[Lots of scratching noises as if something is being rubbed across the speaker.]
Um... how do I know if...?
I guess it's... hello? This is Yona. I was told you can leave me messages here. [Under her breath.] Let's just hope I can figure out how to check them later...
[ And it's only a few moments after his last message that he appears, opening the door to peek back outside. He was just out here a little bit ago. They must have missed each other after having a particularly unpleasant experience just a bit before now. However, seeing her is always a relief. Strangely exciting and calming all at once.
With a bright smile, dressed within his robes from home, he approaches. ]
Princess! I'm here. I hope I didn't keep you waiting long.
[ The smile flickers a moment, before a small frown takes its place. Concern is clear within the clear shade of his blue eyes as he watches her with worry. ]
It is becoming more chilly outside lately. Are you all right out here right now? If you are cold at all, please just let me know. We can move inside.
[She's waiting for him with a smile before he arrives. Yona waves over to him, closing the distance just a little with her much shorter strides.]
Not at all, Kija.
[As his cheerful expression begins to fade, she cannot help but blink in concern back at him. His words bring a small laugh to her lips, and she takes another step forward so that she's standing closer to him.]
You needn't worry about that. I'm fine. [She lowers the bag she's learned is called a backpack, and tugs on the weird pully device to open the mouth of it.] See! [Thrusting the bag closer to him.] I got my cape back recently.
[It has gotten a bit chillier as of late. But it's nothing compared to the long nights traveling with everyone. Some of the evenings were bitter cold and there was barely any warmth to be had. Still, they managed then and she feels just fine now.
She takes one of his hands, clasping it between both of hers.] Thank you for your concern, Kija. That's very thoughtful of you.
[ She's strong and endures a great deal. He's constantly in admiration of her for it, while simultaneously he wishes that she didn't have to endure such hardships at all. He would gladly shoulder it all for her sake. The cape at night should at least help provide her a little extra warmth, though.
Those are his thoughts, before a pair of small hands clasp both his own. ]
[ Almost at once color floods through his face, turning his cheeks a bright red beneath the compliment and touch. reeling back, he fiddles with his hands, flustering. ]
N-N-Not at all. It is only natural. [ TH-THUMP TH-THUMP TH-THUMP TH-THUMP ] Your well being i-is important to me. S-So please tell me if there is ever anything I can do to help! [ //////////////////// ]
[She cocks her head at his reaction, not understanding why he's become so... earnest all of the sudden. Her lips smile somewhat awkwardly, concern widening her eyes.]
Kija, are you okay? Your face is a little red. You're not coming down with something again, are you?
[His hand feels normal, but perhaps she should check his temperature.]
I um, I... [ Words. He takes a moment to gather them, before reaching around to one of the hidden pocket in his robe, and pulls something out. ]
Here. We're outside now again, so we're surrounded by it all anyway, but... [ It's a small branch of the Sakura tree. It had broken off earlier, but looked beautiful still, the blooms ever radiant. Blushing, he continues on, though he draws a step closer once more. ] I saw it, and I thought that it was beautiful. This tree blooms even out of season. It endures through it all. It might be mystical in nature, but...
[ Cheeks faintly colored still, he holds it out for her to take. ]
[Now it's her turn to blush a little. She was so concerned about Kija's behavior that it takes a moment for her gaze to land on the gift, clusters of perfect petals coloring the branch and drawing her attention until a soft smile bends her lips. Her cheeks darken slightly at his thoughtfulness.]
Wow. Kija. I don't know what to say. You're absolutely right. It's breathtaking.
[That such a simple but extraordinary thing reminds him of her is so touching. She can't even begin to tell him in words how much a present like this means to her.
Her hand moves to take it, the corners of her mouth lifting even more as her eyes find his.]
Thank you. I will treasure it always. [Even if every petal were to vanish and the branch were to wither away, it would still be very dear to her.]
[Her smile broadens at his response. Kija's mannerisms have become so familiar and endearing that regardless of her mood, he always makes her feel instantly better. He's so appreciative and she often takes comfort in his heartfelt honesty. Yona closes her eyes as she brings the branch closer to her nose, smelling the petals as if she has a bouquet of flowers.
When her lids flutter open, she's still smiling.]
I do have plans. It seems I will be spending some of the day with a close friend~
[ For a moment his eyes widen, just a split second of wondering, but it's only a moment, before realizing that the one she means she has plans with is him. His eyes soften and he smiles back down at her, expression warm. This is why he's glad that, despite whatever she is- whether she is the reincarnation of King Hiryuu himself or not, he is happy to follow her, even to the ends of the earth. ]
[ And despite the small sakura blooms, and the fact that he enjoys spending time in her presence, he does have a reason for it today. ]
Today is the day of new arrival. [ Already he has seen a number of new faces, and has had to answer questions that surely upset others. It's never a good experience for anyone. ] Because we do not know who might appear, I thought that we could stay together and look.
[ Which is when his expression turns a little more serious. ]
Yoon is the only one within our party who has yet to arrive. But if he is here today, he might be uneasy if he cannot find one of us. [ So he thought that they could search together. ] I hope that he has not found himself stuck here too. But if he has, I would like to find him.
[ His eyes close after a moment, a troubled expression additionally rising into place. ]
Furthermore, I worry about what other individuals we might come across. [ And a certain false king comes to mind. ] It seems that people who have connections to our party appear here in this place. Which could prove difficult if someone who is not a friend were to appear. If that happens, I will not allow anyone to hurt you.
[It doesn't take her long to comprehend what he's getting at. She's seen many new faces as well and is trying to be as helpful as everyone was to her when she arrived. Truth be told, she's had the same thoughts pervading her mind all morning. But she's kept her concerns silent, not wanting to worry the others.
But Kija has a good point. They should stick together. Or split up into small groups to cover more ground. If Yoon arrives, he is the least likely of all of them to be able to defend himself physically. Of course, his intelligence is a force to be reckoned with, but she would not want him to be alone wandering the confusing halls of Inugami. The construction alone would be disorienting. They have no architecture like the school in their own world.
The other person Kija's referring to is also a cause for concern. However, she's become used to worrying over his presence. Not for herself, of course. The Hak in Inugami may not be the same Hak that was in Haven. But they both come from a time before Sensui. He doesn't let her out of her sight. Even now he's close by. And, in truth, when she saw the influx of new faces, she found herself doing the same thing, watching over him, searching the sea of faces for one in particular that could very well undo him.
She knows from Zeno that even the dead can appear here. Just like in Haven. She's had a long time to reflect on such impossibilities. But one day out of the month, she still becomes extremely apprehensive.
Yona nods.] You're right to think ahead. We should be sticking together or perhaps splitting into two or three groups. In Haven... [Her eyes dart around for Hak, voice lowering.] ...Soo-Won never appeared. But Yoon did for a short time. And I saw a ghostly apparition of my father. Inugami is very similar. Anyone can appear here. Dead or alive in our time.
[But Soo-Won wouldn't do anything to harm her here. There would be no point. She wonders about some of his cohorts, however. For the newly appointed emperor the time for him to dispose of them is not now. Especially if he were to be kidnapped along with them. That doesn't make the thought of him being in Inugami any less distressing.]
But you needn't worry so much about me, Kija. [Her eyes bend into a smile.] I will be careful.
[ Whenever he hears the mention of the place called Haven, a cold anger can't help but run thick through his veins. While it's been stated that he had been there before, there is absolutely no memory of it. Whether it is due to that place or this one, their memories have been altered, friends have been hurt, and most unforgivable of all it's a place that has upset and hurt her.
If he ever finds the one responsible, they'll stop breathing at that time. His eyes crease in concern as he watches her. It's impossible for him not to worry over her, she's his top priority, and very dear to him. The fact that she had seen some sort of shadow of her father boils his blood. It's too soon, especially to play with her heart in such a cruel manner. He knows that the tragedy of what happened to the King still weighs on her mind, even while she struggles to improve the country from the sidelines.
. . . To think that their family members that have passed, or previous generations could appear in this place is incredible. The fact that Ao is here- the previous Seiryuu. ]
It must have been very difficult for you in Haven. I am sorry that I cannot remember the time that I spent there with you, Princess. [ He's beyond apologetic. Frowning, he stares inwardly, focused on the ground.] Ever since the arrival of Seiryuu Ao, I have wondered if other previous dragons might make an appearance, or ghosts from the past.
[ In the end he's not sure how to feel about it. What would he say to this father? And would he want life again after everything? To Kija he has never had bad blood with him. But he can't help but wonder what such an appearance would do. ]
I cannot help but worry. But I am relieved to serve under a princess who is so strong. If you like, I can text Jae-Ha, and tell the others to perhaps keep their eyes peeled just in case.
[Yona feels the worry emanating from him before it makes itself visible on his face.]
Mmn. [She shakes her head once back and forth, the smile still evident in her expression.] You did nothing wrong. It was out of our control. [It still is. This helplessness, to be at the mercy of some unknown entity or entities, it plagues her every breath, awake or asleep.
Yona is silent for awhile, his words provoking thoughts of her own. She's allowed these thoughts to consume her for many months, wondering even if it was possible that her mother might be brought to Haven or, now, Inugami. People from her past or people from her country's past, whether they have crossed her path at some point in her life, she finds it peculiar that in all her time being held captive, she or her close companions have known every single one of the people from their world that has appeared.
Yona spent a lot of time in Haven making sure there was no one else, even the people she didn't recognize, from Kouka, Kai empire, Sei, or Xing. She didn't find one person. And yet, here they are, her friends and their friends. Why?
Even with the ability to write, communicating in Inugami is a little more difficult than she anticipated. In Haven, there were moving picture and sound broadcasts frequently, and it was a convenient way to get to know other people. The bulletin board serves the same purpose, but isn't as efficient.]
It's odd that the only people here from our world are connected in some way to us, and we to them. In Haven and, as far as I know, Inugami I haven't come across a single stranger from Kouka, the neighboring countries, or empire.
[ Flustered, he glances off in the other direction. Why is it that when she praises him he feels like he could fly? He can't help but to swell up with happiness. No matter the circumstances, he's glad to be at her side, and able to help guard and defend her, even in a place like this. ]
Is there anywhere you would like to go first? While we search, it does not mean that we cannot still set out to accomplish your goals for the day.
[Even though she is very alert and hyper-aware of all the new faces she's seen and might see today, Yona doesn't let it show. Kija is already worried about the possibility of someone else arriving from their world. She doesn't want to cause him anymore apprehension than he might be feeling.]
My goal is to spend time with Kija today. [She smiles widely at him.] Hmmm. We could check the cafeteria. There are usually a lot of people there. And perhaps the bulletin board. I imagine it's quite crowded and widely used on a day like today.
In any second he's sure his heart is going to burst right open. It really is swelling and racing out of control. Her goal, she genuinely wants to spend the day with him, those are her words... ]
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It will only take me a moment then.
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1/3
I am beyond honored by the princess's kindness.
2/3
With a bright smile, dressed within his robes from home, he approaches. ]
Princess! I'm here. I hope I didn't keep you waiting long.
3/3
It is becoming more chilly outside lately. Are you all right out here right now? If you are cold at all, please just let me know. We can move inside.
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Not at all, Kija.
[As his cheerful expression begins to fade, she cannot help but blink in concern back at him. His words bring a small laugh to her lips, and she takes another step forward so that she's standing closer to him.]
You needn't worry about that. I'm fine. [She lowers the bag she's learned is called a backpack, and tugs on the weird pully device to open the mouth of it.] See! [Thrusting the bag closer to him.] I got my cape back recently.
[It has gotten a bit chillier as of late. But it's nothing compared to the long nights traveling with everyone. Some of the evenings were bitter cold and there was barely any warmth to be had. Still, they managed then and she feels just fine now.
She takes one of his hands, clasping it between both of hers.] Thank you for your concern, Kija. That's very thoughtful of you.
1/2
[ She's strong and endures a great deal. He's constantly in admiration of her for it, while simultaneously he wishes that she didn't have to endure such hardships at all. He would gladly shoulder it all for her sake. The cape at night should at least help provide her a little extra warmth, though.
Those are his thoughts, before a pair of small hands clasp both his own. ]
2/2
N-N-Not at all. It is only natural. [ TH-THUMP TH-THUMP TH-THUMP TH-THUMP ] Your well being i-is important to me. S-So please tell me if there is ever anything I can do to help! [ //////////////////// ]
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Kija, are you okay? Your face is a little red. You're not coming down with something again, are you?
[His hand feels normal, but perhaps she should check his temperature.]
1/2
Fine-! I am fine. I promise that I feel in perfect health. [ His heart simply can't stop racing. ]
2/2
Here. We're outside now again, so we're surrounded by it all anyway, but... [ It's a small branch of the Sakura tree. It had broken off earlier, but looked beautiful still, the blooms ever radiant. Blushing, he continues on, though he draws a step closer once more. ] I saw it, and I thought that it was beautiful. This tree blooms even out of season. It endures through it all. It might be mystical in nature, but...
[ Cheeks faintly colored still, he holds it out for her to take. ]
It reminds me of you.
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Wow. Kija. I don't know what to say. You're absolutely right. It's breathtaking.
[That such a simple but extraordinary thing reminds him of her is so touching. She can't even begin to tell him in words how much a present like this means to her.
Her hand moves to take it, the corners of her mouth lifting even more as her eyes find his.]
Thank you. I will treasure it always. [Even if every petal were to vanish and the branch were to wither away, it would still be very dear to her.]
1/3
2/3
I... I am glad!
3/3
I was hoping that I could take some of your time today. If you are not already preoccupied or have plans.
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When her lids flutter open, she's still smiling.]
I do have plans. It seems I will be spending some of the day with a close friend~
1/2
I am very blessed by your presence, then.
2/2
Today is the day of new arrival. [ Already he has seen a number of new faces, and has had to answer questions that surely upset others. It's never a good experience for anyone. ] Because we do not know who might appear, I thought that we could stay together and look.
[ Which is when his expression turns a little more serious. ]
Yoon is the only one within our party who has yet to arrive. But if he is here today, he might be uneasy if he cannot find one of us. [ So he thought that they could search together. ] I hope that he has not found himself stuck here too. But if he has, I would like to find him.
[ His eyes close after a moment, a troubled expression additionally rising into place. ]
Furthermore, I worry about what other individuals we might come across. [ And a certain false king comes to mind. ] It seems that people who have connections to our party appear here in this place. Which could prove difficult if someone who is not a friend were to appear. If that happens, I will not allow anyone to hurt you.
no subject
But Kija has a good point. They should stick together. Or split up into small groups to cover more ground. If Yoon arrives, he is the least likely of all of them to be able to defend himself physically. Of course, his intelligence is a force to be reckoned with, but she would not want him to be alone wandering the confusing halls of Inugami. The construction alone would be disorienting. They have no architecture like the school in their own world.
The other person Kija's referring to is also a cause for concern. However, she's become used to worrying over his presence. Not for herself, of course. The Hak in Inugami may not be the same Hak that was in Haven. But they both come from a time before Sensui. He doesn't let her out of her sight. Even now he's close by. And, in truth, when she saw the influx of new faces, she found herself doing the same thing, watching over him, searching the sea of faces for one in particular that could very well undo him.
She knows from Zeno that even the dead can appear here. Just like in Haven. She's had a long time to reflect on such impossibilities. But one day out of the month, she still becomes extremely apprehensive.
Yona nods.] You're right to think ahead. We should be sticking together or perhaps splitting into two or three groups. In Haven... [Her eyes dart around for Hak, voice lowering.] ...Soo-Won never appeared. But Yoon did for a short time. And I saw a ghostly apparition of my father. Inugami is very similar. Anyone can appear here. Dead or alive in our time.
[But Soo-Won wouldn't do anything to harm her here. There would be no point. She wonders about some of his cohorts, however. For the newly appointed emperor the time for him to dispose of them is not now. Especially if he were to be kidnapped along with them. That doesn't make the thought of him being in Inugami any less distressing.]
But you needn't worry so much about me, Kija. [Her eyes bend into a smile.] I will be careful.
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If he ever finds the one responsible, they'll stop breathing at that time. His eyes crease in concern as he watches her. It's impossible for him not to worry over her, she's his top priority, and very dear to him. The fact that she had seen some sort of shadow of her father boils his blood. It's too soon, especially to play with her heart in such a cruel manner. He knows that the tragedy of what happened to the King still weighs on her mind, even while she struggles to improve the country from the sidelines.
. . . To think that their family members that have passed, or previous generations could appear in this place is incredible. The fact that Ao is here- the previous Seiryuu. ]
It must have been very difficult for you in Haven. I am sorry that I cannot remember the time that I spent there with you, Princess. [ He's beyond apologetic. Frowning, he stares inwardly, focused on the ground.] Ever since the arrival of Seiryuu Ao, I have wondered if other previous dragons might make an appearance, or ghosts from the past.
[ In the end he's not sure how to feel about it. What would he say to this father? And would he want life again after everything? To Kija he has never had bad blood with him. But he can't help but wonder what such an appearance would do. ]
I cannot help but worry. But I am relieved to serve under a princess who is so strong. If you like, I can text Jae-Ha, and tell the others to perhaps keep their eyes peeled just in case.
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Mmn. [She shakes her head once back and forth, the smile still evident in her expression.] You did nothing wrong. It was out of our control. [It still is. This helplessness, to be at the mercy of some unknown entity or entities, it plagues her every breath, awake or asleep.
Yona is silent for awhile, his words provoking thoughts of her own. She's allowed these thoughts to consume her for many months, wondering even if it was possible that her mother might be brought to Haven or, now, Inugami. People from her past or people from her country's past, whether they have crossed her path at some point in her life, she finds it peculiar that in all her time being held captive, she or her close companions have known every single one of the people from their world that has appeared.
Yona spent a lot of time in Haven making sure there was no one else, even the people she didn't recognize, from Kouka, Kai empire, Sei, or Xing. She didn't find one person. And yet, here they are, her friends and their friends. Why?
Even with the ability to write, communicating in Inugami is a little more difficult than she anticipated. In Haven, there were moving picture and sound broadcasts frequently, and it was a convenient way to get to know other people. The bulletin board serves the same purpose, but isn't as efficient.]
It's odd that the only people here from our world are connected in some way to us, and we to them. In Haven and, as far as I know, Inugami I haven't come across a single stranger from Kouka, the neighboring countries, or empire.
[To his suggestion, Yona nods again.]
Good idea, Kija.
1/2
2/2
[ Flustered, he glances off in the other direction. Why is it that when she praises him he feels like he could fly? He can't help but to swell up with happiness. No matter the circumstances, he's glad to be at her side, and able to help guard and defend her, even in a place like this. ]
Is there anywhere you would like to go first? While we search, it does not mean that we cannot still set out to accomplish your goals for the day.
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My goal is to spend time with Kija today. [She smiles widely at him.] Hmmm. We could check the cafeteria. There are usually a lot of people there. And perhaps the bulletin board. I imagine it's quite crowded and widely used on a day like today.
1/3
In any second he's sure his heart is going to burst right open. It really is swelling and racing out of control. Her goal, she genuinely wants to spend the day with him, those are her words... ]
2/3
3/3
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