#she has a pen AND a sword huh

[kairidaily]

it's interesting how Kairi and storytelling have been linked since the beginning like

KH1:

and her one memory of living at Radiant Garden being her grandmother's story

KH2: her letter that helps Riku and Sora return

KH3: her diary keeping/letters to Sora

And with KH4 (and perhaps future games) focusing on worlds of Fiction...i wonder if our young writer/poet here might have a link to that somehow

[reikorun]

KlubOutside Q&A 301-400 [Translation]

Translated by @reikorun

Q301.

2022.03.07

The Medallions and the "Sankt Altar" used by His Majesty bore a striking resemblance to each other, is it correct to assume that the Medallions are the practical application of "Sankt Altar"?

A301.

That's correct.

Q302.

2022.03.07

Towards the end of the story, brush pens became used less frequently to express bloodshed compared to the early days, does this have something to do with your art style? I would love to know if there is a reason.

A302.

It became like that because I wanted to draw more detailed blood spray and flow.

Q303.

2022.03.14

What kind of technique is Ganju's "Seppa"? Considering the fact that it can directly interfere with matter and the fact that Ganju trained with Ginjō's group in the final arc, I anticipate that this is perhaps a technique closer to Fullbring.

A303.

He is using a technique passed down within the Shiba clan to unbind the union of Reishi particles thereby dividing the matter into pieces.

Q304.

2022.03.14

The boss-like characters that Ichigo has fought so far, that is, Byakuya, Aizen and Ginjō, all have colors contained within their names, but is there some color related connotation in Yhwach's name? 

A304.

In the very early stages of development, Yhwach was given the pseudonym "Yhwach Beltz". Beltz means "black" in Basque.

Q305.

2022.03.14

Is Renji's false Bankai "Hihiō Zabimaru" (*Baboon King), inspired by Minamoto no Yorimasa's slaying of the Nue? Renji subdued Zabimaru who is in the form of a Nue and attains the Bankai "Hihiō Zabimaru"; Minamoto No Yorimasa slays the Nue and is granted the famous sword Shishiō (*Lion King). I'm very interested in the pair because they both have these points in common: defeating the Nue and gaining the power (or weapon) called "~King". I would be happy if you could answer!

A305.

It's the first time I'm hearing of this legend. However the similarities are such that I'm not even surprised you would think it's the source. A sword with such a manga-like name exists….

Q306.

2022.03.21

Orihime has a food scene in every arc. Examples: 

Agent of the Shinigami arc - Red bean paste on a loaf of bread.

Soul Society arc - Meal at Kūkaku's residence.

Arrancar arc - Ice cream eaten with Rangiku and the meal that was almost shoved down her throat by Ulquiorra.

The Lost Agent of the Shinigami arc - Doughnuts.

Thousand-Year Blood War arc - Scrapped bread, some sweet potato-like food. 

And more.

Were these eating scenes included to add to her character, or rather, perhaps I should ask if they naturally increased in number because Orihime came to life on her own as the story progressed? I love the scene where she cries while eating doughnuts in the Lost Agent arc.

A306.

I'm realizing that for the first time now that you've mentioned it. Come to think of it, Orihime eats well, huh…. Whenever I draw a food related scene, it is also the moment where I think to myself “I want a soft atmosphere in the dialogue and the scenery”, so I believe that's where Orihime fits in. Besides, it's kind of like, I don't really want to draw a scene where a man eats food, you know?

Q307.

2022.03.21

Between Isshin and Masaki, who came up with the name "Ichigo"? My personal hypothesis is that he was born because Isshin protected "one thing = Masaki's life", and since Isshin would probably dislike the idea of his son bearing half of his own name, I reckon Masaki came up with it. However, if there is a definitive answer, I would love to know! 

A307.

Masaki is the one who named him. For a long time, I was in two minds over whether or not I should draw Ichigo's naming scene, but I abandoned the idea because it would likely just be Isshin and Masaki getting all lovey-dovey and that's gross.

Q308.

2022.03.21

In my opinion, Ichigo is the most handsome Jump character of all time! From sensei's point of view, are there any protagonists that you think lead a cool lifestyle, or anyone you consider good-looking among the history of Jump protagonists?

A308.

I'm rarely enthused by the protagonist, so I don't have any protagonist in mind. I like Cygnus Hyoga. Somehow, I feel like I've mentioned this before….

Q309.

2022.03.28

If Grimmjow undergoes training, could he attain Resurrección: Segunda Etapa someday? 

A309.

He can.

Q310.

2022.03.28

In chapter 2, Ichigo fights a Hollow in Yumisawa Children's Park, is there any connection between the name "Yumisawa" and the Quincy? From long ago, the Ishida family have resided in Karakura Town which is the Jūreichi. I wondered if there is a possibility that words relating to the Quincy are attached to place names? (*Yumisawa - 弓沢 includes the kanji for "bow" - 弓.)

A310.

Huh!? There is indeed a connection. That's uncanny! I'm surprised you noticed because I simply added that connection in the name while playing around with the background details and had no intention of mentioning it at all.

Q311.

2022.03.28

When it comes to something I don't like, but I have to get it done, I have a hard time getting started. What does sensei do at times like this?

A311.

I procrastinate until the very last minute, and when it finally becomes impossible to put off any longer, I'll start with just a little bit of the initial part and then leave it aside for later. Of course, I'm talking about my rough drafts. 

Q312.

2022.04.04

I thought the lines that Kajōmaru-san delivered were contrasting Captain Kyōraku's speech, but since Kajōmaru-san disappeared earlier than I expected, I've been contemplating the true meaning of his words this whole time. Did something happen in Kajōmaru-san's past?

A312.

Naturally, his lines are meant to correspond with Shunsui's lines, but it's the prelude made for the purpose of setting up Shunsui's speech which is the main message, so I had Kajōmaru say it as he was going to exit the stage early.

Q313.

2022.04.04

I've always thought to myself that if a BLEACH musō style game ever came out, it would probably be so much fun. Doesn't "Shinigami Musō" sound good??? Thank you for your time!!!

A313.

I love Hokuto Musō too, so I think it probably would be fun if there was one. Just imagine Aizen running out from the back of the screen in a 2-player setting whilst blowing away all the trash mobs!

Q314.

2022.04.04

Why did the Shin'ō Academy have its name changed from "Tōgakuin"? (Has their curriculum or philosophy changed?) ×[1] 

A314.

Originally it was a school exclusively for Shinigami, however as organizations like the Kidō Corps and the Inner Court Troop were established and classified, the name changed. 

Q315.

2022.04.11

It's something that I just thought of right now, but is it possible that the Zanpakutō belonging to the early 13th Division were modeled after Pisces and its ruling planet Neptune? Captain Ukitake's Sōgyo no Kotowari may allude to the constellation of Pisces. It is a constellation in which the tails of two fish are tied together with a string (or ribbon), and Sōgyo no Kotowari also has the hilt of two swords linked together with a cord.

On the other hand, Kaien's Nejibana is a three-pronged spear. It is a symbol of Neptune (Poseidon in Greek), the god of the sea who rules over the planet Neptune. 

I have a fair amount of confidence in this theory as there is too much overlap, but what do you think? Also, please let us know if there are any source materials or inspirations which formed the image of Captains and Vice-Captains (any others are fine too).

A315.

"Twin fish" is used to represent letters in Chinese literature, from there I kind of imagined it as "exchanging of letters" → "circulation of energy". About Kaien's sword, I suppose that comes from the mental image of combining the whirlpool of the Shiba clan and water from the twin fish. ×[2]

Q316.

2022.04.11

Sensei, can I use the photos you uploaded of your doggie for my phone's wallpaper?

A316.

You can.

Q317.

2022.04.11

I really sympathize with Quilge Opie's line "speech is silver, silence is golden", but I wonder if a line like this is based on sensei's actual experience?

A317.

This is originally a proverb from the English language.

Q318.

2022.04.18

I watched Ōishi-sensei's birthday stream! I'm very happy because I was able to see characters from other works being drawn by Kubo-sensei and the process by which illustrations come to a state of completion in real time! Do you have any plans to stream it to your fan club or release a time-lapse? If you are so inclined, please do so!!

A318.

That is Ōishi-kun's YouTube project, so please make a request to Ōishi-kun! ×[3]

Q319.

2022.04.18

What does Honshō Chizuru-chan think about Orihime and Ichigo's marriage?

A319.

Since Chizuru is a free-spirited person, she would think "she got married, so what?"

Q320.

2022.04.18

Kubo-sensei also appeared in Ōishi-san's YouTube archive, I watched the hell out of it (an expression I rarely use these days….) The damask-patterned curtains behind Kubo-sensei were so chic that I took my hat off. What brand is it? I looked very closely at it, but I wonder if it's a front lace style where a damask-patterned lace curtain is hung in front of a thick curtain. I was interested because the curtains were beautiful.

A320.

I forgot the manufacturer but it does indeed have front lace. You're very observant…. ×[3]

Q321.

2022.04.25

When Byakuya fought PePe, he was never manipulated by Love Kiss even though he was struck by it. Is that because the mantle Byakuya was wearing is made of the Ōken.

A321.

That's right. That reminds me, there was no space to draw the reason there….

Q322.

2022.04.25

When the Soul King is first seen, he clearly appears to have limbs, when did you settle on the idea to have him limbless? Additionally, when Pernida Parnkgjas promptly dispatched the Second-Class Divine Soldier he was drawn with a normal left hand, so I don't think Pernida was set up to be the Left Arm of the Soul King at that time.

A322.

With respect to the set up I had in mind, it had been arranged so that normally, Pernida can maintain an imperfect humanoid form, but when they lose themself, they lose the ability to maintain their shape, thus revealing their true form (a left hand), but since it's difficult to understand, I'm thinking it's a concept I can probably do away with. Either way, I wanted to draw Pernida's hood tearing apart when they turn into a left hand.

Q323.

2022.04.25

I wish a Blu-ray box edition of the BLEACH anime would be offered for sale…they were available in the past…I'd like to have something similar to the DVD box which went up to the Soul Society arc….

A323.

I'll let my editor know. Murakoshi-saaan!

Q324.

2022.05.02

I apologize for bringing up the anime, but in the Zanpakutō: The Alternate Tale arc, among the Zanpakutō of the Captains and Vice-Captains whose names had already been established at the time, it was only Itegumo's incarnated form which did not make an appearance. Was this Kubo-sensei's intention? Or is it that the anime staff simply didn't come to you with an offer for Itegumo…?

A324.

Since I have no recollection of ever having met to discuss Itegumo, I think it's likely there were no plans for Itegumo.

Q325.

2022.05.02

What kind of person is Ikumi-san's husband? How old is he in your designs?

A325.

Ikumi-san is single in the main story, and she remarries in that space leading up to the Echoing Jaws of Hell arc.

Q326.

2022.05.02

Kubo-sensei, do you often reread the BLEACH tankōbon? 

A326.

I usually don't read them at all, so I've almost forgotten everything. It's thanks to posting replies in this Q&A corner that with every round of questions I end up rereading the previous and subsequent tankōbon thoroughly.

Q327.

2022.05.09

Was it intentional that Aizen's origins and past are still largely undisclosed? I'd like to know because I often find myself thinking that there aren't many villains who possess that much charisma whose background remains unknown.

A327.

Most depictions of a villain's past are composed in order to draw out sympathy and a sense of relatability from the audience, and since I don't like that approach very much, I try to avoid it. All characters have a different set of values and I believe a villain is a character whose differences in that regard are so large that they cannot be accepted.

Q328.

2022.05.09

I was always watching out for this with bated breath, but I wonder if the reason Rangiku's breasts don't spill out from her Shihakushō is because she's holding them in place with Reiatsu? Did she actually have a nip slip once where nobody was watching? I'm curious if the reason why her chest is so widely exposed is because they cause her pain or perhaps it's a 'freebie' for others. I love how sexy her chest is.

A328.

I was drawing her with the assumption that she would affix double sided tape to her chest, but I like the idea of her holding them in place with Reiatsu better. Maybe I should use it.

Q329.

2022.05.09

I was surprised to learn that Kubo-sensei's hometown is the very town where I currently live and work (I felt a strong sense of familiarity at the mention of Soleil). So here's my question: roughly where in Karakura Town is the Visored's base located? 

A329: 

The Visored's hideout is around Spark (the name of a supermarket). I wonder if Spark is still there…?

Q330.

2022.05.16

The 7th volume with Byakuya on the cover begins with the line “We should not shed tears”, but at the time Kubo-sensei wrote this poem, did you already have an image in your head of chapter 502, "Falling Sakura" (where Byakuya is defeated by the enemy and sheds tears)?

A330.

I had no way of knowing where Jump would tell me to end the series, so it's not the exact version I had in mind back then, but I wrote it based on the idea that the tears would eventually be shed.

Q331.

2022.05.16

I would like to know how Yoruichi transforms into a cat. Is it a technique she herself had developed, is she able to shapeshift using a spiritual tool belonging to the Shihōin clan, or perhaps a device or technique developed by Urahara Kisuke? These are the only methods I can think of.

A331.

This is a technique developed by Yoruichi, for the purpose of sneaking out of the mansion whenever she pleases.

Q332.

2022.05.16

Have you ever tried Ayataka Café Matcha Latte? It's extremely popular and delicious.

A332.

Matcha based sweets aren't really my thing.

Q333.

2022.05.23

Where on Earth did Renji get that snazzy shirt with the Zabimaru-like design which he was wearing in the Human World in the final chapter? Was it custom made for Renji?

A333.

It's custom made. That t-shirt is nice isn't it?

Q334.

2022.05.23

On the Squad 10 introduction page in BLEACH 13 BLADEs, it says "Rangiku narrowly avoided having her Bankai stolen", has Rangiku acquired Bankai?

A334.

That's what is actually written there!? It's a mistake. How in the world did a mistake like this get in there…?

Q335.

2022.05.23

I have a question about the Shikai of Komamura's Zanpakutō "Tenken". When looking at the games and the anime, it seems there are two patterns in Tenken's Shikai ability: one where it partially summons Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō and does battle with its arm and sword, and another pattern where it accompanies Komamura's attacks with a mass of sword energy (?) that looks like an enlarged version of his own arm and sword. Which one is considered correct by Kubo-sensei?

A335.

"Summoning the arm of Myō'ō" is correct.

Q336.

2022.05.30

Regarding the resident certificate which is given as a bonus for joining this FC, I was surprised to see that Hueco Mundo was an option. Even in Hueco Mundo there are resident certificates…are there any public offices and such that manage it? If so, did Aizen establish and maintain it? These are the questions I thought about but I'd like to know sensei's opinion!

A336.

You might be able to tell by looking at the signatures, but Harribel is in charge of it and Hueco Mundo has started to become organized after Harribel began ruling.

Q337.

2022.05.30

You mentioned Momoclo in a previous Bambies related question, do you have any favorite idols and such? Did you happen to like Hinatazaka46 through Love it!? Is there someone you're rooting for?

A337.

When I see idols who were season regulars on Love it! appearing in other shows, I naturally start rooting for them. (*Love it! is a variety show in Japan.)

Q338.

2022.05.30

During the new captain's appointment ceremony in volume 74, Nanao-chan, who served as the host, is seen carrying a cane, was this an aftereffect of her fight with Lille? In the same volume, just a few pages before (the scene where she goes outside to call for Captain Kyōraku), it looks like she didn't have a cane, so I was wondering what the true situation is.

A338.

That's right. Either I forgot to draw it in the scene where she calls out to Shunsui or the detail ended up getting lost in the solid paint fill.

Q339.

2022.06.06

Is the reason why Ichigo's Bankai could not be stolen with a medallion because Ichigo's Bankai was mixed with Hollow power?

A339.

Correct.

Q340.

2022.06.06

You served as a judge for the Jump Gag Manga Awards, and I got the impression that there is a high percentage of gag manga among the works you find interesting, but do you have any plans or desire to draw your own gag manga?

A340.

When it comes to me, I just don't have the talent to draw gag manga, so I won't draw it. Gag manga are challenging works and only a select few can draw them.

Q341.

2022.06.06

About the color illustration from chapter 558 (depicting Ichigo and Renji inside a white coffin with a cross on it), it appears to bear a close resemblance to Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" music video, is there any connection?

A341.

I drew the white coffin design quite a long time ago and when I saw the Bad Romance music video, I recall being rather indecisive about what I should draw because Bad Romance was released first. Ultimately, I ended up drawing it after some time had passed. That being said, the music video for Bad Romance was incredibly cool.

Q342.

2022.06.13

When the anime commences, will there be a BLEACH game released following Soul Ignition? Not so much an app or something but for game consoles…. 

A342.

I feel like I heard some rumor like that from my editor….

Q343.

2022.06.13

If the Quincy trace bloodlines, I think Uryū would notice that an Echt Quincy called "Kurosaki" existed until recently, but were there any documents, family trees, etc. compiled by Sōken? If so, did Uryū sense something extraordinary after being admitted to Karakura High school, in particular towards the fact that it was a human with the surname "Kurosaki" who possessed the high Reiatsu?

A343.

Books concerning the Quincy are kept in a locked archive inside the hospital. Uryū is forbidden from going there, nor does Uryū himself want to enter that place so much that he would go to the trouble of fighting with Ryūken. Additionally, the more important books are kept in Ryūken's private room.

Q344.

2022.06.13

I've been wondering about this for a while, but in the color version, Liltotto's clothes in her earlier appearances had long sleeves, is this something that was simply overlooked during your checks? Don't the Sternritter only conform to one style of clothing?

A344.

Really!? I had no idea because I wasn't asked to check that. Her outfit was always sleeveless.

Q345.

2022.06.20

I read on the internet that the heroine of BLEACH, Inoue Orihime, is modeled after Inoue Mayuko from Ushio & Tora. Is that true? Is it also the case that Tatsuki was modeled after Asako?

A345.

I'm not exactly familiar with Ushio and Tora…. Please check for yourself whether it's mentioned in any official statement anyway.

Q346.

2022.06.20

Is it possible for fellow Hollows to make children?

A346.

It's possible.

Q347.

2022.06.20

I was thinking that the "B" and "H" from Jugo and Bazz-B's Schrift are the letters which form each other's names, was this giving us a hint that these two were best friends?

A347.

Of course.

Q348.

2022.06.27

I want Hollow and Dragon figurines!!! Are there any plans to turn them into figurines? Where can I request one to be made for me? I want to line up all the Märchens!!!!!!!

A348.

Is this question based on the premise that I draw all the Märchens!?

Q349.

2022.06.27

Will the effect of Wabisuke's ability be lifted if the Shikai is disengaged?

A349.

It will be lifted.

Q350.

2022.06.27

When Shinigami engage their Shikai, sometimes It will be unleashed by calling the sword's name despite not uttering the release command, is there any difference between this and a situation where they do recite the release command in full? Just like how only those who have acquired Bankai are able to release their Shikai without calling the name itself, perhaps it's not the case that just anyone can do this?

A350.

Only experts can release Shikai without the release command, and even if they can, it will take time for its efficiency to reach 100% after the release.

Q351.

2022.07.04

If members of the Visored have theme songs, please tell us about them!!

A351.

Oh yeah, I guess I've never made a note of that. I'll write about them somewhere!

Q352.

2022.07.04

Please tell us what your favorite BLEACH movie is!

A352.

I like the Ulquiorra fight at the beginning of Hell Verse.

Q353.

2022.07.04

Is the healing ointment that comes out of Ikkaku's sword an original ability of the Zanpakutō rather than something that was added through modification? When I did some investigating, I learned that the Hōzuki plant was used as a medicinal herb in the past, so I thought, maybe?

A353.

It's Hōzukimaru's ability.

Q354.

2022.07.11

I have received my certificate of residence, thank you very much. Did you also inspect the packaging envelope? I have never seen such a stylish parcel before, I was totally blown away…. I'm truly happy that I was immersed in this universe even before opening my package.

A354.  

I did inspect it. Isn't the design great? The certificate of residence is also the outstanding handiwork of Ishino-san who has been involved with BLEACH for a long time.

Q355.

2022.07.11

Will the birthdays of the Sternritter members be made public in the future?

A355.

Perhaps it will be revealed in the anime, I can't say for sure.

Q356.

2022.07.11

In an illustration previously exhibited at the Reverse Shibuya event, Rickenbacker was listed as a Broombuggy. His appearance is quite different compared to Marshall and Wordsworth, does this mean that all Dragons people ride are considered Broombuggies?

A356.

Broombuggy is the name of a Dragon species while simultaneously being something like a model number used for Wing Bind registration, so if an individual brings along their own Dragon and it passes the test, they can register it as a Broombuggy.

Q357.

2022.07.18

When designing a female character, how is the bust size determined?

A357.

It's not so much choosing a bust size, but rather it's more like deciding on the overall fleshiness of the character and then making it a size that suits.

Q358.

2022.07.18

The new BLEACH work looks so interesting, I could barely contain my excitement!!! I couldn't help but wonder if there's something hidden in the title, like in BURN THE WITCH, is the missing horizontal bar on the "A" in "BREATHES" simply a design choice? Or does it have some kind of meaning? Please give us a hint!

A358.

I was just playing around with a design for the rough draft and I didn't even really communicate this detail to my editor, but the design more or less gives the impression that the "bolts of Hell have come loose.”

Q359.

2022.07.18

In the one-shot, there are records adorning a whole surface of the wall in the 5th Division barracks, are those all Hirako's personal belongings?

A359.

That's right.

Q360.

2022.07.25

I read the new BLEACH one-shot. The individuality of each person very much stands out, even down to things like their Captain's haori, has the change in Captain-Commander resulted in a more lenient dress code, personal grooming and so on?

A360.

It's definitely become more lenient. I mean, the Captain-Commander is Shunsui so….

Q361.

2022.07.25

With regard to Captain Unohana's name, was it intentional that by giving her the name "Retsu (烈)", the kanji for "death (死)" can be constructed when parts of her name are combined? Also, if the aforementioned is true, is there a possibility that the details surrounding characters’ naming will be revealed in a future one-shot sequel?

A361.

If "Hana (花)" and "Retsu (列)" are cut in two and then connected together, the result is "death (死)". It was intentional, or perhaps I should say, I did it out of fun but it turned out right. If someone correctly guesses the wordplay in the naming like this, then I may acknowledge it, but I don't think I should be the one to reveal it.

Q362.

2022.07.25

Is the BLEACH one-shot drawn entirely with traditional art mediums? There were some parts here and there that looked like it could be digital, did you use both?

A362.

Illustrations of characters, illustrations of animals, visual effects and lettering for sound effects were all made using traditional art mediums, Anything outside of that is digital.

Q363.

2022.08.01

New Vice-Captain, Rindō, has made an appearance, but where did Vice-Captain Iemura go?

A363.

Given that Atau's abilities were superior, Iemura voluntarily made an application for himself and was demoted to 3rd seat. Even though Iemura was the one to raise the matter of his own accord, he was so depressed that Hanatarō, unable to look on in silence, summoned him back to the 4th Division where he was reinstated. In the end, it seems that the 4th Division, which has a lot of paperwork, is more suited for Iemura. 

Q364.

2022.08.01

I read the one-shot! I was like "this is iiiit!" for the first time in a long while and it gave me goosebumps…. Is this strictly a one-shot, will there not be a continuation…? I would definitely like to read the rest!

A364.

I'm not good at drawing when I'm being told to “draw, draw, draw” repeatedly, so I'll consider it once I'm no longer being told to do so.

Q365.

2022.08.01

Was the color spread in the 20th anniversary chapter, drawn digitally?

A365.

The coloring is digital.

Q366.

2022.08.08

How does Ichika perceive Yumichika's gender? We live in a time where gender is a difficult issue, but I'd like to see a scene unfold where he's like "I'm a man" and Ichika goes "what!?"

A366.

She already knew he's a man from the start.

Q367.

2022.08.08

In chapter 188, when Isshin-san regained his Shinigami powers for the first time in 20 years, he referred to the Visored in his conversation with Urahara-san. During this scene, Urahara-san who had helped to contain their Hollowfication, acted as though he possessed no detailed information concerning their backgrounds or ideology. Was this information simply not revealed to Isshin-san and nothing more? Or is it that he truly had no idea what the Visored were planning at that time because he hadn't been involved with them since The Past arc, among other things?

A367.

This is because he concluded that there would be more of a benefit towards the management of Ichigo's Hollowfication if he did not divulge that information to Isshin.

Q368.

2022.08.08

I like the sound of Aaroniero Arruruerie's name. What is the origin of this name?

A368.

It's based on the designer Eero Aarnio.

Q369.

2022.08.15

I have a question concerning the phrase "Fill the earth and know your own powerlessness" in Kurohitsugi's chant. In the book of Genesis, after creating man (in the sense that man is the greatest thing ever created), the word of God states “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it." Are the words in the Kurohitsugi incantation modeled after this? 

A369.

It's not the case that I used Genesis as a model, though Kurohitsugi's chant itself becomes a chant that speaks about all humanity.

Q370.

2022.08.15

In the new one-shot, Ichigo goes to Keigo's ramen shop and says "everyone came out to eat", but who exactly does he mean by "everyone"? Who else was there besides Mizuiro? Was Chad also with them

A370.

The one in the seat at the back is Uryū.

Q371.

2022.08.15

I love Dordoni, so I'd like if you could draw him a lot more.

A371.

Now that you mention it, I forgot to draw new pieces for Dordoni and his group for the art exhibition….

Q372.

2022.08.22

In the new one-shot, Ichika calls Renji "Tō-sama (*father)", but what does she call Byakuya?

A372.

"Oji-sama (*uncle)"

Q373.

2022.08.22

Sensei, have you ever seen derivative creations (fanfiction, dōjinshi, etc.) of your own work? Also, what do you think about such creations?

A373.

As long as the fans can find enjoyment in it with one another, they can go right ahead. Please send me male-oriented erotica. Because I read it.

Q374.

2022.08.22

I love the background music from the anime and movies and I listen to them often, was sensei also involved in the music selection?

A374. 

It doesn't involve me. This is not because I'm not interested, but because I'm fond of Sagisu-san's work.

Q375.

2022.08.29

Aside from nobles, do seated officers live on the road to the seated officers' quarters? Do they live in detached housing?

A375.

Most of them do.

Q376.

2022.08.29

I was incredibly impressed after watching the video of you drawing on KlubOutside! Are you using a tracing lightbox from Bears.Seven? And is it being stabilized by the horizontal pipe behind it? Also, if you don't mind, I would be grateful if you could tell us what's going on with the space on both sides of the tracing lightbox!

A376.

I ended up buying a new ultra-thin tracing lightbox over and over again until I found one that I liked, I forgot the manufacturer's name. I'd be in trouble if it broke…. The space on both sides is chaotically littered with things.

Q377.

2022.08.29

Regarding Kyōraku-san's Bankai, Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū, if the opponent doesn't put up a resistance (that is, try to rise to the surface) at the Third Act: Dangyo no Fuchi, does it not transition to the Final Act? The story goes that "having resigned themselves to their fate, they hurl themselves", so I thought that if the opponent accepted it, then it would become a lovers' suicide just as the name suggests. 

A377.

Not limited to the Third Act, If an opponent dies midway through, it is assumed that the "performer has disappeared", and thus the Act ends there.

Q378.

2022.09.05

When I look at sensei's work, the lines appear to be much bolder in the early stages, are your lines something you paid more attention to as a consequence or did you have a change of mind regarding this area? Or perhaps you merely changed your pen?

A378.

The lines became thinner for two reasons: for one, with that early method of drawing, the lines would come out too thick when printed in the magazine, secondly I gained more experience with a pen and it reached a point where I was able to draw faster. 

Q379.

2022.09.05

Do you like robots? You are great at creating characters, creatures and fantasy. Someday, I would like to see a robot designed by sensei.

A379.

I'm not interested in robots right now so I don't think I'd be able to compose a good design.

Q380.

2022.09.05

After I saw Ichika, there's something I've been wondering about: what is the growth rate of a Shinigami like in terms of physical age? Does the growth rate eventually come to slow down as the physical body develops in age?

A380.

I'll probably write about this in a Fanbook.

Q381.

2022.09.12

Japanese translations of the chapter subtitles were printed in the Fanbooks, but are there any plans to publish the rest somewhere?

A381.

It was difficult to check them so I don't really want to do it….

Q382.

2022.09.12

How tall is Tōshirō at present, in cm? Has there been any change from 133 cm…?

A382.

He's 134 cm now.

Q383.

2022.09.12

When you were composing your designs for New Sakura Wars, did you decide on the framework of each character? I'm especially curious about Anastasia.

A383.

For Sakura Wars, the request came in with everything already decided down to the names, settings, personality, body type, hairstyles, colors and role, so my job was to draw the actual design of the character using my own art style, that's all there was to it. It's almost like "putting makeup on someone else's child “

Q384.

2022.09.19

Kazui's room made an appearance in the one-shot, what made an impression on me is the fact that it wasn't a children's study desk or the like which adorned the place, but instead it was very simple furniture. Is there some reason for that?

A384.

It's to Ichigo's taste.

Q385.

2022.09.19

I would like to know what foods Kisuke-san likes and what food he dislikes…. If there are any changes between the time he was a Captain and the time he became "Hat-and-Clogs", I'd definitely like to hear about both of those eras….

A385.

His favorite food is rice and the food he dislikes are too many to list. While we're on the subject, Yoruichi has no likes or dislikes at all when it comes to food.

Q386.

2022.09.19

Who came up with the title "WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU"?

A386.

I did.

Q387.

2022.09.26

Is it possible that Engetsu was not originally Isshin's Zanpakutō, but instead a Zanpakutō that once belonged to another Shinigami, like for instance, someone among the Five Great Noble Clans? I was wondering if the reason why no Shinigami connected the dots between Isshin and the Getsuga Tenshō used by Ichigo, was because they recognized Engetsu as a fire type Zanpakutō and were unaware of its ability i.e. "Getsuga Tenshō which gathers Reiatsu into a slashing attack"?

A387.

There are three reasons why the other Shinigami were not reminded of Isshin through witnessing Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshō:

Unlike the one used by Ichigo, Isshin's Getsuga Tenshō is a technique that gathers fire and Reiatsu into a slashing attack which is used at close range.

There are no opportunities for fellow Captains to learn each other's technique names outside of fighting together and training together.

In the Soul Society arc, Ichigo doesn't mention the name Getsuga Tenshō in front of anyone but Byakuya.

Q388.

2022.09.26

A long time ago on a certain program, Morita-san, who plays the role of Ichigo, mentioned how Kubo-sensei had pointed out to him the correct intonation of Getsuga Tenshō back in the early days. Did Kubo-sensei check the intonation of characters' spoken lines and techniques in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, which were implemented in Brave Souls but have yet to make an appearance in the anime?

A388.

I may not be able to check as far as the finer details for Brave Souls. For the new anime on the other hand, I spent several hours discussing and checking as many new names and vocabulary as possible. As long as I haven't missed anything in my checks, it should turn out great.

Q389.

2022.09.26

I would like to learn the particulars of how Shutara Senjumaru got promoted to the Zero Division. What did she (is it a she?) create? At first I thought it might be the Shihakushō, but I can't imagine that a Shihakushō is important enough to warrant a promotion to Zero Division, so I'm thinking it's probably something else. 

A389.

It's the Shihakushō.

Q390.

2022.10.03

I would like to know how Abarai Ichika-chan rates her father's eyebrows!

A390.

She thinks they're the coolest shape in the whole world.

Q391.

2022.10.03

Does Kubo-sensei have a Kanken certificate? (*Japan Kanji Aptitude Test)

A391.

I don't have one.

Q392.

2022.10.03

What is the motive behind Kyōraku Shunsui choosing Yadōmaru Lisa as his Vice-Captain? I'm also intrigued by their relationship. When Kyōraku and Lisa reunite again during the Decisive Battle of Karakura in the anime, Lisa strikes him violently as if in greeting, Kyōraku then says something like "you're looking as cute as ever" and Lisa blushes in response. I'm curious because I think this would never have happened if Lisa wasn't conscious of Kyōraku in some way or the other.

A392.

This is one of those scenes where the checks didn't come to me.

Q393.

2022.10.10

I really love the well-built and good-looking mature men that Kubo-sensei draws, but I was curious about specific areas of the face or body where you exert the most effort when drawing these characters. If I have to pick one character, I would be very happy if you could tell me something about Zaraki Kenpachi. 

A393.

All the characters are different in terms of what aspect I pay extra attention to, in Kenpachi's case, I imagine him with "dry-looking, tense muscles on a thin figure with prominent bones.”

Q394.

2022.10.10

Not long after assuming her position as Captain of the 8th Division, Yadōmaru Lisa is seen wearing a Captain's haori which had long sleeves (in the illustration from the novel "WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU" Lisa can be seen wearing what looks to be a haori with sleeves.) However, in the one-shot, it became a sleeveless Captain's haori. Did she have it altered to sleeveless or does she switch between two garments depending on her mood that day?

A394.

Immediately following that, Lisa used the haori Shunsui used to wear after cutting down the length of the sleeves.

Q395.

2022.10.10

The Seireiheki ordinarily protects the Soul King Palace, but do the gatekeepers of the Seireimon also normally protect the Soul King Palace?

A395.

I'll write about this here because it's probably not a piece of lore I'll ever draw, but the areas bordering the edges of the street around where the gates fall have come to be named "Marumaru-mon", they stand guard over the vicinity of those areas. ×[4]

Q396.

2022.10.17

Sensei, how many layers do you divide your work into when drawing an illustration digitally? If possible, I would also like to see a making-of video of your drawing process!

A396.

The number of layers depends on the illustration. All of the original color drawings from the BLEACH exhibition are still available as time-lapses, so I hope they can be viewed somewhere.

Q397.

2022.10.17

Kazeshini's chains appear to be expandable, but how does it shrink back after it has been expanded? 

A397.

Shūhei does his best to shrink them back.

Q398.

2022.10.17

Given that Shawlong is the No.11 Arrancar, does that mean he was the first Menos among Aizen's forces to be turned into an Arrancar? In that case, why did Aizen choose him as the first test subject?

A398.

That's because Shawlong himself advised Aizen to try it on him first.

Q399.

2022.10.24

If Moguro Fukuzō from the "The Laughing Salesman" were in the world of BLEACH, who do you reckon would be the character that would likely be targeted by Moguro Fukuzō to have their souls filled?

A399.

Let me see, I wonder who… Shūhei…?

Q400.

2022.10.24

According to Ulquiorra's monologue, it seems that the fully Hollowfied Ichigo had used Sonído which is Hohō for Arrancar. In The Past arc from volume 36, it appears as though Kensei, who had progressed in Hollowfication, also utilized Sonído in the same way when he instantly moved behind Rabu. Could this be an indication that as a Shinigami's Hollowfication spreads from a state of being the mask alone to one where it affects the whole body, their existence grows closer to an Arrancar?

A400.

Correct.

Translation Footnotes:

×1. The "Shinigami Tōgakuin" is a name which appears in Souls character book, page 99. This is the name that is still most commonly used in Rukongai to refer to the Academy.

×2. Kubo is referring to Han-dynasty poems and legends, most notably: Ballad of Watering Horses in a Ditch by the Great Wall. Fish is used as a metaphor for letters sent by families far away as people would place their message in a wooden receptacle shaped like a fish. This receptacle would open down the middle thus becoming "two carp":

From a far land a traveler came and left me two carp. I asked my children to cook the fish and inside they found a silk letter. I knelt long and read the letter. What did that letter say? It started, Try to eat. and ended, I miss you always.

×3. Kōji Ōishi's Birthday stream featuring Tite Kubo:

https://www.youtube.com/live/nTwRin6T3VA?si=TmtttpxOOAdWnRLa

×4. Please note: "Mon" means gate but "Marumaru" is not really a name, marumaru is a symbol (○○) which we use as placeholders when, for instance, there is no name. So it's essentially like saying "such and such gate” until the named gate actually falls and replaces that placeholder.

[fabrowrites]

Dosimetry

☀ Kai, Nya, Lloyd ☀ ns3 au ☀ horror, apocalypse, open/ambiguous ending ☀ 798 words ☀ read on ao3 here

“I’m going up,” Kai says, throwing his jacket onto the bed as he enters their shared room.  In his peripheral vision, he sees Nya sit up straighter.

“Wait, what?  But you just went up a couple of days ago!”

“Yeah, but this is for Borg.” 

Kai throws open his locker.  There’s a new suit in here somewhere, he knows it.  He digs through his possessions with one hand, the other occupied by the shred of paper he clutches.

Behind him, Nya’s pen clatters to the table.  

“I’m coming too.”

Kai freezes.  “No,” he says, spinning around.  “No, you can’t.  You don’t have any powers.”

Nya gives him a sharp glare.  “Like fire is going to protect you out there,” she retorts, standing.  “Besides, you don’t even know a nut from a bolt.”  She plucks the note he carries from his hand and gives it an exaggerated onceover.  “How are you planning on tracking this stuff down?”

Kai matches her glare.  But she’s right, he knows she’s right, and she knows it too.

She smiles humorlessly at him.  “Scoot over.  I need into my locker.”  

There’s nothing Kai can do but obey.

Together, they don their suits and gather their equipment.  They check in with the Venomari by the door and slip into the outside tunnel. They ascend the ladder to the topside.  

Even after all this time, there’s no getting used to the light.  

Kai shoves the manhole cover aside.  Golden light floods down on them from seemingly everywhere at once, leaving no shadows to hide in.  It sets off his EPD counter’s mechanical clicking – slow, good.  It’s impossible not to trigger it on the topside, but as long as it stays this slow, they’re safe.

Well, as safe as one can be when exposed to the criticality.

“We’ve got twenty minutes,” says Nya, checking her counter too.  Kai nods. 

They beeline for the center of the city, and Kai’s breath hitches as the ruined point of Borg Tower rises into view. 

He hasn’t returned since that fateful day.

For all that it haunts his nightmares, his memories of the event are disjoined and confused.  One moment he was being strangled by the Digital Overlord’s tentacles.  The next, he came to consciousness with alarms blaring overhead and Nya screaming in his face, Borg and Pixal further back dragging chairs –

He and Cole made it out of the Digiverse before criticality.  

Jay and Zane are still inside.

Every day, Kai wonders why it was him who escaped.  Both Zane and Jay would fit into this new world far better than he does: Zane, who would be immune to exposure, and Jay, clever enough to assist Borg with his machines.  

He’d swap places with them in a heartbeat if he could. 

But rescuing them is what this machine of Borg’s will do.  Kai just has to collect the pieces, and then Borg can work his techno magic and save them.  They’ll be okay.  He’ll make sure they’re okay.

Something clangs as they pass an alleyway.

Kai freezes in place.

It’s not the criticality.  Their counters would be going haywire if it were.  But there’s more than just exposure to worry about on the topside – only the desperate linger up here, and he edges in front of Nya, reaching for his sword.  Fire is dangerous here, bright and bold and full of energy as it is.  Behind him, he hears Nya readying her chakram.

A tiny gray paw pokes into the light.

Kai stands there stupidly as a kitten wanders onto the street.

“Aw!” says Nya.  She drops into a squat and offers her hand to the kitten.  “Wow, I didn’t think there was anything left alive up here.”

Kai sheathes his sword.  “Huh, yeah.”  He scratches behind the kitten’s ears and smiles despite himself.  “Lloyd would have loved —“

He cuts himself off.  Nya rests her hand on his shoulder.

Click.

Click, click, click click clickclick clickclickclickclickclick –

Kai’s head snaps up.  His horrified eyes find Nya’s.

Light as bright as the sun, light that burns a hole through the universe.  Light that thralls, that dazzles, that kills.

Kai stumbles back.  The light reaches everywhere – he drags Nya into the alley to try to escape it but there’s nowhere it doesn’t touch.  

“K A I ?”

Kai’s blood runs cold.  

He should be fleeing, should be trying to hide.  Instead, he turns at the dreadful call.

The criticality hovers in the sky above them.  Despite being formed of raw energy, its original shape can still be seen within the light.

A boy with unseeing golden eyes reaches out his hands.

“W H Y  A M  I  A L O N E?  W H E R E  A R E  Y O U?”

Kai seizes Nya’s hand.  “Run.”

[letshareapapou]

Just beat ffxvi and while nothing can hurt me more than ffxv this was still pretty close lmao there's one big thing that makes me hopefully for a dlc though sooo 👀

I'm gunna add spoilers under the cut! Just random thoughts I might add to! There's a lot lol

- Okay so firstly since the beginning with Joshua being the Phoenix I really felt he was going to survive with a new 'rebirth '. Which came at the end at the hands of Clive.

We know Joshua lived because Clive seems to heal his wounds and after the credits there seems to be a book titled Final Fantasy written in Joshua's name.

(Now there's so debate on Clive writing it under Joshua's name since Clive is the narrator in the game even after he seems to have passed. And if you do the side quest with Tomes ( Harpocrates) he gives Clive a pen in hopes that one day he'll give up the sword for the pen. ) But I really believe it was written by Joshua.

But to how he survived.

If you look in the lore under the remaking of world in the mysteries of the realm. It says Ultima requires his vessel to cast "Raise" which will revive his race not his faithful. Clive uses It on Joshua and it works since Joshua held a piece of Ultima and was supposed to be a part of the final vessel!

- Under Mysteries of the realm then Mythos. Mythos was supposed to be a vessel made to cast a spell to revive his dying tribe and remake the world in their image.

Clive does end up casting the spell after defeating Ultima. Bringing the end to the crystal AND magic which had caused the blight and by proxy does revive humanity in terms of stopping the blight, and remakes the world to one without magic! Cool!

-I really like Mid NOT making an airship at the end. She thinks it would be used for war so she wants to dump the engines off a cliff lol. And make a hard to understand treasure map for people to find it I love her.

- does Clive survive? Clive is left washed up on a beach after casting the spell. He said Ultima's power was too strong and after a moment his whole hand uses to cast the spell has turned to stone. In game this happens slowly over time so the fact that it happens so rapidly to Clive shows how much that spell cost him. Laying there he asks if Jill can see the same stars before it fades to black and cuts to a child being born and Jill watching Metia fade away. Now Metia is pretty much a wishing star. And Jill had prayed to it for Clive safe return in the beginning and end of the game. It's heavily impiled that Clive is kinda also a representation of Metia and Jill writes him a letter saying he is her guiding star, her light. So it vanishing and a new day dawning as Jill watches feels like Jill's wish will not longer be granted, signalling Clive's death.

I forgot!! There a page in the hideout you can find that literally the end of the game I read it early on and I was like huh...

- LEVIATHAN!! I dunno how'd they do a dlc without magic so I'm thinking prequel but they mention Leviathan the lost eikon but never say what happened??!! So I think dlc.

- Gav is amazing and I'm really happy he survived. I was so sure he'd die throughout the whole game lol

- the medicine girl had a page in the tomes early early on and I was like she'll be important.

- Dion had a great arc and I really enjoyed his story, another character I pegged to die but liked way more and had much more of an impact than I thought

[blorbologist]

if you're still doing them: how about some antipathy/sympathy for kynan and cassandra?

36. Antipathy/Sympathy

"This spell attracts or repels creatures of your choice. You target something within range, either a Huge or smaller object or creature or an area that is no larger than a 200-foot cube. Then specify a kind of intelligent creature, such as red dragons, goblins, or vampires. You invest the target with an aura that either attracts or repels the specified creatures for the duration. Choose antipathy or sympathy as the aura's effect."

[This is a really fuckin hard spell to work with yet, so apologies that my muse took me in a bit of a different direction!]

[Set in my Cat’s Cradle AU - and a few months in the future of where the story currently is. So has a couple spoilers for what I have planned there!]

His last stop looks rich as all hells. It’s a relief, a big one, because Kynan can hide from the rain under the eaves without soaking his back and ring the doorbell. And wait. The downpour smothers any sound of approaching footsteps, but he does see the shadow of movement through the fancy frosted glass. 

“Hey - er, hi! Special delivery,” says Kynan as soon as the door opens. He forgot to get the pen handy, so he fumbles around for one to offer along with the clipboard. “Sign here.”

Holy shit, she’s cute. And looks exhausted as hell, which makes sense immediately because it’s the end of the term. But also not, because what student would order this much stupidly specific metal. Or maybe she’s an engineer? Engineering majors are always weird. 

His arms are getting tired - again, big box full of panels and parts - as she squints at the pen, at him, at the clipboard, at him, at the box. 

“I have got to get Percival to double check his address when he orders his gadgets online,” she sighs. “I’m sorry - this was my brother’s work. Could I still -”

“Oh yeah, definitely.” 

Probably not, but it’s all pros from where Kynan’s standing. A few more seconds out of the rain, for one. Not needing to carry this box back to the truck. And maybe, just maybe, he can get his head together to say something smart. 

“I, uh-”

Kynan jumps, almost drops probably ten pounds of robot guts on his foot, and yelps when something black and - jingling? - definitely jingling zips by, each bound down the steps punctuated by a cheery little bell.

“Rapier!”

Kynan’s halfway down the stairs already. “Rapper? You - sorry, you named your cat Rapper?!”

“Rapier,” she corrects. “Like a fencing sword.”

Okay, sure, that works. His eyes widen as the girl brushes past him and onto the stone pathway leading to her house. “What are you doing?! It’s pouring rain - get a coat on, the kitty can’t get far in this weather.”

She narrows her eyes - only barely, because they’re blown wide with distress.  “Only if you saw where she went.”

“Under my - the work truck.”

Kynan steels himself and, while she’s ducking back inside, kneels on the wet driveway concrete to peer between the wheels. And get on his hands, too, because she’s all the way back there, huh? 

“Here kitty kitty,” he chitters. Wide yellow eyes stare back at him, quite startled by the situation. Well, yeah, you got us into this mess. “Come on - uh - Rapier? Rapier, come on!”

She does not come on. Though she does chirp, which he thinks is a reassuring sign. Stretching his arm out to try and scratch her chin or scruff her ends up being a bad idea, though - she skitters farther back. Fuck. He can feel the rainwater bleeding through his pants. It’s freezing.

He makes his second embarrassing trill of the day when a heavy weight drops on his back. Turns his head to see the young woman, now securely wrapped in a raincoat. And something thrown over him, too.

“You’re soaked. It’s one of my brother’s that he’s forgotten here one too many times - at least it will keep you dry.”

“Oh.” Kynan realizes he’s still on his hands and knees, with a very fancy if worn coat hanging awkwardly off his back, in front of a very cute girl. In the middle of a storm. “Thank you?”

There’s a painfully awkward pause. “Cassandra. Cass. Pleasure to meet you.” She looks about to hold out her hand for a shake before she grins a bit sheepishly and stuffs it in her pocket. 

“I - thank you,” she says. “For helping.” 

“Well - I’m Kynan. Leore. Kynan Leore,” he stammers. “And - it’s nothing”

--

It’s not, actually, nothing.

The fugitive isn’t under the work truck long. She actually leads them on quite the chase until she actually runs into something that gets her to turn around.

Kynan has just a second to cow in triumph, cat bundled in his soaked coat (he stripped it to put on the dry one when Rapier got under the hedge) before he immediately regrets opening his big stupid mouth. 

“Fuck! You - fucking gross! Sorry,” he adds a bit sheepishly, even though Cassandra just looks amused by the sudden outburst. “She reeks - I think from the garbage bins? Fuck.”

Cassandra is cruel enough to laugh. He immediately wants more of it, and if the cat wasn’t so busy struggling to escape he’s pretty sure he’d get a look from the feline. 

“Let’s get you both inside,” she says, disturbing an array of mirrors as she skips through puddles. Gone is the exhaustion, just pure relief to have her cat safe, and - wow. With blue that pale, her pupils are obvious, honing in on the teeny fuzzy head. 

Rapier makes a really pathetic yowl, though, so. There was no look for him, there. Chill, Leore.

Cassandra opens the door for them both. “Never thought I’d be making this sort of delivery today,” Kynan says as he releases Rapier in the entrance. She takes the time to daintily shake her paws, about as miserably as Kynan feels. “I hope you’ve got towels for her - and you, too. You’ll catch a cold ”

“That’s an old wive’s tale.” Cassandra rolls her eyes. Rapier, sensing trouble, makes a jingling retreat further into the house, leaving a trail of damp pawprints in her wake. “It’s moreso the close proximity from staying inside to avoid the weather. It makes sharing colds easier.”

“Oh. That’s cool.” Kynan makes a face as he shucks that wonderfully warm coat. He’ll remember it fondly. And this whole evening, really, even if he’s sure he’s getting a cold out of it, no matter what Cassandra says. “Well. I’m glad I could help! And, uh, I hope your brother gets the package safe, and that -”

Something in Cassandra’s look stops him.

“How long of a drive do you have? Until you’ll be home and have a change of clothes?”

Kynan frowns. “I mean? Between getting back to work, clocking out, and the traffic this time of day? … Probably an hour.” 

She hums, glancing away. Her hair is only faintly damp, on account of the hood she’d had up. Dark brown, with streaks of - blond? Or white? It’s really pretty. 

“... Percy hasn’t been by in months,” she says, almost to herself. “I told him I’d get rid of his things if he didn’t -” There’s a very decided nod that makes Kynan stand a little straighter. “Right. You - Kynan? Mind staying there? I’ll get you a change of clothes. I think you’re roughly of height. And then I’m treating you to tea. For catching my little lady.”

He blanches. The coat alone, even a bit tattered, is probably a few day’s pay. Just loaning it to hunt for a cat in the rain felt decadent. “I - no, really, it’s fine -”

“It’s really not.”

“How about - what - dry up the kitty first?” he tries. “And I’ll throw my coat over a heater and leave when it’s dry. Fair?”

Cassandra sniffs through her nose. From anyone else - from someone else in particular - he’d call it disdainful, but it’s… actually really cute? And it feels affectionate. 

“Fair,” she agrees, swiping a towel from a nearby bathroom. He helpfully points out where Rapier’s pawprints lead as he works to unlace his running shoes (fuck he feels super poor, extra poor, wearing old no-name sneakers on this fancy tile). 

And then his phone rings.

“Oh - sorry. My boss. Gotta -” Kynan clears his throat. Cassandra actually smiles - really smiles! - and waves a go-ahead, padding off in pursuit of her cat.

“Hi! Sorry, sorry - something came up. A cat got out, and given it’s the end of my shift I figured -” he shuts up. Listens. Nods, dutifully, even if she can’t see it. Hears the scuffling of towel. “Yes. I understand, it’s very - very unprofessional. I know, but - yes, Ripley ma’am. It won’t happen again. Promptly - yeah. Goodbye.”

“Sorry,” he’s been repeating that a lot, lately, but it feels a lot better saying it to Cassandra. “She’s a real - er - hardass? About efficiency, and all -”

“Get out.”

Until it doesn’t. 

“Sorry?” squeaks Kynan.

She’s looking at him like - not like he’s beneath her, the way rich folk do. It’s worse, it’s the look his old man has when he’s fucked up, and pissed him off, and offended him. Even worse - it can always get worse - he sees the face in the mirror, bruised and scared that this’ll be it. 

“Get off my property,” Cassandra snarls, clutching the cat to her chest. It looks just as confused as he feels. “Leave, now, before I call the cops.”

… That last bit shook too much to be a real threat, but he’d not want to turn it into one. Kynan bites his tongue and gets out of there as soon as he can, hears the lock and deadbolt behind him. The rain hasn’t let up. He can’t stop and think, either, because she’s scared and angry and he doubts Ripley would back him up if he loitered. So it’s on autopilot that he gets the keys into the ignition and drives away, Google Maps reminding him cheerfully of the most efficient route back to work.

What did he do?

[istherewifiinhell]

Reading progress: chapter 300 (what the fuck)

reading highlight: this time with. so so many probably inaccurately copied quotes. forgive me. i was trying to eat my own pen. and also notebook. and also arm.

Square brackets are. when not quoting text. my own meta reactions or clarifications

280 Cheok jungyeong tries to uplift the ppl and fight outer god. I do love him.

sword saint and kyrgios. battle couple

Indescribable Distance. great name for a (baby girl) unknowable horror.

281 kdj bullshit. commence.

[often i lose track of whose taking but in this section they were focusing on jhw] "I can't let you go! don't go alone again! please! Dokja-Hyung!"

swk (looks at) his friend ABFD (looks at) his adversary CJY (gives) furious yell

oh yjh baby

live and death companions is silent

yjh spoke in a trembling voice

282 txt revision yjh is fucked up and depressed

kdj told ysa the plan in ADVANCE

indescribable distance -> Oh like the pale? (DE)

■ final chapter OR eternity. inch resting

283 sprawling chaos

SP "I don't agree with your methods but I'm curious" the kdjc story

284 SP and wenny man ominous interlude

(bunch of constellations dying in front of him) kdj picking up video game items

"For a brief second I felt my heart stop. Scarred muscles could be seen through the torn sleeves of the coat. I looked at the trajectory of the sword against the ground and emotions filled my heart."

285 middle school kdj made a yjh whisperer chart

"Son of a bitch you have to let me talk to you" classic

kdj lack understanding to 2nd level orv (ugly crying meme)[on kdj side]

4th wall trying to fry yjh brain with the greatest hits comp

286 only person who can debuff yjh? yjh. regression depression [YOUD THINK THAT WOULDNT U]

the angels are just chilling with kdj?

"He will commit terrible destruction and shall destroy the mighty and holy people" gabriel girl what the fuck

kdj literally "you dont have all the facts" the facts being? "i love him..."

gabriel has seen uriels amvs and okays it

kdj aggravates regression depression. hold his hand and tell him happy moments. you know. to torment. him.

Ethics??

288 giant baby monster. skyscraper height

angel conversational interlude -> "they were fighting and holding each others by the collar a few hours ago". welcome to dokhyuk

kdj seemed to be stroking yjh head. -> excuse me?

gabriel comparing dokhyuk to her and uriel. HELLO?

kdj making yjh eat soil. ETHICS...

289 "bear like man lhs" i stay winning

↳ kdj are u gonna cry about seeing him

knw! hi!

290 this patient is allergic to animal related stories

HDH! hi!

this is a hospital and base of operations?

mjw!

hsy... did what kdj would have done. but without yjh.

hsy... two of them

291 hsy multiplicity moments (orv doesn't work)

ppl crowd yjh like an attraction

yjh eyes became hot and his heart stuffy -> crying? anger?

yjh remembers from 4th wall. uriel doll... like a child first learning to speak "uriel"

292 hankim. dressed the same. playing mind games. socratic

lhs gives piggy back to hsy

hsy power b/c nothing is truly original + TWOS is just that bad

Damnit. I had no choice but to agree. In order for this world to be complete, Yoo Joonghyuk... Han Sooyoung stared at me. She seemed to understand what i was thinking. "You know by now, I don't need him in this world." The plagiarist, who dreamt of a world beyond the original told me "I know how to kill YJH"

293 Hsy probability based arthritis

HSY grabbing YJH chin. pulling out a cig. howd you get so cool hsy...

294. 1863 lhs is still a sad dog boy huh

knw... kdj is giving girl advice?.... no never mind hes talking about how handsome yjh is.

1863 got to read orv... and it reg deps him

295 SP really wanted 1863 to die huh?

hsy to kill yjh by sealing the earth. an eternal sleep. no dreams no waking. (to die. to sleep. No more, and by a sleep to say we end the heartbreak and 1000 natural shocks that flesh is heir to)[the final chapter... or eternity]

"It is a deception" "Some call it salvation"

defiance to yjh sponsor... always

296 YJH ORV JFC

"I watched Yjh, I heard it clearly. I was still listening [I want to live]"

kdj would see the end with these ppl and find a way back

"The world that you showed me? Does it really exist"

297 "Does the world where you live really exist?" [its the emphasis change thats killing me here]

hsy "Is it cause of this guy? Did this guy do something to your spirit? Didn't you want to die so badly? Aren't you tired? Don't you want to stop preforming scenarios?"

yjh desperate for hope hsy begging for pragmatism kdj (deluded) faith in a only win scenario

yjh agreed to become enemy of the world, lost everything -> unites the world

yjh "does it (exist)?" kdj "I didn't know if saying would be comforting to yjh. I cried out with all my might [It exists]"

kdj ready to spend 3-5 years here to win both 1863 and then return to 3rd turn. yjh wont let him

"the dazzling light filled the air with ashes, revealing a pale reality. In it yjh was walking towards a world we didn't know."

298 "Yjh escaped from being a character"

lhs beautiful bear like idiot. knew hsy was tricking them. went with it anyway

yjh "wanted to write a new story in a very sincere manner. that's the condition for the author trait"

TWOS written by? large baby?

299 yjh dead "It's no longer a novel" 4th wall activated

oh no (checks notes) Jophiel dont sacrifice yourself

J: I don't believe in you (kdj) but i have something to ask.... bruh

"Someone was left and someone was leaving. No matter what was chosen, everyone would eventually reach their end." (Someone has to leave first. This is a very old story. There is no other version of this story.)

lhs continues to imprint on kdj

"Even without me the 3rd round would be fine for a lone time" "How can you be so sure?" HSY stared at me suspiciously. "You are there" -> WHAT THE FUCK AFFECTIONATE KDJ HANKIM MOMENT

rotating: okay. okay. alright. where to even fucking start. small. start small. kdjs friends have even cottoned on pretty well to his bullshit. jhw in particular doesnt want him to do things alone. shouldnt you give people the choice to stand (and die) with you. than leave and die and force them to keep living alone. this is a secret tool that will help us later

im considering. the weight put on endings. ■■. the closer it is to meaning, truly, an end. the more... auspicious? and is an end a finite or infinite thing. final chapter or eternity. death or endless sleep. life or forever regression

im considering. stories. and ownership. and what does it mean to end one. rewrite one. does it change you. does it change the original story. are they gone forever. could they every truly stay. the moment you reread the story. isnt it different. kdj cant let go of 1863 by his own volition (always... volition). it meant everything to him. from middle school to 28 years of age. TWOS yjh saved him. HSY, who, in so many ways is kdj, and in so many was, is not. has no loyalty to yjh. she can make this world without him, she can write beyond it. she will put this world to bed and she will create something else. 1863 yjh has nothing. no companions, no hope, just loss. and 4th tells him the story of our 3rd turn. OF. ORV. and this is what he needs. to live and die. to leave. to try again. to person himself once more, to act and not react. possibly. killing himself, killing this story, is an act of creation too

and. speaking of yjh and being a person. we. i gotta talk about this. and im gonna try and make sense and use sentences but. i have. just. why did they have kdj caress yjh and put him in a highly suggestible state by whispering sweet (tormenting) nothings to him. what... what what what. do you think they meant by that (they meant to torment me....). With making him follow kdj very command. With making him incapable of acting *without* the command. He's an attack dog. Bodyguard. Instrument for violence. Kdj also makes him eat dirt. Kdj also tells him to go to bed (and then to sleep. He needed to be told to *sleep*). The people in the 1863 base crowd around him. They gawk. The world's enemy and most dangerous person. Docile. A toy? Hsy grabs him by the chin, inspects him. He's a thing. Kdj. In knowing everything about him. With tenderness. In an act of terrible love. To avoid having to kill him. Unmakes his person. What the ever living fuck am I supposed to do with that.

[whispersafterdusk]

Heart of Stone - ch 6

The next day he assumed he'd see her in the yard working on the hydrogel but strangely each time he passed by on his rounds the yard was empty.

Sure, the furnaces were going and a few things were being processed the first and second times he went by, but by the third pass everything was quiet and there was no sign of the woman anywhere.  As the hydrogel was so important it seemed odd that she wasn't there working on it.  Wasn't Qi supposed to have gotten those blueprints to her this morning?  He was pretty sure that's what she'd said last night.  Maybe Qi didn't have the blueprints done in time? It was on his fifth trip passed that he realized she was probably off gathering materials and felt a bit silly -- he checked around the workshop and yard and didn't find any worrisome signs or hints of geeglers so yeah, it was likely she was just off sifting through scrap or quarrying and he was just being overly paranoid with all this geegler nonsense going on. ((Continued below cut))

After that his day was pleasantly uneventful; he had pulled an iron sword out of storage at the Corps building, oiled the leather sheath and sharpened and polished the blade, and now it was leaned against the wall near his bed waiting for their lessons. He'd also tracked down Pen and politely asked him to quit bothering Dawn.  Pen had blustered and seemed insulted at first but eventually promised to tone himself down around her, though he'd framed it around himself as usual -- 'it was no surprise someone would be so in awe of such a specimen' or something like that.  Once he'd gotten him to promise to stop pestering her he'd sort of tuned the man out afterward and gotten back to his patrol, and he finished out his day by meeting up with Justice in town square; neither of them had anything to report to the other - it had been a pretty normal day.

They were about to head to their respective homes when they heard Mi-an shouting for them; she was running down the stairs near city hall and waving her hands over her head to grab their attention.

"Huh...wonder what's up," Justice muttered beside him. Unsuur mentally echoed the sentiment -- it wasn't usually a good thing when people came running for them.

When she got over to them she wiped a sweaty face on her sleeve and was out of breath, and she took a few moments to compose herself before speaking.  "H-have- whew, have either of you seen Director Qi?"

"Qi?  He's not in the research center?" Justice asked.

Mi-an shook her head.  "I checked there earlier this morning and he wasn't home, and he hasn't been there the last three times I've checked.  He almost never leaves the center so it's really odd that he's not been there all day."

Justice grunted thoughtfully, crossing his arms.   "Uh huh...  That's definitely not normal - you usually have to drag him out of there.  Have you checked anywhere else?"

"I just checked at the clinic and earlier at the saloon but neither Fang or Owen has seen him today either."

"Right...  Well, I haven't seen him - have you?" he asked, turning to Unsuur.

"I haven't.  I know he was supposed to be sending the rest of the hydrogel blueprints to Dawn this morning but I doubt he would have personally delivered them.  Maybe Jasmine's seen him," Unsuur replied.  Seeing Qi outside the research center was rare so he was absolutely certain he would have noticed him.

Justice nodded. "Worth a shot.  Thanks, Mi-an - we'll look for him."

"I can come along to help?  I have his commission, so..."

"The more eyes the better.  Let's go check with Jasmine and then we can all split up to keep looking if we need to," Justice said, gesturing for them both to follow him as he walked down to Vivi's.

He and Mi-an waited on her front porch while Justice spoke to her and Jasmine inside; he came back out rather quickly though.

"So Jasmine says she stopped by the research center this morning for her usual outgoing mail check and didn't see or hear Qi.  She didn't go upstairs at all so it's possible he slept in but I can't see him doing that knowing how pressing this hydrogel problem is.  ...not to mention I don't think the man sleeps," he added with a chuckle.  "Looks like we got a missing person case on our hands, pardners."

Unsuur nodded - so much for an uneventful day.  "I know I didn't see him on my usual patrols.  I can go check with Dawn to see if he stopped by there this morning."

"Good thinking.  I'll go check with a few other folks, see if anyone knows anything -- Mi-an, stick with Unsuur for now.  We can all meet up near Dawn's place in an hour."

Unsuur, with Mi-an in tow, headed down main street as Justice went to saddle his horse; they had just passed the saloon when a little ball of worry bubbled up in his stomach as even from here he could tell Dawn's yard was still empty and dark -- she definitely should've been home by now, right?

"Have you seen Dawn today?" he asked.

"I haven't -- usually we run into each other every morning at the guild building but I've been so busy getting all that glass made that I didn't have time to grab any commissions today."

"I thought you said you had Qi's commission?"

She rubbed at her elbow, laughing a little bit.  "I do, but, it's from yesterday.  The moisture farm repairs need a LOT of glass...  I've done nothing but that since the attack and just hadn't gone by to drop this off to Qi yet.  I try to get commissions done same-day but..."

"It's fine.  We were used to longer turn arounds with Mason here before.   Come on."  He jogged across the tracks and through Dawn's gate and after his knock at her door went unanswered he stood in the middle of her yard looking around at the silent machines while trying to squash that rising sense of concern -- maybe he should have considered it odd after all when Dawn hadn't been home all those times he'd passed by earlier.

Mi-an walked over to the makeshift work table and looked over the notes and blueprints, then picked up a few of them.  "Wait...these are the hydrogel blueprints right here.  See?"

She held up one of the pages to him; there was some kind of meticulously drawn out technical plan of a complex machine on the paper.  He looked it over out of politeness though he really had no idea what he was looking at - if she said that was a hydrogel then he'd believe her.

"If the blueprints are here then that means Qi had to have come here this morning.  The question now is where did he go after he came here?" Unsuur asked, mostly to himself but Mi-an nodded thoughtfully.

"I bet if we find Dawn then she'd know..." she murmured, setting the blueprint back down.  "Let's see -- I feel awkward about rummaging through her things but maybe if I see what she has and what she needs to put this hydrogel together, I can figure out where she's scavenging."

Along the side of the metal assembly platform that took up an entire corner of the yard was a series of bins and chests, neatly labeled and secured; Mi-an tore a blank page out of one of the notebooks on the makeshift table and began sorting through the other notes and blueprints, scribbling hurried notes on the sheet in her hand before going over to the bins and squatting down on her heels.  Unsuur waited (somewhat) patiently as she scooted along in a crouch, or sometimes on her knees, looking inside each container and doing...whatever she was doing.  Finally she stood up and looked over her notes.

"So it looks like she's going to need some piping, some gaskets, and a fair amount of copper still to finish off this inner part - all of which can be found in the abandoned ruins behind the salvage yard."  She looked up to Unsuur with a wide grin.   "Luckily, Rocky was letting us in there for cheap as a thank you for getting those lifts finished quickly so our weekly passes are still good and we should be able to walk right in.  I'm almost certain we'll find Dawn somewhere around there -- assuming she's not already on her way home."

Unsuur turned and looked up the hill toward the salvage yard -- definitely no sign of Dawn, so she wasn't on her way home.   "Let's go ask if they've seen her.  Or Qi."

They hurried out of the yard and up to the salvage yard office, getting there right as Rocky and the rest of his crew were heading out the door -- it was their end of the day too.

"Hi Rocky!  Have you seen Dawn today?" Mi-an asked.  She and Unsuur stepped aside to let the others file passed them but Rocky stopped to stand with them.

"Sure did - she was by earlier this mornin' and headed down into the ruins.  Why?"

"She's not home yet.  And Qi is missing-"

Rocky snorted.  "-ah, him too.  Came in bright and early babblin' about one thing or another.  Couldn't make heads or tails of it but he paid for the pass so the boys let 'em through."  After a pause he got a serious look on his face.  "So you're sayin' neither of 'em have come back outta there?"

Unsuur and Mi-an both nodded; Rocky grunted and scratched his chest, looking over toward the main gate that led into the salvage yard and the ruins beyond.

"I trust the builder down there - had my second thoughts, and a few third ones, about lettin' that guy go in, but, ya know, there's nothing dangerous down in the areas they were goin' to so I didn't think much of it.  'EY!"

Mi-an flinched at Rocky's shout; Unsuur found it unpleasantly loud as it was essentially right in his face but shortly afterward from behind them he could hear a chorus of responses from the salvage yard workers.

"Any of youse seen or hear the builder come back up yet?"

There was another smattering of voices from behind -- all of them were some variation on "no."

"Guess we're heading down there to look then," Unsuur said after a moment.  He took a few steps toward the gate and then stopped to glance back at Rocky.  "You aren't going to charge me to go in are you?"

"'course not - especially not when we've got a possible emergency.  Head on down, I'll hang around in case you need more help."

"Thanks Rocky.  We'll be back soon!  ...hopefully," Mi-an added quietly.

Unsuur pushed through the heavy metal gate and walked with Mi-an over to the lifts; one was already down at the lower level and Mi-an called it back up to them with a buttoned panel near the motor and winch.  While waiting on it to come up Unsuur peered over the edge -- that was an awfully long way down, and wasn't even the deepest part of the ruins here.  Off in the distance along the tops of other buildings he could see a few wandering AIs; for the most part these malfunctioning robots stayed to very predictable paths and areas and so long as you stayed at a distance they didn't even register your existence, so he wasn't worried that Dawn or Qi had been attacked.

What he WAS worried about was unstable ground or an unexpected fall somewhere inside the main building that was open to ruin divers.  That little bubble of worry from earlier had solidified into a solid knot that he was doing his best to ignore; if they were about to mount a rescue operation he needed to be focused.

The lift ride down was smooth and quicker than he was anticipating, and Mi-an led the way into the ruins.  There were what looked like original Old World lighting fixtures along with some makeshift ones strung up along the walls in this first room and Unsuur could see clear signs of quarrying and scavenging -- whatever had happened on the Day of Calamity had left a lot of places full of natural resources thrust violently up from the ground below and deposited almost at random throughout a lot of the ruins that covered the continent.  The room seemed pretty thoroughly picked over of anything useful with from some clay spilling out of a nearby wall and piles of stone everywhere, and he could spot crates full of rope and some canisters of power stones left sitting along the walls which he assumed was left there by Rocky and his crew to use deeper in as they needed them.

Mi-an headed in further, peeking through the only other doorway that led out of the room.  "I should have run home for my ruins gear... These top floors are all still lit, and Rocky's crew KEEP them lit, but if we head into any new areas they've dug into there might not be any light, and without a jet pack we might be a little limited in how far down we can go without getting stuck ourselves."

That was a good point...  Well.  Rocky at least knew they were in here so if they also didn't come out someone would know where to look.  And surely Dawn wouldn't have come in here without proper preparation.

"All right!  So, follow me, we go through here and then across the room and 'round the corner to the first set of stairs down."

The ground Mi-an was leading him over was dirt and dried clay, compacted down into a solid mass by Peach-knew how many booted feet over the years.  This part of Paradise Lost had already been cleared of anything dangerous before Unsuur had even come to Sandrock so he was content to let Mi-an guide them through buckled doorways and reinforced, mined out steel and stone walls, though he wasn't the biggest fan of how quiet it was down here because that meant the hum of the Old World lights was audible and just...sort of everywhere, and somewhat annoying to have a distracting buzzing right at the edge of his perception.

They crossed a circular room and went through another hollowed out dirt doorway, then came to a metal landing that had clearly once had a staircase going down but now that part of the building was missing and they were looking at a sheer drop of about twenty feet to reach the next floor down.

"Oh...right, this part.  Hmm," Mi-an hummed, looking over the edge.  "Normally we just glide down and boost back up.  I'll double back for some of that rope we passed."

It didn't take her long to come back with the rope and Unsuur secured it to one of the railings that ringed the landing, then swung himself over the side and nimbly rappelled down to the landing below where the staircase was still intact.  Mi-an was not quite as skilled at it as he was and he more or less caught her as she clumsily came down the rope.

"Going back up should be easier," he said when he caught sight of her bright red face.

"Right...  All the upper arm strength in the world doesn't mean much if you're not used to what you're doing!  Anyway- hey wait a second, do you hear that?"

Unsuur paused and listened; there was that annoying hum still, and he could hear Mi-an breathing next to him--

Aha, wait.  He could hear the trickle of dirt and sand moving somewhere ahead of them.

"Should I be hearing that?"

Mi-an shook her head.  "Nope.  Something must have collapsed somewhere ahead and I bet I know exactly what part did.  Come on!"

She hurried down the intact stairs and hopped the last bit of railing at the bottom, then headed toward another doorway that had been excavated back to its original metal framework and floor.  Just beyond that door the metal all gave way to what looked like a natural cavern; the ground began to slope downward, increasing in angle the further they went, and the stalactites and stalagmites were getting closer together and more numerous.  It was a very claustrophobic space but Unsuur could see a well-lit area at the bottom of the slope, and also a gaping hole just before it.

"That's new," Mi-an whispered.  She shifted to sit on her backside and began to creep slowly toward the open hole.  "If they fell down that I hope they aren't too hurt..."

"Me too," Unsuur said.  He dropped down to a crouch but didn't sit down all the way as Mi-an had; the ground beneath his feet felt stable but he wanted to be able to leap for safety if it gave way.

There was a small but steady stream of loose sand trickling down the incline and disappearing into the hole; he and Mi-an were able to avoid it and keep their footing, and were almost to the edge when two jagged-tipped poles of steel suddenly thrust up from below and slammed into the hole's edge.   Mi-an jumped and slipped a bit but caught herself quickly.

"What is that?!"

Unsuur opened his mouth to answer but then stopped as beneath the whisper of shifting earth he swore he could hear voices.  He gestured for Mi-an to stay put and let himself slide toward the two poles; the closer he got to the edge the louder the voices grew, and he was immensely relieved to recognize one of them as Dawn's.  He came to a stop next to the two pieces of steel and looked over to find himself staring down the length of a VERY slap-dash ladder, where at the bottom-

"Dawn!"

The builder below looked up in confusion at her name, and surprise was plain on her face as she caught sight of him at the ladder's top.   "Unsuur?!  What are you doing in here?"

Qi was standing with her but the man didn't bother greeting him or even looking up, instead moving to start the long climb up the ladder; Unsuur grabbed the top, being careful not to cut his fingers on the sharp edges, and held it firm against the side of the hole to keep it steady as Qi climbed.

When he crested the top of the ladder Mi-an helped pull him away from the edge; Qi looked...rough.  His hands and face were bruised and bloodied, his shirt and pants had a few tears, and he looked wholly exhausted.   Unsuur went to look over the edge again and heard the scream of the jet pack moments before Dawn shot up over the edge and landed further up the incline over his head, blasting him with hot air and a spray of dirt and grit.

After she'd gotten her footing she turned to them, irritation clear on her face. "And WHAT did we learn today, Director?" Dawn growled, standing there with hands on her hips as she stared the man down.

"That my hypothesis was correct and the relic I seek-"

Dawn cut him off with a sharp, cutting wave of her hand.  "WRONG.  The correct answer is 'don't go ruin diving without being prepared!'  You're lucky I was in here and heard the ground give way or it might have been days before someone found you!"

Qi adjusted his glasses and gave her a sour look.  "The proprietor of the salvage yard knew I had entered the ruins."

"Rocky and his team are good but they don't always notice someone coming or going," Dawn sighed, rubbing at her face.  "They wouldn't have had any reason to think you were still in here."

"...she's right, you know," Unsuur said into the silence that followed.  "And if Mi-an hadn't been trying to deliver a commission we wouldn't have known you'd gone anywhere at all."

Qi threw his hands up and began to head up the incline; Mi-an offered him a steadying hand but he ignored it and kept going.  She shrugged at Dawn and Unsuur and began to climb up behind him.

When they were both almost to the top Unsuur turned his attention back to Dawn to get a better look at her; aside from being dirty and looking a bit tired he couldn't see anything alarming.  He felt his insides start to unknot themselves.  "Are you injured?"

"Injured?  No.  Annoyed?  Very.  I'm also hungry.  What time is it?"

"It was getting dark when we came in."

"That's what I thought," she sighed.  "Entire day wasted...  Well, I guess that's kind of harsh.  Saving someone in trouble isn't a waste.  But it took me hours to scavenge and piece together that ladder -- it's way harder when you don't have the proper tools on hand and you're in an area that's been combed over thousands of times for the useful stuff."   She inhaled and exhaled slowly.  "I wanted to come up and get help but he was insistent on looking for this relic thing he wanted before he'd leave - because we were 'already there and almost done.'   He'd found most of what he was looking for before I found him and was convinced it wouldn't take any time at all to find the final piece, and I didn't want to leave him looking for it alone so...here we are. And we didn't even find the last piece!"  After a few more breaths Unsuur could see the annoyance melting away until she wore a tired half-smile.   "Sorry.  I'm annoyed at HIM, not you, so you're not the one I should be ranting at."

"It's all right, you've had a long day.  What relic was he looking for that was so important?"

"Some telescope thing.  I finally got him to agree to leave in exchange for me looking for it later, AFTER I've fixed the hydrogel.  Speaking of leaving...let's get out of here."

They clambered up the slope together; Mi-an and Qi were nowhere in sight -- no real reason for them to wait for him and Dawn, he supposed (and Qi was probably more than ready to go home).  It was a straightforward walk, a short climb for Unsuur and a quick boost for Dawn, then finally they were outside; he hadn't realized how stuffy the ruins were until he was back out in the fresh air and was glad to be away from the irritating humming of the lights.

They rode the lift up and outside the gate to the salvage yard they found Justice talking to Mi-an and Rocky.  Mi-an spotted them coming and waved.

"Hey guys!  Qi went home - I think.  He really should go see Fang but I think he was more embarrassed than anything."

Rocky crossed his arms, looking annoyed.  "Don't know how he did it but we'll get in there and get that hole covered up in the mornin' - for our safety as much as anyone else's."

"I heard a bang before I heard the drop," Dawn said.  "You might want to check for a ruptured power line while you're in there.  I didn't see any myself but I also have no idea what might have caused the cave in.  That area has been cleared of traps and hazards for awhile now."

"We'll figure it out - thanks, builder." Rocky flashed her a thumbs up, clapped a hand to Justice's shoulder, then turned and headed off toward town.

Justice chuckled as he watched the man walk off.  "I think the big guy was really starting to worry there.  That was some good rescuing, folks."

"It was all Dawn," Unsuur said, smiling down at her.  "She put together a ladder and everything."

Dawn's face immediately flushed red.  "I-I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, that's all..."

"The sentiment still stands," Justice replied, patting Dawn's shoulder.  "Good work today."

When Justice let his hand fall away she swung the jet pack off and rolled her other shoulder, grimacing.  "I may as well leave this here at the gate since I'll be back tomorrow morning..."  She trotted over to leave it along with her pickhammer and a large satchel at the gate's edge.

"Will you need some help?  I'm almost done with all that glass," Mi-an called after her, looking worried.

"I might.  Qi's little adventure just set me back an entire day."

Unsuur was surprised when Dawn came back over and looped an arm through his; a moment later she slid her other through Mi-an's arm, then turned to look up at Justice.

"I am starving.  Let's go get dinner at the saloon - all of us," she added firmly.

"Hehe, no arguments here.  You paying?" Justice teased.

Dawn paused and Unsuur felt her stiffen next to him; Justice's grin faltered a bit.

"I was uh, I was joking, Dawn, you don't have to-"

"-well," Dawn said, drawing the word out.  "I actually need a favor so if buying you dinner will help..."

Justice blinked at her for a second or two, then a look of suspicion replaced his smile. "Oh boy...  What do you need?"

"...to build the new hydrogel I need a condenser and the only place I'm going to find one is in the Breach because it hasn't been picked clean like the rest of the open ruins around here so Qi is certain I'll find at least one still intact in there," she answered, the words coming out in a hurried jumble, and Unsuur wondered how she'd managed it in one breath.

"You need to-- the Breach?!  I can't let you in there, that place is dangerous!" Justice sputtered, staring at her.  "Do you even know how to handle yourself in a fight?"

Dawn opened her mouth to reply but Unsuur took a tiny step forward (not enough to dislodge her from his arm but enough to grab Justice's attention), as he was seized by a sudden idea.  "What if I go with her?"

"What?" Dawn asked, staring up at him.  "You don't have to-"

"-we already had plans to do some combat training," Unsuur went on.  "I have a sword waiting for her in my house.  If I go with her I can both protect her and also teach her to fight."

"NOT getting a condenser isn't really an option, is it? If it's the only thing that'll make the new hydrogel work," Mi-an added.

Justice tipped his head back, closing his eyes and inhaling through his nose.   "...I guess this IS a matter of life and death for us, isn't it?  ...all right.  IF you take Unsuur - or me! - with you, I'll open up the ruins for you.  But be prepared - we still don't know why monsters suddenly showed up again. -- and yes, for giving me a few new gray hairs, I think a free dinner is in order," he added after pause, lowering his chin to wink at Dawn.

She laughed and tightened her grip on Unsuur's and Mi-an's arms.  "I'll pay for dinner, don't worry.  Let's go!"

Dawn kept them arm in arm up to the saloon's door where they had to unlink to fit through the doorway; it was decently busy but there was a group getting up from a table with a pair of couches against the far wall so once Grace had cleared the dishes away they all sat down -- Justice slid in on one side and Mi-an sat next to him, and before Unsuur could gesture for Dawn to seat herself first Owen called to her from behind the bar.

She gave them an apologetic look, a quick "I'll be right back," and then disappeared through the crowd.

Well.  Guess he'd take the spot closest to the wall then since otherwise he'd be left standing here awkwardly waiting for her to come back.

She wasn't gone long and as she was slipping into the seat beside Unsuur Amirah came up to the table, giving them all a little nod and a half wave before focusing her attention on Dawn.

"Hello Dawn.  I'm sorry to barge in on your dinner group but I couldn't find you at all today."

Justice and Mi-an both grinned as Dawn blew out a sigh that trailed into a raspberry.  "Yeah, that was...  An entire thing.  I'll fill you in later.  Do you want to join us?  We can make room."

"I don't want to impose - I just wanted to ask if you had thought about the arrangement I'd proposed?"

"Oh, yeah, I'm happy with it if you are."

As the two women talked Mi-an scooted over, gently elbowing Justice to move as well; it made more than enough space for Amirah to sit down on that side.  There should also be plenty of room if Dawn wanted to move closer to Unsuur as well...though, he'd already felt Dawn's knee brush against his twice since they sat.  He was more aware of her proximity than he really should be...

"Excellent.  I'll let you know when I've materials to trade." Amirah had a little satisfied smile on her face as she tapped her fingers against the tabletop, then stepped back as though she was about to leave.

"You can sit, Amirah - we made room," Mi-an said, patting the spot beside her.

After a moment to consider (and possibly because Grace had come back over and was standing there waiting for her to make a decision) Amirah seated herself as well.  They all ordered and chitchatted a bit as Hugo and Cooper started setting up on the stage, and by the time the music started their food was delivered and the conversation paused as they tucked into their meals.

It had been awhile since Unsuur had sat down with a group and had a meal; a lot of the time he ate alone, at home, due to his schedule or a general lack of invitations to do anything.  Sitting here, with his friends, and...with Dawn... She was a friend but his mind wanted to place her in her own category, and being here with her and everyone else was nice.  Comfortable.  Something he could - and wanted to - get used to.

"THERE you are!"

Whether on purpose and by sheer coincidence Elsie yelled across the saloon right as Hugo and Cooper ended a song; it drew the attention of everyone in the room, pausing conversations and making the place seem even quieter and her even louder. A few seconds later she skidded to a halt at the edge of their table.  "Have any of y'all seen some horses wanderin' around?"

"I haven't been home all day," Dawn answered, as Mi-an shook her head.

"Can't say I have, Else - sorry," Justice replied.  "Did Cooper ever get that fence fixed?"

She growled and swung a fist in the air.  "Dang it!  Yeah, Pa got it fixed but we woke up this mornin' to three horses missin'."

"Big day for missing people.  And horses now too," Unsuur said.  Beside him Dawn nodded silently.

"Seems like it.  No open stall doors, gates, nothing?" Justice asked.

Elsie shook her head, then turned her attention to Dawn and poked her in the side.  "Scoot, lemme sit!"

Dawn blinked at her then looked between her and Unsuur.  "I'm over about as far as I can be-"

"Scooooot," Elsie repeated, dropping down over the arm of the couch to try and wedge herself between it and Dawn.

Dawn moved over and now from hip to knee she was pressed up against Unsuur. He felt a hint of heat in his ears - she was really close now.  What if he elbowed her on accident?

"C'mon, more than that!"

"Elsie," Dawn said with a bit of a nervous giggle, "if I move over any more I'll be sitting in Unsuur's lap.  How can you not have enough room?"

"I don't know!  You take up an awful lot of space for someone so small!"

There really wasn't more room for Dawn to move over at the moment (and thinking about the lap comment made him feel a little flushed, but also, there wouldn't be enough space between their laps and the underside of the table, so even if -- even if that were an option, it...wasn't?).   Elsie could go get a stool from the bar if she was really that determined to sit down with them but between her and Dawn lightly arguing over space and the music picking back up he didn't think she'd hear his suggestion.

...well, maybe he could still make more room, if... He turned in his seat to aim his shoulders at the wall for a moment, with the arm of the couch digging into his lower back, just long enough to carefully get his arm out between him and Dawn, and then he lifted it to rest across the back of the couch cushions behind her.  He shifted his hips to nudge a wrinkle in the cushion fabric out of an uncomfortable spot but then he was settled against the armrest and...there, another couple of inches, and this wasn't too uncomfortable.

Physically, anyway.  That flushed, nervous feeling was mingling with that usual warmth he felt around Dawn, with a pinch of uncertainty -- he knew she didn't like being picked up or moved against her will, but...  Maybe he should have asked before he moved, because he wasn't technically touching her but it could be just as unwanted.

Then again...she'd already taken him by the arm twice.  Was this much different from that?

Fighting to keep his expression neutral he lifted his gaze to look at Dawn; her face was steadily growing  red -- not that he expected her to somehow miss how he'd re-positioned himself, but what would she say?

"Is this...ok?  Do you have enough room now?" he asked quietly.

She bit down on her lower lip, a quick nibble and then it was released with a shy smile.  "Y-yes... Thank you," she whispered.

Unsuur nodded and went to stare at the table in front of him, feeling a rush of relief; at the edge of his vision he could see Justice giving him a look - cocked eyebrow, mouth slightly agape, leaning his head toward him slightly.  Were Mi-an and Amirah staring too?  He didn't want to look, and took a drink out of his glass to hide his face when Dawn moved over and pressed their legs together again.

"Finally!" Elsie grunted (and the back of the couch stopped shaking as she stopped wiggling into place too).  "Anyway - nah, there wasn't any open gates or anythin'.  Ma was still out there lookin' for them earlier but Pa was up in arms about horse thieves and whatnot - heh, Ma made him come here tonight to sing and cool his head.  I'm hopin' we got another break in the fence somewhere and they've just wandered off, even if that ain't normal for them.  We've left those gates open plenty of times and it's never been a problem."

Clearing his throat Justice moved his attention from Unsuur back to Elsie.  "Right, right...  Well, sad to say it's too dark now to go looking for any missing horses.  First thing tomorrow morning Unsuur and I can-  Ah, wait, sorry-" he cut himself off, glancing to Dawn.  "I'm betting you'll want to get after that condenser as soon as you can, right?"

"Um, that w-would be best, yes...  The longer it takes me to build it, the worse the food situation could get," Dawn answered.

Her voice had a little waver to it -- he'd made this awkward but she was too nice to say so.  He knew it.  He shouldn't have-

"-so I'll handle it in the morning," Justice continued.  "You and Unsuur get to that condenser bright and early.  If I need to I'll rope Pen into tracking down any possible thieves."

"All right -- oh!  If that's all right with you," Dawn stammered, turned her head to Unsuur.

If she were just a bit taller it would have almost put her head on his shoulder.  Perfect height, he thought, and his ears grew a bit warmer.  He took another drink before answering.  "That's fine.  I want to teach you a little bit with the sword before we head in.  I'll come get you at sunrise?"

She nodded and quickly turned back to the table.  "Sounds like a plan.  Which horses were missing, Elsie?"

"The white one I taught you to ride on, and two tan ones -- one of 'em has a little brown mark on its neck like a pawprint, and-"

He inhaled slowly and tried to clear his mind - to let things reach and flow around him, like usual. ...white horse, tan horse, brown marking, liked dried sandberries, answered to Sugar... Dawn's leg twitched a bit and her knee rubbed against his leg as she readjusted her feet under the table.  The chatter was picking back up as Elsie switched from missing horses to the upcoming festivals. They had all finished their dinners before Elsie had shown up so when Grace came back around they all got another round of drinks while Elsie ordered food.  Dawn's hair, up in its usual bun, brushed against his jacket sleeve and bare forearm from time to time when she leaned back into the cushions.  Cooper and Hugo switched to a loud, rowdy song and conversational volumes were adjusted to make up for the music and the surge of voices joining in on the chorus.  His fingers kept straying down toward her shoulder and he'd catch himself and flex his hand to disguise the movement as something casual, natural, then had to stop when his wrist popped loudly and started to hurt.   Grace cleared away their dishes and Amirah excused herself as Arvio came in -- he'd gone up to the bar but noticed them from across the room and for one brief moment Unsuur made eye contact with the man and was surprised to see an absolutely bewildered look on his face as he took in the table and those sitting at it.

...all right, trying to clear his head wasn't working tonight.  Too many things - way too many things - going on around him.  Too many distractions.  It wasn't the worst thing but it did mean it was going to take forever to fall asleep later.

Finally Elsie got up and left and Dawn slid away to put some space between them.  A tension in his shoulders, like a tightly wound spring he hadn't realized was there, was starting to release; there was an underlying sense of disappointment with it, and then a feeling of needing a deep breath or two.  He sucked in a breath, as much as his lungs could hold and as silently as he could, and felt a little better as he let it (and a bit of his anxiety) out.

There was another pause in the music and Justice half-yawned, half-stretched where he sat. "Well, think I've had enough fun for one night, and seems like I'll be having an early morning tracking some down missing animals.  Thanks for the dinner, Dawn, and be careful down there tomorrow, all right? Both of you," he said, pointing a finger at them.  "Don't get in over your heads.  We can always go in with more folks if it ends up being more monsters than expected down there."

"We'll be careful, sheriff," Unsuur replied.  He glanced at Dawn quickly and then back up to Justice.  "I won't let anything bad happen to our builder."

"Good man.  Mi-an, budge yourself - I'm headed home."

Mi-an giggled and stood up.  "I should probably head home too -- we should do this more often!  Maybe on the next story night?"

"If I'm not up to my eyeballs in work," Dawn laughed.  "Night, you two!"

When they'd both gone Dawn leaned her head back against the cushions and let out a sigh.  "...what a day."  After a pause she tilted her head to smile at him.  "I guess we should get going too.  Early day tomorrow and all that.  ...Mi-an's right.  We should do this more."

"I'd like that," he blurted out quicker than he'd intended.  "Just tell me when." He finally brought his arm down from the cushions and flexed his wrist around with a small grimace.  It was still throbbing a bit from popping earlier.

Her gaze trailed down to his hand.  "You didn't hurt yourself climbing around in the ruins today did you?"

"No.  This is from drawing all those wanted posters.  It'll stop hurting eventually."

He watched as her soft expression turned to one of confusion that then further deepened into a look bordering on horror as she sat up and stared at him.  "Drawing the wanted posters?  You DREW them all?  By hand?!"

"I did.  We don't have a printing press that can handle paper that size.  I drew hundreds of them."

His eyes widened as she reached out and grabbed his hand in both of hers.

"That's- that's insane!  You could have permanently damaged your wrist doing that!" she exclaimed.  "Where does it hurt?  It is a sharp pain?  An ache?  Is it throbbing?"

"Um."  He was trying not to twitch too much as she began to gently press the pads of her thumbs into his palm and on his wrist.  "It aches but not too badly, sometimes it feels a little numb.  A few days of not doing much with it is all it takes to go back to normal."

She let out a heavy sigh and closed her hands over his.  "Unsuur...  One of the things we learned in builder's school were all sort of stretches and exercises, for various parts of our bodies, to help avoid injuring ourselves while we worked.  Tomorrow, after we find that condenser, I am going to teach you some of the stretches for your hands.  All right?"  After a pause she looked up to him and there was red creeping across her cheeks.

Briefly he had the wildest, almost irresistible urge to twine his fingers with hers.  They were...they were right there.  He forced the urge down with a smile. "All right.  But, you don't need to worry about me. No distractions tomorrow."

With a nod she let go of his hand then stood up quickly.  "Tomorrow, right!  I'll see you in the morning - sleep well, ok?"

"I will."

Dawn headed over to the bar to settle the bill with Owen and Unsuur quietly left through the saloon's other door.  Outside was quiet and calm, and the night air was cool against his face; he could still feel her hands on his, and her knee, and the brush of her hair against his arm.  He headed up the street a ways then took a hard left to detour toward the oasis where he sat down on one of the benches and ground the heels of his palms into his eyes.

There were...a lot of things going on inside him at the moment.  A bubbly, giddy sensation.  That warm and fuzzy feeling he was growing used to.  And some lingering worry and awkwardness over what he'd done tonight.

But.  Surely if Dawn took offense to him putting his arm mostly-but-not-quite around her, she would have said something.  She was polite but didn't strike him as a pushover -- he couldn't see her tolerating unwanted contact for very long (and he literally had seen her not tolerating it from Yan).  Did that mean...?  Or, should it mean anything at all?  She'd taken him by the hand too, now. It HAD been to check his wrist but then she'd just...held it afterward, when she could have easily let go sooner than she had.

He leaned back against the bench, head tipped back to the sky.

"Crushes are hard."

[definesanity]

The Pen is Mightier than the Sword, it has no Limitations.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Sun and Moon. Light and Darkness. Day and Night.

To the few that knew of The Collector, there were even fewer who theorised that the Moon Child possessed a sibling. Or, something that was the Moon to them. They didn't think very much on it, though.

Besides, The Observer enjoys the solitude. It was his choice, after all.

While The Collector enjoyed games, wanting to revel in the joy of it, The Observer found themselves wanting to learn more about both the Human Realm and the Demon Realm, and of its inhabitants.

His first emotion was curiousity; over time, he learnt of more. But while curiousity remained his favourite out of these, another came close to it:

Jealousy.

It intertwines with love, and yet, it can bring forth other emotions too.

Gazing up at the dusk sky, they put four fingers out towards four twin stars of purple and yellow, and brought them closer together. Then, he widened his fingers, and the purple stars began to glow more brightly.

Jealousy leads to obsessiveness. That of which is an emotion he's quite curious about.

Yes. This will certainly be curious.

Besides, there still is the game he's playing with his sibling to attend to...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The mirror house brought back more than a few memories.

After... everything, Luz thought it would be good to go to a carnival that came up, free of Tibbles, so she can just be herself for a bit and enjoy some time with herself and her joyful guest!

"Kid, when I said I agreed 'have a little fun' I didn't sign up for going into a fancy mirror room." Eda groaned from behind, but Luz simply turned around, smiling.

"Oh, c'mon, Eda! Turn that frown--aaaactually, just try to enjoy yourself!" realising that, yes, Eda could literally turn her frown upside down, she retreated from that.

Eda sighed. "Fine, if only to get you off my back... I swear, you're as bad as Hooty, sometimes."

Luz ignored that. Besides, the amount of mirrors there were was amazing! An anime-like mirror, a broken-but-not-really mirror, a future mirror, a--

Wait.

Turning back on her heel, Luz looked at the reflection.

Staring back was her... from, like, six years in the future and definitely had kicked ass. And has a cool beanie. Putting her hand up, the reflection copied. Jumping, it did the same. Doing her eye trick? Of course!

Just as it was getting interested, Eda appeared from behind the corner. "Hey, kid, I'm gonna tag out now. As much is I like seeing a shorter version of myself with crab hands, I think I'll pass."

"Okay, Eda!/Suit yourself, Grandma."

Eda paused. So did Luz. Slowly moving her finger towards her reflection, she expected to feel glass--

--But instead, it was skin.

A pause.

Then, Luz jumped back with a yelp, and was suddenly aware that her reflection had a baseball bat--

"STOP STOP STOP!"

In front of her suddenly, another Luz, this one with a striped purple and white shirt and around her age, ran between the two with her hands between the two of them. "Calm down, panicking won't help!"

"Oh, no, I'm completely calm!" replied the baseball bat Luz. "Apart from the fact there's TWO OTHER ME'S!"

"There's three, actually." a smooth voice interrupted. Looking up again, and quickly standing up, they faced an older Luz, this one holding a metallic Palisman, with two fangs at the top pointing at a floating purple orb.

"...Did I get drunk again?" jumping again, the four Luz's (Luzi?) turned to the very confused Eda. "Like--did I drink much last night, kid?"

"...No?"

"...Huh." blinking, Eda sighed. "Kid, I love you; really, I do. But why is it, that every time something weird happens, you are almost always at the heart of it?"

"Honestly, I wish I knew that two, old lady." Baseball Luz replied, her lips quirking a smile.

"'Old lady'?!" T-Shirt Luz squawked out. "She--Eda took us in!"

"And?"

"If I can interject, not that it matters," Cool Staff Luz said, before gesturing to everyone. "How is that we're all... here?"

"Fuck if I know!" Beanie Luz snapped, with Luz gasping. "What?"

"Language! What would your girlfriend think?!"

Beanie blinked, before laughing. "If Am heard me, she'd say that I'd normally say something much more crass."

"Am?" T-Shirt Luz asked. "Like, Amber?"

"Eh? No, my girlfriend. You know, Amelia Blight?"

"You mean Amity, right?" Staff Luz and Luz piped in, and then turned to the other, shrugging.

"...Ah, shit!" cursed Beanie, before suddenly sprinting out.

"H-Hey, come back!" T-Shirt shouted, running after them.

Staff just sighed, turning to Eda. "You go on ahead, Eda. I'll make sure Luz gets to The Owl House safely."

"Uh-huh." Eda replied, completely unconvinced.

"...Well, off I go, then." she then just started to float in midair, before taking off as well.

Eda turned to Luz. "Kid--"

And then sighed, looking at the running figure. Oh boy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Amity simply blinked, looking at all the other hers.

This was going to be a long day, wasn't it?

[thebluebellcompany]

FFXIV Write Day 10 - Channel

In which conversations are had.

Fun little style change with this one, completely dialogue. And another secret character makes an appearance...

- - -

“Bzzt. Bzzt. Paging a one Aurelia Octavia.” 

“...” 

“Bzzt, bzzt. Paging one-” 

“Zhra’li Nevleh, I am going to beat you to an inch of your life. What.” 

“Are you perhaps busy at the moment?” 

“...” 

“-ok stupid question. Got it. I just had a quick question.”

“Well get on with it, I don’t have all day.” 

“So! You know how people say the pen is mightier than the sword, or whatever nonsense they’re going on about with that. Which is a stupid phrase, by the way. I mean, I get it’s an allegory for how negotiations and words are supposed to stop the fighting before it even begins, but honestly. Some times, there is simply no helping people when they have something dead set in their minds-”

“Zhra’li. I am going to kill you if you do not shut up, this instant.” 

“Right! Right, okay. Anyway, what I was getting at was this. I, uh. May have need for your pen, and not my sword at the moment, if you catch my drift.” 

“...did you get caught by the Sharlayan guards again.” 

“It wasn’t even my fault this time! And they’d probably listen to an archon-to-be over anything I have to say - which isn’t saying much, considering they’re not believing anything coming out of my mouth.” 

“That’s rough buddy. Shame I have to finish this paper by 11:59 tonight. See you then. Good luck.” 

“Wait, no, Aurelia, this is my one phone call-!” 

— 

“Oh Campanula? Are you on right now?” 

“I am. How can I assist you Miss. Minami.” 

“Oh-ho-ho-ho, aren’t you a charmer, as always. I was just wondering where you are at the moment.” 

“Right now? I’m speaking to you from the training grounds near our current residence. Why, has something happened that requires my assistance?” 

“Oh nothing of that sort. It’s just that, well. You see, it was not too long ago that I made a little day trip to Ishgard, to visit a friend of mine that had moved there after the Doman occupation. It was ever such a nice trip.” 

“Is that so? Well I’m glad you enjoyed the trip to my home city, as it were.” 

“Thank you! The weather was quite agreeable as well. So much so that she and I went on a little walk around the Jeweled Cozier, and she bought me the cutest little cakes. So small but ever so pretty, and quite the price tag too. The thing is, I was hoping to eat some with a spot of tea.” 

“Between you, me, and Eris, it is a rare day when one of us has to go on a tea run. And all of that is quite nice, but I’m not sure what that has to do with me? Unless you are asking for pairing recommendations.” 

“Oh, see, but the tea isn’t the problem. I had just gone on to make a cup only to realize when I came back that two of those little cakes were gone! Poof! Gone like a breeze on the wind. Aurelia’s not fond of sweets, Eris would never steal from me since she’s such a good girl, and Zhra’li would never steal from me since he’s so afraid of me. Only thing left behind was a slightly ajar window, which leads right to the training grounds just outside my window! Now tell me Campanula, where exactly you were 5 minutes ago.” 

“...I’m going to die, aren’t I.” 

“Next time dear, remember to lock the window behind you as you leave. Now stay still, I believe my sword has a date with your kidneys.” 

—

“...zzzzt.” 

“Hello? Helloooooo? Is this working?” 

“...zzzzzzzzzzzzt.” 

“I guess not, oh well. Shame, this one is almost brand new, too. But I guess a magitek scrambler would fry even the newest of linkshells, huh.” 

“...bzzt.” 

“Can’t reach anyone, can’t call anyone. You’re really in a mess now, aren’t you Eris. Well,  searching for survivors while talking to yourself in the middle of an empty battlefield about dead things is surely not worrying. Yep. Totally. My mind is completely intact. Yes.” 

“...zzzzzzpt.” 

“You know, Nominakh would have loved magitek. He always was fiddling around with bits and bobs, even back in the Steppe. I’m sure he could have managed to fix something as simple as a Garlean scrambler, or shield it somehow.” 

“...what am I saying. It’s not as though he’d be alive to even see magitek other than what he saw with mom on her travels. With him, being, you know, dead.”

“...Nymeia’s waters, I need to get out of here. I think the magitek is frying my brain.” 

“...zt”

“...”

“......Ehri?” 

[substituted-shinigami]

Learning to Breathe

(aka Please Remember To Put On Your Oxygen Mask Before Assisting Others)

Characters: Rukia, Renji, Byakuya, and some Fourth Division OCs, (RenRuki)

Genre: Hurt/Comfort, some Angst, some Humor, Family

Rated: T (for mentions of medical tools such as needles and depictions of anxiety, but nothing is graphic or even really overly described. This story is more about the emotions than the medical drama)

Story Summary: Turns out purple eyes and short stature aren’t the only things that run in Hisana’s family, illness does as well. As Rukia and Renji try to help each other navigate through this new storm in their lives, will they remember to take time to breathe? (Rukia gets the same disease that killed Hisana (Bloodlines AU), Post TYBW, Post renruki engagement)

Click the link to read below or click here to read the story from the beginning on AO3!

(2/7)

Chapter 1: Lift Off

(AO3 chapter link)

Chapter Summary: Welcome passengers aboard the Stress Soul Society Airlines. Please fasten your seat belts, and prepare for liftoff. Thank you, and worry not about the bad weather forecast. You can rest assured that you will have a safe trip with us! (The chapter in which Rukia and Renji get ready for a major doctor’s appointment.)

I faced an execution. I faced an espada's blade. I even faced a man who could literally murder me with fear. And yet, tiny medical needles are too much for me? You are utterly ridiculous, Kuchiki Rukia… Rukia thought glumly to herself, as she laid in bed one chilly morning before yet another doctor’s appointment. She began chuckling wryly, I've heard the pen is mightier than the sword, but I think the medical needle might be mightier still.

Rukia stared up at her bedroom ceiling, the sound of the room's clock ticking loudly in her ears. She'd been laying there for hours as sleep frustratingly eluded her. Sighing, she tried rolling over and closing her eyes again, but she couldn't shut out the anxious thoughts that plagued her mind.

I really hope today’s tests don’t have them. If I can’t get through these appointments without stressing out everytime I see one, then I’ll never convince him that he can rest, because I’ll be okay. That it will all be okay in the end. Hopefully…

Suddenly, Rukia’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the alarm on her soul pager going off. Again. Rukia’s hand shot out, flipped the infernal device open, and managed to press the snooze button for the third time that morning without even looking at it. She went back to staring up at the ceiling.

Guess I better get up now, huh? Can't keep putting it off, after all… My friends, my brother, and…Renji… they’re all so worried about me, so I can’t… I can’t be weak… I must be strong for them.

Rukia sighed, her stomach already all up in knots. Taking a deep breath to center herself, she forced herself to sit up. As she looked out her bedroom window towards the sky, she saw that it was pitch-black, that even the stars were blocked out by clouds.

Hmmm… Looks like a storm is rolling in too… Figures…

Rukia slowly pushed off her blankets and got up to search for her clothes. She thought about just wearing her black shinigami uniform, but she already knew neither her third seat nor her escort were going to let her go back to work this afternoon. Speaking of her escort…

Rukia left her room, a neatly folded dark blue kimono tucked underneath her arm, and approached the door of the guest room next to hers. She lifted her hand to knock, but paused.

I could just leave without waking him… she thought briefly, Let him sleep in. Gods know he needs it. That way, when I make it through the appointment on my own, he’ll see he has nothing to worry about! But she quickly shook herself. No! No, I don’t do that anymore! I don’t just run away... I talk about it. We talk about it. And even if we can’t figure it out, we still do even that together. Rukia took a deep breath, glared resolutely at the door, and knocked.

“Oi, Renji, you awake in there?” She heard what sounded like a groan to the affirmative. “Okay, just so you know, we’ve got to leave in an hour.”

“Mhmm… Yup. I got you,” he responded groggily. This was soon followed by the sound of very fast shuffling, a very loud bang, an almost as loud curse, and then more shuffling. Rukia raised an amused eyebrow at that.

“You good in there? All your limbs still present and accounted for?”

“Ha ha. Very funny. And yes, I’m fine. Thanks so much for your concern.”

“Of course!” Rukia smirked. However, the heavy feeling inside her soon dragged the corners of her lips back down. She took another deep breath. Here we go… "Oi, Renji…" she began quietly, "If you are too tired, it's okay, y'know? It's like I said before, it’s basically just a long doctor's appointment. I'll…I’ll be okay going by myself."

At that, Rukia heard the stomping sound of footsteps coming rapidly towards her, followed by the shoji door immediately sliding open with a sharp bang. Renji looked rather frazzled, with his sleeping robe half hanging off of his shoulder and his hair loosely pulled into a messy braid. He also looked rather cute…at least until he started shouting.

“WHAT? NO! OF COURSE I'M COMING WITH YOU, IDIOT!”

“QUIET, RENJI! ARE YOU TRYING TO WAKE UP THE ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD WITH YOUR RACKET?!?”

"You are way louder than me!" Renji replied in his terrible attempt at a whisper, "In any case, don't try to change the subject like that. You are downplaying it again, I know it. They are running medical tests today too, and I know those tend to make you nervous.” He managed to actually say that last part quietly. Then he smiled at her, “We're in this together, ya?" His lips might have been smiling, but Rukia saw his eyes. He was exhausted. She felt her heart lurch into her throat.

"Ya, well…don't go overdoing it, okay?" Rukia told him firmly as she fixed his robe for him, but her fingers lingered on his shoulder. Renji placed his hand over hers.

"Hmph… As if I could ever do too much for you… I'm fine, Rukia, really. Go get changed."

"Okay…" she murmured quietly, looking down. However, her face must have betrayed her troubled thoughts, because when she tried to remove her hand from his shoulder, Renji held it firm. She looked back up at him and he tilted his head down closer to hers.

"I love you~" he whispered to her in a cheeky sing-song voice with that toothy grin of his. He was clearly trying to lighten the mood, to make her smile or push him off and call him a dork, but instead Rukia felt her heart, already firmly lodged in her throat, leap even higher into her mouth.

“I know…” she barely got out, “I know Renji, but…”

“Uh uh. No ‘buts’, Ru. Go ahead and take your bath. I’ll see you in an hour, alright?” He winked and let go of her hand as he cheerfully went back into the guest room, closing the door behind him.

Rukia, on the other hand, just stood there, staring at the floor.

__________________________________

Renji…

Rukia sat in the outdoor bath, watching the sun slowly try to rise behind a blanket of clouds. She sighed as her thoughts inevitably turned to her fiance.

They had been spending even more time together as of late. In fact, almost all of their spare time was spent in each other’s company. At first it was because they had finally gotten officially engaged, and needed to plan for the wedding. And while that had all been quite hectic, it had also been exhilarating thinking about what their future together might bring.

But then, less than a month later, the diagnosis came in after what was supposed to be a routine check up at the Fourth Division. Rukia had CRVS, also known as Chronic Reiatsu Vent Stenosis. It was a disease in which the invisible reiatsu vents at the end of a soul’s wrists began to slowly shrink over time. Since these vents were responsible for cycling spiritual pressure in and out of the body, when they were damaged, the body would take longer to heal after strenuous activities, such as traveling long distances across the Rukongai in the search of a missing sibling.

The vents also acted as a filtration system for foreign reishi or spirit particles. When spiritual pressure is released in bursts, such as when battling tough hollows and arrancar, it can absorb the spirit particles it collides with, and then bring these foreign particles back with it into the body. When working properly, the vents are supposed to filter this out, but when they are damaged by disease, they just can’t.

And overtime, this unreleased, unfiltered, reluctant to replenish spiritual pressure would slowly damage the body, eventually leading to the person’s death, to Hisana’s death. But it had been fifty years since then, there were more options now., new medications and treatments available. There was even a new experimental surgery that had the potential to actually extend the patient’s life! But you couldn’t get it right away, you had to wait, be put on a list, and survive until your name was called.

But if there was one thing that we know how to do well, Rukia thought to herself, it's to survive.

They changed everything.

Instead of visits with the wedding planner, it was visits with the doctor. Instead of planning out wedding dishes with their bar's chef, they planned out new healthier meals with her nutritionist. Instead of visits to the florist it was visits to the pharmacist.

Instead of going on dates, it was going to treatments.

Before they spent all their time doing wedding planning, but now, it was the furthest thing from their minds. If getting engaged had completely changed Rukia’s life with an upward swing, getting this disease made it come crashing back down again and right through the floor. But Renji was right there with her through it all.

He really is my rock, Rukia thought with warmth, But…he’s starting to break. It had been months since this all began, and Renji had run himself ragged.

So when Rukia had found out that she had to go to yet another early morning, three hour long doctor’s appointment at the Fourth Division to get some testing done, she was resolute on the fact that Renji did not have to come. For the entire week leading up to the appointment, she did her absolute best to downplay the whole thing.

She joked with him, “The appointment is three hours long, Renji. If you're going to be sitting doing paperwork all day, you might as well be at the office where you can at least yell at Rikichi at the same time!”

She bragged at him, “Nervous? Of course not! I am Kuchiki Rukia! I will ace those medical exams for sure!”

And she even tried teasing him, “Hmn? What is with that worried look? Are you trying to beat Ichigo in a scowling contest? It’ll be fine, Renji!”

Still, despite her best attempts at reassurance, Renji could not help but ask her one more time.

“Hey, Rukia?” He began worriedly, when she came by the Sixth Division office after work, “Are you absolutely sure you don’t need me for your appointment tomorrow? They are running an awful lot of medical tests, and I know...how you feel about those.” But Rukia waved him off.

“Medical tests? Please! I laugh in the face of all those who would test me!” Rukia bragged with a smirk, but Renji continued to look at her seriously, resolutely unmoved by her teasing. Rukia tried a different approach. “Seriously, Renji, it will be fine,” she continued a little more gently, “You don’t have to come to every single one, y’know? Besides, it's really early in the morning, and you have work tomorrow. It will be fine.” But then, just when she thought she might have been getting through to him, her brother entered from the other room.

“Captain!” Renji said, as he stood up. Rukia’s head swung around towards the office entrance.

“Niisama!”

Captain Kuchiki Byakuya looked between the two of them, and then spoke, “Vice Captain Abarai Renji, I’ve come to inform you that I have approved of your request to have tomorrow off. Spend it however you wish.” Rukia shot Renji a look. Renji just looked confused.

“Ummm, thank you, sir? But I don’t remember-”

“Also,” Byakuya continued, cutting him off, “I have a problem that I need you to take care of.”

“Sure, Captain, whatever you need-”

“Taiyaki," Byakuya said abruptly, "The Kuchiki chef has accidently ordered some, and you know how much I despise it. Please come over and dispose of it in a non-wasteful manner. It is imperative that you do this tonight.”

“O-Okay…”

“Once you finish that odious task, I imagine you will be quite tired. You should sleep it off in the guest room, so that you will be in top shape for your day off. The one you usually use, the one down the hall from the kitchen, is unavailable, so you will have to use the guest room next door to Rukia’s room. That is all.” And with that, he turned on his heel and left, leaving the pair with their mouths hanging open, the matter already decided. Rukia fumed.

“Well…at least I’m free now…” Renji said a little tentatively.

“Yeah," Rukia growled through gritted teeth, "Sorry, I’ll be right back.” And with that, she stormed out of the room and marched right after her brother.

“Niisama!” Rukia said firmly. Byakuya stopped, but didn't turn around.

“Niisama…” Rukia repeated more slowly, barely keeping the anger and frustration out of her voice, “I appreciate what you are trying to do…but please do not push Renji so. He is tired, Niisama.”

“Perhaps…but I do not push him any further than he already wishes to go. I simply give him the permission to do so. Something that was not given to me when…” But he trailed off, shoulders drooping a little. Finally, he straightened up again and continued, "In any case, it is imperative that you have support at appointments, both for your physical and emotional wellbeing.”

“Niisama...I appreciate that, but…couldn’t you take me just this one time? Just to give him a break?”

“I… Rukia, he needs this, just as you do. Take this time to be together so that way there are no regrets.” And with that, he was gone, only dust in the wake of his shunpo. Rukia returned to the room, a mixture of anger, sadness, and dejection fighting for control within her.

“Listen Rukia, if you really don’t want me to go…”

“It’s not about wanting or not wanting, Renji!” she snapped, but slowed upon seeing him flinch, “Sorry, I…I just don't think you should have to go to them all, that’s all.” Renji put his hands on her shoulders.

“It’s alright, Rukia, I like going with you! Now I gotta go home and grab a change of clothes for tomorrow, but I’ll see you tonight, okay?”

“Okay…” she sighed. He kissed her on the cheek and headed out the door, completely ready to keep on running himself ragged, all for her.

Well of course he is! He’s worried about you, you jerk! Rukia’s brain shouted at her, It’s your own fault for always looking so miserable at your appointments!

“That’s right!” Rukia said aloud to herself, grabbing her towel, and vigorously drying herself off as she stepped out of the bath, “Renji’s only exhausted because he’s worried about me! If I can just show him that I’ll be okay, even during the longer, scarier appointments, then he’ll finally know that he can take a long, well deserved break, and might even start taking care of himself!” She quickly put on her clothes, and marched back to her room with renewed resolve.

After she finished packing her bag, including something to read during the long waits between testing, Rukia headed towards the front hall to wait for Renji. But when she got there she found him already standing there, a bag swung around his shoulder as well.

Figures he’s already here, she thought, Oh well, no time to practice, might as well jump right in.

“Ready to go?” Rukia asked with as much cheerfulness and confidence as she could muster as she strutted up to him. Renji’s face lit up the moment he spotted her.

“Yup! My bag's all packed, and I'm raring to go."

“Great! Now…did you get anything to eat for breakfast?” She asked as she reached him. Renji bent down to give her a quick kiss, and she rose up on her tiptoes to receive it.

“Do you count?” He murmured huskily to her. Rukia cocked an eyebrow at him.

“No.”

“Then, nope!” he shrugged with a smile as he stood back up. Rukia felt a blood vessel pop in her forehead.

“Renji…” she said slowly, trying to sound encouraging and not frustrated, “I told you last night, it’s okay for you to grab breakfast. The appointment is going to be three hours, and you need your strength.”

“Yeah, I know, but…it just doesn’t feel right eating when you can’t,” He said, scratching the back of his neck, “If you can wait till after your appointment, then so can I. ‘Sides, I think I am at least as strong as you, you know,” He finished with a smirk.

“Debatable,” Rukia sniffed, teasingly.

“Yeah, yeah, alright Ms. Acting Captain,” Renji said, throwing his arm around her and pushing open the door. “Come on, let’s go. We don’t wanna be late.”

Rukia leaned against him as they walked out the door, a well of warmth bubbling up inside of her, but it was quickly muddied with guilt, “Renji, thank you, for coming with me, really, but please get something to eat and take a nap after this.”

“Sure, sure,” he agreed easily, “But for now, let’s just get you well.” However, he didn’t look at her as he said this. Rukia looked up at him out of the corner of her eye. The worry and the exhaustion, still shone quite clearly on his face. She quickly turned her gaze forward, her stomach knotting up all over again.

I’ll have to try harder, she thought.

[neos-ultra]

chip!

-you grab a battlechip without even looking, in your hands forms a katana with a blade of ice. shout soon recovers and begins charging after you! you rush through the water, back to the top of the tower and the orb with shout close behind. you break through the top of it like a dolphin!

-as shout charges after you, rising up with you, YOU SLAM DOWN UPON HIM WITH THE SWORD! shattering it against his head as it yells out a massive roar of pain and grabs you by the throat! smashing down through the orb of water and into the concrete roof of the building.

shout sharker: "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAWHAT YOU'RE UP AGAINST YOU STUPUD SEADOG!? I AIN'T THE STRONGEST" he slams you again, "I AIN'T THE SMARTEST," another slam "I AIN'T THE FASTEST," another. "AND I... DAMN IT MATEY WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST GIVE UP? IF YOU DON'T... YOU'RE GONNA HAVE TO FIGHT... her..." there's a tinge of real fear in it's voice. "you ain't ready for her... no one is... i can't even remember what the fight with her was like but... you just... you ain't winnin' against her..."

neos ultra: "but..." you think about everything you know, this woman, madame x, is manipulating people. trying to get mysterious powerful items. shout sharker couldn't even fight her. she's possibly immortal... all of that fills you with a feeling.... a burning feeling inside your heart. a burning power dwelling inside. "but if i give up... if i give up..."

-you kick shout off of you with all of your might! sending him to the other side of the building as you stand up, a glass-cracking sound filling your ears.

neos ultra: "IF I GIVE UP, THEN WHATEVER SHE'S PLANNING HAS NO ONE TO STOP HER! AND IF I CAN HELP ANYONE, EVEN YOU! THEN I'M GONNA! AND IF THAT MEANS STOPPING HER, THEN SO BE IT!" all the water from the orb rushes over to you! all condensing around your fist in a super dense water gauntlet! the words spill from your tongue without you even thinking. "HERE I GO, AQUA-CRASH!"

-you charge in at shout, he seems distracted as smith starts mumbling something at him at the worst possible time. you slam the punch into his head with all your might! the water blasts out all at once and sends him flying into the air! the damage is massive and he deforms into pixels!

shout sharker: "I'LL BE BACK!!!" is all he says as the pixels form into letters, 'LOG-OUT' and disappear.

-the battle is won... the heat in your heart is gone... you can rest...

-YOUR FRIENDS ARE SOMEWHERE IN TOWN STILL.

-you climb down from the tower and go back to your human form, walking to where you last saw your friends and finding them gone... you sit down on a bench for a moment. the paint is wet. now your jeans have green on them... today is... not your-

solo: "YO THERE HE IS!" solo has a massive open mouth gasp as he points at you, sho-co close behind as they come other to sit down

geo: "W-W-W-WAIT NO IT'S WET-" too late, solo sits down next to you.

solo: "yeah, well now you're not sitting on a wet bench alone! it's a win dude! like di you see that huge battle and stuff? wet bench is like, getting it easy today" you suppose it kind of is, you let out a small laugh at thinking about it, considering how you were at the heart of the battle.

geo: "th...thanks..." you look back at solo and his eyes are wide while he looks at you, it's probably just the lighting but his face seems a little pink. "are you okay?"

solo: "huh? me? UH YEAH I'M FINE!" he quickly looks away, his face even pinker. how incredibly odd and unexplainable.

sho-co: "yeah and you're really normal too. anyway." she tosses a can of soda into your lap, "drink up" she tosses one at solo's head "buddy!"

solo: "oh wait check this out! i know a cool trick!" he pulls a pen out his pocket and lines it up with the can, stabbing into it and it explodes all the soda at him. "...i'm the best ever"

-all three of you end up laughing as you walk out the market together while the sun sets. solo ends up getting into a limo, sho-co hitches a ride with her parents in a scrapped together jeep, and you have but one option... to get on the bus. it arrives quickly. and you step on. quickly realising your lack of funds...

geo: "i... d-don't have any change" you look up at the driver...

the bus driver: "huh? eh that's alright kid don't worry about it. just hop on, been a busy day- i assume. i don't know things." you get on and stare at him as it drives... after getting half-way home, the bus stops... and some smoke comes from his controls. "aw c'mon! just sit tight kid i'll fix this crap" he opens up the panels and begins to work...

what do you do?

-sit silently

-he knows. confront him.

[gremmlepunk]

Chapter 2 GTRT AU

First chapter->

“Left! Or maybe right. Left?”

For the navigator, Sally wasn’t particularly good with directions. As she fumbled with the map Tommy caught a glimpse of it. It was marked all over with red pen, signifying gods know what. Despite the protest of wanting to use a GPS, Wilbur was insistent on its usage. 

(More under cut)

It was around eight now, and everyone was awake and tired of sitting.

“So,” Wilbur started,”Our ending point is Garibaldi Lake, British Colombia to retrieve Percy Jackson’s Riptide. It’s been stuck there in the arms of a monster, turned to stone with Medusa’s gaze.”

“Ooh, spooky.” Tubbo said, mocking his dramatics. Nonetheless Wilbur cleared his throat before continuing.

“It should be easy, we just have to-“

“Wait, Percy Jackson?” Tommy asked. 

“Yeah, he’s a legend. Dead now, but the story still circulates. A camper wrote books about him, Ricky Something. Marketed as fiction though, for the sake of camp. ” Wilbur said, as the campers nodded along. 

“Woah.”

Ranboo chimed in, wanting to contribute, ”Yup, rumor has it he’s the guy who killed Medusa in the first place, he kept her head to-“

“Shut up, boo-boy.” Tommy said. Who did that kid think he was, honestly? The only friend he made at camp, the only one who didnt think he was weird, and they have the nerve to have him leaning on their shoulder?

Tommy realized all too late that he was mumbling a bit louder than he wanted to be, but the embarrassment was immediately relieved as Sally’s raspy voice shouted out from the seat in front of him.

“No one look out the windshield!”

Tommy was just as astonished as terrified.

A harpy sat in the middle of the barren road, and the Sunsong came to a screeching halt. Everyone held their breath, trying not to provoke her. Suddenly, she outstretched her wings and let out a scream.

Tommy looked around, expecting to see as much horror in others as he felt, only to feel a heavy sword and sheath fall only his lap. He didn’t have his own weapon yet, so a training sword, proudly sporting the Camp Half Blood logo, would do for now. Aimsey shot up, motioning for everyone to stay in the bus. Tubbo immediately sat down, nearly on Tommy, flicking out his dagger and putting his arm to the back of Techno and Sally’s seat. Tommy wasn’t sure if this was for his safety or for the others’. Techno quietly handed Sally a spear before taking a long sword that looked like you needed a minimum of three people to carry it. 

The bus was locked. The road was barren. Tommy expected Wilbur to say something, or maybe Techno, but they only sat patiently in their seats. Aimsey instead, who looked to be about eleven, whispered instructions at the group, standing as close as he could to Tubbo so he could hear. Tubbo was deaf, or at least hard of hearing, Tommy figured, he was sure he had a hearing aid but he couldn’t quite see it.

“Alright, listen, we’ve trained for this. Ran, go through the bus and lock the windows, and make sure all the back escapes open. Techno, guard the door in case she gets in. Wil grab your bow and open a window, don’t shoot until your instructed. Sally, get all our stuff and move it to the back of the bus in case the harpy invades. Tubbo, turn off the engines and everything that makes noise. I’m going to try and rope it down with the vines over by that big bush. Whatever you do, stay quiet. Ill give a signal to attack.”

Aimsey’s hooves clicked as she slipped to the seat closest to the drivers, opposite Wilbur and his bow.

“Aimsey?” Tommy said in the chaos of everyone shuffling to their positions.

Aimsey glanced down at him.

”What about me? Don’t I get a job?”

”Oh, um, try not to die?”

Tommy slumped down in his seat. 

Everyone just had to get a cool job but me, huh? I even know my godly parent, Hermes! Just ‘cause I’m new I’m treated like a baby.

Tommy continued to grumble as Ranboo leaned over him to check the lock. 

Yeah, of course they got a cool job to protect the bus. 

And Tommy made a bad decision that moment.

As hard as he could, Tommy elbowed Ranboo in the stomach.

And, as most reasonable people would, Ranboo keeled over and fell backwards, knocking into Wilbur. The very same Wilbur holding a locked and loaded bow and arrow.

It was as if in slow motion, Wilbur let go of the wire, shooting the harpy in the wing. And she was twice as mad.

Time paused as Tommy looked from person to person. Everyone was stunned, silently watching the bus turn around to glare at Wilbur and Ranboo.

Pretty little Ranboo, who’s probably gonna rat on me to the whole bus, huh? 

Sally snapped around to yell at Wilbur, but he was already glaring at Ranboo. 

Tommy looked at the ground, waiting for another good reason to hate Ranboo. But none came to him. 

“Listen guys I am so sorry, I don’t know what happened but I- um- lost balance and fell. Sorry. I’ll make it up to y’all hold tight.” 

Ranboo said this quietly, but you could sense the fear in his voice. After all, what’s one more body in the woods?

Sally suddenly grabbed Ranboo by the collar. Tommy restrained a laugh being that Sally was barely clearing five foot while Ranboo was six foot three and still growing. 

Wilbur snapped around and grabbed Sally’s arm, hissing at everyone in the car, “Okay, we’re all a bit high strung but y’know what won’t help? Beating the sh*t out of each other! So stop!”

Suddenly the snarling outside quieted. The harpy was gone. Everyone sat in silence. Waiting. Watching. Listening. Tommy soon found out why.

Before anyone could bat another eye the bus shook violently from above as giant talons crashed through the windscreen. Glass shards flew at the seats and a screech that made everyone cover their ears in fear rang out as the harpy pushed its head through the hole it had made. Wilbur picked up his bow but couldn’t focus his shaking hands enough to load it. Aimsey dove into the aisle and tried to pull Techno into a seat as quickly as they could. Techno stumbled, refusing to take his hands off of his ears, and Tommy noticed a few tears as he was pushed into the seat next to him. Aimsey dove next to Tubbo, who was desperately clawing at the carpeted lining, mumbling something about the metal in the wall. The scream was terrible, and seemed to get louder as time went on, like the harpy would never run out of breath. 

Just when Tommy thought surely, surely it could not get any worse, the harpy smashed a giant wing through the windshield. Everyone screamed and ran to the back of the bus, Tommy being one of them. 

Aimsey and Wilbur desperately threw opposite instructions at the group, hoping it would somehow make a plan. 

“GO LEFT!”

“STAY STRAIGHT!”

“INTO THE WOODS TO HIDE!”

“DRAW YOUR WEAPONS!”

“RUN! RUN! RUN!”

“STAY PUT!”

Eventually the shouting became so muttled that the group ran in circles despite themselves. They had been trained for planned fights on flat turf, not particularly bold harpies on buses. Aimsey desperately tried to keep a headcount. Wilbur started egging Techno on to make a plan. Techno was nearing tears with his hands still firm on his ears. Sally opened her thermos and found it devastatingly dry. Tubbo was looking for… something, until a look of horrified realization set onto his face. He heard that something’s voice.

“STOP!” The command stretched past all the screaming, the whole world seemed to feel the dismay and anger. A purple glow shot through the bus, beaming out the windows. Everyone stood still. The voice continued. 

“STOP NOW. STOP EVERYONE! GET OFF OF OUR GODDAMN BUS AND LEAVE!”

The harpy suddenly scurried off. Everyone unpaused as the purple light stopped, looking around in confusion. And a very dazed and adrenaline filled Ranboo tumbled his way out of the back of the bus.

[pepsiwriteswords]

🖊 + for whichever oc you'd like to talk about! :3c

!!!! :D

Okay! I thought I wanted to talk about Orym bc I love per so much but. Apparently I can only ramble to myself or in a discord chat. xP So. I'm gonna scroll through my WIPs and just ... pick.

You get: Whatever words come out about Distant Light's minor/supporting characters! (so, way more characters than 1 pen emoji, whoops. xD)

We've got Jax's crew, Serenity's team (assuming I ever get around to naming any of them), and I guess Jaylon should have at least a couple colleagues to mention/think about, huh? xP

So! (going under a cut bc ofc it got long, I decided to talk about so many characters, and didn't even get around to Jay's potential colleagues. xD)

Prism Crew: Erendiz (ey/em or it/its), Yildiz (she/they), Zesiro (he/she/they), and Test_0374 (it/its). ^^ Erendiz & Yildiz are siblings, named so purely because the names mean Jupiter & star respectively & it seemed fitting for sci-fi. xP (also, fun fact: deciding to give Erendiz it/its pronouns is what made me try them out for myself and uh, huh. xP) Zesiro is the eldest person on the ship & has a sibling of their own, though we won't be meeting them in the book. (I haven't even named them or anything. I just know They Exist xP) Test is the ship's AI, and is named Test for 2 reasons: 1) I am a lazy bitch who doesn't know science or technology terms & didn't want to spend a year trying to come up with a workable acronym, and 2) Jax is its creator and they are also a lazy bitch who didn't want to name an AI until it worked, and by the time it did (presumably attempt #374 lol), they were attached to 'test' & it stuck. Erendiz is covered in freckles, knows how to throw knives, can set fire to anything, & is the other computer genius-type on the ship. Yildiz dyes her hair blue - sometimes the ends, sometimes halfway up, sometimes all the way, it varies. But it's always blue. She's the sharpshooter, and she's ace so she might not fuck the cosmic horror but she'll absolutely try to romance it. Zesiro ... might be a cyborg. or something. I dunno, I saw a cool picture & brain said 'ooh, DL' & everything except the Main 3 & the aliens are very malleable right now. xP knows how to use a gun, prefers some kind of sword. bc Cool. nonbinary lesbian, usually playing Voice of Reason bc everyone else is like. 23, max and she is Tired. & Test! I love the idea of Test, but I haven't quite figured out what kind of AI I want it to be. Like. No 'taking over the world/sending all the humans out the airlock' kinda plot line here; we're sticking to the aliens, but. outside of it throwing Shayde & Malle under the bus as soon as they step on board, I haven't got much for it as a character of its own. Also it will probably threaten to start building itself a body to physically make Jax be a reasonable human being, but idk. xD I got Really Attached to these guys immediately after creating them, but then the inability to stick to one project came back around to bite me & the antagonist polycule took over my brain, so like. I've got nothing for them now. ;_;

The Aeris crew! They're a medical team! Funded by the gov't/one of the Main 3's family. This is another area where my knowledge is ... less than fuzzy & I haven't even started on research-type tasks bc I managed like. 2 personal rambles about the Main 3 & my brain went 'cool, cool, you're gonna think about BP now, and ooh, look at that prompt over there!' and what can I do but roll with the motivation? Anyway! I'm gonna say there are ... hmm, what's a reasonable number ... maybe 10 medical professionals total, but I'm only gonna name like. 3. because this cast is already Big & I get attached way too easily, apparently. xD So Imma just throw some names down on here & see what I can come up with. Morana, bc according to this thing it means death/illness & I like the thought of like ... I dunno if any of your teachers at school had you do this, but one of my language arts teachers in middle school had us look up the meanings of our names. I don't remember why. Anyway, I like the thought of this like, 12-year-old seeing 'death, illness' and thinking something along the lines of 'no, I don't think I will' & going on to be the exact opposite. I could probably come up with some very angsty backstory things to justify this name but we're just gonna move on lol Saren, bc I've been looking at names for a long time now & it's after midnight so. Name. Liable to change, except for how it probably never will now bc I said that. XD Went to do medical stuff in space bc ... potentially shady reasons. bc why not. Make everyone shady! Oh wait, shit, maybe -- no, wait - well. Well. Hm. might have a 'loyal to the Wrong Side except for in this one specific case' kinda deal happening here. >.> & ... Chayim. Again, bc I've been looking at names for a While. xP But also bc according to a thing it means life and, well. I have 'death/illness' up there, so why not lol. probably went to space to make First Contact, just to find out someone beat them to it. xD

...Okay. It's after midnight & I am tired. I quite literally forgot about Jay's potential colleague(s) until I scrolled back up to add the read more. xP I hope this isn't terrible-awful-difficult to read; I just didn't want a gazillion-mile long post & the way tumblr does its spacing bothers me T_T I will ... maybe remember to take notes on Reni's team at work later & might even decide on a Jaylon colleague or two xP. Or maybe I'll forget all about all this & try to figure out UWKM stuff again. Who knows? Not me!

Okay, bed. XD

[books-and-catears]

Continuing the ask by @mythsofkairos

<- Intro + Part 1

"If our kids aren't this cute, I want a refund!"*

Solomon

"MC, where did you get those from?" Solomon chuckles, "I haven't seen them in centuries. Literally." He doesn't seem to mind. In fact he look at them along with you.

"Thirteen said she hid a suprise for me here, and here it is!" You said gleefully. "You are absolutely adorable. Mind telling me some stories about these?"

When you look at Solomon as he explains the picture of him holding his first wand pointing it at a plant, he looks younger, happier. You both decide to thank Thirteen for it later.

"So that was my mother's favorite flower plant. I was trying to make it grow faster so I could suprise her." He laughed, "I was so impatient back then. Now I know magic takes a lot of time."

"Ugh, boy do I know it. Your magic assignments never seem to end!" You complained, holding up a picture of him frowning in front of your face.

After you say the line*, he blushes and his shoulders shake in a hearty laugh. "With your genes influencing the baby? There's no chance for a refund, MC."

Simeon

"Oh no, MC you shouldn't have seen those..." Simeon scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed smile. "Is it too late to ask for them back?"

You nod your head, pulling the album closer to yourself. "Too late indeed, Simeon. Forgive Luke won't you? He loved these so much he simply had to share."

Simeon chuckled. He couldn't possibly be mad at Luke and you. And besides, if it was just you - he didn't mind sharing all that much.

"Is that you in training?! The sceptre and shields are so much bigger than you are!" You pointed, "How did you even hold these up? You must have been so strong!"

Simeon smiled at your excitement. "The weapons are enchanted, MC. They adjust to fit the holder's strength. And you see that sword in the back? The first time I held it, it became a feather pen."

After you say the line*, his hands sneaks around you and pulls you in closer, and holds your chin with his free hand. "Our baby? They'll be as beautiful as you are."

Diavolo

"Hahaha MC found my old pictures have you?" Diavolo happily sits next to you, just as eager if not more than you. "Barbatos told you to find them here, huh?"

You hold up the thick album and point at the rest stacked up on the floor. "Haha indeed. And there's so many of them ahhh! This is such a treat!"

You were so excited on seeing how adorable he looked sitting in his little uniform and oversized crown that sat tilted on his head.

Diavolo lost all sense of embarassment, all his felt was your contagious joy. He would have to treat Barabtos for this later.

"Father made my crown rather early on." Diavolo explained, smiling. "In fact he made quite a handful and let me pick mine out. I picked this one. Along with embellishments for my horns."

After you say the line*, his eyes darken in a cheeky manner, his breath suddenly hitched. "Our baby would be nothing less than the most gorgeous royal Devildom has ever seen. Only second to you, MC."

Barbatos

"MC you shouldn't be in here. And I would really prefer if you didn't look at those pictures." Barbatos facepalmed seeing his childhood pictures strewn all over your lap

"Young Master gave me special liberties. Surely you won't object to his words?" You said gathering up his pictures and bundling them neatly.

Barbatos sighed and let you be. But then he smirked, like he had the upper hand again. You might have Diavolo but he had his time portals. "Excuse me for a second, MC."

When you gushing over a picture of him waving around a tea leaf on a tea plantation, he entered the room with another thick bundle of pictures too.

"Ah yes, I suppose I had an affinity for tea early on." He joked, "Just like you had an early affinity for exotic cuisine." He held out a picture of baby you chewing on a toy. One look at your horrified face and he had to control his laughter.

After you say the line*, Barbatos blushes and whispers to you, "I've taken the liberty to see them actually, our babies. They are perfect."

[natsbaby]

Whatcha think?

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Reader

Summary: you’re a scientist that helps out SHIELD with weapons and armor, and Nat decided to grace your day with her presence

Warnings: none!

A/N: if you watched what if episode 8, then you probs have an idea what this reference is HAHAHAHA UGH SO GOOD THO I just finished watching all 9 eps of it since I only got the chance now and I love it so I hope you guys like this!!

You’ve been working with SHIELD as part of their tech-engineering department before Tony saw some of your passion projects such upgrades for Captain America, adding more arrow options for Hawkeye and etc. Since he was impressed with your suggestions, he decided to have you work with the science bros and see if the upgrades would actually work for them.

Now working 6 months with the Avengers, you’re working on a new weapon for Nat. You sigh as you lean back on your chair, rubbing your eyes in fatigue with your crumpled up blueprints in front and around you.

“You okay there?” You turn to see Nat leaning against the door frame of your lab, dressed in an Iron Man hoodie and Captain American sweat pants. You couldn’t help but raise your eyebrow at the outfit choice making Nat sigh in defeat.

“It’s comfortable and they gave it, who am I to say no right?” You chuckle softly at her explanation as she goes in the lab, whistling lowly as she takes in your surroundings.

“Wow, you really are busy huh?” She says while picking up one of your crumpled blueprints, eyes widening a little at the design. “Is this..”

“Yea” you start with a small smile before facing your new blueprint. “If I can make it work that is. I don’t want it to show that you’re copying Steve but I feel like a shield will suit you. God knows how many times you’ve saved the boys after all with Steve’s shield”

Nat laughs at your teasing tone making you smile at the carefree red head. People rarely see her other side and you’re, luckily, one of the few people that’s given the opportunity to see it yourself everyday. You get back to work with Nat’s possible shield as she takes a look around at the lab, seeing the other prototypes you’ve made.

Peace and quiet surrounds your environment as Nat lets you work while she looks around, tinkering around a little and fiddling with your little knick knacks on your table. Nat picks up one of Clint’s arrows that you’re working on, noticing the USB tip at the end. She puts it back down and sees Steve’s new and improved shield drying from the paint job you did and her batton’s besides it, already dry from its paint job.

“Hey”

You didn’t hear her at first, only hum back in acknowledgement to Nat as she tries to get your attention again without looking up from your equations.

“What?”

“Y/N/N, look” you curse quietly as you make a mistake in your math, scribbling again before you forget what you’re writing. “Hmm what is it Nat?”

“Come on look”

“Nat I’m-“

“Come on” you sigh as knowing her, she won’t let it go until you notice her. You put your pen down, turning your swivel chair around as you look at her with a raised eyebrow. “What is it?”

“Whatcha think?” Nat asks with humor laced in her voice and a cheeky grin, turning around so you can see what she did. “I look like a ninja turtle!”

Your eyes glance over Nat, noticing that she wore Steve’s shield and her battons on her back under the hoodie she’s wearing, effectively making her look like she has a turtle shell on her back and the battons looking like she has swords coming out of the shell just like the cartoon characters.

“Ahh she’s smiling” Nat teases further as she pokes your cheek gently. “She thinks its funny”

You notice the growing smile on your lips, immediately covering your mouth with your hand as Nat laughs. “Wow you’re such a dork”

“But come on, it’s really funny” Nat chimes with the biggest grin on her face, proud about her achievement of making you smile at her very corny joke.

“Yes, it is very funny and yes, I really liked that joke. Good job Natty”

[sabraeal]

Consider: Obi is green-red color blind

A Color by Any Other Name

Written for @aeroplaneblues for a surprise birthday gift! Many months ago she mentioned wanted to see a colorblind Obi, and I said, WELL WHAT A GOOD EXCUSE TO WRITE THIS PROMPT JOANNA GAVE ME. I hope your birthday is a good one, filled with a lot more nice surprises!

“Are you ever going to introduce me to your guard friends?” Suzu asks around a mouthful of dumpling. “Or are you embarrassed?”

To say Obi is unprepared, would be an understatement; there’s a pork bun lodged between his teeth, his gloves not only coated in pig grease but also far less effective against steam than he’d thought they’d be back when he’d just grabbed a plump little blob off the stall. He’d laughed off Suzu’s concerns about protective equipment; after all, if smiths use leather gloves, they’ve got to be just as good as an oven mitt.

They aren’t. Not to mention the roof of his mouth starting to have a real good think about peeling off and having a vacation. Maybe even with someone who doesn’t eat entire dumplings straight from the basket.

“Wha?” he manages eloquently, nearly drooling spicy meat drippings onto the street.

“I know I’m not cool like they are,” Suzu continues, warming to his new thesis. If his sudden flush of confidence is any measure, he’s spent more of time composing his arguments for this than Obi’s ever seen him work on his actual defense. “And I’m no good with a sword. Or fists. Or really any implement that isn’t a scalpel, and any opponent that isn’t already anesthetized. But I am very smart.”

There’s a thoughtful pause before Suzu adds, “Some people do enjoy that, you know.”

What Obi knows is that this kid tried this conversation on for size in front of Yuzuri, and she didn’t even bother to warn him as a courtesy. See if he buys her any more meat-on-sticks when she’s ‘left her purse in the lab’ now.

“That’s not--” he takes a hurried minute to swallow-- “not what’s happening. I didn’t...”

Even know you knew I didn’t work for the pharmacy. His teeth clamp shut around that winner, and its friend, I didn’t think you lot would want to hang out with a bunch of men without degrees. Not only would that encourage Suzu to make a scene right here, right now, but if it got back to Jirou-- well, if he thought Suzu could turn any day into a disaster, the lieutenant would make that seem like a vacation.

“I didn’t think you wanted to,” he settles on instead. Similar enough in feel, if...creatively edited. “You scholar types tend to flock together.”

“Well, sure,” Suzu murmurs, stymied, “but we’re friends too, aren’t we? If all my friends are your friends, then all your friends should be my friends.”

Only an academic could talk about arithmetic with that amount of confidence, especially the kind that involved transitive properties and letters, and all sorts of things that made Obi’s head spin.

“Well,” he hums, one boot scratching his calf. “You would know.”

Suzu whirls on him, staring down his long fox-snout of a nose. “You mean it? You’ll really...?”

“Sure. If that’s what you want.” He twitches his shoulders, more casual than he feels. “It’s fine if it’s you.”

There’s always been a lazy lilt to Suzu’s eyes, but it disappears now, all the sleepiness gone to surprise. “Me? You wouldn’t want to bring anyone else?”

“Well, definitely not Kazaha.” The glares he’d get bringing that twiggy pedant into the guardhouse might be enough to drop him dead on the spot. “And Yuzuri would be too popular.”

Suzu grimaces. “The number of admirers she’d get from a wink alone...she’d be unlivable.”

He can see it now, her ponytail bobbing with a buoyant glee, giggling through every painstaking penned line from her fan club-- “Think of all the bad poetry.”

“Honestly, that might make it worth it. At least I’ll feel better about not knowing the difference between a quartet and a quatrain.” Suzu takes a thoughtful bite of him bun. “And you couldn’t bring Shirayuki, of course.”

“Right.” Not a one of them could be trusted to keep their lips sealed; she’d hardly have to take a breath and someone would call her Obi’s lady, or ask how they met, or whether she’s still Mistress behind closed doors--

But Suzu wouldn’t know any of that. “Wait, why?”

“Well...” He has the grace to look chagrined about it, whatever it is. “You know. Her hair...?”

“Oh.” Obi shrugs. “Sure, I guess.”

“You guess?” Suzu stares. “Shirayuki has a non-zero amount of stories about being kidnapped for looking like a candied apple, and you guess there might be a fuss about bringing her ‘round to the guardhouse?”

“Well, none of you acted weird about it,” he snips, hiding his annoyance behind a bite of dumpling. “There’s no reason they will.”

“Of course no one at Lilias acted weird, Obi!” he squawks, arms flailing as he talks. “You couldn’t pay them to look at anything but their own project. But when a bunch of normal men with eyes and, uh, other working appendages see a cute girl with red hair and a soft voice, they’re gonna go crazy!”

His palm hooks around his shoulder, thumb digging into the hard knot at his collarbone. “Aw, come on. It’s not that special.”

“Not that--?” Suzu whips around, eyes round as dumplings. “Obi, she’s the only person I’ve ever seen with red hair.”

“You don’t get out much,” Obi deadpans. “No offense.”

“That’s not--” Suzu grunts, throwing up his hands-- “She’s the only person anyone’s ever seen with red hair!”

“Her dad’s is kind of red.” That observation wins him an unimpressed look, one that says you’re missing the point. “And Yuzuri had blue hair when I met her. That’s way more interesting--”

“It was dyed!” Suzu wobbles over to a wall, sitting with his head in his hands. “Shirayuki has a hair color so rare that the birth records in Clarines haven’t noted it in more than fifty years! And you think Yuzuri dying her hair with woad is more impressive.”

“Well, even her natural color is brighter than Miss’s. Not--” he waves a hand between them, quelling-- “that Miss’s hair isn’t nice enough. But I’d think that people would pay more attention to that.”

“...Brighter?” Suzu murmurs after a long moment, stilted. “Obi, could you tell me what color that sign is, right over there?”

“The one for the tea shop?” He wrinkles his nose. “Why--?”

“Just...indulge me for a moment.”

“All right.” He squints up at the moon cresting over a wolf’s head. “Blue.”

“Right, and, um, that coat over there.”

“Yellow.”

“Right.” Suzu’s voice is tight, stressed. “And what I’m wearing?”

Obi squints. This one’s a little harder, but he’s confident when he says, “Green.”

“Ah, right.” Suzu stands, a unsteady on his feet. “That would explain that, then.”

Obi blinks. “Explain what?”

“Obi,” Suzu begins, with all the gravitas of both a grim prognosis and a terrible joke. “You can’t see colors.”

*

It’s not the first time Obi’s played hound to his prey’s fox, but there’s something distinctly unsettling about it being Suzu that leaves him lagging behind, unsure of himself. Especially with the way he scurries through the concourse, bounding toward the mess hall with this idea caught between his teeth like chicken feathers.

“I can see colors just fine,” Obi informs him with far less confidence than he’d like. “Some of them are just hard to tell apart. Weren’t you and Yuzuri arguing yesterday about whether salmon is orange or pink?”

Suzu waves a hand at him, dismissive. “That’s different. Salmon’s both orange and pink, and what color it looks most like has to do with the composition of your eye-- and it’s pink by the way, with orange undertones--”

Between the two of them, Obi knows who he’d trust to know their colors. “Uh-huh.”

“You can’t make out red and green, which is different entirely, and--” the doors to the mess burst open beneath his hands, a noise lost in the din of a hundred scholars trying to share the same table-- “YOU GUYS WON’T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST FOUND.”

The whole of Shidan’s lab-- minus the man himself-- have taken up right by the door, bags and coats piled to save them their places on the bench. Suzu makes short work of the pile on his seat, haphazardly shoving them to the floor as he sits.

Kazaha peers at him and ventures mildly, “A new way to avoid finishing your thesis?”

“No,” Suzu hums between his grit teeth, “but I have found out--”

“I don’t think we need to do this,” Obi murmurs, handing Miss her muffler. “It’s not--”

“Obi,” he intones with far more gravitas than his name has ever strictly deserved, “can’t see colors.”

“Not at all?” Kazaha turns those sharp eyes to him, like he’s a specimen under glass. “Just black and white?”

“I can see just fine,” Obi huffs, tossing Yuzuri her coat before he slides onto the bench, knee knocking into Miss’s in a way that puts his heart through its paces. “Suzu is just making a mountain out of a molehill.”

“Is that so?” he hums with a grin. “Then what color is Shirayuki’s hair?”

He stifles a sigh. It’s best to put all this to bed now, before he’s stuck playing what’s this color for the next two years. “Red.”

“What’s the point of this?” Yuzuri yawns, already bored. Obi shoots her a grateful look, glad that at least one of them isn’t going to play Suzu’s game.

It’s too bad he’s already puffed up with unearned confidence, like an evolutionist at a botany lecture. “And what’s the color of Ryuu’s cloak?”

He knows it by heart-- how could he not, when the two most important people in this city wear matching ones-- but still Obi glances up, anticipating a trick. Ryuu stares back, confused and guileless. “Blue.”

“Great, good.” Suzu’s grin stretches from ear to ear. “Now what color is your scarf?”

Obi’s fingers knot in the fabric, the weft tickling the pads of his fingers. “Well, it’s...sort of reddish, isn’t it?”

This is the wrong answer.

“It makes so much sense,” Yuzuri murmurs in wonder. “You really don’t know how ugly Suzu’s outfits are. That’s why you still hang out with him.”

“Hey!” Suzu pouts. “That’s not very nice.”

“No, that has nothing to do with color, it’s the cut.” Anxiety spikes through him. “But wait, it is red isn’t it? My scarf?”

“No,” Miss murmurs at his side, cheeks flushes. “Obi, it’s...it’s green.”

He stares down at it, trying to imagine what that might look like. “Green.”

“It looks very nice on you!” Her small fingers wrapping in the fur at his elbow. “It’s your color, really.”

“Oh, sure,” he murmurs, faint. “I guess it matches my eyes.”

“Hey, what do you mean ‘it has nothing to do with the color?’“ Suzu’s hands fly to his hips, brows drawn tight over the long line of his nose. “My clothes are just fine.”

“They aren’t.” Obi leans in next to him, grin feeling thinner than it should. “But I hang out with you anyway, which means you know we’re really friends.”

Kazaha rubs at his chin, where his ode to Shidan’s goatee is failing to thrive. “You know what this also explains?”

Obi blinks. “What?”

“All the black.”

It’s not Kazaha that says it, oh no. That would be too merciful for a mortifying moment out of his life. Instead it’s low and feminine, and when Miss Kiki leans out from the other side of Miss, it’s like a siren emerging from the depths, teeth bared to tear a man to shreds. “What an interesting thing I’ve learned today.”

“Miss Kiki! How--?” He gulps. “Why--?”

“I came to deliver a message from Wirant,” she drawls, too pleased. “And it seems I’ve earned myself a fine tip.”

“No,” he breathes. “You can’t-- you’re not going to tell Master, are you? Or Sir?”

“Oh,” she hums, looking particularly hungry for manflesh. “I certainly will.”

*

“Oh, there there.” Miss pats his back, the sensation lost among the dozen layers of clothing between them. “I’m sure Kiki won’t tell them, not until you’re ready! You asked her not to.”

“I think that just means,” Obi mutters, voice muffled by his arms and the wall he’s throwing himself over, “that she’ll just enjoy telling them more.”

“Ah...” He doesn’t need to see her to know her grimace. “Yes, that’s...probably right.”

He lets out a heavy, dramatic sigh. It helps a little. So does a bit of flailing.

“They won’t make a big deal out of it,” Miss says, changing tack. “It hardly changes anything! I’m sure they’ll just forget as soon as she tells them.”

He peeps one eye over his elbow. “That’s easy for you to say, you haven’t spent the last half an hour playing What’s That Color.”

“Well,” she wheedles, “they are scholars.”

Obi groans, loud and long, which doesn’t help; but it echoes out over the rooftops, returning back to him, which does.

“How...?”

Miss hesitates, a gloved finger pressed to her lips. He sighs, already braced for the onslaught-- how didn’t you know? how did you go so long without knowing your colors? how do you find people if you can’t even tell what hair color they have--?

“How did you notice?”

Obi lifts his head, unblinking. “What?”

“How did you notice?” Miss repeats, more firmly this time. “You’ve spent your whole life this way, haven’t you? It must have taken something really special to realize there was more than what you see.”

“Uh.” It’s nice that it’s darker here, that it’s cold. He has perfect legitimate reasons to be flushed. “Well, it was Suzu really. He mentioned that--” his teeth clamp down around his words, not letting them out without a hasty edit-- “that people think your hair’s pretty special, and I said I didn’t get why...”

Miss stiffens beside him, a statue that breathes, and he hastily adds, “Not that you aren’t special, Miss. It’s just, the red...”

“Right.” The words comes out stilted, strange. “You can’t see it. You actually...haven’t ever seen it.”

A silence settles on them like a wool blanket; not one of those nice ones at the castle, or the fleecy ones Miss stockpiles like one day the North might run out of sheep, but the itchy, coarse-woven ones of his childhood. Uncomfortable and smelling faintly of animal.

“So,” he coughs, fixing his gaze out over the city. “What did Kiki want?”

“Oh...” Miss shifts, mouth pulling into a guilty grimace. “She came to tell me that the Queen Dowager has invited me to dinner. Tomorrow night.”

His brows raise. “Well, well.”

“Don’t,” she murmurs, head giving the barest shake. “It’s not like that.”

“Are you sure?” He shouldn’t press, but if he doesn’t, no one else will. “After you told Master--”

“I told him a list of reasons why I thought I would be a better ally as a friend, and not as a...” Miss loses steam, letting her words sigh into the air. “I’d like to believe this has to do with my work with Phostyrias.”

He watches her, careful. “But do you?”

“I don’t know,” she says, which is as good as any no.

*

Obi’s barely stepped into the Protector’s solar when Master asks, “What color is my jacket?”

His head swivels, delivering a glare so flat carpets would be jealous. Miss Kiki only hums, shoulder lifting in a disinterested shrug. “I said I was going to tell them.”

Fair enough.

“It’s blue,” he deadpans, flopping onto the cushiest divan. He’s too long for it, his boots spilling off one arm a idling over the floor. “Apparently I can see that one just fine.”

According to Miss, at least; she’d unearthed a slip of a book from the university’s library, outlining the limits of his sight. Little Ryuu had pored over it for a day before showing up at his door, flushed faced and nervous.

Garrack always told me I had nice eyes, he’d admitted, lingering at the threshold. I was hoping you could see them.

Cross as he is about the whole thing, Obi can’t regret that. He might not have Miss’s hair, or Suzu’s coat-- thankfully-- but Ryuu’s eyes would always look true to him.

“But not red.” Master’s mouth twitches, far too entertained. “Or green.”

“I do see them,” he protests. “They just...don’t look very different to me.”

Just another shade of yellow and brown, if those books are right. Which they are, since he’d always thought so. Subtly different, like the way Suzu and Yuzuri fought over salmon, or Master and Miss Kiki would dither over chartreuse. Just enough that he’d been able to eke by on keeping his mouth shut and a fondness for black.

Still, there’s nothing worse than finding out something new about yourself this late in the game. Especially when--

“What about the curtains?” Master inquires. “Can you see those?”

--Especially when it’s so endlessly entertaining to everyone else. “I can see them,” he grumbles, sinking further into the cushions. “Just because I can’t see some colors doesn’t mean I’m blind.”

“Then what about the note?”

Obi rolls his gaze to where Sir perches at his desk. “Huh?”

“To our red-haired guest.” Sir coughs, a flush working its way up his neck. “It’s just-- you wrote that.”

“Oh, His Grace told me that one.” A lifetime ago, it seemed. “‘The red-haired girl, you’ll know her when you see her, I’m sure.’“

Master winces. Obi can admit his talent doesn’t lie with impressions, especially ones of dour old men.

“Right,” Sir presses, voice oddly tight. “But you don’t see-- I mean, how could you find a girl that looks just like everyone else?”

“Ah...” He grimaces, scrubbing at the top of his head. “Well, I just looked for the girl who didn’t belong. It--” he hesitates, suddenly aware of Master’s eyes on him-- “didn’t take very long.”

Master’s frown belongs above one of those prie-dieu, to remind penitents that forgiveness isn’t absolute. “What is that supposed to--?”

“So what does she look like?” No one could say that after a decade of dedication, Miss Kiki doesn’t know how to do her job; she deflects Master’s brewing sour mood with the ease of a professional. “What does her hair look like to you?”

“Uh.” He clears his throat, tugging at his collar. “I wasn’t lying when I said I bought my scarf to match...”

There is a stillness to the room that is too much, too pitiful. Much as he hated it, Obi would much rather be a joke than a charity case.

“Huh,” Sir grunts, gaze still fixed to his neck. “Now I wonder what we all look like to you.”

“Well, I sort of wonder what you all look like to yourselves.” Obi let a sigh float wistfully through his lips. “At least I know that me and Miss still have the same eyes.”

There’s silence again, but this one buzzes, filled with words no one dares to say.

“What?” he laughs, nervous, pulling himself upright. “Don’t we?”

Sir grimaces. “Ah, Obi...”

*

Miss is quiet when they walk the walls home that night, the winter stillness making the silence and heavy as any drift. Her mouth is pursed, not with anything like anger, but something closer to consideration. As if there’s words back there she’s sorting through, trying to compose a thought that just won’t come.

Well, she should know: she won’t get anywhere if she doesn’t air a few of them out to look at. “Something wrong, Miss?”

She blinks, shaken out from wherever she gone away. Her mind palace, maybe. Suzu’d told him about those once, with busts and painting and curtained alcoves. What she’d do with a place like that, he couldn’t imagine, but if anyone asked, he’d put his money on hers having apothecary drawers instead, and gardens too. The kind with half crumbled walls, ivies curled around every stone. Cluttered desks piled high with books, and one of them with curtain drawn to let its owner nap the afternoon away.

“Oh,” she breathes, finally. “No, no. Nothing’s, um, wrong. I was just...thinking.”

He lifts a knowing brow. “So something is wrong.”

“That’s not what I said,” she informs him, primly. “I was going over my meeting with Haruto, and...”

Her lips snap shut around the words, distress narrowing her eyes. “And...?”

“She didn’t know about my work,” Miss huffs, arms wrapping tight around her chest. “Or, she did, but only what Zen had told her. Which...”

Was far less than the whole of it. He’d heard that part of her argument that night, try as he might not to. “So she invited you as Zen’s ally?”

“No.” The word is colder than any he’s ever heard fall from her lips. “That I wouldn’t mind-- I’m still trying to be his ally, after all, and if she saw me as an asset...” She shook her head. “No, she wanted to meet his...paramour, even if she didn’t say as much.”

Obi grimaces.

“And even that wouldn’t be so bad if...” Miss took a deep, steeling breath. “When I came in, after all the curtsies and pleasantries, she said, your hair is just as red as he said it was.” Her knuckles are white where they wrap around her elbows. “All those years, all those letters, and the only thing he thinks to tell his mother is that my hair...”

The rest is lost in a sigh, a cloud of mist swirling off the wall.

“It must really be something,” Obi deadpans, gaze following it off the edge. “Since it makes all these people forget how smart you are.”

She’s watching him; he can feel it as she sidles up to where he stands, hands unclenching from her arms and splaying on the crenellations instead. “Obi, you really can’t...?”

Miss hesitates, falls silent. He lets her; she’s put enough words in the air to sort through, and now all she needs is time. Obi’s happy to give it to her.

Especially since there’s a rabbit down there in the dark. A small one, moving slow, hind legs churning like clockwork winding up. It’s nose digs into the snow, snuffling around, searching--

“Can you really see better?” Miss asks, startling him back to the wall. “In the dark, I mean. That book said you could.”

“Well, after the past couple days, I’m a little shaky on what’s normal.” He jerks his chin over the edge. “Can you see the rabbit down there? Right by that sapling?”

She blinks, pressing in close. “The what? It’s just...dark out there.”

“Well,” he says, grin tight on his lips. “There’s your answer.”

Miss settles back on her heels, one hand already cupping her chin. “It makes sense. Without the distraction of color, your movement tracking must be much more acute...”

Obi only half-manages to stifle a laugh. “Seems like it definitely distracts everyone else.”

Miss goes quiet; almost too quiet, enough to make his teeth sit on edge. The seconds tick by, and Obi might play at patience, but it’s not in his nature. He glances down, just from the corners of his eyes, but Miss is already watching him, eyes strangely shuttered.

“Obi,” she says, so clear his name rings in his ears. “You don’t...? My hair, it’s not...” Her mouth works, quiet, before she manages, “It’s not anything to you?”

Anything special, she means. Because that’s what he said so stupidly last night, nothing special.

She’d tied it up tonight, finagling the strange looping knots that were partial to the queen’s court, but already some of it’s worn loose, slipping from its pins. “It is,” he murmurs. “I like it.”

She huffs, unimpressed. “But you can’t see it, not really.”

“Of course I can see it,” he laughs, weary. “Maybe not the color, but that’s fine. I like it because it’s yours.”

She ducks her head, and Obi might not be good at colors, but he can see her cheeks flush in the lamplight.

“Miss.” Her gaze lifts to his, no longer shuttered, just full. “Can I ask you something?”

Her breath catches. “Anything.”

“Be straight with me,” he pleads. “We do have the same eye color right?”

*

“Obi!” Miss‘s laughter bubbles bright with betrayal as she hops down the stairs after him. “Obi, please--”

“Let me grieve, Miss,” he grumbles, hands shoved in his pockets. “I’ve been a real champ about the rest, but let me have this.”

“Obi!” She catches him round the wrist, mouth twitching as she turns to him. “Is it really so bad that they’re gold?”

“No,” he mutters sullenly, shoulders slumped enough that with two stairs between them, they’re nearly the same height. “It’s just...”

Her eyes flutter wide with curiosity. “Just...?”

“It’s fine enough that they’re unique.” He spits the word with more venom than it deserves. “I just I wanted this one thing in common.”

“In common?” Miss blinks. “You mean, me and...?”

Obi would lay down his life for his mistress, but even she can’t ask him to do this, to lay down his pride for her to walk on.

“Oh!” She flusters, limbs fluttering in the air between them. He’s half-tempted to turn away again, but she grabs his face and holds him steady, her cold, slender fingers caught behind his jaw. “Just-- just one moment...”

“Miss?” he wheezes. This is entirely too close, too much--

“Yes!” He breath flutters over his lips, her own parting in a celebration of teeth. “That’s it. I see it. There’s a little, right there.”

He blinks. “A little what, Miss?”

Her teeth flash around the word, “Green.”

It’s cruel to throw a starving dog a bone, but he snaps it up anyway, heart nearly clogging up his throat with hope. “D’you mean it? You’re not just saying that to make me feel better.”

“Really,” she promises, her nod serious and officious as any she might give Little Ryuu. “There’s a thread, right around the middle. Green. Just like mine.”

“Oh.” His own hands raise, leather muting the feel of her skin, but-- Master always told him about the red thread that bound him and Miss together, that drew them toward their fated meeting, but this-- Obi will take this too. “Thank you, Miss.”

She smiles, eyes shining bright in the lamplight. “No, Obi, it’s my pleasure.”

Not much different between green and red to him, anyway.