The Journal [Inbox]

[chippedsoul]

Use this for any IC one-on-one contact and finishing any loose ends at songerein

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the morning after The Mess

[discourtesies]

Mr Asogi. I trust you've returned to yourself.

[Even if the journal hadn't printed the sender's name as clear as day, Kazuma might have been able to recognize the handwriting of the man he'd apprenticed under. They need to have some words. Some actual, meaningful words, this time.]

[chippedsoul]

[They do need to have words, but Kazuma isn't in any hurry to have them. the morning would come, but it'll take some time before Kazuma sees he has a message. He feels hazy and warm this morning, chalk it up to still feeling worn out from exerting himself the day before.

It be another half hour when he sits down to check the journal, only to frown deeply at the message, recognizing the handwriting. "What do you want?" was his immediate response to it, even when he suspects his anger has likely been misplaced. But he doesn't have all the information, just what the others have told him of the future, and a confession letter. So that anger beneath the surface still lingers. His father is still gone, no matter what the story is.

He sets down the journal, taking a deep breath before picking up his quill.]

How are your injuries? [Hi.]

Early December, post-noctaere adventures

[judicialassistant]

[ When Kazuma returns home and goes to open his front door, he will find the knob bound tight with a familiar pink packaging, hanging innocently against the wood. It is not labeled on the outside; he may even struggle to free the thing, but when it’s untied, he will find small box inside, with a note:

To Kazuma-sama:
I didn't know what I could do for you while you were gone, but I did want you to know that you were missed. Mostly, I hope it makes you think of me, but there might just be a small remnant of someone else too...
Either way, I hope you find it to your liking.

Praying for your safe return,
- Susato Mikotoba

Inside the box... is a ring.

At its very center is a bright and sparkling red jewel, surrounded by metallic feather-like shapes that come together to form a diamond. The matching silver band running beneath it is thin, but elegant, ready to expand or shrink to fit its new owner... or so she was told.

She can only hope that it fits him as well as she was promised when she bargained for it. ]

[chippedsoul]

[Kazuma will finally make his return to town near the beginning of December, with little fanfare as he rather avoid getting attention. He was no longer a giant snake monster, but there are traces that still linger on him. The most obvious is a snake tail hidden under the cloak he's started to wear to hide that fact. There are spots on his skin that still have scales as well, but for the most part, back to a person that no longer constantly craves for a nightmare snack.

He spends a bit of time in the empty room downstairs to drop a few things, plants mostly, before he actually goes upstairs and enters his home proper for the first time in several weeks. Of course, before he could even go inside, he sees the gift on the doorknob left by Susato.

After reading her letter, he opens the box to discover the ring. His brow furrows, picking the ring up to examine it. An amuse hum escapes him, completely recognizing what Susato was going for.] Of course.

[Rather than head inside, he takes a seat on the porch, taking out his journal to send a short message.]

I've returned.

late december

[discourtesies]

The relatively large box that makes its way to Kazuma's door isn't labeled in any way, but hopefully that won't prevent him from opening it. Inside is a velvet floor cushion and a sizable knitted blanket, both simple gifts but hopefully quality enough to last for some time.

With any luck, they will encourage him to take a few moments here and there to rest and calm himself so he stops being Like That.

Christmas

[mychosenpath]

[There is a very small package at your door, Kazuma. Fortunately there is a letter with it, to help it stand out a little more.]

You'd think that being so close and knowing you for so long, finding the right gift would be easier. Let me tell you-- it's not.

But I think I found something pretty cool that might be of use to you. If nothing else I think it looks neat.

[Inside the small box is a pendant, small enough to fit comfortably in the palm of his hand if he curls his hand around it. The colors inside swirl around slowly, but in no particular pattern.]

If you ever lose your way, if you hold on to this, it's supposed to help guide you back with lights.

[What he doesn't say-- or really know how to any better than this... is that it won't necessarily lead him back to his house every time. The fairy lights might be just as inclined to lead him to Ryunosuke or one of the others, since it's a matter of heart.]

Merry Christmas, Kazuma

Voice; un: Reaper

[b_a_n_g]

[This happens at the transport section of this thread.

His voice comes over the Dream journals without sounding frantic, but there was a strained texture to his rough voice.]

76 is wounded. He's going to need a doctor.

[chippedsoul]

[Well, getting a message from Reaper of all people is not one he would expect, but upon reading the actual contents of the message.

Shit.]

Where are you coming from? How serious? Anything of note? ["Did you do it?" is what he wants to ask, but not important right now. Better to get whatever information he can gather on these wounds to inform Mikotoba and the nearest location with equipment for them to meet.]

early-mid january /vague hand gestures

[judicialassistant]

[ Susato ordinarily wouldn't dream of sleeping at her place of work, though it's certainly become more likely to happen considering the circumstances as of late. It still feels like she's recovering from the all-nighter she somehow pulled a couple nights ago when she finally finds a moment to break away from the kitchen, if only to give herself some fresh air and time away from the heat.

She gives the Spice and Garnish noodle dragons that she's befriended over the past couple weeks friendly pats on the head, but ultimately leaves them to do what they do best as she slips into the garden. The air is little chilly, but a far cry from the wind and snow going on outside the greenhouse-like area they've created--and comfortable, compared to the kitchen heat. Her plan is just to sit at her favorite bench hidden at the far end of the garden, where she'd spend some time making notes in her journal--recipe ideas, recipes that worked, recipes that didn't seem to work. 76's recipes.

...But her favorite bench, it seemed, had become someone else's. There, facing inwards with his face tucked against his arm and his cloak hanging off the bench, was Kazuma. Susato's expression softens, feeling a pang of sympathy at seeing him so vulnerable. There is a quiet sigh that escapes her lips as she discreetly moves to pull his cloak up off the floor and over him like a blanket.

There isn't much of a reason for him to wear it anymore, with his tail gone, but she's gotten rather used to seeing him in it. When she said she liked it on him, she wasn't exactly lying. ]

[chippedsoul]

[It's been a pretty wild month. Between opening a new restaurant and fretting over 76 not knowing the concept of "relax", Kazuma hasn't really given himself time to relax himself. So when he had a moment's peace, he thought he could just rest his eyes for a moment. He flat out heads to sleep city instead. Sleep that is not completely void of thoughts.

Fragmented memories of his time as a Noctaere drift in and out, how he attacked or consumed those he loved. Wait, that's not what happened.

Or did it? His brows furrow, trying to mentally push away the vision. Faint dark wisp are pulled in by his dream crystal as the nightmares continue. He hardly registers someone had come up to put the cloak back on him. ]

little after what would be valentines

[mwehehe]

[Kazuma's going to find some... very messy chocolate on his doorstep, wrapped a little nicely. It tastes all right, not terrible, should he try it!

There's also a note attached:

'Thanks. I'm glad you wanted to help me, it means a lot to me.

You're not as bad as you think you are. If you ever wanna talk, or you wanna know more about what you saw, let me know. I'll answer your questions.

- Futaba']

Flower Festival: 76

[chippedsoul]

[Continuing from here]

Like those funnel cakes? [Which looked like neither a funnel or a cake. He'll go ahead and pick one of the fried octo-balls then. It's quite a mouthful to eat it whole, but he manages to stuff it down. There's a familiar flavor profile to a takoyaki and yet, a mystery piece of ingredient to it? It makes it sweeter almost.] Mm. Having all those tentacles make it hard to eat it whole. It's sweeter than I expected.

[steadypulse]

Yeah, a bit- though some folks turn funnel cakes in to something best sat down with. All sorts of messy toppings like ice cream and the like. Still good, but not something you want to carry around and eat at the same time. [Funnel cakes were still delicious even if loaded down with sweet -or sometimes savory- toppings.

He'd noticed that and had been trying to place it-] Might be something they cooked the tentacles in to help make sure they were tender. Pineapple is sometimes a go to for that. Acid in the fruit and all.

Pineapple is one of the go to fruits for savory cooking for that reason, and it goes along pretty well.

Flower Festival: Tifa

[chippedsoul]

[Continuing from here]

...So I just missed her. [Pray, she forgives him for getting caught up with dog searching. But it feels like they're getting closer to their destination so...please wait a little while longer, Susato.]

Or perhaps you need a leash. [Though Eustace would probably be against that.] Or maybe something that will make them easier to track, since they usually just left to roam freely, right? Either way, we'll find her. I feel she may not be too far from us now.

[starshower]

I should just put bells on them.

[Like they're cats, but honestly, it's not a terrible idea. They come and go as they please, so it would at least warn others of their presence, and in the event they ever get lost, they'd be able to listen for them. The town isn't big, and they never roam far.]

I suspect Aerona would just as easily slip out of any collar or leash, though. She's a slippery girl, that one.

[Case in point.

However, the mention of the name provokes a distant bark coming from further down the path, and likely around some corners, and Tifa perks up as if she were a dog herself.]

You hear that?

JUNE? june

[judicialassistant]

I've heard of falling stars, but this is...

[ There's a sound of a heave in place of the word 'ridiculous,' which would probably be more impressive if it weren't coming from a 17-year-old girl. Beside said girl is a large wooden bucket, where she has been tossing numerous starfish of various sizes that she has been prying off the walls of Kazuma's home.

Starting low (where the Harvest is located) and moving up towards the porch seemed like a good idea at the time, but this particular starfish, lodged on one of the railing's spikes, was about the size of the palm of her hand, and was being about as stubborn as Kazuma.

Speaking of which, she still can't believe he's on the damn roof right now. She backs away from her nemesis for the moment, trotting down just a few steps of the porch to get a better view of the roof and of him. She raises her voice: ]

. . . You're awfully quiet. Are there a lot up there?

[chippedsoul]

[Someone has to get up on the roof eventually.] Quite. [He's taken a seat to rest for a moment after collecting two bucketful. With the heat and humidity, definitely one of those days you're working without a shirt.]

There's a big one up here as well. [One he isn't sure how to remove yet.] I'm going to send down the filled buckets. [With ropes tied to the handle, he'll be able to send down buckets that are full without needing to come down.] How are things down there?

late august

[judicialassistant]

[ If Kazuma rises early enough, he will feel Susato's weight gone from his bed, and a note neatly folded and tucked at his nightstand where he keeps the yellow lily. His name isn't on it, but it has familiar handwriting: ]

I apologise for suddenly leaving. I did not want to wake you, but I think Miss Tifa is in trouble. She was reaching out for help in a dream I had, and I plan to find out what is the truth and what may merely be my imagination.

I will bring my journal with me and send word as soon as I am able.

Yours,
Susato Mikotoba

Don't worry. I won't be alone.

[ Who knows how long ago that was now? Even after recuperating at Ori and Diluc's house, she can feel the entire evening's events catching up to her. Her whole body aches as she moves, and it's a struggle to keep her eyes open, but she has to get home.

Home... Where is home now?

Selfishly, she'd spent recent nights at Kazuma's, but guilt is finally starting to weigh on her, thinking of the ones she'd left behind. Mr Sholmes... is he eating? Is he bathing?

Her shoulder sags with what little remains of the jars of Dawn petals she brought. tucked away in her messenger bag. There is a hissing in her ears when she can feel herself start to doze off. A snake on either of her shoulders, and one making a mess of her hair. How they found her, she'd never know, though she can probably make some guesses. Those guesses would lead to her decision to leave rather than stay the night at Ori's, as was so graciously offered. ]

I am awake. And what are you doing up there...? You've been spending too much time with Mr Turtle... [ A tired mumble. She stifles a yawn. ]

[chippedsoul]

[Surely, Susato doesn't really expect him not to worry. Soon as he read the message, he's up and about, occasionally writing a message to her, getting more concern when he doesn't get an answer. At some point, he ends up sending out his serpents to locate her, make sure she was fine, where ever she had gone off to.

Suddenly, he's starting to understand what Susato goes through when he wanders off. He sighs, pacing around the patio when a snake arrives to give him a message. Susato is safe, she's returning. He starts walking down to the first floor, walking a bit in hopes of seeing her. He has no idea where she would be coming from and just walking aimlessly. In his arm, a blanket, that maybe Susato would need after just wandering off all night. Great Buddha he hopes she's not hurt, the snakes didn't seem to indicate as such. Imagine his relief when he finally sees her come into view, seemingly unharm. He moves surprisingly quick, already within arm's length in a short time.]

Susato...! [He looks her over, the snakes whispering words to him.]

Valentine's Day (evening)

[judicialassistant]

[ On the evening of Valentine's, Kazuma will return to their bed to find Susato already in it. She appears to be sleeping; which means the lights are off, but he will still be able to see the small, yet elaborate display she's set up by the light of Iris's stars.

On the table near their lily and the small sakura bonsai tree, he will find a chocolate bunny, its neck tied with a decorative red ribbon, who is surrounded by chocolate flowers, at least one of which is a rose.

There is a very short note, for there isn't much that she does not tell him in their everyday lives, but nevertheless, it reads: ]

For Kazuma.
I hope you had an amazing day, and may our Valentine's as sweet as this chocolate.

Yours,
Susato Mikotoba

3/22 🎂🎈🎉🎁

[judicialassistant]

[ It has certainly been a strange couple of weeks. Perhaps Susato feels a little strangely about sleeping next to someone who refuses to wake, and yet she finds herself lulled to sleep by the sound and comfort of his heartbeat. His breathing, the way his chest rises and falls. It reminds herself that he'll come back to her someday, and she's had to hold onto that.

On March 22nd, and every day after—whenever Kazuma should wake—he will feel the weight of a small plush beneath his arm. It bears a likeness to his cat doll transformation from Halloween, complete with a ponytail, and though there is no mask, she has added a hooded cape.

Attached to the cape is a note: ]

Happy birthday, Kazuma!
I'm sorry you missed it. Please wake up soon.

Love, Susato

[ Around the plush's neck is a red ribbon, serving as a necklace. Around its front, he will see that the ribbon is tied to the hilt of a tiny glass sword. Kazuma is free to remove the necklace and wear it for himself, or he can keep it there as a prop. ]

First day of April

[chippedsoul]

[His birthday arrives and passes without incident. His slumbering body resting until the new month arrives. The morning of the first day was different from the days before. For starters, there's movement. He could feel something caught between his arm and his back, disturbing him from his continuous sleep. Though the more he tries to get sleep, the less sleepy he gets. Eventually, he'll open his eyes, meeting a stuff plush between his arm.

Was that there before...? He blinks, getting a sense that something felt off. But there was Susato beside him in bed, as she always was. Ah, he'll think about it when he's more awake. He's just going to put his arm around Susato and cuddle up to her for a bit. ]

[Action] April; whatever day he wakes up

[locumstudentesquire]

[The welcome news that Kazuma is awake again is enough to put Ryunosuke in a rather chipper mood as he makes his way over to the Harvest that morning. He's been missing his bestie pretty fiercely this whole time that he's been asleep, so of course he's going to go down and say hi as soon as possible. Stepping out into the garden, he calls out in excitement, glancing around...]

Hey! Kazuma! You out here?

[This is where Susato said he was...]

[chippedsoul]

Here- [All Ryunosuke is going to hear is a lot of splashing and flailing. He'll find Kazuma near the pond, wrangling with some of the koi fish. They've been "busy" and the pond has gotten crowded. Poor Mr. Turtle is sitting on a rock on the surface because there's no space. Slipping and sliding, he gets smacked in the face by a koi tail as it gets loose and back into the pond. Ugh. A whole month of sleep has definitely effected his motor skills.]

[locumstudentesquire]

[The giant snake scale now featured in the garden at the Wild Harvest is a new feature to Ryunosuke, but it's one that he's no idea the identity or origin of. He's out tending to the koi when he comes across the curious object, reaching out to run his fingers over the smooth surface. What the heck even is this...?

That's when the usual undercurrent of tiny hisses that can typically be heard all over the garden suddenly comes into sharper focus, reaching his ears with a newfound clarity. Tiny voices seem to be gossiping in all directions, and it takes him a second to piece it together:

The snakes... He can understand them, suddenly!?!

A bit of back and forth banter with some of the garden's most prominent residents confirms this quickly. They seem like they're feeling cheeky though, and being able to communicate more directly means they can tease more directly.

'Quit talking over us like that; you can come down here and join us, can't you?' they laugh. Ryunosuke balks slightly, glancing around awkwardly.]

I don't... I'm not sure what you--

['We've heard the rumors. You can become one of us! More or less... After all, a dragon is just a snake that's ascended, is that not true?'

Ryunosuke gives all the tiny faces peering up at him a flustered look.]

Maybe in legends, but I certainly haven't achieved any kind of enlightenment!

['Come onnnnnn. Humor usssss!']

Oh... Alright. Give me a moment--

[He has to take a deep breath and really focus, but a minute later, he changes, shifting down into the shape of a small dragon in a flash. He's blue of scale instead gold and white like he was in the larger, more vicious form he'd taken while fighting Hyde. And there's about six feet of long body and tail trailing behind him and over the garden path, which he hastily draws in and coils up under him. He looks at the snakes with wry amusement, letting out a little huff.]

There. Happy now?

[chippedsoul]

[The snakes are all speaking animately, which just sounds like a bunch of hissing to unaware.

He's fluffy!
Wasn't he more gold?
Can you breath fire?
No, that's Master Kazuma!

Hope Ryunosuke isn't too ticklish as they flick their tongues with amusment. Meanwhile, Kazuma is walking into the garden for the morning routine, when he hears the snakes chatting away. He could also spot something that looked like Fang, but not actually Fang. Hmmm. He's staying out of sight, listening in for now.]