nysalogs | OPEN! let's go gem-hunting

Entry tags:

OPEN! let's go gem-hunting

Who: tiger boy (

gekkajuu) & anyone interested
What: gem-hunting for ~~a creepy cultist~~ Overseer Voss! (also a catch-all for other stuff, maybe)
When: this month
Where: all over like a bad rash
Warning(s): none, probably? soosh living the cinnamon roll life. will edit if necessary

Atsushi is enjoying his new job at the stables, but there's not always as much work as he'd like, and while he loves all the animals (well... most of them, anyway), he really misses traveling around to gather samples for the Institute, the way he used to. Nothing made him feel quite as connected with (and at home on) this planet, the way that had.

So when he hears about the Temples asking for crystal drops and other gems - and paying good money for them, too - he decides to go for it. Admittedly his first experience getting those crystal drops was a little -... Well, it was an experience, to say the least. But he'd succeeded - and that means he can do it again, right?

If he runs into any of his friends, either before he leaves or along the way, he'll be happy to continue the quest together and share the profits. And if people he doesn't know seem to be after the same thing? Well, Atsushi for one is happy to work together. The more, the merrier!

1. crystal drops

Enchanted waters sound very nice, but in Atsushi's experience, they're an inconvenience more than anything. Not that his experience gathering crystal drops was bad as such, but it's still left him with a bitter aftertaste. He literally hadn't known what he was getting into. But he's more prepared now, having brought a net of sorts. He can grab a branch to attach it to, and that will make everything far easier to handle! The less wet he gets, the better.

Admittedly, using a net on the rocky bottom of a stream or lagoon isn't the brightest idea he's ever had... but maybe he'll catch something else before he has to get into the (formerly?) enchanted water, after all. And if he transforms his eyes, maybe he can spot the crystal drops from the shore! ... At least: if he gets close enough to the water that the sparkling surface doesn't block his vision.

There's no way that could go wrong or anything.

((OOC: Pick your water effect, if any! Also: feel free to decide whether Atsushi's cub has come along to wreak minor havoc or not.))

2. Flona Cove

While this wasn't exactly a part of Overseer Voss' request, Atsushi remembers the stories of beautiful jewels being found in some of the lagoons here. At the time of the beach party, the weather had been great, and as a result, competition had been fierce enough that Atsushi simply hadn't bothered trying to make an extra buck. Yes, he appreciated earning money - but not at all cost.

Now, however, it's freezing, and nobody in their right mind would dive deep into the water for a few gems that may or may not be worth the effort. But that just makes Atsushi eager to try! Even if Overseer Voss isn't interested, someone else might be interested in some shinies.

Atsushi tries to be prepared, bringing some dry clothes, and making a small fire on the shore to warm himself on after the fact. Will it really be worth the effort? ... Well, if nothing else, he tried.

3. Edrathe Ruins

"There's definitely something there," he half-whispers at the opening of the cave. It's a feeling more than a true observation, but lots of animals would choose a cave to spend the winter at, and Atsushi has a bad feeling about this one.

Still, this is where those other gems are supposedly found, so he'll take his chances.

"Maybe it's hibernating..? If we're quiet, we might not wake it."

It's not a bad idea. At least: not until they find the gems, and those have to be cut free from the cave walls. Maybe Atsushi can be a distraction and lure the beast away, so his partner can focus on the jewels? Of course, there's no better way to test a new friendship than to see if people will just run away with the loot while Atsushi is fighting for his life.

4. wildcard

((idk hit me))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Who wouldn't like a bit of extra income? Certainly the gathering of gems for the Overseer sound tempting enough that Reign decided to give it a try. At least the lakes weren't within Wyver itself, so the temperature was bearable for the vampire.

The question now would be how was he going to gather the gems, since he heard that those gems were generally found at the bottom of the water. Maybe if he were lucky, there might be some on the shore instead and he could avoid getting into the water. Besides, Reign didn't relish testing what kind of enchantment the waters had.

He was strolling along the shores when something bumped against his leg. Looking down, his eyes widened at the sight of a white tiger cub. With a squeal, he couched down, elbows on his knees and hands cupping his face, making soft cooing sounds at the animal. ]

Awww~ What an adorable creature you are. Are you lost?

[There were times when the cub behaved well enough - at least when it came to following Atsushi around - but either it had napped too much or it was just in a Mood, because it had an excess of restless energy that was testing even Atsushi's generous patience. He didn't want to put the cub on a leash if he didn't have to, but at this rate...]

Daifuku! Stop running aw-... Oh! Reign-san!

[Fortunately, while Daifuku was undoubtedly naughty, he was never aggressive, only (very) playful, and while he would try to headbutt Reign's hands and maybe nip at his fingers, he would be gentle about it, not breaking skin. Sometimes Atsushi thought that Daifuku might be converting all the energy that should have gone towards growing into playing around and occasionally making Atsushi's life hell. (Atsushi still loved the animal dearly, though. It was just hard, being a mom.)]

Fancy running into you here!

[ Did Reign hear that name right? Because he remembered Atsushi mentioning his pet having that name. Sure enough, the white fluffy creature before him was a tiger cub, and running in Reign's direction was Atsushi himself.

He smiled up at his friend, waving happily even as he used his other hand to pet Daifuku on the head. ]

Oh, Atsushi! It's indeed a surprise to see you too. So this is Daifuku, eh? My, my. You've been quite naughty, running off like that. You be careful I don't eat you up!

[ Reign made a plan of picking the cub up, opening his mouth and then closing it in a mimicry of eating the animal. Of course, Reign was merely having some fun, but Atsushi may be alarmed to see his sharp fangs. ]

[The fangs were a sight all right. Atsushi wasn't afraid that Reign would actually eat Daifuku (apart from anything else, Atsushi could grow fangs, himself), but between all the "eating" jokes and those teeth, he had some questions.

It still took him a while to get around to asking them. However he phrased them, there was no way they wouldn't be personal, and that made Atsushi reluctant, no matter how curious he was.]

That's right - if you don't listen to me, at least listen to uncle Reign!

[With a sigh, Atsushi grabbed the collar and leash he'd brought, and put them on Daifuku. The cub always accepted them readily enough, which should have been reassuring, but it only made Atsushi feel a little guilty.

Oh well, at least there was no risk of the cub running away anymore.]

If I'd known I'd run into you here, I would have brought some mochi along... though it would require some careful eating, with teeth like that.

[Nice save! Even if his smile was a little awkward, at least this was a very subtle way to raise the topic without asking outright and so putting pressure on Reign to answer.]

[ On the other hand, Reign would be very curious to see Atsushi's fangs if he were to show it to him one day. As well as whatever changes his friend may have. If Atsushi had any questions, Reign wouldn't mind answering them. He'd got those quite enough when he'd first woken up at Thesa Station, people asking if he could be repelled by garlic, etc. Explaining himself once or twice was all right. Even thrice. But to be asked again and again almost made him feel like hanging a signboard around his neck with an introductory note about himself.

Anyway, having Atsushi refer to Reign as "uncle" had him laughing, putting Daifuku back down so Atsushi could leash the cub. ]

Yes, yes, listen to your papa Atsushi, or uncle Reign will really eat you~

[ Gosh, if only Atsushi had any idea what the sight of the collar did to Reign. He mentally shook his head. Chances were, Atsushi wouldn't be interested in any kind of those play. ]

Ah, these teeth? It's probably sharp enough to cut through the mochi. Even if it isn't sharp, it'll still stick to your teeth, doesn't it? [ A pause, his voice softer, having a feeling that Atsushi might know what he was. ] Do I scare you?

[Finally someone who called Atsushi a dad instead of a mom! Reign had just earned himself some more uncle points already.

But they seemed to be treading on touchy territory now, so Atsushi changed his mood, not bothering to talk about that hypothetical mochi any more just yet. As much as he loved all kinds of food, Reign's feelings took precedence.]

You don't scare me. [The words were very calm and sincere. Atsushi would never judge someone or make assumptions for no reason.] But I have to admit, I'm a little curious as to what you are.

[He could guess, but he might be wrong - and that would likely make things even worse. Much better to let Reign say whatever he was comfortable saying.]

[ It was probably a good thing that Reign had no idea about dad/mum jokes, because he would have really teased Atsushi whenever he could.

Right now, though, thoughts of gem hunting were put aside for the moment. Atsushi sounded sincere, and his gaze unwavering, without a hint of fear or lie within. His smile was a little wry as he replied. ]

If you haven't already guess, I'm a vampire. Though perhaps in other worlds, there are similar species who goes by other names. But if you want to know more about me, you'll have to be prepared. You mightn't like me once you know about my people.

I've heard of vampires, though I think they were no more than legend, where I'm from.

[Then again, who could be sure? While most strange things in Yokohama had been due to abilities, there had certainly been strange creatures as well. Why not vampires?]

... You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I see no reason to judge you for whatever your people have done. You're your own person.

Well, for one, vampires don't burn under the sun, though we prefer less sunny weathers. We also can't stand extreme heat. [ Which would explain Reign's preference to living in Olympia. ] We're also not affected by crosses and holy water. Garlic also can't repel us.

[ At that, Reign grinned, though his expression turned more somber at Atsushi's words. It made him very happy to hear it, that his friend wouldn't judge him based on what his people did. ]

No, I think you deserve some truth. You know vampires drink blood, right? Me too, though in my world, humans are treated as mere servants. Food, even. I hate what they do.

[So, if he wanted to make Reign food sometime, he could include garlic. Good to know.

Then again, apparently food in general wasn't an option.

It took Atsushi a while to organize his thoughts. How much could he ask? How much should he ask? On the one hand, he could understand keeping humans as food when that was what they were to vampires - Atsushi ate meat, so he couldn't be too much of a hypocrite - but that didn't mean he had to like it.]

... Do you kill people?

[Maybe that was the only important thing he needed to know. Drinking blood might be inevitable, if that was how a vampire body worked; killing people wasn't right.]

[ Even if Reign had no problems with garlic, he rather not eat them. Didn't Atsushi know garlic was one of the cause of bad breath?! D8

Well, maybe just a bit of it wouldn't be too bad.

When Atsushi grew quiet, Reign got nervous. Would his friend now hate him? Atsushi was a human, so that might have changed his perception about Reign. This was one of the reason why Reign didn't like to share too much about his past, and yet he loathe the thought of hiding the truth from Atsushi.

What he didn't expect was the question, and Reign's eyes widened, hands held up as he shook his head. ]

Never! I've never killed anyone! Never will! [ But then his face fell, his voice growing quiet. ] Although I didn't personally kill them, I know that some of the blood I drank are due to their deaths. [ If Atsushi hated him now, Reign could understand and wouldn't blame him. ]

[Bad breath and bad body odor both. But it was really tasty in gyoza?!

While Atsushi appreciated Reign's honesty, that answer wasn't exactly reassuring. Atsushi was very aware of his own meat consumption, if only because his uncertainty about what had happened when he used to turn full tiger and go wild, but he was still not sure he could overlook deaths so easily. Maybe it was hypocritical after all - and he didn't hold it against Reign personally! But if (almost) everyone on this planet was on Reign's menu, then there would be trouble. At least, if deaths were involved.

But Reign was saying there wouldn't be, wasn't he?]

Do you promise that you will never kill anyone?

[Trust Atsushi to attach this much value to promises, even when talking to a self-confessed almost-killer, but... this was important to him. He needed that promise for the future. As long as he got that much, he could continue to look at Reign as just another person, and as a friend, forever more.]

Edited 2018-01-13 13:11 (UTC)

[ Perhaps Atsushi could try to convince Reign otherwise about the deliciousness of garlic? Good luck!

Reign had mostly lived in his own oblivious world, caring only about his perfume business and his best friend. The horrible way in which his brethren vampires treated humans was something that he tried not to think about. But when Shell revealed to him some secret pacts between the Overlords that include the purging of humans as a means of population control, Reign knew then that he could no longer ignore it.

The seriousness of Atsushi's question weighed heavily on Reign, but it wasn't a hard for him to answer. He nodded with conviction. ] I promise that I'll never kill anyone. Not now. Not ever. No matter where.

[ A pause. ] But I can't promise that the vampires from my world, once they wake, won't kill anyone. [ It was the whole reason why he wished they would continue to sleep. ]

[Maybe Atsushi was pathetic after all, for needing such a promise. He did trust Reign, for what it was worth; it was just that he couldn't bear to see that trust betrayed, and a simple promise worked miracles for reassuring him, even if he had no right to ask for one.

But he got one all the same, and as heavy as the moment was, his heart felt the lighter for it.]

... Well... we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

[He forced a small smile at that. He couldn't expect Reign to take responsibility for all vampires any more than he could take responsibility for all humans, himself.]

So, you need blood to drink, right? I don't know if mine would be okay, but if it is, I don't mind -... That is: if you need it...

[Man, even if he wasn't the vampire here, he sure felt awkward suddenly. How was one supposed to talk normally about these things?]

[ Reign didn't really understand the need for a promise, but he could see how important the matter was to Atsushi. If it'll give his friend a peace of mind, then Reign will keep that promise.

His own smile was hesitant as well, though relieved. ] I just hope they see some sense when they wake. [ If push came to shove, he wouldn't mind if the Natha Orbiters put them back to sleep either.

However, Reign didn't expect Atsushi to offer himself as a donor, evident in the way his eyes widened. ]

Really? You don't mind? I mean, I know a few people would let me drink their blood too. It'll hurt a bit though. Actually, I'm provided synthetic blood, so unless necessary or someone volunteers themselves, I won't take more than I needed. Still, thank you, Atsushi.

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