[Watch-Along + Bungo Stray Dogs] An Esper's Journal

Blurb:

An utterly ordinary day. A gigantic screen appeared in the sky, displaying a story from another world.

A story about conflicts between ability users and ordinary people, between ordinary people, and between ability users.

Screen Clip One:

Akutagawa Ryunosuke gazed pensively at the coast, his eyes full of worry.

“I have a feeling something’s going to happen...” he murmured, brushing back the strands of hair tousled by the sea breeze before turning to leave.

It should be fine, shouldn’t it? Japan never directly took part in the great war, and the only place connected to the war, Tokoyo Island, was guarded by the Black Night, led by Mori Ogai. Surely nothing could happen, right?

But he didn’t know that, thousands of miles away, Tokoyo Island was ablaze. Mori Ogai, commander of Japan’s special ability garrison and leader of the Black Night, was already dead. Blood stained the documents in his hands, and raging flames concealed the truth.

A young girl held back her tears and hid among the people, carrying a secret she could never reveal.

Screen Clip Two:

The pale-faced young man looked with a troubled gaze at the face in the black-and-white photograph before him. Snow fell thickly, and in a few moments another layer had already gathered.

“Fei...odor... Dostoevsky says those people are looking for you.” The clear voice of a young man drew out the name. It was impossible to tell whether he was pleased or upset, but there was a hint of affectionate teasing.

The young man, Fyodor, glanced sideways at the newcomer: his childhood companion, his close friend Gogol. He looked utterly calm, even smiling, but the smile never reached his eyes. A chilling murderous intent lurked beneath it.

“I know.” Fyodor turned away, his cloak sweeping through the air and scattering snowflakes. His exceptionally beautiful eyes held not a trace of emotion. They were as cold as the snow, as cold as the Siberian wind.

“God and the devil are fighting there, and the battlefield is in people’s hearts.”

Screen Clip Three:

Hugo looked calmly at Baudelaire, at this man who was forever elegant, yet decadent as a rose on the verge of withering. His voice was quiet, but firm and resonant.

“I am the leader of the Paris Commune, and Gide is one of my members. I won’t abandon him... I’m taking him home.”

His deep blue eyes were so full of tenderness, their conviction shining brilliantly in the lamplight, utterly captivating.

Baudelaire chuckled softly. “Ah, that’s just like you.”

The people of Yokohama watched stories from another world, routinely marveling at or lamenting the people in them.

So there are so many Transcendents in the other world. (Specifically, Akutagawa Ryunosuke, Fyodor...)

So people from the two worlds can look completely different. (Specifically, Pushkin.)

So people in the other world have such complicated relationships. (Specifically, Akutagawa Ryunosuke’s circle of friends.)

The perspective of the projected screen shifts. This is an ensemble cast story.

P.S.:

1. The projection of the other world includes many original author inventions, such as different abilities. OOC warning.

2. The story only involves literary figures from Japan, Russia, Britain, France, and America.

3. The plot of the other world is entirely original. If that’s not your thing, please don’t read.

4. Updates when inspiration strikes.

Premise: Cherish peace; oppose war and its glorification.