voice; un: amazingworld

[demachi]

[There's a lengthy silence at the beginning of the post, so those who are impatient might not stay tuned for what comes after. He won't mind. His mind's on bigger things. His voice is carefully disguised as he recites a few lines:]

Are you sure
That we are awake?
It seems to me
That yet we sleep, we dream

[Wataru laughs faintly, this laugh his own, undisguised.]

You know... The strangest thing happened. I was here, preparing to celebrate this place's Christmas, and I noticed my chroma ebbing at a higher rate than usual. I don't remember entirely what came next--I think I laid down to rest, and I dreamed I was home again. For a matter of months, actually. Now, I've returned to find the date advanced a week, and the good keepers here acting as though I'd physically left. I hope I haven't worried anyone in my absence, but if I have, I'll offer my sincere apologies! The show must, and will, go on.

Though, more importantly... Has anyone seen a white dove? She answers to the name Jeanne D'Arc, and she's quite the talent.

Comments

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[zazen]

[Give him a minute to adjust the camera.]

I believe I have a friend of yours awaiting your return.

[And, there is Jeanne D'Arc...sitting right on top of Jakurai's head. Comfortable, nested probably. She saw a tall man with long hair and probably just went with it for the time being.]

Welcome back, Wataru-kun.

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[demachi]

[Wataru's eyes light up, and he grins wholeheartedly.]

Doctor-san! And Jeanne! This is the best news I could ask for!

[Looking fondly into the camera, he sighs.]

Of course she knew she could trust you.

[zazen]

If you would like to pick her up, I have some extra food here as well if you are hungry.

[He does give her a fond head scritchie.]

She is rather well behaved, though...I had to look up what to feed her.

[demachi]

I'll come to you both as soon as I'm able! I do miss you both dearly, even though I had her company at home.

[Too... cute...]

But you, Doctor-san... you're a saint yourself to have looked up how to care for her, rather than turning her away!

un: grimm

[hagrides]

Welcome back, my dear friend. My child was worried about you.

[demachi]

Dear me, I worried the child on Christmas! Unforgivable! Shall we meet soon so I may play a jolly part?

[hagrides]

They have no particular attachment to Christmas, worry not. But they would be happy to see you regardless.

[demachi]

And unfortunately I have a particular fondness for the day! I'd intended to deliver a little something to your doorstep for the child!

[itsknighttime]

thats not how you start a rap battle bro
if you want rap battles you got to at least get your rhyme on
sorry about your bird though man i aint seen shit all for birds that werent giantass and mostly people through the bulk of the month

[demachi]

She is a rather small bird.

I haven't started my rap training yet, but I shall make it a priority henceforth!

[itsknighttime]

she got her flight feathers? i can go take a look up pretty fucking high if you think shes fucked off up high
never looked for a bird before though do you whistle to call her or is there a blood ritual or what

normally id ride the joke about rap battling but if i got my head on straight thats sometimes a thing here and i forgot its sometimes a thing here

[demachi]

Yes, but she's fondest of staying near the ground, save for when I send her on reconnaissance! She generally comes when I whistle just so, but over the years we've learned to read each other.

I do happen to know a few skilled rappers here. This place hasn't been reduced to rap battles in my absence, has it?

voice; shiningstar

[finethanks]

Wataru...

[That's Eichi's voice, wavering slightly in how hopeful he is, uncertain, emotional. Months...]

Wataru? Where are you?

[demachi]

Eichi? You're here! There's some good in creation, then.

[His own voice is solid, unwavering as it should be, even if his relief is a given.]

I've just departed Iris, I think? I'd give most anything to be by your side as soon as we land.

[finethanks]

Of course I'm here. ...I've been waiting for you to return.

[He hasn't gone anywhere, but he sure is thinking about how Wataru was gone like a week here but apparent months by his own perspective. Ahh... He stifles a few coughs.]

Should I meet with you somewhere? I'm in my apartment, and I was told not to move so much, but if it's to meet with you...

[He'll run out on the streets, just say the word]

[demachi]

Not to move...? Eichi, have you fallen ill again?

[He can't hide the little flat fear in his tone. It's always like this, but here... they haven't had to part so much. Just knowing Eichi went through illness while he disappeared wracks him with momentary guilt.]

I'll fly right to you, on Jeanne's wings, if I must. Stay there and rest!

text; un: kotodama

[spellspeak]

[Someone is texting so the other Oddball can't hear how relieved and stressed he is.]

You always get to experience all the noteworthy thINGS, Wataru-niisan.

But you said you thought it was just a DREAM... Did it not seem real or have you simply grown accustomed to this PLACE?

[demachi]

Have you grown since I left? No, it was only a week here, right?

It's hard to tell what's a dream and what's real. I had no recollection of this place when I was home, so I thought maybe one or the other wasn't real...

[spellspeak]

Stagnation is a curse so one should always try to grow, but I can't claim that I have significantly in only seven DAYS.

Then did the memories of this place return when you woke up HERE?

video, un: angel

[schmisse]

You were asleep for an entire week?

[ Talk about odd, but also: ]

I guess you're the sleeping beauty now, not me.

[demachi]

[Oh, what a sight for sore eyes! Wataru lights up, ready to answer, but her comeback... ah, poetic. He laughs.]

But you're the far more beautiful of us, Shirayuki-hime~ I don't know if I was asleep or elsewhere, to be honest, but I am somehow a bit glad to be back.

[schmisse]

It's good to have you back, really.

[ Did Weiss like working with Wataru's understudy? Nope... ]

I also haven't seen your pet. I'm sorry.

un: yatagarasu

[kayssistant]

Wataru?

[Was that why she didn't see him all throughout Firialia - this world's version of Christmas?]

Maybe it wasn't a dream and you really did go home!

[demachi]

Your very own, never imitated, often misplaced Wataru Hibiki~ I may have, it's true!

[He is so, so, so sad he missed Christmas do not get him started.]

[kayssistant]

As much as I'd rather not misplace you, at least you got to see home for a bit. Did anything happen there?