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Deerington Inbox
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[At first, there wasn't much of a response, but after twenty or thirty seconds the sound of the latch on the door being opened before the door cracked just a little.]
I'm here. You didn't have to come.
I'm here. You didn't have to come.
[Makoto made it a point to at some point drop off a small bag of homemade chocolates for Vira-Lorr as well as a card.]
I am going to assume you have not developed the ability to teleport between planets and not been sharing, and instead have been visiting via the Great Sleep, as that makes a great deal more sense here. Clever, to use that for bonding. I wish more would do that.
[What do you know? She managed dry humor.]
I'm glad that you're trying. And I do not think you're wrong to be concerned. Anything that is causing him instability is a concern. He has had problems in the past and we know it.
Just be cautious as you approach him. If he's unstable, he may not be prepared to hear.
[What do you know? She managed dry humor.]
I'm glad that you're trying. And I do not think you're wrong to be concerned. Anything that is causing him instability is a concern. He has had problems in the past and we know it.
Just be cautious as you approach him. If he's unstable, he may not be prepared to hear.
Unfortunately no. I require line of sight for my teleportation. Planets are a bit outside of my range, and I'm not willing to try in case I throw myself into the abyss of space. I haven't been to the Great Sleep in awhile, and I should change it.
[He appreciated it. He was trying to stop letting his thoughts run in circles.]
He has, but I want to talk him off the edge if his volatility gets worse. I am also concerned that if he goes down into madness, I will be put into position to have to put him down. Or I could decide to walk that path with him.
[He appreciated it. He was trying to stop letting his thoughts run in circles.]
He has, but I want to talk him off the edge if his volatility gets worse. I am also concerned that if he goes down into madness, I will be put into position to have to put him down. Or I could decide to walk that path with him.
[She paused here].
Only injuries I got was from the Rankor that almost stepped on me since Griggs has been invaded by monsters from Darth Maul's planet. Go ask him about it if you want.
Am I alright? I'm...coping. I didn't die, so I'm not obsessing about my own woes.
[Kind of a lie].
Only injuries I got was from the Rankor that almost stepped on me since Griggs has been invaded by monsters from Darth Maul's planet. Go ask him about it if you want.
Am I alright? I'm...coping. I didn't die, so I'm not obsessing about my own woes.
[Kind of a lie].
I'm trying to drag the newcomers there so they can get drachma, even if they don't have a chance to charge them. They have their uses.
Yes, I knew that was where your mind was going to go with this. You are exactly the sort of person who would insist on being the one to put a loved one down, just to avoid them suffering at the hands of someone unworthy. You'd do it properly, even if it killed you inside to do it and you never let on.
I am here if you need assistance in this. I will keep some distance from Maul for the moment, so as not to accidentally provoke further issues. He needs people closely familiar with his situations. We discuss philosophy, but you know him more deeply as a person. But if you need me, call me.
[Well, except for the last days of the month. Rabid rat bites and all.]
Yes, I knew that was where your mind was going to go with this. You are exactly the sort of person who would insist on being the one to put a loved one down, just to avoid them suffering at the hands of someone unworthy. You'd do it properly, even if it killed you inside to do it and you never let on.
I am here if you need assistance in this. I will keep some distance from Maul for the moment, so as not to accidentally provoke further issues. He needs people closely familiar with his situations. We discuss philosophy, but you know him more deeply as a person. But if you need me, call me.
[Well, except for the last days of the month. Rabid rat bites and all.]
[She slid in almost as soon as the door opened, pushing with her foot first before trying to nudge it closed and grab Makoto in a close, tight embrace, to pull the taller woman in where she could just hold her.]
Shhh... stop saying that. You're precious to me. Of course I had to come. I'll always be here for you, my precious precious Makoto.
[Perhaps not the way she'd once wanted, but that did not change the fact that she would be there for her one it.]
Shhh... stop saying that. You're precious to me. Of course I had to come. I'll always be here for you, my precious precious Makoto.
[Perhaps not the way she'd once wanted, but that did not change the fact that she would be there for her one it.]
[And in return, Makoto received a small box with chocolate raspberry truffles inside. They were the second effort of her attempts to get the recipe just right, so they were very slightly overcooked, with a touch more bitterness, but they were still good at least. She had enough left over for she and Minako.
Setsuna got the good batch, however. Included was a note.]
My sincerest apologies.
You get the second batch, Makoto.
Setsuna will be getting the final batch because it came out perfectly.
But for my beloved friend? I want you to taste what I've been working on.
-Vira-Lorr
Setsuna got the good batch, however. Included was a note.]
My sincerest apologies.
You get the second batch, Makoto.
Setsuna will be getting the final batch because it came out perfectly.
But for my beloved friend? I want you to taste what I've been working on.
-Vira-Lorr
We should make another trip there. It could be useful and a good get away.
If they are out of control and I have the power, it is my duty to use it. If someone is hurt because they are rampaging when I had an opportunity to stop it, those people were hurt because of my lack of resolve and I won't let that happen. Plus, mercy is something that I would expect from my allies should the shoe be on the other foot.
[He did not want to consider what killing Maul would do to him. He doubted many relationships would survive that.]
I appreciate that. Keep well clear of him until I have it sorted out. I'll keep you informed as I gather more information.
[Too bad Maul will get the better of him in a month.]
If they are out of control and I have the power, it is my duty to use it. If someone is hurt because they are rampaging when I had an opportunity to stop it, those people were hurt because of my lack of resolve and I won't let that happen. Plus, mercy is something that I would expect from my allies should the shoe be on the other foot.
[He did not want to consider what killing Maul would do to him. He doubted many relationships would survive that.]
I appreciate that. Keep well clear of him until I have it sorted out. I'll keep you informed as I gather more information.
[Too bad Maul will get the better of him in a month.]
[Makoto didn't move very quickly, but when the other embraced she wrapped her arms around and sagged a little, everything felt so heavy. Her hair and clothes still smelled slightly like the smoke from the bonfire, as well as a slight scent from the drinks. She hadn't been back at the hotel long, and Atsushi hadn't come back to the room yet either. There was a single bedside lamp on but otherwise it was dark.]
I said I'd always put others first. I hurt you though, how can I make it up to you?
I said I'd always put others first. I hurt you though, how can I make it up to you?
Stepped on you? Gods... I'm used to the occasional monster from home showing up. At least Susan behaves herself and stays at my house, but this Rancor sounds a bit much. I might check in with him about that.
[She groaned.]
At least you're mostly ok. Just be careful. I don't want you have to deal with the troubles that death in this world causes. It's not worth testing those limits.
[She groaned.]
At least you're mostly ok. Just be careful. I don't want you have to deal with the troubles that death in this world causes. It's not worth testing those limits.
There's a few of them, not to mention the spiders and the undead and stuff. It's really not a good time happening right now. Wait, whose Susan?
I'm fine. But that doesn't mean I'm happy I'm not the one that died. I should have at least helped more than I did.
I'm fine. But that doesn't mean I'm happy I'm not the one that died. I should have at least helped more than I did.
Sandworms also make excellent target practice. Let's be honest.
I think you know I'd try to restrain you first, but I will say that if push comes to shove? I could pull the trigger on you, Reaper. I know you'd want that if you were that far gone.
I'll be watching from a distance. Honestly, there's been enough after the latest desperate forays on my plate that I can keep myself at least for now a little further back. Try to keep an antidote handy, just in case.
I think you know I'd try to restrain you first, but I will say that if push comes to shove? I could pull the trigger on you, Reaper. I know you'd want that if you were that far gone.
I'll be watching from a distance. Honestly, there's been enough after the latest desperate forays on my plate that I can keep myself at least for now a little further back. Try to keep an antidote handy, just in case.
Makoto...
[She ran her hands through her hair, dragging them down slowly and embracing her tightly, letting her head rest against the seer's shoulder while she closed her eyes. That wasn't fair. Putting others first...]
I don't want you to give of yourself until there's nothing left. Seeing you taking what you want... seeing it willingly offered, it makes me smile. A momentary tear is not worth denying you happiness.
You have nothing to make up to me... but...
[She smoothed her hand to the back of her neck and tied to shift her head so she could get her forehead up against her friend's.]
If he's the one? You'll make it up to me by being happy together. You have no idea how happy that would make me. To see you free, happy, in love.
[She ran her hands through her hair, dragging them down slowly and embracing her tightly, letting her head rest against the seer's shoulder while she closed her eyes. That wasn't fair. Putting others first...]
I don't want you to give of yourself until there's nothing left. Seeing you taking what you want... seeing it willingly offered, it makes me smile. A momentary tear is not worth denying you happiness.
You have nothing to make up to me... but...
[She smoothed her hand to the back of her neck and tied to shift her head so she could get her forehead up against her friend's.]
If he's the one? You'll make it up to me by being happy together. You have no idea how happy that would make me. To see you free, happy, in love.
[Makoto closed her eyes, a tear slipping out. She had known that she really liked Atsushi, that he made her happier than anyone else did or had since she'd come to Deerington, and even since before then. He made her feel special, seen, she felt like he really understood her, every part of her and was able to give just as much. She knew that he had the same self-doubt, but she was sure that he was a good person, someone that she could care for. And so she found herself admitting what they hadn't confessed to one another yet as her head rested against Vira-Lorr's and they shared a hug.]
I. . . I do love him. I really do, I don't want to ruin it. I don't want to hurt him, or you, or anyone. I just want to protect all of you from the awful things that keep happening.
I have to be strong enough.
I. . . I do love him. I really do, I don't want to ruin it. I don't want to hurt him, or you, or anyone. I just want to protect all of you from the awful things that keep happening.
I have to be strong enough.
Oh don't you worry about the latter part. You are strong enough. I know you are. You'll always be there to protect me, and I for you.
[She smiled to herself and sighed, eyes glittering a little as she felt a sympathetic tear forming and hiccuped a bit. This girl, sometimes. She was such an emotional ball of passion wasn't she? Atsushi was in for such a ride.]
I know this is impossible to do, but try not to worry too much. If he loves you and you love him, you will find a way to make everything beautiful.
[She smiled to herself and sighed, eyes glittering a little as she felt a sympathetic tear forming and hiccuped a bit. This girl, sometimes. She was such an emotional ball of passion wasn't she? Atsushi was in for such a ride.]
I know this is impossible to do, but try not to worry too much. If he loves you and you love him, you will find a way to make everything beautiful.
But what if he's right and I'm not strong enough. I was having so much fun and everything was great, but now my head's spinning and I can't stop thinking about that conversation from yesterday, a few days ago, whenever.
I might be the toxic friendship that he was talking bout. You, Rei, Usagi, Minako, you all support me and have done so much for me even if I don't ask. How can I give enough back with everything all of you have done for me.
I might be the toxic friendship that he was talking bout. You, Rei, Usagi, Minako, you all support me and have done so much for me even if I don't ask. How can I give enough back with everything all of you have done for me.
What? Reaper?
[She sighed and started to move into the hotel room, an arm circling her waist while she did so, trying to keep a smile on even as she sighed in exasperation.]
You're hardly toxic. Trust me. You don't demand of us the kinds of things such a person does, and you give so readily. No, no. Reaper is many things, but he's very old, jaded and cynical. Love, in his mind, will always fail. Heroes never live up to the image they have of themselves. People all have weaknesses to exploit. And arguments are meant to be won, even if it's with a cheap shot.
There's good in that old prune of a man, but he's also so shriveled inside that you two can't ever seem to view the world the same way.
[She sighed and started to move into the hotel room, an arm circling her waist while she did so, trying to keep a smile on even as she sighed in exasperation.]
You're hardly toxic. Trust me. You don't demand of us the kinds of things such a person does, and you give so readily. No, no. Reaper is many things, but he's very old, jaded and cynical. Love, in his mind, will always fail. Heroes never live up to the image they have of themselves. People all have weaknesses to exploit. And arguments are meant to be won, even if it's with a cheap shot.
There's good in that old prune of a man, but he's also so shriveled inside that you two can't ever seem to view the world the same way.
He wouldn't listen to anything I was saying because he said I haven't yet lived long enough for the worst choices. But I've had to make plenty of choices and wouldn't change any of them.
[She'd died fighting long before Deerington. And she'd defeated enemies as well, Makoto knew hard choices. Of course, she didn't tell reaper any of that, she didn't trust him with her secret or any of their secrets. Honestly, Makoto was still wary of him and afraid he'd try to attack Usagi.]
Someone should talk to him and show him that it's alright to believe in your friends and that there are plenty of people who will do whatever they can to help. Without having a motive or reason, and that he doesn't have to threaten everyone.
[She'd died fighting long before Deerington. And she'd defeated enemies as well, Makoto knew hard choices. Of course, she didn't tell reaper any of that, she didn't trust him with her secret or any of their secrets. Honestly, Makoto was still wary of him and afraid he'd try to attack Usagi.]
Someone should talk to him and show him that it's alright to believe in your friends and that there are plenty of people who will do whatever they can to help. Without having a motive or reason, and that he doesn't have to threaten everyone.
Without revealing the truth of the battles you've fought? He'll never understand. And even if you did? I don't think he could appreciate how powerful your ties to your friends are in making you more than you are.
He's a soul who suffered greatly over the years, and has mastered fighting alone, depending on nobody. Trust is a thing he doesn't give lightly or easily, and to everyone else, that bitterness and anger is all they will ever see.
[He probably wouldn't unless she did something, and she wasn't going anywhere near Maul these days, so... that was a good thing.]
Heh. He does trust a few people, but very few. Honestly? try not to worry too much about him. He won't ever see the world through your eyes. I wish even I could see the hope you see sometimes.
He's a soul who suffered greatly over the years, and has mastered fighting alone, depending on nobody. Trust is a thing he doesn't give lightly or easily, and to everyone else, that bitterness and anger is all they will ever see.
[He probably wouldn't unless she did something, and she wasn't going anywhere near Maul these days, so... that was a good thing.]
Heh. He does trust a few people, but very few. Honestly? try not to worry too much about him. He won't ever see the world through your eyes. I wish even I could see the hope you see sometimes.
For what? Your embarrassing driving skills? You have been practicing, right?
I know you would. You're one of the few that I actually trust to provide me that mercy. All the others I feel like would just let me crawl into the mouth of the nearest danger and post it on the network for five minutes of fame.
Good, I don't want you being at risk of dying any more than you have to be. If he goes mental, I suppose contact the Moon Witch or maybe that brother of his.
I know you would. You're one of the few that I actually trust to provide me that mercy. All the others I feel like would just let me crawl into the mouth of the nearest danger and post it on the network for five minutes of fame.
Good, I don't want you being at risk of dying any more than you have to be. If he goes mental, I suppose contact the Moon Witch or maybe that brother of his.
So he's a jerk to everyone?
[That didn't really make her feel any better. And she was still thinking about how he insisted that she'd ruin everything.]
I don't always see hope. I just want to believe that everyone has a chance, that everyone should have a chance to be happy, to find someone that they love. I'm not that good of a person.
[That didn't really make her feel any better. And she was still thinking about how he insisted that she'd ruin everything.]
I don't always see hope. I just want to believe that everyone has a chance, that everyone should have a chance to be happy, to find someone that they love. I'm not that good of a person.
Oh yes, I have, but you're better at it, so I can stand in the back and shoot with spells whatever comes.
[Liar, liar, pants on fire. She'd driven during December's maddening event and promptly crashed into a tr... oh wait, Franciscus had been driving. Yeah, she absolutely hadn't been practicing at all.]
I will make note of Usagi as a possibility. She has sufficient power to restrain him. There are a few others. blessedly his usual powers are limited to the physical at the present time.
[Liar, liar, pants on fire. She'd driven during December's maddening event and promptly crashed into a tr... oh wait, Franciscus had been driving. Yeah, she absolutely hadn't been practicing at all.]
I will make note of Usagi as a possibility. She has sufficient power to restrain him. There are a few others. blessedly his usual powers are limited to the physical at the present time.
More or less everyone. And the purer their spirit, the more likely he is to be a bit of a nasty bastard. He might do good, but he's burned and singed in his soul.
[It wasn't entirely true. he was actually kind to the few he cared for, but even then he could have the broad side of his tongue ready to go very easily. Very much an acquired taste as it came.
Her hand smoothed through Makoto's hair and she rested her forehead against her shoulder. The smile she had was a kind one, affectionate.]
Wanting to believe that isn't wrong. And both you and I, and Atsushi will be happy. I promise. I'm getting there and I hope you've found your happiness as well.
[It wasn't entirely true. he was actually kind to the few he cared for, but even then he could have the broad side of his tongue ready to go very easily. Very much an acquired taste as it came.
Her hand smoothed through Makoto's hair and she rested her forehead against her shoulder. The smile she had was a kind one, affectionate.]
Wanting to believe that isn't wrong. And both you and I, and Atsushi will be happy. I promise. I'm getting there and I hope you've found your happiness as well.
Susan is a Luijt, a creature from my world who appeared in my home a few years ago. On the surface, she looks like a bored green chicken with a gem in its forehead that eats mixed nuts on my counter. The Luijt are, in reality, powerful, capricious and dangerous fairy creatures. She just happens to like annoying me rather than causing real trouble.
I understand, but I'm still glad you didn't die, Luz.
I understand, but I'm still glad you didn't die, Luz.
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