3rd Blog - Back in Black ೕ(•̀ᴗ•́)

[majestiq]

Text - Locked to her old CR (anyone who know her enough from back then)

[ Despite the years that have passed in her world, all the experiences that brought her happiness and heartbreak, waking up in The Bay just feels like something that happened yesterday. Or a recurring lucid dream. After grumbling to herself in the pod, Mariko leaves The Bay and drowned out the sounds of Weiss' hologram after listening to it long enough. So far, it seems nothing has changed. It only filled her mind with so many questions. Mainly, who is still around here? Only one way to find out ]

> Yo (^～^;)ゞ
> It's Mariko
> Still alive?

Comments

[im_gonna_heal_u]

[ Konoka had been ending her shift in Everglade. By now the sun was low and while she was more than capable of defending herself now, she sure didn't like to be wandering around Everglade at night without a plan. She very much doubted her protection from Castlevania was effective anymore.

She had just stepped back in Genessia when she got a buzz and noticed a text... from Mariko.

Someone she thought was gone.

Eyes wide in surprise, Konoka took a moment to stare in wonder, before finally deciding to text back. She rapidly pinned her reply. ]

Mariko-han? That you? (O_O")

[ghostofrazgriz]

[Blaze was hard at work in Attleton as usual when he got the text, and when he'd glance over at it, he'd actually stare at the message for a bit. For one, it was a (welcome) surprise to get a message from Mariko, but the way she worded it just made him think of a certain pilot from a particular documentary that he'd watched at home over and over again. He couldn't help but smile a bit at it, even if it was something only he'd really understand.]

Still alive, yes, but probably starting to go grey early.

It's been a while. How are you?

[majestiq]

> Why? Is there another Mariko in your life? (ㅍ＿ㅍ )
> Yeah it's me. The redhead with all smiles.
> How long was I out?

[majestiq]

> Wondering if my stuff is still here
> But mostly wondering how long was I gone here
> I don't
> even remember when I was brought back home
> All of this is still too weird

[ghostofrazgriz]

So you were sent home for a while too?

[That explains why he hadn't seen her in a while.]

It's a disorienting feeling, for sure.

I hadn't seen you since you were at the hospital. But there might be someone who has your belongings.

[im_gonna_heal_u]

That's definitely you, alright. (^__^;)

I'm doing fine, especially now that I'm not stuck in Castlevania.

You've been out for a few months now.

[majestiq]

> That's putting it lightly
> To me, it's been two years
> Dunno how long I was out in here
> Nothing seems to have changed from what I can see

[ghostofrazgriz]

If I'm remembering right, it's been less than a year since we met.

The most that's changed have been the Guardians. Otherwise, it's still all the same.

[majestiq]

> Right
> Good for you
> But just a few months?
> And how many months is a few, exactly?
> Ugh. This is all trippy ( > _ > ;)

[majestiq]

> Guardians
> Right
> Almost forgot those exist here (ﾟ×ﾟlll)
> Guess that's a good thing...?
> Not to sound like a jerk but
> What were you again? (@ _ @;)

[ All she needs is to remember everything, and to find someplace to gather her thoughts. ]

[ghostofrazgriz]

[He can't really blame her. It might just be easier to reintroduce himself. Might help her out.]

I'm Blaze, the former pilot of the Osean Air Defense Force.

Here I'm just a part-time librarian, and in my second term as Attleton's Guardian.

[majestiq]

[ She knew the name "Blaze" on the phone directory sounded familiar. She saw it on his jacket at the hospital, and she remembers seeing the Osean Air Defense Force patch on it too, giving her a clearer face of who this person is. Awkwardness filled her thoughts after remembering how she was with Blaze back then. In her defense, she was 16 at the time. Although she's still kind of a handful even now ]

> Oh
> Hello again

[ A long pause comes after before Mariko sends him another message ]

> And thanks
> by the way
> for the help
> I think I can make it on my own from here
> I just need to find a job first

[ghostofrazgriz]

[Despite being text, that shift in tone was hard to miss, and was kind of unexpected. He did remember what she was like the last they met, but he certainly didn't have any hard feelings about it. Reacting the way she did was probably warranted... and, well, maybe their age gaps didn't help.

But Blaze, being the good guy he is, certainly wasn't going to prod any deeper into things. It was her business, not his.]

I'm glad to help.

I doubt I need to give you the sitrep on anything else then. I'm sure you know your way around from last time.

But if you do need anything, I'll help how I can.

[im_gonna_heal_u]

Ah, I don't remember. Maybe 7 months or so?

I guess it must feel weird disappearing and coming back, huh.

We should get together again, regardless.

[majestiq]

> Yeah no kidding (；￣Д￣）
> It's like reliving a bad dream
> But sure
> I could use a familiar face to get used to this place again
> Where are you anyway?

[majestiq]

> Okay

[ Mariko was feeling unsure on what else to do, or say. Right now she's just aimlessly wandering the city. But a minute later, she responds again ]

> Where can we get weapons here?
> Would people even allow me to get one
> without a license or some kind?
> Not feeling really safe without something to protect me

[ For someone who has a guardian spirit always protecting her, who she learned to command and transform into a guitar and a rifle, Mariko doesn't really need a weapon. But she's got kind of a fetish for the military ]

[im_gonna_heal_u]

I'm headed back home. I got an apartment in Holly Ridge.

Meet me there?

[ And in the meantime, Konoka decided to hurry home so she could meet her there. She figured Mariko would have a time struggling. ]

[alwaysimpaled]

[The reply comes late and slightly less coherent than normal, but he's been drinking and sleeping so he's kinda groggy.]

It took me tree takes to realization it was you, Maria.

[At least autocorrect is working.]

[majestiq]

> Wtf Dante ಠ_ಠ
> Right
> Okay
> Either you suddenly forgot to write in human
> or autocorrect is messing with you

[majestiq]

> Uh sure?
> Not really going anywhere
> Just walking around town
> See you there

[ Mariko exits the text messager to use the map app of this convenient device, typing down Holly Ridge with blinding texter speed, and marks her location. Having devices like these that work like typical smartphones from back home is a huge load off Mariko's shoulders.

But since she wandered off pretty far, and only walked her way to Holly Ridge, Mariko arrived a little late. Konoka would have waited a while before she sees a familiar red haired woman, with hands in her pockets and headphones slung around her neck. Not much seemed to have changed from a distance, but a closer look says Mariko is a tad older than she was back then. Unfortunately, she didn't get to grow taller than she'd like though. ]

Well you look like you're about to cry. Waited too long?

[ Said in the driest tone ever ]

[alwaysimpaled]

I peed the sick

[im_gonna_heal_u]

[ Konoka had arrived home soon enough. Fortunately it seemed Mariko hadn't arrived, so she took the time to clean up her apartment a little bit. It wasn't like she particularly let it get dirty, but habits had been drilled into her since she was a kid, and they weren't anything she wanted to shake.

Of course, she did have time to wait, and excitement soon became a little worry. But before she could really stew in it, however, Mariko finally appeared.

Mariko's dry remark had actually been inaccurate... until the second she said it. They only met briefly, and yet Konoka felt like she had missed her for a long time. ]

Mariko-han...!

[ Mariko better be prepared for a hug bomb. Konoka practically tackled her with one. ]

[majestiq]

> ꉂ (´∀｀)ʱªʱªʱª
> Yep
> You forgot how to human alright
> Peed the sick
> Never dropping that btw
> "Hey I'm Dante, I peed the sick"
> lmao

[majestiq]

[ Mariko's instinctive reaction was to brace for impact, lowering her center of gravity just before Konoka leaped in and tackled her out to the hallway. A groan escaped Mariko, before her face turned awkward at the unexpected gesture. A hug? Why? They don't really know each other well, so Mariko is just all kinds of puzzled, unaware that Konoka's been pretty lonely here as evident in her snooping on people for Valentine's Day.

So Mariko just gives Konoka a pat on the back with a sigh. ]

Oookay, okay. Yay. Mariko's back. Let's all give her a hug.

[ The hug lasted longer than Mariko would like, so after that sarcastic celebration, she follows: ]

I'm not sure if I'm just that cuddly or you fell asleep. Gonna get up anytime soon? That old lady down the hall is looking at us funny.

[im_gonna_heal_u]

[ Maybe she missed people more than she knew. She talked to plenty of people, but had she even had anyone over or sat next to someone in a few months? Maybe she was more starved for attention than she thought.

But still, Mariko was right. Wasn't this kinda rude? ]

AH! So sorry! I guess I got overexcited!

[ Konoka rebounded away, even giving the odd lady an apologetic gesture before slipping back into her apartment and dragging Mariko with her. Only after closing the door did Konoka sigh in relief. ]

Are you okay? No...[ She shook her head for asking an obvious question for an answer was likely negative. ] I assume you're still feeling weird. Please sit down. I can get you some tea if you want.