It is. Those eye-catching forms may be quite far from something human, but there are traits that match up in the day to day, I've found. Your ears and tail, for example.
I remember plenty, though. A large, ruddy fox with many tails. Fresh blood dripping from its maw. Shall I recount the sharpness of its claws to you?
[ Grisly in someone's DMs... He definitely feels something in that moment, but, no. He's not going to get mad... ]
In a manner of speaking, at least. It's lucky that my Soul's inclinations suited my poor luck.
[ Whatever that means, but he's vague on purpose. He feels like elaborating would turn the focus on his death instead of what he's much more curious about. ]
Compensation isn't why I'm reaching out, though I wouldn't turn down either. I just want to know what happened to have you in that state. You might be a cheat at cards, but you didn't strike me as homicidal, to be blunt about it.
[ ...Very genuinely, he hadn’t been planning on admitting it. Whether it was fear or personal pride, Hugo simply didn’t want to acknowledge that bad luck had led to his death. He doesn’t want to believe that he’s died at all, considering, well. Here he is. Undeath is something relegated to fiction, and that he’s some example of it now is something that he has difficult reconciling.
To himself, he sighs. For Taksugi, his thirst for knowledge wins out. ]
…I have, yes.
I didn’t survive your claws, to be honest. But that’s precisely what I mean by my souls inclinations. I’m a Spectral type, so… Death was my fate, seemingly.
[ The’s a pause, and it’s not surprise that it takes him a moment to type it out. ]
Death is when I heard it most clearly. That’s part of why I’m curious.
Well, "revive" isn't exactly the correct word is part of it. How it's possible, I couldn't tell you, since I don't have any idea either, but my Soul exists in a state of undeath. I've known that for some time.
So, I merely match that proclivity. I may be talking to you, yes, but biologically speaking, I'm dead. My heart no longer beats.
[ And more, but he's not going to get into his transparent skin and how he can see what's happening inside with alarming clarity. The heartbeat is enough. ]
( a dark thought passes his mind, an "if we swapped souls, would that mean i could stay here past the inevitable?".
but it's gone as quick as it came. )
That's crazy I'd like to know if Patho-Gen consulted with any of you on that front But on my end, it was all simply the result of... anger An anger I should've been way more prepared for
If they did, I certainly didn't hear about it. I knew that something along those lines was occurring over the past month, but this expedited the process, to be sure.
Was the anger personal or something stemming from your Soul?
The Soul's, naturally You didn't take me "homicidal" sort, right?
( it's not entirely the truth, but not entirely a lie, either. )
Would Patho-Gen really let someone who wants to destroy humanity front their technology? Either way, there's a reliable way to ensure this doesn't happen again
[ This is not what Hugo expected the answer to be. Even a little bit. Like, he can guess that he means that whole "imprinting" thing, but he still feels like Takasugi is maybe messing with him. ]
[ ...Though. His mind also immediately drift to his impulsive little "encounter" with Vander, and. Now that he thinks about it. His Soul had been rather quiet for a bit, hadn't it? Is that why he felt inclined to reach out to him instead of just ghosting? ]
[ Ugh. Ugh. This is terrible news, because Hugo's affect may be one that's friendly and personable, but he's a deeply closed off and untrusting person. And, yet. He can feel that angry thrum of his Soul. He’s concerned about what that implies, to put it lightly. ]
Then I hope you carry some sort of implement like that now. You might not get “lucky” and strike a Spectral a second time.
[ ok. look. he can’t help being a little catty,,, ]
I do appreciate the insight, though. That answer isn’t what I was hoping for, exactly, but I suppose it does make some of Patho-Gen’s interest in imprinting make more sense.
Don't mention it Really If I'm really the one responsible for taking your life due to my negligence, then even more so Which... I'll go further and tell you something else
( because how is he really supposed to make amends here? it feels awkward. )
The truth is, I was shot that night It would've been a stupid as hell way to die too If it weren't for that "imprinting" phenomenon
So, it helps with that as well? How odd. That's an understatement, but there's no better word for it. Loath as I am to acquiesce to it, it sounds like wise to put myself on the market, so to speak.
Also, better shot than the alternative, to be honest. A scythe's work is a bit more significant than a bullet's.
I haven't heard of this instance of it in particular, so maybe it's new knowledge Or maybe I'm just the only one who's thought to try it It won't do a miracle and cure your condition or anything, but it might help ease the pain
It's good to know, so I appreciate it. If I can add any confirmation to your hypothesis, I'll let you know.
[ ...Though. He's not thrilled with the prospect, but that's just because the one person that he's certain he's imprinted with is, uh. Silco. He's going to have to bond with Vander more out of desperation, honestly.
(Joke's on him for not knowing how MESSY that is tho) ]
And for what it's worth, I do want to say that this conversation came from curiosity from what caused such a dramatic shift, if you'll forgive the pun in the phrasing. I really wasn't looking for an apology.
While I'm not thrilled to have died, to be sure, that was also something inevitable, I fear. So, I don't hold it against you, truly. A quick death that was more or less on my own terms is preferable to a slow one, in my opinion.
( a quick death is more preferable to a slow one... , huh.
those words put to text might as well be a carving deep in the cavity that is his soul, and takasugi feels an emotion so strong he gets dizzy. he leans against a nearby wall, trying to keep everything painful from rising in his throat, hidden from anyone who might be close or even a stranger. it's a statement he understand so intimately, and yet, he still can't stop himself from asking something even more punishing: )
What makes you so sure on that front? A swift, painful death on your own Or a slow death surrounded by family and friends One of these sounds all the more lonesome
[ He could lie. It's tempting, even, because Hugo doesn't like to reveal his own feelings. They're always something that can be used against you, and the less people know about your connections, the better.
...It's a thought he's been trying to overcome for years. So, he sighs to himself. Sure, why not. He'll be honest to the man who struck him with a mortal wound. That feels fitting, in a way. ]
I don't have either of those here, but even setting that aside. I wouldn't really want them to see me that way anyways. I'd rather their last memory of me be something bright and vivacious rather than somber, though that truly is just my personal preference.
I won't argue with you there It happens to my personal preference too, admittedly
( how envious. how stupid to be reminded of his most hidden desire in this conversation: to die in a way more befitting, having achieved something for once, so his name can finally rest more properly alongside his mentor. here he's been spending more time on his "company" than trying to achieve that, which obviously isn't a bad thing. he cares for his current ambitions just as much, and for the rest of them. but it still feels like his face is being smeared in the dirt for it briefly.
for as much as he breaks tradition with every step, the only way takasugi truly thinks he can fight his own fate hangs over him like a shadow. )
But regardless of how you met your fate, we should keep in touch
[ It at least makes sense why Takasugi was curious, though naturally Hugo doesn't know the full extent of it. Clearly, it's important to him if he wanted the elaboration, though, and that's a little facet that he notes.
But, to himself, he does laugh at that last little bit. Truly, how bizarre, and that comes to everything about this. Yet, he's genuine when he says: ]
Let's. It goes without saying that we have a rather unique bond at this point, after all~.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
RATTLES TAKASUGI IN MY HANDS (fond)
Date: 2025-08-22 01:14 am (UTC)I remember plenty, though. A large, ruddy fox with many tails. Fresh blood dripping from its maw. Shall I recount the sharpness of its claws to you?
I'd rather not, if it's all the same to you.
coughs dramatically
Date: 2025-08-22 04:13 pm (UTC)But I suppose I was the one asking for details
( fresh blood. his blood. takasugi remembers coming to, and being behind all that glass. )
So
Were you looking for an apology, or some form of compensation?
Since you reached out to me, I take it you're still in one piece
no subject
Date: 2025-08-22 04:23 pm (UTC)In a manner of speaking, at least. It's lucky that my Soul's inclinations suited my poor luck.
[ Whatever that means, but he's vague on purpose. He feels like elaborating would turn the focus on his death instead of what he's much more curious about. ]
Compensation isn't why I'm reaching out, though I wouldn't turn down either. I just want to know what happened to have you in that state. You might be a cheat at cards, but you didn't strike me as homicidal, to be blunt about it.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-22 09:21 pm (UTC)Not in this world in particular, no
But there are...
( there's a pause, and then: )
Dubious luck aside
When your emotions are at an all-time high
Have you ever heard the voice of what's residing inside you?
no subject
Date: 2025-08-23 03:06 am (UTC)To himself, he sighs. For Taksugi, his thirst for knowledge wins out. ]
…I have, yes.
I didn’t survive your claws, to be honest. But that’s precisely what I mean by my souls inclinations. I’m a Spectral type, so… Death was my fate, seemingly.
[ The’s a pause, and it’s not surprise that it takes him a moment to type it out. ]
Death is when I heard it most clearly. That’s part of why I’m curious.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-23 03:53 pm (UTC)( ... what does he mean, didn't survive?
well. obviously that means dying. and takasugi is a dead man who has so much blood spilled on his hands already. but it's still...
a feeling he can't describe properly. a chill that's latched onto his spine. )
You're serious?
How am I speaking to a dead man right now
( and for as much as the panic seizes him, so does the excitement. this is so ironic. )
Or, like
I didn't realize we could do that
Housing a soul inside that revives you
Or was it dead to begin with?
How does this work
( sorry. sorry. not to spiral off hugo's very obvious trauma. )
no subject
Date: 2025-08-23 06:48 pm (UTC)So, I merely match that proclivity. I may be talking to you, yes, but biologically speaking, I'm dead. My heart no longer beats.
[ And more, but he's not going to get into his transparent skin and how he can see what's happening inside with alarming clarity. The heartbeat is enough. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-25 12:40 am (UTC)but it's gone as quick as it came. )
That's crazy
I'd like to know if Patho-Gen consulted with any of you on that front
But on my end, it was all simply the result of... anger
An anger I should've been way more prepared for
no subject
Date: 2025-08-25 02:56 pm (UTC)Was the anger personal or something stemming from your Soul?
no subject
Date: 2025-08-25 04:21 pm (UTC)You didn't take me "homicidal" sort, right?
( it's not entirely the truth, but not entirely a lie, either. )
Would Patho-Gen really let someone who wants to destroy humanity front their technology?
Either way, there's a reliable way to ensure this doesn't happen again
no subject
Date: 2025-08-25 05:21 pm (UTC)[ ...Though, isn't "destroying humanity" going a little far? Well. Whatever. ]
So, how would you ensure that?
forgetting a word... closes my eyes
Date: 2025-08-25 05:31 pm (UTC)1/3 LMAOOOO
Date: 2025-08-25 05:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-08-25 05:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-08-25 05:44 pm (UTC)You're serious? This is some consequence of, what, repression?
no subject
Date: 2025-08-25 06:13 pm (UTC)Call it whatever you want, but it's true
And while I guess your sense of smell might not be the same as mine
( you know. anymore. )
Anything that even still carries my partner's scent typically soothes the noise
no subject
Date: 2025-08-25 07:03 pm (UTC)Then I hope you carry some sort of implement like that now. You might not get “lucky” and strike a Spectral a second time.
[ ok. look. he can’t help being a little catty,,, ]
I do appreciate the insight, though. That answer isn’t what I was hoping for, exactly, but I suppose it does make some of Patho-Gen’s interest in imprinting make more sense.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-25 11:25 pm (UTC)Really
If I'm really the one responsible for taking your life due to my negligence, then even more so
Which... I'll go further and tell you something else
( because how is he really supposed to make amends here? it feels awkward. )
The truth is, I was shot that night
It would've been a stupid as hell way to die too
If it weren't for that "imprinting" phenomenon
no subject
Date: 2025-08-26 12:51 pm (UTC)Also, better shot than the alternative, to be honest. A scythe's work is a bit more significant than a bullet's.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-26 06:15 pm (UTC)Or maybe I'm just the only one who's thought to try it
It won't do a miracle and cure your condition or anything, but it might help ease the pain
lmao i am personally sorry to takasugi for this one
Date: 2025-08-27 02:22 am (UTC)[ ...Though. He's not thrilled with the prospect, but that's just because the one person that he's certain he's imprinted with is, uh. Silco. He's going to have to bond with Vander more out of desperation, honestly.
(Joke's on him for not knowing how MESSY that is tho) ]
And for what it's worth, I do want to say that this conversation came from curiosity from what caused such a dramatic shift, if you'll forgive the pun in the phrasing. I really wasn't looking for an apology.
While I'm not thrilled to have died, to be sure, that was also something inevitable, I fear. So, I don't hold it against you, truly. A quick death that was more or less on my own terms is preferable to a slow one, in my opinion.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-27 02:39 pm (UTC)those words put to text might as well be a carving deep in the cavity that is his soul, and takasugi feels an emotion so strong he gets dizzy. he leans against a nearby wall, trying to keep everything painful from rising in his throat, hidden from anyone who might be close or even a stranger. it's a statement he understand so intimately, and yet, he still can't stop himself from asking something even more punishing: )
What makes you so sure on that front?
A swift, painful death on your own
Or a slow death surrounded by family and friends
One of these sounds all the more lonesome
no subject
Date: 2025-08-27 03:13 pm (UTC)...It's a thought he's been trying to overcome for years. So, he sighs to himself. Sure, why not. He'll be honest to the man who struck him with a mortal wound. That feels fitting, in a way. ]
I don't have either of those here, but even setting that aside. I wouldn't really want them to see me that way anyways. I'd rather their last memory of me be something bright and vivacious rather than somber, though that truly is just my personal preference.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-27 11:06 pm (UTC)It happens to my personal preference too, admittedly
( how envious. how stupid to be reminded of his most hidden desire in this conversation: to die in a way more befitting, having achieved something for once, so his name can finally rest more properly alongside his mentor. here he's been spending more time on his "company" than trying to achieve that, which obviously isn't a bad thing. he cares for his current ambitions just as much, and for the rest of them. but it still feels like his face is being smeared in the dirt for it briefly.
for as much as he breaks tradition with every step, the only way takasugi truly thinks he can fight his own fate hangs over him like a shadow. )
But regardless of how you met your fate, we should keep in touch
🎀
Date: 2025-09-02 08:47 pm (UTC)But, to himself, he does laugh at that last little bit. Truly, how bizarre, and that comes to everything about this. Yet, he's genuine when he says: ]
Let's. It goes without saying that we have a rather unique bond at this point, after all~.
Until next time, then.