小早川 隆景 | takakage "will die for you" kobayakawa (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
thirdarrow) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
destinystrings2014-03-30 09:58 pm
thirdarrow) wrote in destinystrings2014-03-30 09:58 pm
Entry tags:
> Lost.
Who: OPEN
Where: Anywhere in the streets during the 13th hour, basically. (Yes I'm uncreative, I know orz)
Summary: Someone please teach Takakage how to use an Evoker.
Warnings: None of the triggering variety. However there will be stuff that are 'lost in translation', due to his native language lacking many words for modern inventions.
This...
... this was definitely not a dream.
Darkened skies, eerie lights, angular buildings... and biting winds starkly different from that of Chugoku. What had happened? This defied all previous experience, whether firsthand or secondhand through his reading... was this a devious ambush? Or the work of something that transcended human limits? What happened to his home, then? The last thing he remembered was retiring to his room for the night. Was everyone at home alright? Had they been attacked too?
Question after question flared into existence, each one amalgamating with the others into a swirl of anxiety and worry. Takakage allowed them to rampage for a few moments more before his rational thoughts kicked in and forced them to the back of his mind.
Panicking won't do any good in such a situation. What would your father think, seeing you lose your control like this?
Taking a deep breath, he tried to still the tremors in his hands. He seemed to have passed out by the roadside - at least his book and sword were still with him. If he had lost them, it would be beyond a severe blow. After all, not only were they treasures to him, they were also his method of defending himself against... whoever set this whole ordeal up.
That is, if it was even set up in the first place. So many questions...
He picked himself up from the floor and retrieved his items, all the while keeping watch. There was no telling what may leap out at him at any moment -
- and something did leap out, as expected. There was a faint whoosh from behind him - the youth turned sharply, wincing mentally at the sudden movement - just in time to block a downward slash that would have severed him clean in half.
What was this... cat-headed creature? He had never seen anything like it.
Neverthless, it was definitely hostile - the creature quickly stepped back from their weapon lock, aiming for another opening. Takakage leapt backwards and out of range, raising his book and summoning a geyser that spouted from the floor beneath his target. The creature howled, momentarily disoriented - and he took the chance to press his advance, slashing right and left before ending with a tornado flurry of pages.
His target was down, but more of its kind had arrived. Two other cat-headed creatures appeared in place of their fallen comrade. This posed a significantly larger challenge, seeing that he knew nothing about their abilities...
... well, best foot forward.
The youth parried a strike from both creatures in succession, using the movement to fire bursts of water left and right. Their claws came very close once or twice - too close, in fact - but the rhythm of their combat swung him out of range just in time. It somehow reminded him of fighting in his father's campaigns at home -
- but these creatures weren't human. His intuition deemed it, so he need not hold back.
Carefully timing alternate strikes from his sword and book, he stunned the two creatures enough for him to position five water spheres directly behind them. They exploded a moment later with a resounding boom.
The creatures... they seemed to have... disintegrated? How strange...
Where: Anywhere in the streets during the 13th hour, basically. (Yes I'm uncreative, I know orz)
Summary: Someone please teach Takakage how to use an Evoker.
Warnings: None of the triggering variety. However there will be stuff that are 'lost in translation', due to his native language lacking many words for modern inventions.
This...
... this was definitely not a dream.
Darkened skies, eerie lights, angular buildings... and biting winds starkly different from that of Chugoku. What had happened? This defied all previous experience, whether firsthand or secondhand through his reading... was this a devious ambush? Or the work of something that transcended human limits? What happened to his home, then? The last thing he remembered was retiring to his room for the night. Was everyone at home alright? Had they been attacked too?
Question after question flared into existence, each one amalgamating with the others into a swirl of anxiety and worry. Takakage allowed them to rampage for a few moments more before his rational thoughts kicked in and forced them to the back of his mind.
Panicking won't do any good in such a situation. What would your father think, seeing you lose your control like this?
Taking a deep breath, he tried to still the tremors in his hands. He seemed to have passed out by the roadside - at least his book and sword were still with him. If he had lost them, it would be beyond a severe blow. After all, not only were they treasures to him, they were also his method of defending himself against... whoever set this whole ordeal up.
That is, if it was even set up in the first place. So many questions...
He picked himself up from the floor and retrieved his items, all the while keeping watch. There was no telling what may leap out at him at any moment -
- and something did leap out, as expected. There was a faint whoosh from behind him - the youth turned sharply, wincing mentally at the sudden movement - just in time to block a downward slash that would have severed him clean in half.
What was this... cat-headed creature? He had never seen anything like it.
Neverthless, it was definitely hostile - the creature quickly stepped back from their weapon lock, aiming for another opening. Takakage leapt backwards and out of range, raising his book and summoning a geyser that spouted from the floor beneath his target. The creature howled, momentarily disoriented - and he took the chance to press his advance, slashing right and left before ending with a tornado flurry of pages.
His target was down, but more of its kind had arrived. Two other cat-headed creatures appeared in place of their fallen comrade. This posed a significantly larger challenge, seeing that he knew nothing about their abilities...
... well, best foot forward.
The youth parried a strike from both creatures in succession, using the movement to fire bursts of water left and right. Their claws came very close once or twice - too close, in fact - but the rhythm of their combat swung him out of range just in time. It somehow reminded him of fighting in his father's campaigns at home -
- but these creatures weren't human. His intuition deemed it, so he need not hold back.
Carefully timing alternate strikes from his sword and book, he stunned the two creatures enough for him to position five water spheres directly behind them. They exploded a moment later with a resounding boom.
The creatures... they seemed to have... disintegrated? How strange...
no subject
Of course, after Flynn appeared, Jonathan's been taking extra care in staying out during the 13th Hour- which means, he's a lot more enthusiastic than usual when a beep meaning a new arrival shows up on the COMP. It's a bit of a stretch, since it could be anyone, but hey, this world works in strange ways. There's only so many places that can get isolated from the rest of the world without going weird.
...Unfortunately, he hears the boom before anything else, and his first instinct is that's a demon attack. Quickly picking up the pace and keeping Lailah by his side, Jonathan just barely catches the remnants of water falling on the ground before turning the corner.
The stranger seems to be standing upright, still, which is good. He's not anyone recognizable, but- "Excuse me! Are you alright?"
no subject
- but it was another youth of about his age. While he did look human, the creature beside him certainly was not. This ought to be handled with caution.
He lowered his sword, holding his book to his chest. "Yes. I am unharmed, thank you for your concern."
Now that the formalities were out of the way, it was time to address the more important questions.
"Please forgive my abruptness - I would like to ask you something, if you are willing to answer." He glanced around briefly before continuing, his tone unshaken by the surreal ordeal he had just endured.
"Might you know which realm this is?"
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He can tell it's another realm, which is a good thing. Firstly, though... "Thank Heavens you're alright, then. It's the 13th Hour now- demons are everywhere in the city."
Moving on. "This is a city called Hinoto-Ri. People from many different worlds arrive here, all gifted with the ability to call forth Personas. We've been called here to help its situation."
'Situation' being left intentionally vague, in this case. Which... kinda reminds Jonathan- if the man hasn't awakened his Persona, what was that sound, then? Did he have other powers? "...By the by, have you awakened your Persona yet?"
no subject
The only demon he had know was Kotaro. While he did appear human, his incredible lifespan and inhuman ability set him aside. Those two cat-like creatures bore no resemblance to the ninja under Ujiyasu's employ... Perhaps there were other creatures of the same name here, then.
Takakage listened to the other's explanation, filing away every detail for later confirmation. This city sounded intruiging - however, did that imply that he was called here to help, then? With what situation? And why such a dangerous place? Though he did understand their rationale - if the youth wasn't lying - he certainly did not appreciate simply being ripped from his homeland like this. There were still things left undone.
Though the other's last sentence was... a tad confusing. He mentioned a... personality. Why would anyone need to 'awaken' their personality?
"I don't quite understand that term. Could you clarify a little?"
no subject
The demons learned not to approach Takakage, which was a good thing- not that Jonathan knows that. "Do you mean Personas?" Most likely, seeing Jonathan had to stare at people for a few moments before going oh. Persona. Yeah. Maybe it was same for this stranger too?
"If so... Personas are... physical manifestation of our souls, so to speak. They do possess supernatural powers, though, and it would be for the behoof of yourself to summon them." Jonathan has an Evoker now, but it's probably not a good time to talk about that before he understands what a Persona even is.
"I have my own Persona. I could show you, if you'd like."
no subject
So... these... personalities... were conjurations from the self. They were definitely supernatural in nature - the ability to project a part of you as power... that seemed rather similar to the magic that a few of his era wielded. Here, in Hinoto-Ri, they seemed accessible to the general public. Would that not generate quite a bit of controversy and harm?
"... I see. In this case, then, does everyone here have such an ability?" It would be hard to manage, especially if some possessed nefarious intent.
"Well, if you wish, that would be appreciated." He held the slightest bit of curiosity - if these were truly reflections of one's true self, perhaps the other's... personality image would reveal something about him.
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In any case, Jonathan stands back a bit, leaving a space between him an Takakage- and pulls out his Evoker. He is aware that Takakage probably knows what a gun is, though eventually, he himself did end up using it ('it's either this or getting yourself nearly killed.' 'okay okay fine'). Pressing it again his head, he makes sure Takakage is watching, and while not really registering an expression, pulls the trigger.
"Moon Rabbit!"
For a Persona, it's kinda cute. Hopefully, its... small size would make the whole process look far less terrifying. "This is an Evoker. It may share the features of a gun, but don't worry, it's far from fatal."
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... but that was not relevant, now. The youth pulled out a device - it seemed suspiciously similar to a musket. He tensed slightly, readying a counterattack in case it proved to be needed. But what the other did next was completely unexpected. Pointing the musket to the side of his head, the youth pulled the trigger -
- Takakage flinched, expecting the result that had always accompanied such an action -
- but it did not come. Instead, a small rabbit-like creature appeared in front of him after a brief shower of light.
The other's explanation cleared things up a little, but he was still hesitant to put complete trust in such words. "... I see. Would it not be dangerous to have... con jurors resembling muskets? To mistake a real one for this... device would be fatal..."
He shook his head slightly.
"But before that - I forget my manners." An introduction was dictated by respect, especially if this youth was to become his guide to this new realm. Takakage's intuition painted him as someone who was probably trustworthy. "My name is Kobayakawa Takakage. May I know yours?"
no subject
...Conjurors? Muskets? Whatever mystic object that translated the words for them must've only just settled into Takakage's head, then- a bit like Jonathan as well. Except, it's a bit hard to mistake 'Evoker' for 'Conjurer'. Their meanings are only slightly similar!
"Most who use Evokers don't carry real guns," Jonathan says, hoping that the message will get through anyway. (He's seen Walter and Flynn use those things. The results of a mishap like that is just as gory as what they both think.)
The other does introduce himself, though. "My name is Jonathan. It's nice to meet you."
One thing, though. "We should get to a safe place soon."
i tried to sort my icons and they all broke wtf
He nodded, pausing slightly before replying. "Might you know anywhere free from ambushes, then?"
Glancing backwards, he tried to assure his intuition that the area was now clear.
"I had to do battle with a trio of cat-headed creatures. Are such beings commonplace here?"
It ok
And yes, indeed, fighting cat-headed creatures is the norm. A bit too much, in fact. "Cat-headed creatures... I'd assume they were demons. They are commonplace, in fact. At the 13th Hour- which is, by the way, true to its namesake- the sky turns red, and hostile demons begin to appear." Jonathan still isn't good at explaining things, mostly because they were never quite explained to anyone.
"There's quite a lot to know. We should get going, though. Save the rest of your questions till we get to safety." Because- Jonathan's actually been keeping an eye on Lailah, though, and she seems to be getting restless. Whatever Takakage did helped to drive off the demons for a generous amount of time, but it seems to be wearing off.
He doesn't exactly count on a Thunderbird flying out right at him from behind after a brief flash of lightning, though.
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... but you have obligations to your own home. Both are equally important... so where exactly does your duty lie? To this new world - which has seemingly requested for your assistance - or to the realm which has raised you?
The thought brought a slight frown to his placid expression. From the way this... 13th Hour was named, it seemed to be a daily occurrence of sorts. At least the residents were protected by barriers.
Jonathan's creature companion (was it a demon, too?) seemed to be bothered by something. Takakage nodded, but before he could compose a proper reply, a flash of light from behind the other youth startled him into silence.
That light... it seemed to be... lightning?
A bizarre creature swooped out from behind Jonathan, revealing itself as the source of the flash. Electricity crackled about its body, but its flight was eerily silent for something of such a large size. The creature went straight for Jonathan -
- there was no time to waste.
"Behind you!"
Takakage's eyes briefly narrowed before he raised his sword and slashed. A blue shockwave emerged in the air where its blade had sliced through, flying over Jonathan's head to score a clean hit upon the demon. He quickly followed up with a barrage of pages from the tome he always carried - the shadowy replicas quickly fading after they had done their job.
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Of course, after how smoothly everything's been going, he has to gape for a while after turning around and seeing a flying demon, air around it still crackling with energy. He doesn't find any time to waste anymore, unfortunately- he shouldn't have been doing that in the middle of the 13th Hour anyway. "Lailah, Bufula!"
She follows his command, before the electric demon swerves out of the way of the ice and sends a lighting strike right at her wings. "Drat the luck- Zandyne!" At least it seemed to be dented by Takakage's... whatever that was, so the Zandyne should take it out-
-If it stayed in range. Unfortunately, the Thunderbird seems to be focused on Takakage now, probably for payback. It rushes past the wind attack and recklessly releases a Ziodyne on Takakage's direction, watch out! He still might have time to dodge-
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- and the demon was going straight for Takakage instead. Knowing its affinity, any contact would be fatal...
Abandoning the indirect approach, he desperately channelled his will into the surrounding air. Water condensed out of the atmosphere at a speed so fast it filled the air with a roar, forming five torrents which collided at the point which the demon would be in a second -
- which chose that exact moment to discharge.
Lightning... your one lethal weakness. Why did it have to be lightning?
It hit him not only physically, but mentally - a searing flash of bright white light accompanied by piercing agony that raced through his veins. The strategist crumpled to the ground without even as much as a groan. The water he had been maintaining with his will spilled out of its confines, deluging the demon and forcing it to the ground.
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Jonathan doesn't take kindly to that. Not at all.
"Get away from him!" If Takakage's still conscious, he might notice Jonathan tapping on his Gauntlet, before a figure cloaked in black brandishing a wheel of fire materialized next to him. Note to self- keep them out next time he encounters other people during the 13th Hour. He may also notice a blast of fire from said creature.
Jonathan certainly manages to Zandyne it away now, the force's speed contorting its body before whisking it far away. Before long, the word 'Diarama' is uttered, and the Throne turns to Takakage and casts that one healing spell.
Jonathan's expression is... pretty readable, in the sense that he looks fucking angry.
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The first thing he sensed was warmth, seeping into his body and dulling the pain. The demon seemed to have disappeared - presumably Jonathan had taken care of it.
With difficulty, he eased himself off the ground. His side still stung a little, but the pain was mostly gone now.
"... thank you." He gave Jonathan a grateful but brief smile. "My most sincere apologies for not being able to handle this better..."
He shook his head briefly, the action appearing to clear his mind a little. His smile had faded, though a hint of pain still lingered in his eyes.
"Let's get to somewhere safe, shall we?"
voila, i'm a piece of trash
The Throne hovering near him doesn't seem to be relaxing, either. "No, it's far from your fault. I should've kept a closer eye on our surroundings." But before they attempt to out-polite each other or something to that extent- "Yes, we should."
In a world full of random encounter demons, it isn't easy, though. Especially since Takakage is just a civilian, and probably doesn't want to get struck again... Jonathan always slips up when he's nervous. That just makes his worry worse.
"We should be reaching a station before long-" And
because your players hate youat that moment, Jonathan cuts himself off and sends a Bufudyne maybe a bit too close to Takakage's side to try to fend off a horde of Raijuu. Demons pick up on weaknesses fast.The demons mentioned are also pretty fast in motion, and he doesn't succeed in getting rid of all of them at once. Literal creatures of thunder, Takakage, this is bad-
MY ICONS ALL BROKE TOO WTF
Takakage shook his head, willing his disorientation to disappear. "I will be fine." His words were slightly but noticeably forced.
Retrieving his sword from where he had dropped it, he inspected the weapon for any cracks. Luckily, it was undamaged - which was a good thing. He would be needing it again very soon.
Jonathan stopped mid-sentence, conjuring ice from thin air and flinging it towards him. A brief frown crossed Takakage's calm composure, and he quickly raised his blade to block it -
- but the chunk of ice swerved sideways and behind him. A loud yelp sounded in its general direction a moment later.
Oh.
The ice magic managed to cleave the demon horde in half. A few of the doglike creatures fell, but not enough to stop the rest from rapidly approaching. Electricity sparked off their forelimbs - they lacked a rear body - and they quickly circled the two humans. A hunting pack.
Which required a different strategy to address.
Takakage flipped open a page at random and tossed his tome into the air. Powered by his intense focus, the book flew upwards and launched replicas of its pages downwards - they exploded upon contact, leaving a trail of dazed demons in its wake. However, he only had time to disable around a third of the Raijuu before those behind him took the opening and attacked.
Quickly summoning his book back from where it was bombarding part of the horde, he raised his blade in an attempt to block a Raijuu's slash -
- the demon was strong. Much stronger than he had expected - the force of the impact made it stagger backwards, but its claw snagged onto the sword's edge and tore it out of his grasp.
He drew in a deep breath through clenched teeth and flung a page from his book, knocking the demon a safe distance away. But without a close-range weapon...
Extending his awareness outwards, he drew a stream of water from the air and persuaded it to form a sharp-edged whip.
This was going to be difficult.
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The moment it touches a Raijuu, someone is going to enter a world of pain. Which is most likely going to happen, seeing the sheer number of them- Jonathan gets his Persona, Moon Rabbit, to use Bash on a few to get them to move away, but it probably isn't going to work for long.
"Watch out!" Jesus, Takakage! The Throne decimates as much as possible, too. "Hide behind my demons!"
Or, stupidly throw yourself into danger. Your choice.
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Don't be so hasty, Jonathan. A strategist always has tricks up his sleeve.
With a flick of his wrist Takakage sent the whip slamming forcefully into a Raijuu - electricity from its hide crackled into the water, but had nowhere to discharge. The finely honed edge of the whip cleaved the demon clean in half.
However, the concentration required was a little too intense to be safe - a bolt of lightning flew by only inches away.
Time for a different approach, then.
Taking up a position near Jonathan's wheeled companion, he closed his eyes and began extending his mind into the surrounding air. Hopefully the creature will shield him in time. Streams of water condensed out of the atmosphere, small globes which rapidly assumed needlelike shapes as he increased their pressure. After a good fifteen seconds or so, the effort of sustaining such a large collection of jets was beginning to exceed comfortable capacity -
- and he let them go.
Hundreds of needles rained from the sky. Some crashed into the pavement and pooled harmlessly, but the majority pierced through the demons and left holes in their hide. Many dissolved into piles of glitter and water.
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That could prove useful. They can pick up the macca later- this isn't the end, after all. Jonathan kinda- no, definitely recognizes the figures rushing at them, many a good times larger than the Raijuu. Uh, whoops-
"Nues! Shoot them with the spell you used again!" They're weak against gun, right? He normally doesn't encounter demon hordes half this bad... what a day.
(There was a legend that said the samurai Minamoto no Yorimasa shot a dead Nue. Maybe Takakage might know.) The demons adapt quickly, and since they've already realized Takakage is affiliated with water, one of them might be deciding that targeting him first would be a good idea. Especially since he could shoot those projectiles from water.
Wilders are a fast race, and one pounces at the each of them, as if to herd them into one place. Jonathan easily Zandynes his away, almost not noticing another headed towards Takakage, but it's not like he can react in time-!
no subject
Takakage nodded, trusting Jonathan to deal with the first Nue. Quickly collecting the water pooled nearby, he focused all his attention into readying another spray -
- but the Nue was faster than he expected. While water responded almost instantaneously to his thoughts, forcing such a high pressure into so many water globules still took time - precious and scarce in an intense battle like this. A frown creased his brows as he desperately funneled all his focus into the water, willing them to take shape. Time seemed to slow as the beast raced towards him, fangs bared and going in for the kill -
- as the demon closed the last few feet of distance and readied a strike with its claws, a large three-legged avian burst into existence between them. With a piercing screech it forcefully flapped its wings forward, launching a barrage of feathers that pierced straight through the demon - in the exact same instant that Takakage released his arrow rain.
The Nue crumbled mid-roar, showering the owl-like creature with glitter.
no subject
The Nues began to dissipate after that- those who didn't get the message was dealt with a lot more swiftly than before. Maybe Takakage getting his Persona calmed Jonathan's nerves a bit. Something to that extent.
"That was close." No shit, Sherlock. Throne begins collecting fire in its wheels more quickly- the demons are thick in the air tonight. Looking around at the carnage... Jonathan can forget about the macca, they need to get to safety first. As in, for real this time. He can't really ask Takakage if he's okay, because time is too tight, and they actually need to haul ass to get to safety without another attack.
(Why can't he have an Estoma Sword spell now...)
They are close enough to the train station to reach it in silence, though. That Persona... looks like an actual animal (gasp). "Your home should be in either the Libra and Pisces Ward... I could help you see. From now on, we shouldn't be attacked by any more demons."
THAT IS A VERY GOOD THING.
no subject
Plus, his newly-awakened Persona... it felt like an extension of his own will, tied to him by a connection similar to what he naturally possessed with water. It responded to his every thought, raining feathers and devastation upon any demon which dared to come near and try a bite. After all the demons had been cleared, it flew back and hovered protectively in front of him. It was only then that he noticed the jade magatama strung around its neck.
I am thou... Thou art I... From the sea of thy soul, I come... I am Koppa Tengu, a spirit which watches over those blessed by Yatagarasu. You bear the mark of being my master's heir... I will lend my strength to you."
Takakage nodded, raising one hand to touch the avian's head briefly before following Jonathan to.. wherever safe place he decided to head for.
"I see." So housing was no longer an issue - that was very kind of them. However, he did need to check for traps and the like. The sanctuary it provided from demons was very much welcome. "Do you know of a way I can check its exact address?"
no subject
In any case- yes, about the COMP. "That's a device that reaches you once you arrive in Hinoto-Ri. I think they're located in the ear. They can be activated on thought alone." Jonathan's used to it already- two twin glasses suddenly pop out in front of his eyes.
"It can be quite jarring at first," he says, retracting them. As for how they can read your minds... uh, let's leave that for the nonce now and on. "Now you can try."
no subject
The object manifested suddenly, falling onto the bridge of his nose. Takakage jumped, but his self-control limited it to a very slight movement. The screens of the... COMP were quite versatile, displaying text that would have been very small...
"... Pisces 12-04, it seems." He read off the words which appeared upon the device. "I presume there is a way to get there from... this building?"
no subject
Coming from a
half-medieval canon means you're much more open to the notion that people really might not know shit. It would've been really nice for someone to run all this through with Jonathan... so he's not going to leave Takakage in the dark. "We can take a train from here to the Pisces apartment. I'll show you the way, then?"no subject
This realm itself housed many types of magic that he was unfamiliar with. The logical path to take now would be to learn as much as he could about them. The only magic he knew of other than sorcery was energy derived from magatamas... and that was an obscure subject even in the vastness of the Mouri library.
"Please do." Takakage replied with a nod.
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Technology is two parts horrifying, and two parts great. Trains are great. They're so convenient! Takakage should meet Shura. They can argue over what magatamas means.
Jonathan ends up
draggingbringing Takakage to the train, leading straight to the Pisces apartment. "It may seem befuddling, but the maps of the trains and all their stops are relatively easy to understand."MY ICONS BROKE AGAIN
How curious...
"I understand now." He replied after a few moment's perusal, giving Jonathan a grateful smile. "Thank you for guiding me."
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Again, sympathetic to people not from modern-style worlds. That helps with his patience- though he already has a lot (and not any at all, at the same time). "It's best to get some rest now."
"...You are alright now, I hope?"
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"Yes. I will be fine. Your concern is appreciated."
A pause.
"Ah... if you do not mind - would you be partial to being contacted once in a while? Just in case..."
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He's still trying to get used to Hinoto-Ri, honestly.
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"Thank you."
Only around an hour had passed, but it seemed much longer than that.
no subject