sure is something for a Kenoma Loverbird to meet a Kenoma Martyrpup, huh?

Still owoing, the small dog jumps onto the table too to 👀 the struggling birb curiously. whaddpup, dawg? Or rather, what's fly, (mag)pie?]

[ What's this, owo…?

The bird is immediately confused upon sighting the blue-furred dog, because that's not normal. That has never been normal. Excuse him while he gives a thousand-yard stare to the other creature because he can't quite make sense?? Of the puppy's existence? Then again, it all makes sense when True Sight kicks in and it lets him know that a) this is an Aion, and b) they're a member of the Martyr legacy.

Alright, well. That narrows it down, he thinks. Enough for him to stop being so wary anyway.

He hops over to where the puppy now stands on the table, stopping just a few inches away. She is so tall and so much bigger than he is but he's not afraid of her. He'll even reach out to touch her nose with one of his wings. Booping the snoot already, this one. ]

[A blue magpie subjecting a blue dog to a thousand yard stare... Truly, Horos is a fantastical land that has it all. But the Legacy read really gives them both away a touch too easily, doesn't it? What other blue Lover/Martyr is there? This is a most extraordinary coincidence, though. What are the odds, that they would both end up running each other as their much smoler and floofier new forms ~~after an execution of all things~~?

The dog is polite with good manners so she will let the bird stare at his leisure, simply blinking back innocently and sitting docilely on her hind legs without moving to not startle her feathery companion. Her blep is of course very much out in the open, it's perfectly normal for dogs in particular to have theirs on display at all times. It IS still summer too, gotta regulate your body heat! She doesn't seem worried or concerned as he hops closer either, though the snoot boop has her blink and sneeze a little as a result. T-that's new! And she's a little disoriented after, because it's the first pubby sneeze she's ever experienced in her life. Oh, so that's how it feels... A lil itchy, sniff.

And it's after she's pulled her head back a little and put a bit more distance between them that she borks once, not too loud, just an energetic 'arf' that could very feasibly be interpreted as a greeting of some sort. Hi!! Just a birb and a pubby meeting atop a table, that happens, yeah?]

[ One would think that the execution is what inspired them to turn into a more furry-fied version of themselves, as a means of coping and a way to find an escape. Who knows. At least they're both cute, and that both of them being blue gives away their identities to each other so they'll know who not to speak about this ever again. (Probably?)

That sneeze, though. Loud and sudden noise is enough to send the tiny bird flapping backwards, putting as much distance between the two of them as he possibly can. It's only when the puppy has recovered and borked at him that he reconsiders his approach, tiptoeing carefully so as not to trigger any sudden sounds.

The birb decides to chirp back, shrill and curious. His head tilts from side to side after his greeting, as if wondering what is a puppy like her doing all the way up here on a table. It seems like a strange place for two cute animals to meet up, but here they are anyway. ]

[Never speak of this again? When they are just borking and chirping back and forth at each other? It probably means a truce. Probably, right? Anyway, given how lively the mop of blue at her back had been enthusiastically wagging back and forth for a while now, the pubby is (probably) not aggressive. Her head does droop and she gives a small and hesitant whine at the birb suddenly flyjumping away, but once it's obvious he hasn't lost his balance and is doing just fine, it takes about 0.1 second for her to perk up and resume happy bleping once more.

...

Like, right back @ u? A table isn't where birbs are normally found on! She borks once again, a little less loud this time, then turns to look out the nearest window. Then back at him again, and her droopy ears twitch a little as if flapping. Isn't the weather nice out for a flight? ☀]

[ With every bork, there is a chirp in response. It's definitely a truce now.

He glances over to the window before looking back at the pubby again. The blep and tail wagging help with easing out whatever tension that's left in his tiny birb body, feathers ruffling to show that he's happy too. What ends up making him "sad" is when she implies that maybe he ought to be flying? He shows why this is a sad thing: with his wings spread, he gives them a lil' flap and... nothing.

He can't fly yet. :( Still needs to get used to having new limbs. It's weird. You'd think it just comes naturally, but since he missed the baby bird stage... Well. That's why he's stuck up here on the table.

Now— his head tilts at the pubby again. Back to the pubby. What is a pubby like you doing up here? Isn't it better to chase your tail outdoors? ]

[Yuya thought he was far enough away from the docks he wouldn't have to deal with birds trying to steal his streetfood. Fried, salty, delicious white fish and potato wedges.

But no! It isn't just seagulls! Now there's a magpie that's going after it, and Yuya vainly attempts to hunch over his food and hold it away every time Kaeya swoops in.] Back off! It's mine!

[He's stooped to yelling at a bird. The worst.]

Edited 2022-08-30 07:37 (UTC)

[ Far away enough from the docks, and yet not far enough from one menacing magpie that has decided he wants to eat potato wedges today. When Yuya waltzes in with such a delicious-looking snack, he can't help but make use of all the tricks he'd learned from Howl to dive swiftly in an attempt to steal a wedge.

The yelling doesn't deter him. If anything, it makes him even bolder. More annoying. He repeats the motions until he manages to catch an opening in Yuya's defenses, picking out one of the wedges with his little beak and flying in front of him.

Is he going to hover near Yuya while he eats this wedge? Yeah... He sure is. ]

[Yuya's skinny arms can't doo everything, and unfortunately Kaeya manages to snatch one of the wedges and sit elsewhere on the bench. To eat it.

Yuya groans, burying his face in his hands. He definitely doesn't want that now.] Can't even keep the stupid birds away from my food... you'd better not waste that!

[ While Yuya buries his face in his hands, Kaeya is busy trying to eat the potato wedge as a bird should. He's struggling, obviously, not quite used to his beak just yet, and just when he thinks he can swallow the entire thing — half of it falls on the bench, next to Yuya.

He looks down at it, then at Yuya, then looks down at it again, then at Yuya once more. Well. He doesn't want that now either, so Yuya can have it if he wants. ]

[What did he just say.

Yuya is in fact not a believer in the five second rule (especially when a bird was just pecking it). But it does renew his energy to defend his food. By grabbing a handful of potato wedges and shoving them into his mouth at once.

He leans sideways so he can glare at Kaeyabird as he does. He's watching you.]

[ Angrily, Kaeya ruffles up his feathers to show how he feels about Yuya eating a handful of wedges. Wow. He just tried sharing?? This is unacceptable.

This also means that while Yuya is busy munching on said wedges, he will hop his way closer before diving straight for the fish. If he isn't successfully batted away, he will dig his tiny feet into it, marking it his own.

—otherwise he'll just keep trying again and again. ]

[Through a mouthful of potato:] Ooough!

[Yuya swats at Kaeya, harder than he means to, as he dives after the fish.]

[ The weird, loud noise leaves the bird blinking wildly at Yuya. What is that? Is that supposed to scare him off? He's even paused mid-flight because of how taken aback he is, which turns out to be a mistake.

Yuya manages to slap him away, sending him tumbling on the bench. Ow. He is a crumpled pile of feathers right now. What a mean guy... Can't believe Yuya will hurt a bird like this!! ]

[Yuya's heart drops when Kaeya does.

And so do chunks of potato wedge he hasn't yet swallowed.] Ah...

Oh no! I'm sorry! [He leans to try and gently scoop Kaeya into his hands, expression torn between worry and shocked. Between their shared legacy, his distress is poignant.] Oh no, oh no...

[He didn't mean to but--but he did...]

[ Normally, something like that wouldn't even bother him too much, but considering his new body is much smaller than his usual one, this is a good lesson for him to learn. Don't get hit as a bird. It should be easy enough if he can learn how to fly better...

No broken bones though, which is good. He tries to get up once Yuya picked him up, tiny head shaking itself to be rid of the mild dizziness. The emotional feedback coming from Yuya is disorienting but maybe this means he should be a bit nicer to him. Oops.

One soft cheep is followed by the unfurling of his wings. Look, he's fine. Nothing is broken. ]

[Yuya tilts his head side to side, giving Kaeya a thorough lookover but too nervous to touch him any further than just cradling him.

But... he's moving, and nothing seems bent. So Yuya lets out a sigh of relief.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

ᴏᴘᴇɴ ▸ with the world as my anchor.

i

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bruno is so nice... weh

so nice that he's gonna have a bad time

NO... everyone needs to protect bruno!!!

too late only danger now

operation: save bruno

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ii.

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i but also a lil wildcard

birb friends...!!!

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ʜᴏᴡʟ.

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i kenofurries assemble

kenofurries!!! that's our team name now…

they will strike terror into the heart of horos by comboing hideous and cute 🌠

but what happens if they're both cute, do they just charm everyone in horos instead

u rly saying stealing food and shitting on ppl's head is cute behaviour,

hey... no one is pooping on people's heads!!!

II - Godsblood

no!!! yuya...

Goobye potato wedge... you were soft and salty

yuya can have half of it

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