Autumn, October 23rd - Keeping In Touch

[zenoh]

Audio - Locked to Dante Sparda, Sonico, Faye Valentine, Cassian Andor, Tanya Labayne, Kaguya Houraisan, Yuyuko Saigyouji, Orihime Inoue

[ Ever since the start of Genessia's latest game with it's citizens, Ayame hasn't been her usual self. Her encounter with her fears in Attleton has driven her into a more distant emotional state. She hasn't been talking to her friends, let alone be her usual mild-mannered self with them. The mornings in Genessia City feels like a nightmare in a way. Every night the city turns into a warzone, and they are expected to go back to their usual grind once the sun rises. It felt off, but a part of her welcomes the night in it's kindness to allow her to let off some steam. She wasn't sure if it's just her natural drive to help people that made her jump into the fray, or if it was the unresolved frustration of what happened to her in Attleton that makes her so angry.

Having cooled off with a long shower at the second floor of her tailor shop, Ayame eyes her phone for a moment and decides to contact her friends and recent acquaintances - the ones she hasn't run into or made their presences known through the network. ]

It's Ayame.

[ There was a second-long pause as she tried to find her words. She lacked her formality and feels stiff and straight to the point ]

I haven't heard from any of you. What's your status?

[ There is one person she wanted to contact as well - Satsuki - but Ayame couldn't talk to her like this and right now. Not after Satsuki had to see her in such a vulnerable state already. Hearing her being like this after that fact just feels too much to bear. She doesn't want Satsuki to see her being weak ]

Comments

Locked to Satsuki Kiryuin - Oct. 28th - Evening

[zenoh]

[ With what happened to Ayame at the beginning of this strange event, what happens next is inevitable. Shaken by her worst memories and fears taking form, Ayame suffered through a deep state of melancholy before it eventually grew into anger. At herself, at her predicament, and how a mere illusion managed to reduce her into her weakest state yet. Her mind reverted back to her old self as an effort to keep her emotions in check. Cold and single-minded, but lacking the very thing that made her great: her courage.

After a week of introspecting, Ayame channels her emotions into a righteous fury, gearing up and heading to Attleton with one goal in mind. But not before she sends Satsuki a message; saying should something happen to her, should she die in this encounter, she trusts Satsuki to do what she will with whatever possessions Ayame had in this world. Without giving Satsuki a chance to reply or to stop her from facing her fears alone, Ayame goes ahead and enters the Attleton archway.

Hours passed, and Ayame is nowhere to be seen in Attleton. Strange booming noises in the sky travel to different parts of the city, eventually leading to an empty clearing in a forested area of Attleton. A ghostly image of shattered glass appears in the sky, throwing an injured Ayame out and causing her to crash on the ground with great force that it rumbled the earth. Gritting her teeth, she gets up despite the ghostly swords impaling her body. Her furious glare eyes the portal, as a black mass of smoke flows out of it like a tidal wave, howling a shrill wail as it darkens everything it touches.

Ayame's knees tremble as she continues to ignore the pain of her wounds. Pulling the swords out from her own flesh and watching it heal in an instant, Ayame keeps on fighting regardless of how hopeless it seems. She's been fighting this dark entity for hours to no avail, and it's starting to look like a repeat of what happened the first time. But with her rage fueling her to defeat the creature, Ayame charges at it with whatever powers she has left.

Tendrils of black smoke strikes at her from all sides, causing Ayame to stop in her tracks to form a white barrier around herself. A brutal collision of dark energy against the warm white light of her shrinking barrier causes her strength to fade. As she continues to be locked into this stalemate, she musters as much of her power to keep the barrier up, but this black mass gets stronger the more she gets weaker.

Aside from the sounds, the lights of this clash of powers would give Satsuki a location to home in on where her friend could possibly be ]

[Video]

[leekspins]

[The fact that this is coming through on audio, not video, makes her a little worried. But she doesn't want to make Ayame worried either, so she responds quickly.]

I'm okay. Just a little tired.

[Fighting monsters at night and healing the wounded in the day doesn't really give her much time to rest. But she does what she can!]

Ne, what about you? You're not hurt?

[Video]

[imperishableprincess]

I'm fine. All I've had to do is keep to my schedule.

[And it gave her an excuse to drink and play video games.]

How about yourself?

[ Video ]

[noblyblooming]

[Yuyuko's still getting the hand of this whole phone business. She keeps trying to change the angle of the video, but at this point, she does know it's on! Progress.

...she also appears to be wearing some sort of fancy-looking witch costume, with black spider-web sleeves and of course a pointy hat.]

Hm...I believe I'm doing alright. These costumes are a little strange, though.

[Audio]

[alwaysimpaled]

I've been patrolling primarily. Whole city is on edge. How's things on your end?

[zenoh]

You don't seem to be. I'm glad.

[ Ayame sighs. Whether it's out of relief or worry, it's difficult to tell. But she is relieved that Dante is doing alright from the sound of it. She envies his fearlessness ]

I called to ask a favor. Could you watch over my house while I'm gone? I have food in the fridge I don't want to get stale. If something smells stale, could you take them out?

[ She hasn't been home in a week now, as Dante may or may not have noticed. ]

[zenoh]

[ Ayame normally would have made a comment on the costume and how cute Yuyuko looks in it, but she said nothing. She remains in audio form, looking at the screen while it's propped up on a table ]

Good. I was worried that you have ended up in a sticky situation. I'm glad to hear that you're safe, Yuyuko.

[ She sighs, relieved and stressed at her entire situation. But she tries to maintain her calm. To untrained ears, it shouldn't sound like a big deal ]

I see you're in Fayren. If I could bother you for a minute to ask a favor, I would be grateful.

[zenoh]

[ Being one of her closest friends in this world, Ayame is more comfortable with Kaguya's company than the rest of who she's contacted with so far. It's like speaking to an older sister figure, and in the back of her mind, she is hoping Kaguya would have some advice for her. Being an immortal usually means one is wise, right? But Ayame isn't holding her breathe either. It's quite foolish of her to expect that sort of thing, from anyone, anyway. ]

I'm stuck here in Genessia City. Have been since this entire mess has started.

[ Ayame pauses, not sure of what to say next. She wants to be with a friend, to remind her of the good times, and her options are limited by those who are in Genessia City. She feels so locked out ]

There's still many hours until dark. If you're not busy... Do you wish to meet in person?

[zenoh]

No, I'm fine.

[ Not really. Physically, she's unharmed. Although she is slightly exhausted. Even more so mentally and emotionally, still. She can sit and lie down, but her heart still races. She gets flashbacks, and anxiety attacks in the middle of work,
hence why she closes her shop for today. Those are things she wishes to be able to admit, but she couldn't. Not with her lingering pride, and not to someone who barely knows her. ]

I'm glad to hear that you're safe, Orihime. It must have been quite the reminder of what this world is capable of. This is perhaps the worst one I've ever experienced in my time here.

[imperishableprincess]

[Kaguya probably wouldn't consider herself so much 'wise' as experienced. This is the same immortal who spends her free time playing video games and teasing poor Satsuki, after all.]

Oh? I haven't left the city either. [She hasn't had a reason to.]

If you'd like. I'll be at my shop for a while yet.

[noblyblooming]

Ah, no. Unless the false spider-webs count.

[There's a slightly amused giggle from the ghostly woman.]

But yes, I'm quite unharmed, and while the city is...colorful right now, it appears to be safe enough.

[...except for some poor sweets shop. Which she's not going to mention right now.]

A favor? I can lend my ear at least, but I cannot make any guarantees.

[zenoh]

[ Yuyuko's amusement brought some comfort to Ayame. It manages to wash away some of her seriousness and made her smile, even a little bit. ]

I see. It's not incredibly important, but I own a store in Fayren, and I haven't checked up on it in about a week now. I was hoping someone in Fayren could check it for me. Just for the sake of my peace of mind.

[ Her smile turns sheepish, slightly. She knows Yuyuko is just a recent friend, and while her favor isn't really much and of extremely high importance. But calming down from her minor worry would probably help her with her major fear ]

I'll tell you where to go, should you be available.

[Audio] -> [Action]

[zenoh]

[ Kaguya's freedom from worry or any fear is something Ayame is admiring right now. But upon hearing Kaguya agree to meet, a small weight is lifted off Ayame's chest ]

Very well. I'll see you then.

[ She ends the call. A little later, a car parks in front of the store and Ayame steps out with her pets in tow. Two cats, a big wolfdog, and a Gardevoir. She sent a text message along the way that she'll be arriving with some company. But she didn't specify. Entering the store, Chimecho alerted Kaguya of an arrival. She looks different today than usual. Always whenever she meets with Kaguya, Ayame is dressed professionally. But now, she's just wearing a comfortable set of a hoodie and some leggings, and some plain flat shoes. She gives Kaguya a nod in greeting ]

Sorry for the mess.

[ Ayame jokes, or tried to at least. Owners of the home are usually the ones to say that, but Ayame is mostly referring to herself. Poking fun of her current condition ]

video;

[massdistraction]

You don't need to worry about me, love. There's nothing this place is throwing that I haven't dealt with before.

[She's quite enjoying Genessia City's night shift since Everglade's got laws to prevent her from getting her usual thrills.]

How you holding up, honey?

[imperishableprincess]

[It's one of the side-effects of being immortal. What need is there for fear when nothing can kill you? Kaguya is seated off to the side in her shop, actually working on another bonsai rather than playing a video game as usual, and she's wearing a kimono from Ayame's shop as well, one with a maple-leaf design. The design is...a little more twisted and Halloween-ish than most of the others. Tis the season!

She glances up as Hibiki chimes, letting her know there's a visitor. Setting down her small pair of shears, she offers Ayame a smile, although she does take note that something is off. The outfit, while an indicator, isn't that unusual. She should see Kaguya at home.]

No apology is necessary.

[She hums, before rising to her feet and stretching. Apparently she's been working for a while. Kaguya does stare at her pets for a moment, but she trusts that they will be well-behaved under Ayame's supervision.]

Shall I get some tea going?

[noblyblooming]

[Yuyuko hums thoughtfully as she mulls over Ayame's request, before nodding.]

I believe I can do that. [It sounds simple enough, really.]

Where is this shop? It should only take a few moments for me to get there.

[The wonders of being able to fly!]

audio

[captain_by_the_book]

Holding up as well as can be expected under the circumstances. Considering I can't catch you at home currently, I'm assuming you have run into Attleton's latest attraction.

[ He's sounding wry, emotionally exhausted, though not tired. ]

[alwaysimpaled]

This is rather par for the course for me really.

[You can almost hear the unimpressed shrug in his tone of voice.]

Sure thing. Mind if I ask why though? Everything okay with you?

[He had noticed, but with being busy with the patrols, he didn't say much because he just figured she was busy. Now though, he's worried.]

[zenoh]

Please.

[ As if snapping out of her daze, Ayame nods and lets go of her hold on Himiko's leash, and glances at Hibana to put the two cats down and keep an eye on the animals. Sooner or later, Hibana would run into the Clefairy. Hibiki is immediately fascinated by the Chimecho, climbing on an empty shelf to get a closer look. Sisko, a munchkin cat, just wandered around the corners of the store, looking around in wonder. Whereas Himiko stayed close to her master, following Ayame to wherever she goes.

Feeling quite at home, Ayame follows Kaguya to the back room, remembering this is how they first got to know each other ]

This brings back memories...

[zenoh]

You should see it quite clearly, it's the only place in Fayren with sakura trees in full bloom all year, with a cobblestone path with colorful pillars.

[ Regardless, Ayame sent more details through text. ]

You have my gratitude, Yuyuko. I believe there is a can of cookies there in my office. I want you to have it in exchange for your help.

[zenoh]

I haven't been to Attleton since this whole thing has started.

[ Which should really answer his question. Ayame didn't want to have to say it out loud that she is indeed, not alright. But she adds something after a moment of silence, hoping to reassure Dante even a little ]

But I'm making do. I'm currently living on the second floor of my shop in Genessia, and managed to bring my pets with me.

[ Himiko barks in the background ]

[zenoh]

That is a relief to hear.

[ Ayame gives a small huff, hearing Dante say pretty much the same thing, mixing relief and slight amusement in Tanya's confidence. Thinking about it, those two would get along very well ]

I'm holding up fine. I'm fortunate enough to have a living space in my shop here, so I don't have to go back to Attleton until this is all over. It lacks the comforts of home, but it should do in the meantime.

[zenoh]

You would be right. I haven't stepped foot in Attleton since the entire thing has started.

[ Ayame sighs, rubbing her forehead at her frustration with current events ]

Though I am glad to hear that you're holding up. How is K2, is he with you?

[ She assumes that K2 would be. She doubts a robot would have the same fears as a human, but she figured to ask anyway. K2 is a friend too, after all. ]

[noblyblooming]

Oh, now that sounds rather lovely. Very well, I'll see to it.

[She's honestly only hung out around the main populated area...and the taverns and whatnot. She stays wherever the food is. But Yuyuko heads on out to check up on Ayame's shop as requested.

...and maybe twenty minutes later or so, she responds with a mouth full of cookie.]

Nothing seems to be out of the ordinary...? [A pause.]

I assume so, anyway.

[imperishableprincess]

[Tsukiyo, Kaguya's Clefairy had herself a little nest behind the cash register, made out of the ugliest sweaters imaginable. Why? Kaguya has no idea, but hey, as long as she doesn't have to wear them, she doesn't care. Hibiki the Chimecho just floats around by the door, seeming like the most content little thing in the world, although it does glance back at the dog curiously.

Kaguya thumbed through a number of bags containing different blends of tea before selecting one and adding it to her teapot. Then she took a seat opposite Ayame, smiling and leaning back. As it began to steep, the aroma of vanilla would fill the room.]

Is that so?