tactic | IWATOOSHI.

[ HELLO THERE. Aventurine's sitting outside the barn, waving Iwatooshi over as soon as he is spotted. ]

Hey, how've you been?

[ Feels like it's been a while... Also the word "losing" is just hanging around on Aventurine's cheek. ]

Aventurine-dono!

[ bows! the customary greeting. his eyes linger on that word for only a moment before answering. ]

I worry about the things they told us yesterday, but otherwise I'm well. [ funny because he doesn't seem that worried? anyway, he glances at the barn. ] Is this the assignment you were given? Maybe it's lucky there aren't any animals here, then.

[ his own tattoo is on the bare skin of his right arm, partially hidden by the flowing monk robes. it seems to be a number, and quite a large one. ]

[ He's going to ignore that number. He's going to ignore anything that comes up on skin because he wants that same courtesy for himself!! ]

Lucky, huh? Feels like my luck's run dry.

[ He's so dramatic. He hates this barn. ]

Where were you assigned?

Hahaha! You'd prefer to share with horses or goats, then?

[ gently teasing. be as dramatic as you like, it's funny. ]

The cabin to the north. It may be small, but it isn't so bad since we've begun to clean it up. There's still much to be done, though.

[ He wouldn't step foot into this barn if there were livestock... THEY POOP.

And then Aventurine's expression is immediately dropping. ]

You guys get actual beds...

[ help he's so valid ]

We did indeed. [ he looks amused. ] You're welcome to borrow mine from time to time, if you need a break from the barn. I don't mind, and I imagine Daan will like a break from me once in a while. You'll just have to be mindful of the others in the cabin.

[ IWATOOSHI............ ARE YOU AN ANGEL ]

Seriously? [ He sounds so surprised, and then his tone immediately grows suspicious. ] There's no catch? Nothing you want in return?

[ a catch??? ]

No, there's nothing I need. [ a laugh. ] Even if there was, I doubt I'd be able to ask for it, in this place. Just let me know when you're coming, and it's fine to share.

That's very generous of you, thanks.

[ You're my new best friend now. ]

I'll be sure to find some way to return your kindness.

[ just dips his head in acknowledgment. you're welcome buddy! ]

Don't trouble yourself too much, Aventurine-dono. Sharing our resources will be important if we're going to find our way home.

[ Everyone is so friendly here... ]

We're of the same mind. Having a common goal certainly has everyone cooperating with each other.

Isn't that how allies are often made in battles across the world? Common goals will always bring people together, no matter what those goals may be.

In our case, survival makes for a very compelling one.

It does. I wonder if our captors considered that when placing us all here like this. They'd have to know we'd start working together.

The overseers said something about removing your abilities, didn't they?

[ "your" because his only power is his strength! that couldn't possibly be nerfed, could it (: ]

It's possible that they expected that would solve the problem on its own. It has already discouraged some of the others.

Strange, then. That we'd be given new powers here.

Death-dono told me that was a side effect of the ritual. Something unexpected, so it wasn't part of their plan.

Wonderful. We'll have to capitalize on this opportunity.

It may be difficult, if we're only allowed to share these powers with three others each week.

[ sounds like a nightmare to coordinate, actually, and iwatooshi absolutely doesn't have the patience for it. someone else can handle that. ]

But if there is a way to use them to help find a way home, I'd like to.

[ Smiles! He likes your spirit, Iwatooshi. ]

As would I. [ Holds out his hand. ] The best of luck to both of us.

[ a handshake! how fun. he shifts the naginata to his left hand to accept! ]

I have the feeling we'll make very good comrades, Aventurine-dono. I look forward to it.

[ SHAKES HANDS

THIS IS A GOOD PLACE TO END WE WILL MEET AGAIN ]

[ THAT TRIAL SUCKED and iwa still doesn't have his weapon so he's back to wandering restlessly, this time around the whole town instead of just the bar. he'll pause when he spots aventurine though, dipping his head in greeting. ]

Aventurine-dono. [ he's still tense and unhappy but a conversation would be a nice distraction. ] So this is where you've been this whole time.

Hey, Iwatooshi.

[ As if this week hadn't been insane enough already, the trial had really been the cherry on top. Aventurine is exhausted, mentally, physically, emotionally, and he makes his way over to Iwatooshi like all the energy's been sapped out of him. ]

Yes, for about three weeks now. It's not a very large town, as you can see.

But in better shape than the village. And you can have your own bed, here.

[ being dead comes with some bonuses. ]

...It's quieter than I'm used to.

You should have seen it when there were just two of us.

[ An absolute ghost town. ]

It gets louder by the week... Have you picked out an apartment yet?

For better or worse. It'd be best if this place stayed quiet.

[ everyone stop dying! ]

...Not yet, no. I didn't feel like staying in one place, after the ritual.

I understand. There's an adjustment period, speaking from experience.

[ And he doesn't want anyone to feel rushed. ]

And you had more time to familiarize yourself with the people on the other side... It'll be harder not to think of them.

[ Wherever Iwatooshi is, Aventurine will be bumping shoulders with... his arm. Because imagine being able to reach his shoulders. ]

How are you doing now that the week's over, Iwatooshi?

[ what a loaded question. ]

I'm just hopeful that the coming week will be a bit calmer, I think.

That's funny. I said the same thing the previous week.

[ AND LOOK AT THEM NOW. ]

Saw you take Caelus aside earlier. Is everything okay?

Then let's hope it doesn't end up being a curse.

[ looks back on w3 and sweats ]

Mm, everything's fine. I was just a little worried about how he'd adjust, considering.

Yes, it was an especially long two days for him. But he's resilient.

[ And Aventurine has no doubt their trailblazing friend will make himself right at home. ]

Do you drink, Iwatooshi? I feel like we haven't properly caught up with everything that's happened.

He is. I know he'll be alright, especially with you and Hill-dono both here.

[ a nod. ]

I do. A drink might be nice, after everything.

[ Immediately hooks his arm around Iwatooshi's! ]

Would visiting the bar be too soon for you? We could try the food court instead.

[ YOUR BREAK-IN TRAUMA ]

Edited 2024-07-08 08:20 (UTC)

[ peeking into the new clothing place...! not that he needs any formalwear, but there's an air of curiosity around him as he peers at the racks. ]

They don't look very practical for battle, do they...?

[ probably thinking some of these floofy dresses are supposed to be robes of some kind ]

[ Oh, you're gonna need formal wear real soon, Iwa.

Anyway, guess who's already inside the store? Of course it's Aventurine. He practically lives here now. ]

Probably because they're not for battle. Hey. Looking for something?

Not even for the modern era?

[ of course he'd be living here it's right up his alley. ]

I was just looking into the new areas! I'm not sure what I'd need something like this for if I'm not performing.

These are clothes for more formal events, though I'm sure some people have fought during those.

[ He knows he has. ]

You may as well come in and see for yourself. Maybe you'll find something that catches your eye.

[ he does step inside to look closer, but it's with a vague sense of confusion. ]

Formal events? Like ceremonies? [ glances at the racks. ] It doesn't look like any formalwear I'm familiar with.

[ of course it doesn't you fucking heian ]

They're more modern, I'm afraid.

[ Sorry to your ye olde tastes. ]

We've got suits and tuxes here. [ Holds out his hand toward a rack of clothes. ] These are what men typically wear.

There's nothing wrong with modern. It's just... different from what I'm used to.

[ just rippling with curiosity. ]

...So this is your style, Aventurine-dono?

[ It's super late on a Monday and people are starting to return to the apartments to get some shut eye. Aventurine is also there, sitting in the lobby and greeting anyone who passes through, but when he spots Iwatooshi, he'll wave him over. ]

Hey, Iwatooshi. Hanging in there?

[ ARE YOU NORMAL NOW... ]

[ the emotionshare is just tired, man. it's been such a day. ]

I'm alright, but what about you? Did you manage to escape the curses for the day?

[ aside from provoking a cursed essek. ]

[ It has been SUCH a day... He's ready to retire for the night. ]

Luckily for me, I wasn't cursed at all.

[ He just had to watch everything and everyone else go to shit. ]

No lingering effects for you...?

...I'm a little jealous. [ NOT THAT IT'S AVENTURINE'S FAULT... probably. ] But no, no lingering effects that I know of. I think it's fully over.

[ aside from the guilt of kissing someone without permission and upsetting someone else. ]

I did see Essek-dono attack you, though. Are you alright?

[ IT IS SO NOT HIS FAULT ]

Oh, that? I'm fine. Essek is harmless.

[ This is not true, but that is what he chooses to say. ]

You seemed to have a better day with him than I did, though.

I don't know that I'd agree with that, but if you're alright...

[ he'll drop it and settle for massaging his temple. ]

It was fine while we were cursed. [ sighs. ] It's made Caelus angry, though.

[ Oh. There's a small blip of concern from him at hearing that, and he'll gesture for Iwatooshi to take a seat. ]

Angry? What ever for?

[ he sits, closing his eyes as a bit of guilt and remorse slips through. ]

Because I kissed Essek-dono.

[ MATH LADY MEME ]

... Are you and Caelus dating?

[ blinks. ]

What is "dating?"

[ this has not been explained to him ]

[ UH? Okay, this is not the conversation he thought he was going to have today! ]

Spending time with each other because you're romantically involved.

[ the feeling is mutual. iwatooshi has to consider this for a long moment before answering. ]

...I'm not certain. I suppose I'd have to ask him, but I don't want to do it so soon after the curse.

[ Reaches over to pat pat pat Iwatooshi's shoulder. ]

That's very considerate of you. He might calm down after some time has passed, too.

He knows it was a curse, at least.

...We don't have a lot of time left here, though. I want to enjoy the time we have together, not upset anyone.

You didn't mean to upset him.

[ That's the important part. ]

I can't say his reaction is reasonable, but this is probably new for him. New for the both of you, apparently. It's normal to have misunderstandings such as this.

[ shaking his head. ]

I don't blame him for it. Most of these curses don't seem that difficult, but the ones that alter your thinking are very frustratint.

Ugh, don't I know it.

[ Rubs at his temples, but he's all smiles. ]

The first curse I was ever hit with was being madly in love with Cloud for two days. But at least I hadn't been embroiled in an undefined relationship at the time.

...I think did hear of that. They've always been a little overzealous with those powers even early on, weren't they? It's amusing in some ways, but not at the expense of someone's mind.

Well, you try and make the most of it. Consider this an opportunity to speak to Caelus about where you're headed.

I think we would have eventually spoken about it even without the trouble... But you're right, of course. What's done is done, so we can only move forward.

I wish you the best of luck, Iwatooshi. Your continued happiness is all I seek.

[ romance stuff aside, this is very sweet of aventurine? he smiles. ]

You've always been very kind to me, Aventurine-dono. Thank you.

Let's not forget who started it.

[ THE BED OFFERING... AVENTURINE WILL NEVER FORGET ]

[ let's get one last smoothie for the road. ]

Well, that's the bulk of the work done. Are you ready to go home, Aventurine-dono?

[ CHEERS TO THAT ]

A little bit more than ready, I think. What about yourself, Iwatooshi?

[ he laughs and nods. ]

Yes, of course! There's no telling what I might have missed, and I'd hate to let my master down in any way.

...But I am finding it difficult to accept that it won't be so easy to see our friends here anymore.

[ Nods his head, then pauses to think. ]

Not planning on taking anyone with you?

[ Takes a sippy of his drink. ]

[ tilts head...? ]

No. I'm sure my master would be welcoming to anyone, but no one's asked to come with me.

Oh?

[ Thinks about their last conversation. ]

What about Caelus?

Caelus has work with the Astral Express still. He's mentioned wanting to visit or find me later, and that's enough for me.

I take it the two of you worked things out, then?

I think so, yes. But I always knew he had plans to return, anyway, so it doesn't bother me that much. [ ... ] It might be a little difficult to explain to my master, though.

[ things he is realizing just now oh n ]

[ HELP... ]

Would your master mind?

I don't know. I think they won't, but I do still have to prioritize my duty to them above everything.

You always did seem like you had a strong sense of self.

[ He respects that. ]

I'm sure it'll work out for you.

Gahahaha! Thank you, Aventurine-dono! Things will go just as well for you, too, surely!

[ Laughs a little with him!! ]

Thank you, Iwatooshi. Good luck to all your future endeavors, and I'm glad that we got to meet.

As am I. I do consider myself lucky for it.

I hope we may be able to meet again someday, as well.

[ A gentle punch to Iwatooshi's arm. More just physical contact than anything meant to be harmful. ]

Count on it.

[ beams!! ]

You are from... Penacony, I think he called it? Caelus has told me a little about it. It sounds like a wonderful place to visit.

I had business in Penacony. It's sure to be under restructuring after recent events, but once that's taken care of, you're welcome to visit and discover what it has to offer.

[ Since most of the crisis is apparently over now... ]

I see! Well, I'm sure things will work out for the best. Restructuring isn't always a bad thing.

[ he has absolutely no reason to believe this other than just wanting to but that's alright ]

Caelus will probably let me know, too.

IWATOOSHI.

w0, monday.

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week 2, saturday

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w3, sunday.

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week 4, monday

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w7, monday.

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w7 saturday

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