[This package you will receive doesn't come by Carrier. Rather, Vietnam has given strict instructions that this will be treated like every large package, and will be delivered like so. After all, it is one! A letter, and a little box. Wonder what it is? And when do you receive it? Any time between the September 6th to the 15th. And in the case of the newer Heroes, it comes sometime on the 8th or after (hint hint).]
COMRADE,
No matter our opinions of our situation or this place, we are all the same, brought here from different places. Still, we all have each other. Whatever fate has in store, we will chose. I suppose what cane be important here now are the bonds we create.
To celebrate that let me share a custom. In my world, sometime in the Autumn, is the Mid-Autumn Festival, known to me as Tết Trung Thu. It is said that during this time, the moon will be so round and will shine its brightest. To appreciate the moon, one can ask for blessings from the gods. You can give thanks for the harvest or harmonious unions. You can pray for prosperity and good fortune. But also, it is a time to spend together.
Each year will it would be celebrated on a different day. In the year I left, 2016, it should fall on September 15th. I believe the equivalent date here is Sylvant 15th. So please take this chance to relax. I have included one free pass to a two night stay at the inn I manage, Dragon's Flight and Phoenix Dance, located on Gisela. On these islands, you will be able to see the sky, so very close. I have also included a mooncake of lotus filling. As per custom, you share your mooncake with family and friends to signify unity. I hope it is to your tastes.
Your carrier lovingly hacks up a small package that would fit in your hand, as well as a handwritten letter with some sort of armored animal drawn in the corner...
Dear Friend,
We may not know each other very well yet, or maybe at all! I've only seen one battle here, but the amount of bravery and care that people have shown for one another both on and off of the battlefield lets me know I'm part of something special. People have lost their homes and loved ones, and while we can't bring those back, I know that there are people here to believe in. And I'm very lucky to get to fight alongside them.
It's not much, but I hope you enjoy a few snacks that I've made! A full tummy always makes me feel better. Maybe we can share a snack together in person sometimes soon.
Sincerely,
Orihime Inoue & Kou-kun 井上織姫とコウくん
The package is wrapped in pink and blue paper. When unwrapped, your character will find three cute little animal-themed pastries! (You're welcome to decide which three.) They have a sweet bread outer layer and some curious fillings...
Pink Bunny is hopping and happy to see you! It is filled with a sweet carrot cream. Purrfect Kitty is very pleased and ready to be eaten! It is filled with some sort of chopped meat, reminiscent of a BBQ Pork bun. Sleeping Froggy knows it's delicious. It's filled with a MYSTERY FLAVOR...which is either a sour green apple or...seaweed? Friendly Puppy isn't supposed to have chocolate, but it's filled with it anyway. Don't tell anyone! Cute Chicky is filled with a egg-flavored cream. Yeah, that one actually isn't surprising, although maybe a little morbid when you think about it.
You're recording this, right? Give me a thumbs up or-
Inoue, this coming through? Thanks for the snacks, these actually look pretty good. [Though, knowing her, he is a little suspicious...] You didn't have to send them over like that, though, I'm right next door, remember?
Anyway, if you wanna eat these together or anything, I'll be around.
[It's just as strange on his end talking into a bear...rabbit...thing and listening to Orihime's voice coming out of its mouth. Seriously, where is Rukia, and why isn't the Bearit with her?]
Mm. Yeah, guess that would be easier. You make enough extra for yourself?
[He's got a bunny, a frog, and a chick! They're all cute enough that even Ichigo feels vaguely guilty about eating them.]
Doesn't have to be right now, no. Just whenever.
[Because that's what she's talking about, clearly, there's no reason she'd consider going next door to be a Big Deal™. Ichigo's still got a lot of questions, so maybe he has an ulterior motive for hanging out, but not her!]
[ Oh gosh. This isn't exactly what she'd been trying to do! She's a little glad he can't see her right now as she rubs the back of her head roughly enough to mess up her hair. Aaahh. ]
Y-Yes! I made sure to make a bunch just in case more people showed up...and for the staff! They work really hard to take care of us.
[ Is she ready for this level of friendship commitment? Of course she's always kind of wanted to see what his room was like--well, she has but he doesn't know that, does he? (Does he??) Though this isn't just his room, does it count? Is she overthinking it? ]
[That's Hime, alright, always showing concern for anyone. It's a good trait, Ichigo approves. Mostly. Sometimes it does get her in trouble, and then there's the fact that her cooking is... sometimes... well, anyway, she's making the best of a strange situation!]
Alright, let me know when you've got a minute. If I'm not in my room, I'll probably be out and around trying to figure this whole... everything out.
[Ichigo doesn't even think a thing about it. He's kind of irritated with the need to share a room after going so many years with all the privacy he may desire, but besides that, what's the big deal about hanging out in his room? Huh, Hime?]
Mm...it is a lot to take in, isn't it? I feel like we're learning new things about this place every day.
[ She does wish she had a better understanding, but she thinks that as she gets to know people, they will help with that process. There are Heroes that have been there for the better part of a year. Surely they know something!
...Look! His room is different! It's his space where everything is Ichigo. It's...not the kind of place you just walk into! Except when she did. But that one time doesn't count, it's not the same if she's not invited. (That makes her sound creepy, doesn't it?) ]
Hm?
[ Oh! ]
Me? I'm fine, I'm good! I had a couple of roommates who have disappeared...I'm not sure what happened to them. Some people think that means they returned home. But the roommate I have now is very nice. I'm lucky! And Kurosaki-kun is right next door.
Yeah, we are learning more. It's just not enough. What we really need is someone high up that can tell us how to start fixing things around here.
[Yes, he is totally thinking about rushing into fighting the big bad final boss with only his piddly weapon and a lot of attitude. It only took him like, a couple weeks to learn bankai, this can't be a whole lot different, right?
Silly Hime, there's nothing important about being in his room (not that she's ever been there before (that he knows of)). This room is barely even his room, it's got none of his junk whatsoever! Might as well be a hotel room, man.]
Disappearing people... hope you're right about that. [The alternative to them not being back in their comfy homes is bad, to say the least.] Glad you're getting along with whoever's in there now. Haven't had a real chance to talk to my roommates yet, I'll get around to it sometime.
[ Realistically, if anyone can do it, it's Ichigo! And he knows that she'll follow him through whatever he gets himself into. ]
Mmm...maybe Kyouraku-san has an idea of who to reach out too? He's been here for a few months!
[ Much longer than her.
There is so much that's important! It's not exactly the same as room back home, but still! Maybe he won't ever really understand, but...well, she's going to be awkward about it regardless. But let's be real, she'll also totally take him up on the offer. ]
Me too. [ She sobers up a bit with that. ] I mean, if they brought us here then there's a way to send us back too, right? But I wonder if that's the case if they knew they would be leaving, or if it just happened?
[ Not that there's much she can do about it at this point. It's a little scary to think that one day she'll just wake up somewhere else. Again. ]
[Since when has having a realistic chance made a difference to him? Even in the face of logic and all probability, Ichigo fights! And if Orihime is good enough to stand with him against Yhwach, he's more than happy to have her beside him in this... weird-hero-battle-world. He forgot the name of it already.]
Kyouraku-san's here? For that long?
[Finally, good news, and more confirmation that this place is definitely transplanted from normal time and space. As goofy as Shunsui is, he's more than capable of understanding a situation and guiding people appropriately. Just this once, there's a damn good chance Ichigo will fall in line and do as he's told, if he's the one giving the orders.
...But first, he needs to sit down with Orihime in his entirely normal, unremarkable, boring room where nothing exciting will ever happen, much like his room back home. Where they will eat snacks.]
They must. If it ever got out that everyone they took here is stuck here, there's enough of us here that things will get ugly, fast.
[Open rebellion, pretty much. Ichigo assumes most of the heroes are falling in line because that's the only thing they can do, but an alliance like this is highly tentative. It may not even last forever the way it is...]
I'm not worried. If they're a problem, I'll just keep away.
[ Ah, Ichigo...don't worry! She'll be one of many who will repeat the names until they stick. Or until he comes up with a suitably ridiculous nickname for them. It's one of his endearing qualities, really.
Orihime nods, then remembers he can't really see that, can he? ]
Mhm. He's been here a while...I don't think anyone has been here longer than a year, though.
[ She thinks that's comforting, right? Although she also hasn't heard of anyone that's left and come back, or what happens really when they leave at all. So...who knows. She wants to be optimistic about it.
Oh! That sounds so scandalo--...or not. But, you know, there's never a bad time for snacks. She'll try not to make a mess. ]
They do seem to do a lot to try and accommodate us. I want to believe it's out of a genuine concern for our well-being.
[ Everyone's been very nice thus far. That has to bode well for something, right? ]
K-Kurosaki-kun...
[ Ah--yes. The social butterfly, Ichigo Kurosaki. She laughs a little awkwardly. ]
Well...we wouldn't want you to be without a place to stay. Um. [ Offering her room would be weird, wouldn't it? ] I've heard of some Heroes buying houses!
[ ...That he's got no money for! ]
...Not that that would be your only option! Of course...
[Silly Orihime, a place is not a good friend with a quiet disposition, he can't just give it a random nickname! Unless it's hard to remember or pronounce, then yeah, he'll call it something silly. Just don't call it endearing, it's... functional, yeah, let's go with that.]
That's good to know. If we can get enough bits of information like that, we might be able to put something useful together that'll help us out.
[A year... some people have been stuck here a year. He doesn't let it enter his voice, but knowing that makes his heart sink a little. It seems as though they may be in this for a long haul, barring an early release for who knows what reason.
This is serious enough that snacks may even not be enough to really cheer him up.]
That's... good. It's better than them intentionally making things worse.
[If they were really concerned, they might have asked first, dammit. This whole naked arrival, dropped right into the deep end thing is too much of a shock.]
Huh?
[What? What did he say that's worth that laugh he's heard so many times when he's being particularly difficult?]
It's- it's alright, Inoue, I'll deal with whatever happens. [Buying houses? Nope, no way, that's like laying down roots, Ichigo is a Karakura boy 4 lyfe.]
If I've really got problems with whoever I'm rooming with, I'll just ask and see if they can move me somewhere else. No problem.
[ Functional works. It's one letter of of E, really...
She agrees, though. If they were really supposed to be captives across dimensions or something, then they definitely wouldn't give them food and a place to live. Of course, those are kind of the minimum requirements, but the fact that their presence has brought enough popularity to warrant their status as near celebrities has to mean good things, doesn't it? People like them! ...Sometimes for no reason, but still! ]
I think so. Most people seem really happy that we're here. I think they just...didn't know what to do, you know? They were looking for someone to turn to and they had this power so they used it.
[ However that may turn out in the end. ]
...Oh. I hadn't thought of that. [ Can they switch rooms? To be honest, she thought the whole having a roommate deal is kind of neat. Ignoring the whole waking up naked fiasco. ] I wonder if all the rooms are filled up? I guess not, since I know that mine has one stop open, but it was full before. I've been lucky with my roommates so I hope you are with yours too, Kurosaki-kun. Maybe we can all meet each other?
Yeah, they could be locked in cells and given bread and water, not left mostly to their own devices with curiously-stocked vending machines and Orihime-made mystery meals. All things considered, it's not that this is bad, it's just... it's sudden, it's intrusive, and it's really obnoxious having to come in and deal with everything without any warning. And then there's rewinding the time on Orihime's clock a year and a half!]
...Ehhh. Can't just leave people to get completely rolled over, but as soon as we know everything's under control, the people in charge around here don't get to use that as an excuse for keeping us around anymore.
[Huff. He's a hero, but it's still rude!]
If I make my case, they should be reasonable. ['Should.' Maybe these dumb rooms are part of their destinies, it'd make as much sense as everything else.] Hopefully I won't need to. I'll try to get to know them before I make any decisions. A meetup might be a good idea, too, I'd like to know who you're rooming with. [And glare at any of them that might try to take advantage of her Orihimeness.]
[ It is sudden and it is intrusive, she wouldn't argue otherwise. It's definitely been a confusing experience from the get go, and maybe it'd have been a little more exciting if the timing hadn't been so horrible. But the fact that they really weren't given a choice isn't something they can ignore, no matter how much she wants to believe intentions were and are good.
That's just like Ichigo! Everyone will be held responsible for their actions, especially the Powers That Be. ]
Well...Heroes are generally well-liked right now after the last battle, so people might be more willing to answer questions. Minister Teddy even left me a gift!
[ It was surprising, but a nice gesture all the same.
But at his agreement of a meet up? The Orihime equivalent of "hell yes!" ]
That would be great! We should meet in the dining hall over lunch sometime. Mondays are the best!
[ Meaning: Mondays are questionable and literally only Orihime likes them. Be careful, Ichigo. ]
[Timing really is everything. The two of them might be from different time points, but boy are they both really bad time points. That seems to be a common thing with the Karakura kids, really.
If only their magic was a little bit better, if they'd brought them here with powers intact, just think of what Ichigo, Orihime, and Shunsui could do, though. It's really not far, they could have saved the day and been home for lunch.]
That's good to hear. Better than having everyone around here mistrust us. [Now they just fanboy/girl them...] What kind of gift did you get?
[Not that he wants to be totally paranoid, but, well... he does have experience with gifts secretly having ulterior purposes. He trusted Ukitake and understood why the Shinigami badge was meant to observe him, but if Orihime's getting spied on by some weird minister guy, Ichigo gonna be mad.]
Monday at lunch, that'll be alright. And we'll probably see each other around plenty, huh?
[Nothing wrong with Mondays in this place, Hime! It's a brave new world, full of strange wonders and wild adventures.]
[ Life is always suffering...or it feels like it could be, if they didn't have such good friends! She will forever be grateful for that. They are her family, so having him here is very important to her, selfish as it may feel.
She really doesn't understand how or why they've been stripped of their abilities, though. It does seem counter-intuitive to the fact they're all brought there to fight. Maybe it's a side-effect of the transportation? ]
I got a camera! [ She'll just switch this to video so she can show him. It's pretty neat! ] I've got no idea how to use it, but figuring it out should be half the fun, right?
[ Orihime pretends to take a picture, making a comical "click!" sound before setting it aside. ]
Mhm! Maybe I'll be lucky enough to go on a mission with you sometime.
[Yes. It's good to have friends. Even if Hime has been her usual lovable self and made all the new friends here, he doesn't envy her for having to deal with coming to a strange place all by her lonesome, poor lonely her. Her fellow dorks would never want her to go through that.
It's gotta be a lack of magical teleportation energy that's stripped them of all their cool powers. Or maybe they're afraid of what unleashing the full potential of this many people with crazy abilities. Either/or, it still sucks so hard.][Oh, hey, now Bearit's projecting a video display. That's kind of bizarre, but if it works, oh well. The camera is... huh, it looks more like an art display than a functional piece of machinery. It's cool, though!] Looks old-timey, you'll probably need to get some film, or... whatever they used before film.
[Huh. He actually doesn't know all that much about photography, that's something to look into. After they go home. And after, you know, their entire existence isn't threatened.
Oh, but it's time for a smile and that trademark Ichigo affirmative laugh.]
Yeah, of course we will. If we're doing these missions, we gotta do them together.
[He took her to fight Yhwach with him, he obviously has high confidence in her abilities. The fact that she's two years younger is... momentarily forgotten.]
[ She has most definitely made friends in her month stay in Caissa, but it isn't quite the same. They've all been through something special together, and she's known Ichigo for years. Yes, people here are nice, but it's different. She is glad that he's around now. ]
Film? Oh, you're right. And I'll need a dark room to develop the film like they have in those forensic shows....do you think they have those here? Or maybe a spell that develops it?
[ Orihime does want to play around with it. It's a gift from their superiors, after all. She feels like she's supposed to.
Since this is two years before that fight, before she even knows the name Yhwach, hearing that? It's...it's one of the best thing she could. After being told by Urahara she's being taken from battle, after working hard to prove herself otherwise--
Now that there's a live video feed, he can see her face light up. Her smile brightens and she nods, before giving a deep bow. ]
[Make new friends but keep the old and so on. It's a good saying to live by. Never fear, Hime, Ichigo will never leave you to fend for yourself and be lonesome, because he is Ichigo!]
I... couldn't really tell you. Maybe, they've definitely got some kind of technology around here, so they probably take pictures.
[It's always nice to have a functional gift, and it'll probably make whoever out there was impressed enough with her to give her a shiny thing happy to see it used. This is a good idea, make it happen!
Seeing her face brighten up is always good for cheering up anyone, she's got that infectious smile. Ichigo knows for sure that she's a useful fighter, and more importantly, she's someone he knows to be dependable. After all the times they've fought together (some of which are in the future), he knows he can count on her!]
I know you won't. I won't, either: you've done these missions before, right? So you know what to expect?
[ This is why Ichigo is the best! She's not biased at all! ]
I guess I should do some research before I take a bunch of pictures that I can't do anything with, huh? This might be a good excuse to explore downtown more! Have you had a chance to get out yet?
[ Arriving is tumultuous enough, she wouldn't blame him if Ichigo has mainly stuck to the Halls. It's a place where they're expected and accepted at all hours, at least.
Orihime nods. ]
I've done one, at least. They gave us a little time to train and prepare beforehand, but it was only a couple of weeks later that they brought us to a different kingdom. The Noir Empire was attacking their border, which was actually a very large stone wall. We were all assigned to different teams--there were... [ She counts them off one by one on her fingers. ] Attack, Defense, and Support. I was on the Support team. We were stationed at and around the wall and tended to any sounded soldiers.
[ She let's her hands fall to her lap. Her smile is a little wistful, but not non-existent. ]
I've never see so many people on a battlefield before. It seemed like it was organized at first, but as more and more people fell, even the Noir Empire started getting a little...chaotic? I'm not sure how to describe it. There was so much going on...But we successfully defended the wall in the end and Gammon is still its own nation. That's what's important, right?
You might as well take the pictures just in case they can develop them, right? Can't hurt anything. [He's so encouraging!] But, no, I haven't really gone out and really explored the place, not yet.
[He's been kind of reluctant to really do anything that might get him attached to the place, honestly. As unrealistic as it's slowly becoming to him, he's still holding out that they might be able to get out of this world and back where they belong sooner rather than later.
He listens without comment (aside from the occasional nod) as she describes her adventures. It sounds like she handled herself okay, and sticking her in a place where she can take care of the wounded with her magic leek stick makes sense, but he's still stuck feeling a little peeved he couldn't be there to make sure she was okay. It's dumb, he knows she can take care of herself, but leaving friends to deal with this wild crap on their own doesn't sit right with him.]
Yeah. That's right, you guys saved the day, and your team must have done a lot to get those soldiers back home. Can't really ask for a whole lot more than that, can you?
[ So he leaves himself open for an all out friendship attack! ]
Would you like to come with me, then? O-Only if you have the time! There are some neat places I could show you if you're interested. There's a bakery and a bookstore and a wizard's shop and a store with fish swimming around...
[ All the important things to keep track of, really.
Orihime did feel most comfortable being on the support team, to be honest, with a real lack of understanding how the magic in this world works. She has to think about others who had only just arrived and were told to stand on the front lines. What was it like for them?
She'd be lying if she said she hadn't thought about what Ichigo would have done in that situation. Really, Blanc is lucky to have him here.
At his assurance, she brightens up a little more and nods with a smile. ]
Mhm! I hope the rest of our missions go well, too. They don't always send us into battle, though. They give us jobs that we can do if we'd like to earn more money, or on quests to retrieve items or discover new areas! I haven't done much of those, but I've heard about them. People here really want to rely on us, Kurosaki-kun. I--
[ She pauses. ]
...I want to go home, but I can't help but feel like it would be turning my back on people here too. I know it's impossible to do both at the same time, but...
I don't really have anything but free time, so, sure. Show me around.
[A bakery... well, they need food, same goes for the fishies. And the other places might be good for information, clearly. Wizards are known to be wise and full of knowledge, it's a fact. Plus, they get to walk around and catch up on what happened in the month she's been here, while he, er... considers telling her about what happens in the future. It may or may not be a good idea to do so, still weighing it.]
They're definitely keeping us busy, aren't they...
[Which is. Not necessarily a bad thing, but not automatically good, either. Learning more about this place is more than likely a positive thing, but this isn't their world. Their home. They don't belong here, they shouldn't be wasting time earning money that won't be of any use once they leave, everything he's doing is done so darn begrudgingly.
But, then-]
I know, I know how you feel.
[It's frustrating! He cares, because he's a big hero dork, and leaving people behind to suffer is obviously a bad thing. There he goes, being all begrudging again, and he definitely has the thin-lipped, resigned half-grimacy look people get when they're grudging, but of all people, he would know best that he's going to relent and make sure the day is saved before going back and saving another entirely separate day.]
We're going to have to figure out a way to keep all these people safe before we go. There's so many of us 'heroes' here, someone's gonna come up with some bright idea, then we can get back where we belong without worrying.
Still, she's overjoyed to hear his response. Getting to spend time with Ichigo is always a good thing! But getting to spend time with Ichigo when it isn't directly related to a current mission or battle or whatever is even better! ]
That's great! [ Yes, she is pleased. ] There are so many places I want to show you!
[ She doesn't want to usurp too much of his time, but she could easily spend a day showing him around to all her usual haunts, even if a lot of them are food related.
Orihime knows that he would understand. Ichigo is a very caring person who always wants to do the right thing. He wants to help people, it's like he's made to help people, and nothing gets in his way when he's set his mind to something. He won't let anyone down here, not if he can help it, strangers or not. It's one of the many things she admires about him. ]
...You're right. I'm forgetting that there are other people here for the same reason. It's not like we have to do this alone, huh? Some people even want to stay!
[He might as well face it, he's stuck in this joint and he can't be On at all times. Sometimes, he's gonna have to just hang out and relax, and who better to do that with than his oldest friends?]
You've been scoping the place out, huh? [He laughs. Why wouldn't she?] Alright, we can set aside a day or two and just walk around. Not like there's school or anything to worry about.
[And when she doesn't have his attention, he'll... probably be slamming his face into books at the library looking for something useful for their situation. The good library, not the cursed one where people get charmed and students get lost forever. Let's never go back there again.]
Mm. [Nod, nod.] I've talked to a couple people around here. A lot of them are smart, and they've been around here a while, they can figure this out if we can't.
[Not that he's giving up and letting them do all the work, of course! He's going to do everything he can to find a way to end this war, save the day, and get everyone- well. Almost everyone back. His expression sobers up a bit.]
Someone mentioned... there's people that get brought here before they die, back in their own world. I guess they wouldn't be in any rush to get back where they came from.
It arrives on fine parchment, with gold embossing at the edges. The handwriting is ornate and flawless, having been perfected many centuries ago, although it does look a bit stilted in the language of this world. Still, despite its outward appearance of nobility, it's obviously written by Shunsui!
Ichigo-kun,
Please forgive me for not seeking you out earlier. There have been some personal issues I've been taking care of, as it seems that even here they follow me!
I hope that you're doing as well as can be expected, I realize waking up here is quite jarring. I still wake up expecting to be home...but I suppose that can't be remedied.
I'm simply writing to let you know that should you need anything, I'm always here. And I'd like to take you to dinner in the capital sometime soon, should you like to do! There's much to discuss, and plenty to be amused by!
Compared to Shunsui's letter, Ichigo's is... pretty plain. It's on simple paper, and his handwriting has had a fraction of the time to get fancy, but hey, he does what he can.
Kyouraku-san,
It's good to hear from you, and I'm really glad you're here. If you're anything like me, you'd rather be back in Soul Society and dealing with Yhwach right now, but if I'm going to be stuck here, I'd rather have all the backup I can get.
I'm getting used to this place as well as I can. It feels strange having my powers removed again, you must know how that feels. I've managed to accept I'm stuck here like this until the time comes where they send us back, though, so I'm going to have to get used to it.
Dinner sometime sounds nice. You should invite Inoue and Keigo, as well, I'm sure they'd appreciate the meal and discussing the whole situation. I've been told you've been here a lot longer than the rest of us, so you probably know more than us three put together.
Poor Ichigo. Shunsui's derpy face filling the screen takes up the entire feed.
"Ichigo-kun! I just wondered if you might want to have your own room rather than sharing with three other people? Unfortunately you'd still need to share bathroom and kitchen facilities, but I purchased a house not long ago and it's far too big for me alone!
You're of course welcome to the entire property! There are gardens and a lake, and the home is very nice!
Please don't feel obligated if you'd rather not, but should you want to, a room is yours!"
That is the derpiest grin ever, probably, before he turns and points the camera at the house.
Hey, as long as it isn't one of those obnoxious kids from the magic school, he's okay with whoever's on the other end of the... magical talky monsters. He'll send back a message of his own soon enough, and he looks happy enough, though not nearly so derpy.
"Hey, Kyouraku-san. That's a really kind offer of you to make, and I think I may take you up on that. Having a room to myself would be fantastic."
See, he knew Kyouraku was a good guy, what with the whole offering him a place with some privacy and helping save Rukia before that and everything. A very strange man, but trustworthy.
"I'll get back to you soon with a definite answer as soon as I clear everything up around here." Oh, but- "Have you talked with Inoue or Keigo about this? Keigo's... he'll come around, with regards to you, I'm sure."
[However Bearit gets his attention, it's probably in a rude way, since he needs to be woken up. It was a late night for him, he's allowed to sleep in!
But he does answer once he hears who it is, don't worry.]
Hey, Inoue. Mornin'.
[He has... depressingly few things to do, actually. Just more training, more reading, more giving himself knots in his back thanks to constantly pushing himself.]
[ Those are all important things. Well, save the knots in his back. That's something he should get looked at!
He does sound a little on the sleepier end, though. Now she feels bad. ]
Oh...! I'm sorry, did I wake you...?
[ Should she have waited? SHE SHOULD HAVE WAITED! Why did you do this now, Orihime. What if he needs the sleep but decided to be polite and answer his phone--er...bear...? ]
I-It's nothing important! I was just...wanting to see if you were maybe hungry but I should have called later, shouldn't I have?
[He'll have to get a backrub from someone! Or more likely, ignore them until they work themselves out. Because Ichigo.]
No, no, it's alright.
[He can't be lazy and stay asleep forever! She done a good thing, really, and he'd say as much except he has no idea how bad she's freaking out over there......]
It's okay, I needed to get up anyway, and breakfast sounds nice. [Blink, blink. The sun does seem awfully high out there.] Or maybe lunch, at this point. Were you cooking something again?
[It's always an adventure when she's in the kitchen. Should he be preparing himself for it now?]
[ Ichigo plz! That's now how you should handle that...
Is it really alright? She feels bad. He's working hard and if he's not getting enough sleep then he's just going to make himself sick. She doesn't want to make him sick! ]
Actually...there's someplace I wanted to show you! It's a small bakery that has lots of different types of breads!
[ She starts to count them off. ] Sweet, savory, salty, spicy, sour...
[But he's really good at being worrisome and overworking himself!
Don't fret over him, he's a big strong doofus and is way too cool to let himself catch anything. Yep, everything is always gonna come up Ichigo, forever and a thousand years.]
That's a lot of breads. [Sour? Like sourdough?] Guess it can't hurt to go by, I'm not really using the money I got from that weird tour a bunch of us did on anything.
When'd you want to go?
[He should probably shower and change and stuff. Don't wanna go out all grotty.]
[ Yes he is, but he's not getting a gold star for it! Maybe it's her job to fret over him, even if it's from a distance. He's so busy taking care of others he doesn't think to take care of himself. So someone else has to pick up the slack, right? And she's more than happy to be that person.
But...he wants to go!! Or at least he's willing to entertain the notion. That gets her to perk up immediately. ]
W-Whenever you'd like! Um, I don't have a lot to do today--at least nothing that I have to do at certain times, so it's just whenever works for you...
[Follow your dreams, Hime, make sure the big dumb boy doesn't work himself to his sickbed. Maybe he'll even appreciate it... if he realizes she's going out of her way to be a good and caring kind of person...
But. Anyway. Yes, food does sound good, he hasn't been eating nearly enough and he knows it. Getting some sweet and sour bread is a good plan.]
How about in a half hour or so, then? Shouldn't take me much longer than that to get ready.
[ Waiting anxiously is totally productive. At least maybe it will get out some of nervous energy beforehand, right? Hahahaha! Ha.
Her carrier is adorable, okay. Hopefully Ichigo won't mind that Kou-kun will be coming with them. ]
A-Alright!
[ And ANXIOUSLY WAIT SHE WILL! Only looking at the clock every five minutes or so. He said half an hour and she wants to give him enough time to shower and decidedly not think about the fact that that's what he said he was doing. Her pangolin is a decent enough distraction with how he just rolls around and bumps into her feet, at least. ]
[What's there even to be anxious about? It's just the same as if she was going to lunch with Keigo, right? Nothing special going on here, nope.
And of course Kou can come. Hope she feels the same way about Bearit.]
Great. See you then.
[Doop, he's off to shower, then. It's a pretty uneventful kind of event, really, though he does try to speed it up a bit just to make sure he doesn't keep Orihime waiting. By the time the appointed minute comes, he's fresh, dressed, and only a little damp in his orange spikes. Time to go and eat a bread.]
SAID NO ONE. Okay, well, probably everyone but Orihime, but she doesn't expect him to put the same weight on this as she does. And that's okay! She's happy to just get to spend time with him.
She decides it's okay to leave her room exactly two minutes before the agreed upon meeting time. Not that it takes her two minutes to step outside her door and turn to the side, but...but still! There's something to be said about being polite and early, right? She knows not to knock or to try and listen or anything to see if he's ready because then she'd look like a pervert. And she doesn't want to do that.
When Ichigo does emerge, she's right there, almost jumping at his appearance with her own anxious excitement.
Ah...she can tell his hair is still kind of wet. Is that weird? Hopefully he didn't rush on her account... ]
Kurosaki-kun! [ She greets him warmly. He carrier makes a small trilling sound next to her. ] I hope you're hungry. They're having a special today. Buy three get one free!
[NO ONE except the many people who are not Ichigo that are keenly aware of where her heart lies. Tatsuki would be so proud of her right now, and Rangiku, probably Chad. She's trying, bless her heart!
Yes, she... doesn't want to look like a pervert. Never. That'd be like wearing a skimpy outfit because some idiot who enjoys messing with people thought it'd be funny. Anyway, her punctuality is right on, and when she knocks, Ichigo's just about ready to step out the door, himself, so it takes about two seconds before it opens up.
Lucky Hime, she's one of the first to see him in his brand new swanky casual clothes, the first and thus far only thing he's bought with his job money. It's nothing special, just a bog standard shirt, pants, and jacket combo, but it beats the heck out of wearing that dopey uniform all the time.]
Hey, Inoue. [He's all smiling and warm, too, and aww, her carrier is so cute. Meanwhile, Bearit is toddling along behind him, as self-absorbed and preening as ever.] Sounds like a good deal, I'll probably pick some extra up to take home. Is it a long walk to wherever it is we're going?
[ Oh, those are new clothes. She notices immediately! He's gone shopping...which makes her realize she should probably spend more time expanding her own wardrobe. To be honest, she's mostly been wearing what she's been given. Now she feels a little self-conscious in her own uniform.
She should have changed!! Why didn't she change...
Does this mean she looks dopey? Will her dopey-ness bring down his own cool and casual image? Good job, Hime! Pay attention!
She keeps this internal turmoil, well, internal. Which is for the best. She just keeps her back straight and tries to smile in a way that doesn't make her look weird.
Orihime shakes her head to his question as Kou watches Bearit curiously. Kou is curious by nature, but...also a little air-headed. ]
Only about...fifteen, twenty minutes! Depending on how fast we walk. And I think it's a nice day outside, so...um...we should be okay! If you don't mind walking...
[Don't fret none, he doesn't judge. He just hates getting mobbed by people that want to gush and coo over how awesometastically amazing heroes are, he's a private kinda guy, as she very well and probably frustratingly knows. The uniforms are a little flashy for his tastes, too, but given her choice in uniforms from Hueco Mundo...
Anyway. Just to reiterate, this is a judgment free zone, he won't blink twice at her going out in the fancy duds. In fact, he isn't thinking about anything at all except how nice that bread sounds, he hasn't eaten since afternoon the day before, so he's really looking for to this. Her smile looks as natural as can be to him, and he's ready to roll!
As for Bearit, well... as long as Kou doesn't muss up his fur, they'll get along. He just looks at him, sniffs, and gets back to making sure his fur is immaculate.]
That's not bad, walking'll be alright. We should be back in an hour or so, leaves plenty of time for everything else I've got to do today.
[ She thought have thought about that! Orihime has already been accosted, but the thought of going incognito as just...a normal person and not in some sort of costume hadn't crossed her mind. This is why they're all a team.
S-Still...bread! Bread is good, and tasty, and there are so many different types to choose from. Orihime hasn't had the chance to sample every kind yet, but she hopes to do so before they eventually leave this place. ]
G-Great! Let's go!
[ She is excited to get to spend some time with him. You know, just...friend time. Time that isn't expressly about school or a mission. It's a nice change.
Orihime clasps her hands behind her back as they begin to walk. Kou takes a moment before bounding after her. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
actual mail, between September 6th - 15th
No matter our opinions of our situation or this place, we are all the same, brought here from different places. Still, we all have each other. Whatever fate has in store, we will chose. I suppose what cane be important here now are the bonds we create.
To celebrate that let me share a custom. In my world, sometime in the Autumn, is the Mid-Autumn Festival, known to me as Tết Trung Thu. It is said that during this time, the moon will be so round and will shine its brightest. To appreciate the moon, one can ask for blessings from the gods. You can give thanks for the harvest or harmonious unions. You can pray for prosperity and good fortune. But also, it is a time to spend together.
Each year will it would be celebrated on a different day. In the year I left, 2016, it should fall on September 15th. I believe the equivalent date here is Sylvant 15th. So please take this chance to relax. I have included one free pass to a two night stay at the inn I manage, Dragon's Flight and Phoenix Dance, located on Gisela. On these islands, you will be able to see the sky, so very close. I have also included a mooncake of lotus filling. As per custom, you share your mooncake with family and friends to signify unity. I hope it is to your tastes.
May your year be filled with prosperity.
Vietnam
CODED BY TESSISAMESS
delivery ➣ id: orihimetron3000 - after his arrival, of course
We may not know each other very well yet, or maybe at all! I've only seen one battle here, but the amount of bravery and care that people have shown for one another both on and off of the battlefield lets me know I'm part of something special. People have lost their homes and loved ones, and while we can't bring those back, I know that there are people here to believe in. And I'm very lucky to get to fight alongside them.
It's not much, but I hope you enjoy a few snacks that I've made! A full tummy always makes me feel better. Maybe we can share a snack together in person sometimes soon.
Sincerely,
Orihime Inoue & Kou-kun
井上織姫とコウくん
The package is wrapped in pink and blue paper. When unwrapped, your character will find three cute little animal-themed pastries! (You're welcome to decide which three.) They have a sweet bread outer layer and some curious fillings...
Purrfect Kitty is very pleased and ready to be eaten! It is filled with some sort of chopped meat, reminiscent of a BBQ Pork bun.
Sleeping Froggy knows it's delicious. It's filled with a MYSTERY FLAVOR...which is either a sour green apple or...seaweed?
Friendly Puppy isn't supposed to have chocolate, but it's filled with it anyway. Don't tell anyone!
Cute Chicky is filled with a egg-flavored cream. Yeah, that one actually isn't surprising, although maybe a little morbid when you think about it.
audio message; id: fifteen
Inoue, this coming through? Thanks for the snacks, these actually look pretty good. [Though, knowing her, he is a little suspicious...] You didn't have to send them over like that, though, I'm right next door, remember?
Anyway, if you wanna eat these together or anything, I'll be around.
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I know, but...I was sending them through carriers for everyone so it just seemed like I should keep going. I'm glad you think so!
[ She definitely made sure he got a bunny one, since it's the kind of thing that Rukia would have enjoyed. ]
R-Really? Do you mean...
[ In his room? ]
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Mm. Yeah, guess that would be easier. You make enough extra for yourself?
[He's got a bunny, a frog, and a chick! They're all cute enough that even Ichigo feels vaguely guilty about eating them.]
Doesn't have to be right now, no. Just whenever.
[Because that's what she's talking about, clearly, there's no reason she'd consider going next door to be a Big Deal™. Ichigo's still got a lot of questions, so maybe he has an ulterior motive for hanging out, but not her!]
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[ Oh gosh. This isn't exactly what she'd been trying to do! She's a little glad he can't see her right now as she rubs the back of her head roughly enough to mess up her hair. Aaahh. ]
Y-Yes! I made sure to make a bunch just in case more people showed up...and for the staff! They work really hard to take care of us.
[ Is she ready for this level of friendship commitment? Of course she's always kind of wanted to see what his room was like--well, she has but he doesn't know that, does he? (Does he??) Though this isn't just his room, does it count? Is she overthinking it? ]
...I'd like that.
[ Yes, she is overthinking it. ]
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Alright, let me know when you've got a minute. If I'm not in my room, I'll probably be out and around trying to figure this whole... everything out.
[Ichigo doesn't even think a thing about it. He's kind of irritated with the need to share a room after going so many years with all the privacy he may desire, but besides that, what's the big deal about hanging out in his room? Huh, Hime?]
How are you holding up? About everything, I mean.
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[ She does wish she had a better understanding, but she thinks that as she gets to know people, they will help with that process. There are Heroes that have been there for the better part of a year. Surely they know something!
...Look! His room is different! It's his space where everything is Ichigo. It's...not the kind of place you just walk into! Except when she did. But that one time doesn't count, it's not the same if she's not invited. (That makes her sound creepy, doesn't it?) ]
Hm?
[ Oh! ]
Me? I'm fine, I'm good! I had a couple of roommates who have disappeared...I'm not sure what happened to them. Some people think that means they returned home. But the roommate I have now is very nice. I'm lucky! And Kurosaki-kun is right next door.
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[Yes, he is totally thinking about rushing into fighting the big bad final boss with only his piddly weapon and a lot of attitude. It only took him like, a couple weeks to learn bankai, this can't be a whole lot different, right?
Silly Hime, there's nothing important about being in his room (not that she's ever been there before (that he knows of)). This room is barely even his room, it's got none of his junk whatsoever! Might as well be a hotel room, man.]
Disappearing people... hope you're right about that. [The alternative to them not being back in their comfy homes is bad, to say the least.] Glad you're getting along with whoever's in there now. Haven't had a real chance to talk to my roommates yet, I'll get around to it sometime.
[Or maybe he won't. Grouchy, grouchy Ichigo.]
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Mmm...maybe Kyouraku-san has an idea of who to reach out too? He's been here for a few months!
[ Much longer than her.
There is so much that's important! It's not exactly the same as room back home, but still! Maybe he won't ever really understand, but...well, she's going to be awkward about it regardless. But let's be real, she'll also totally take him up on the offer. ]
Me too. [ She sobers up a bit with that. ] I mean, if they brought us here then there's a way to send us back too, right? But I wonder if that's the case if they knew they would be leaving, or if it just happened?
[ Not that there's much she can do about it at this point. It's a little scary to think that one day she'll just wake up somewhere else. Again. ]
I hope they're nice!
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Kyouraku-san's here? For that long?
[Finally, good news, and more confirmation that this place is definitely transplanted from normal time and space. As goofy as Shunsui is, he's more than capable of understanding a situation and guiding people appropriately. Just this once, there's a damn good chance Ichigo will fall in line and do as he's told, if he's the one giving the orders.
...But first, he needs to sit down with Orihime in his entirely normal, unremarkable, boring room where nothing exciting will ever happen, much like his room back home. Where they will eat snacks.]
They must. If it ever got out that everyone they took here is stuck here, there's enough of us here that things will get ugly, fast.
[Open rebellion, pretty much. Ichigo assumes most of the heroes are falling in line because that's the only thing they can do, but an alliance like this is highly tentative. It may not even last forever the way it is...]
I'm not worried. If they're a problem, I'll just keep away.
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Orihime nods, then remembers he can't really see that, can he? ]
Mhm. He's been here a while...I don't think anyone has been here longer than a year, though.
[ She thinks that's comforting, right? Although she also hasn't heard of anyone that's left and come back, or what happens really when they leave at all. So...who knows. She wants to be optimistic about it.
Oh! That sounds so scandalo--...or not. But, you know, there's never a bad time for snacks. She'll try not to make a mess. ]
They do seem to do a lot to try and accommodate us. I want to believe it's out of a genuine concern for our well-being.
[ Everyone's been very nice thus far. That has to bode well for something, right? ]
K-Kurosaki-kun...
[ Ah--yes. The social butterfly, Ichigo Kurosaki. She laughs a little awkwardly. ]
Well...we wouldn't want you to be without a place to stay. Um. [ Offering her room would be weird, wouldn't it? ] I've heard of some Heroes buying houses!
[ ...That he's got no money for! ]
...Not that that would be your only option! Of course...
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That's good to know. If we can get enough bits of information like that, we might be able to put something useful together that'll help us out.
[A year... some people have been stuck here a year. He doesn't let it enter his voice, but knowing that makes his heart sink a little. It seems as though they may be in this for a long haul, barring an early release for who knows what reason.
This is serious enough that snacks may even not be enough to really cheer him up.]
That's... good. It's better than them intentionally making things worse.
[If they were really concerned, they might have asked first, dammit. This whole naked arrival, dropped right into the deep end thing is too much of a shock.]
Huh?
[What? What did he say that's worth that laugh he's heard so many times when he's being particularly difficult?]
It's- it's alright, Inoue, I'll deal with whatever happens. [Buying houses? Nope, no way, that's like laying down roots, Ichigo is a Karakura boy 4 lyfe.]
If I've really got problems with whoever I'm rooming with, I'll just ask and see if they can move me somewhere else. No problem.
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She agrees, though. If they were really supposed to be captives across dimensions or something, then they definitely wouldn't give them food and a place to live. Of course, those are kind of the minimum requirements, but the fact that their presence has brought enough popularity to warrant their status as near celebrities has to mean good things, doesn't it? People like them! ...Sometimes for no reason, but still! ]
I think so. Most people seem really happy that we're here. I think they just...didn't know what to do, you know? They were looking for someone to turn to and they had this power so they used it.
[ However that may turn out in the end. ]
...Oh. I hadn't thought of that. [ Can they switch rooms? To be honest, she thought the whole having a roommate deal is kind of neat. Ignoring the whole waking up naked fiasco. ] I wonder if all the rooms are filled up? I guess not, since I know that mine has one stop open, but it was full before. I've been lucky with my roommates so I hope you are with yours too, Kurosaki-kun. Maybe we can all meet each other?
awwwww thank you for the paid time! ;w;
Yeah, they could be locked in cells and given bread and water, not left mostly to their own devices with curiously-stocked vending machines and Orihime-made mystery meals. All things considered, it's not that this is bad, it's just... it's sudden, it's intrusive, and it's really obnoxious having to come in and deal with everything without any warning. And then there's rewinding the time on Orihime's clock a year and a half!]
...Ehhh. Can't just leave people to get completely rolled over, but as soon as we know everything's under control, the people in charge around here don't get to use that as an excuse for keeping us around anymore.
[Huff. He's a hero, but it's still rude!]
If I make my case, they should be reasonable. ['Should.' Maybe these dumb rooms are part of their destinies, it'd make as much sense as everything else.] Hopefully I won't need to. I'll try to get to know them before I make any decisions. A meetup might be a good idea, too, I'd like to know who you're rooming with. [And glare at any of them that might try to take advantage of her Orihimeness.]
late but you're quite welcome!
That's just like Ichigo! Everyone will be held responsible for their actions, especially the Powers That Be. ]
Well...Heroes are generally well-liked right now after the last battle, so people might be more willing to answer questions. Minister Teddy even left me a gift!
[ It was surprising, but a nice gesture all the same.
But at his agreement of a meet up? The Orihime equivalent of "hell yes!" ]
That would be great! We should meet in the dining hall over lunch sometime. Mondays are the best!
[ Meaning: Mondays are questionable and literally only Orihime likes them. Be careful, Ichigo. ]
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If only their magic was a little bit better, if they'd brought them here with powers intact, just think of what Ichigo, Orihime, and Shunsui could do, though. It's really not far, they could have saved the day and been home for lunch.]
That's good to hear. Better than having everyone around here mistrust us. [Now they just fanboy/girl them...] What kind of gift did you get?
[Not that he wants to be totally paranoid, but, well... he does have experience with gifts secretly having ulterior purposes. He trusted Ukitake and understood why the Shinigami badge was meant to observe him, but if Orihime's getting spied on by some weird minister guy, Ichigo gonna be mad.]
Monday at lunch, that'll be alright. And we'll probably see each other around plenty, huh?
[Nothing wrong with Mondays in this place, Hime! It's a brave new world, full of strange wonders and wild adventures.]
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She really doesn't understand how or why they've been stripped of their abilities, though. It does seem counter-intuitive to the fact they're all brought there to fight. Maybe it's a side-effect of the transportation? ]
I got a camera! [ She'll just switch this to video so she can show him. It's pretty neat! ] I've got no idea how to use it, but figuring it out should be half the fun, right?
[ Orihime pretends to take a picture, making a comical "click!" sound before setting it aside. ]
Mhm! Maybe I'll be lucky enough to go on a mission with you sometime.
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It's gotta be a lack of magical teleportation energy that's stripped them of all their cool powers. Or maybe they're afraid of what unleashing the full potential of this many people with crazy abilities. Either/or, it still sucks so hard.][Oh, hey, now Bearit's projecting a video display. That's kind of bizarre, but if it works, oh well. The camera is... huh, it looks more like an art display than a functional piece of machinery. It's cool, though!] Looks old-timey, you'll probably need to get some film, or... whatever they used before film.
[Huh. He actually doesn't know all that much about photography, that's something to look into. After they go home. And after, you know, their entire existence isn't threatened.
Oh, but it's time for a smile and that trademark Ichigo affirmative laugh.]
Yeah, of course we will. If we're doing these missions, we gotta do them together.
[He took her to fight Yhwach with him, he obviously has high confidence in her abilities. The fact that she's two years younger is... momentarily forgotten.]
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Film? Oh, you're right. And I'll need a dark room to develop the film like they have in those forensic shows....do you think they have those here? Or maybe a spell that develops it?
[ Orihime does want to play around with it. It's a gift from their superiors, after all. She feels like she's supposed to.
Since this is two years before that fight, before she even knows the name Yhwach, hearing that? It's...it's one of the best thing she could. After being told by Urahara she's being taken from battle, after working hard to prove herself otherwise--
Now that there's a live video feed, he can see her face light up. Her smile brightens and she nods, before giving a deep bow. ]
I won't let you down!
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I... couldn't really tell you. Maybe, they've definitely got some kind of technology around here, so they probably take pictures.
[It's always nice to have a functional gift, and it'll probably make whoever out there was impressed enough with her to give her a shiny thing happy to see it used. This is a good idea, make it happen!
Seeing her face brighten up is always good for cheering up anyone, she's got that infectious smile. Ichigo knows for sure that she's a useful fighter, and more importantly, she's someone he knows to be dependable. After all the times they've fought together (some of which are in the future), he knows he can count on her!]
I know you won't. I won't, either: you've done these missions before, right? So you know what to expect?
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I guess I should do some research before I take a bunch of pictures that I can't do anything with, huh? This might be a good excuse to explore downtown more! Have you had a chance to get out yet?
[ Arriving is tumultuous enough, she wouldn't blame him if Ichigo has mainly stuck to the Halls. It's a place where they're expected and accepted at all hours, at least.
Orihime nods. ]
I've done one, at least. They gave us a little time to train and prepare beforehand, but it was only a couple of weeks later that they brought us to a different kingdom. The Noir Empire was attacking their border, which was actually a very large stone wall. We were all assigned to different teams--there were... [ She counts them off one by one on her fingers. ] Attack, Defense, and Support. I was on the Support team. We were stationed at and around the wall and tended to any sounded soldiers.
[ She let's her hands fall to her lap. Her smile is a little wistful, but not non-existent. ]
I've never see so many people on a battlefield before. It seemed like it was organized at first, but as more and more people fell, even the Noir Empire started getting a little...chaotic? I'm not sure how to describe it. There was so much going on...But we successfully defended the wall in the end and Gammon is still its own nation. That's what's important, right?
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You might as well take the pictures just in case they can develop them, right? Can't hurt anything. [He's so encouraging!] But, no, I haven't really gone out and really explored the place, not yet.
[He's been kind of reluctant to really do anything that might get him attached to the place, honestly. As unrealistic as it's slowly becoming to him, he's still holding out that they might be able to get out of this world and back where they belong sooner rather than later.
He listens without comment (aside from the occasional nod) as she describes her adventures. It sounds like she handled herself okay, and sticking her in a place where she can take care of the wounded with her magic leek stick makes sense, but he's still stuck feeling a little peeved he couldn't be there to make sure she was okay. It's dumb, he knows she can take care of herself, but leaving friends to deal with this wild crap on their own doesn't sit right with him.]
Yeah. That's right, you guys saved the day, and your team must have done a lot to get those soldiers back home. Can't really ask for a whole lot more than that, can you?
[He's a little proud, he'll admit it.]
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Would you like to come with me, then? O-Only if you have the time! There are some neat places I could show you if you're interested. There's a bakery and a bookstore and a wizard's shop and a store with fish swimming around...
[ All the important things to keep track of, really.
Orihime did feel most comfortable being on the support team, to be honest, with a real lack of understanding how the magic in this world works. She has to think about others who had only just arrived and were told to stand on the front lines. What was it like for them?
She'd be lying if she said she hadn't thought about what Ichigo would have done in that situation. Really, Blanc is lucky to have him here.
At his assurance, she brightens up a little more and nods with a smile. ]
Mhm! I hope the rest of our missions go well, too. They don't always send us into battle, though. They give us jobs that we can do if we'd like to earn more money, or on quests to retrieve items or discover new areas! I haven't done much of those, but I've heard about them. People here really want to rely on us, Kurosaki-kun. I--
[ She pauses. ]
...I want to go home, but I can't help but feel like it would be turning my back on people here too. I know it's impossible to do both at the same time, but...
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I don't really have anything but free time, so, sure. Show me around.
[A bakery... well, they need food, same goes for the fishies. And the other places might be good for information, clearly. Wizards are known to be wise and full of knowledge, it's a fact. Plus, they get to walk around and catch up on what happened in the month she's been here, while he, er... considers telling her about what happens in the future. It may or may not be a good idea to do so, still weighing it.]
They're definitely keeping us busy, aren't they...
[Which is. Not necessarily a bad thing, but not automatically good, either. Learning more about this place is more than likely a positive thing, but this isn't their world. Their home. They don't belong here, they shouldn't be wasting time earning money that won't be of any use once they leave, everything he's doing is done so darn begrudgingly.
But, then-]
I know, I know how you feel.
[It's frustrating! He cares, because he's a big hero dork, and leaving people behind to suffer is obviously a bad thing. There he goes, being all begrudging again, and he definitely has the thin-lipped, resigned half-grimacy look people get when they're grudging, but of all people, he would know best that he's going to relent and make sure the day is saved before going back and saving another entirely separate day.]
We're going to have to figure out a way to keep all these people safe before we go. There's so many of us 'heroes' here, someone's gonna come up with some bright idea, then we can get back where we belong without worrying.
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Still, she's overjoyed to hear his response. Getting to spend time with Ichigo is always a good thing! But getting to spend time with Ichigo when it isn't directly related to a current mission or battle or whatever is even better! ]
That's great! [ Yes, she is pleased. ] There are so many places I want to show you!
[ She doesn't want to usurp too much of his time, but she could easily spend a day showing him around to all her usual haunts, even if a lot of them are food related.
Orihime knows that he would understand. Ichigo is a very caring person who always wants to do the right thing. He wants to help people, it's like he's made to help people, and nothing gets in his way when he's set his mind to something. He won't let anyone down here, not if he can help it, strangers or not. It's one of the many things she admires about him. ]
...You're right. I'm forgetting that there are other people here for the same reason. It's not like we have to do this alone, huh? Some people even want to stay!
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You've been scoping the place out, huh? [He laughs. Why wouldn't she?] Alright, we can set aside a day or two and just walk around. Not like there's school or anything to worry about.
[And when she doesn't have his attention, he'll... probably be slamming his face into books at the library looking for something useful for their situation. The good library, not the cursed one where people get charmed and students get lost forever. Let's never go back there again.]
Mm. [Nod, nod.] I've talked to a couple people around here. A lot of them are smart, and they've been around here a while, they can figure this out if we can't.
[Not that he's giving up and letting them do all the work, of course! He's going to do everything he can to find a way to end this war, save the day, and get everyone- well. Almost everyone back. His expression sobers up a bit.]
Someone mentioned... there's people that get brought here before they die, back in their own world. I guess they wouldn't be in any rush to get back where they came from.
letter! mid-septemberish
Ichigo-kun,
Please forgive me for not seeking you out earlier. There have been some personal issues I've been taking care of, as it seems that even here they follow me!
I hope that you're doing as well as can be expected, I realize waking up here is quite jarring. I still wake up expecting to be home...but I suppose that can't be remedied.
I'm simply writing to let you know that should you need anything, I'm always here. And I'd like to take you to dinner in the capital sometime soon, should you like to do! There's much to discuss, and plenty to be amused by!
Best,
Kyouraku Shunsui
a letter in response!
Kyouraku-san,
It's good to hear from you, and I'm really glad you're here. If you're anything like me, you'd rather be back in Soul Society and dealing with Yhwach right now, but if I'm going to be stuck here, I'd rather have all the backup I can get.
I'm getting used to this place as well as I can. It feels strange having my powers removed again, you must know how that feels. I've managed to accept I'm stuck here like this until the time comes where they send us back, though, so I'm going to have to get used to it.
Dinner sometime sounds nice. You should invite Inoue and Keigo, as well, I'm sure they'd appreciate the meal and discussing the whole situation. I've been told you've been here a lot longer than the rest of us, so you probably know more than us three put together.
With thanks,
Kurosaki Ichigo
Video! ID: Sakuranosuke
"Ichigo-kun! I just wondered if you might want to have your own room rather than sharing with three other people? Unfortunately you'd still need to share bathroom and kitchen facilities, but I purchased a house not long ago and it's far too big for me alone!
You're of course welcome to the entire property! There are gardens and a lake, and the home is very nice!
Please don't feel obligated if you'd rather not, but should you want to, a room is yours!"
That is the derpiest grin ever, probably, before he turns and points the camera at the house.
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"Hey, Kyouraku-san. That's a really kind offer of you to make, and I think I may take you up on that. Having a room to myself would be fantastic."
See, he knew Kyouraku was a good guy, what with the whole offering him a place with some privacy and helping save Rukia before that and everything. A very strange man, but trustworthy.
"I'll get back to you soon with a definite answer as soon as I clear everything up around here." Oh, but- "Have you talked with Inoue or Keigo about this? Keigo's... he'll come around, with regards to you, I'm sure."
Man, he's glad Keigo didn't actually punch him.
voice ➣ id: orihimetron3000
Good morning, Kurosaki-kun!
[ It's not too early, but she knows Ichigo usually has things to do. He's not the type of person to laze around all day, even if he deserves to. ]
I hope this isn't too early...a-and I know this is kind of out of the blue!
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But he does answer once he hears who it is, don't worry.]
Hey, Inoue. Mornin'.
[He has... depressingly few things to do, actually. Just more training, more reading, more giving himself knots in his back thanks to constantly pushing himself.]
What is it? Did you need a hand with something?
[She sounds kind of nervous...]
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He does sound a little on the sleepier end, though. Now she feels bad. ]
Oh...! I'm sorry, did I wake you...?
[ Should she have waited? SHE SHOULD HAVE WAITED! Why did you do this now, Orihime. What if he needs the sleep but decided to be polite and answer his phone--er...bear...? ]
I-It's nothing important! I was just...wanting to see if you were maybe hungry but I should have called later, shouldn't I have?
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No, no, it's alright.
[He can't be lazy and stay asleep forever! She done a good thing, really, and he'd say as much except he has no idea how bad she's freaking out over there......]
It's okay, I needed to get up anyway, and breakfast sounds nice. [Blink, blink. The sun does seem awfully high out there.] Or maybe lunch, at this point. Were you cooking something again?
[It's always an adventure when she's in the kitchen. Should he be preparing himself for it now?]
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Is it really alright? She feels bad. He's working hard and if he's not getting enough sleep then he's just going to make himself sick. She doesn't want to make him sick! ]
Actually...there's someplace I wanted to show you! It's a small bakery that has lots of different types of breads!
[ She starts to count them off. ] Sweet, savory, salty, spicy, sour...
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Don't fret over him, he's a big strong doofus and is way too cool to let himself catch anything. Yep, everything is always gonna come up Ichigo, forever and a thousand years.]
That's a lot of breads. [Sour? Like sourdough?] Guess it can't hurt to go by, I'm not really using the money I got from that weird tour a bunch of us did on anything.
When'd you want to go?
[He should probably shower and change and stuff. Don't wanna go out all grotty.]
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But...he wants to go!! Or at least he's willing to entertain the notion. That gets her to perk up immediately. ]
W-Whenever you'd like! Um, I don't have a lot to do today--at least nothing that I have to do at certain times, so it's just whenever works for you...
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But. Anyway. Yes, food does sound good, he hasn't been eating nearly enough and he knows it. Getting some sweet and sour bread is a good plan.]
How about in a half hour or so, then? Shouldn't take me much longer than that to get ready.
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Half an hour? She can definitely wait that long! Even if that will mostly contain her actually just waiting anxiously. No pressure. ]
That sounds great! Would you like me to stop by your room since you're just next door?
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Yeah, he... he assumes she'll do something productive in that time. Like, brush her hair, or take care of her silly carrier, something like that.]
That'll be fine. I'm going to go jump in the shower, talk to you in a little bit?
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Her carrier is adorable, okay. Hopefully Ichigo won't mind that Kou-kun will be coming with them. ]
A-Alright!
[ And ANXIOUSLY WAIT SHE WILL! Only looking at the clock every five minutes or so. He said half an hour and she wants to give him enough time to shower and decidedly not think about the fact that that's what he said he was doing. Her pangolin is a decent enough distraction with how he just rolls around and bumps into her feet, at least. ]
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And of course Kou can come. Hope she feels the same way about Bearit.]
Great. See you then.
[Doop, he's off to shower, then. It's a pretty uneventful kind of event, really, though he does try to speed it up a bit just to make sure he doesn't keep Orihime waiting. By the time the appointed minute comes, he's fresh, dressed, and only a little damp in his orange spikes. Time to go and eat a bread.]
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SAID NO ONE. Okay, well, probably everyone but Orihime, but she doesn't expect him to put the same weight on this as she does. And that's okay! She's happy to just get to spend time with him.
She decides it's okay to leave her room exactly two minutes before the agreed upon meeting time. Not that it takes her two minutes to step outside her door and turn to the side, but...but still! There's something to be said about being polite and early, right? She knows not to knock or to try and listen or anything to see if he's ready because then she'd look like a pervert. And she doesn't want to do that.
When Ichigo does emerge, she's right there, almost jumping at his appearance with her own anxious excitement.
Ah...she can tell his hair is still kind of wet. Is that weird? Hopefully he didn't rush on her account... ]
Kurosaki-kun! [ She greets him warmly. He carrier makes a small trilling sound next to her. ] I hope you're hungry. They're having a special today. Buy three get one free!
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Yes, she... doesn't want to look like a pervert. Never. That'd be like wearing a skimpy outfit because some idiot who enjoys messing with people thought it'd be funny. Anyway, her punctuality is right on, and when she knocks, Ichigo's just about ready to step out the door, himself, so it takes about two seconds before it opens up.
Lucky Hime, she's one of the first to see him in his brand new swanky casual clothes, the first and thus far only thing he's bought with his job money. It's nothing special, just a bog standard shirt, pants, and jacket combo, but it beats the heck out of wearing that dopey uniform all the time.]
Hey, Inoue. [He's all smiling and warm, too, and aww, her carrier is so cute. Meanwhile, Bearit is toddling along behind him, as self-absorbed and preening as ever.] Sounds like a good deal, I'll probably pick some extra up to take home. Is it a long walk to wherever it is we're going?
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She should have changed!! Why didn't she change...
Does this mean she looks dopey? Will her dopey-ness bring down his own cool and casual image? Good job, Hime! Pay attention!
She keeps this internal turmoil, well, internal. Which is for the best. She just keeps her back straight and tries to smile in a way that doesn't make her look weird.
Orihime shakes her head to his question as Kou watches Bearit curiously. Kou is curious by nature, but...also a little air-headed. ]
Only about...fifteen, twenty minutes! Depending on how fast we walk. And I think it's a nice day outside, so...um...we should be okay! If you don't mind walking...
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Anyway. Just to reiterate, this is a judgment free zone, he won't blink twice at her going out in the fancy duds. In fact, he isn't thinking about anything at all except how nice that bread sounds, he hasn't eaten since afternoon the day before, so he's really looking for to this. Her smile looks as natural as can be to him, and he's ready to roll!
As for Bearit, well... as long as Kou doesn't muss up his fur, they'll get along. He just looks at him, sniffs, and gets back to making sure his fur is immaculate.]
That's not bad, walking'll be alright. We should be back in an hour or so, leaves plenty of time for everything else I've got to do today.
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S-Still...bread! Bread is good, and tasty, and there are so many different types to choose from. Orihime hasn't had the chance to sample every kind yet, but she hopes to do so before they eventually leave this place. ]
G-Great! Let's go!
[ She is excited to get to spend some time with him. You know, just...friend time. Time that isn't expressly about school or a mission. It's a nice change.
Orihime clasps her hands behind her back as they begin to walk. Kou takes a moment before bounding after her. ]
Do you have a lot to do after food?