IC Inbox [Empatheias]

[hamnation]

[What's wrong, sinner? Wish to communicate with Gundam via telepathic amulet or messenger bird or even in person? Then come on over here and specify the format!]

Comments

09/08; messenger bird

[gottacatch]

[ Or a messenger something, as the flying creature that comes to Gundam wherever he might be around noon looks - and smells - rather... fishy, a red string around one of their legs that seems to knot into a ball. They won't hang around after depositing the letter in their mouth with Gundam, unless he tempts them with his animal-loving ways. ... like speaking about food because it will open its mouth agape for any food.

And promptly spit it out if Gundam can't guess its diet right before flying off. (It will accept worms)

But that leaves the envelope it brings, two letters and a few fist-sized petals from the memory trees, images already imprinted on them to be played. Should Gundam look at them, wyverns of a variety of sizes will be seens, as well as a few oversized worms. ]

Hi, this is Red, the pokémon trainer with the jolteon you met when you were out with your partners. I went on a trip down to Shaarnath (it's a city the Arehtei Thras watches over that survives on the planet) with another trainer to check out the animals they have and some other things too.

The reason I'm telling you this and writing to you now is because I remembered the fun talk we had about animals, and I thought you would be interested in what animals they have down there too. The petals show the wyverns and the wurms I met so you can see them for yourself, but I got to talk a lot to the tamers, and I wrote a lot of notes about how they take care of them. You can meet them and talk to them yourself one day, and maybe we can see them together too! I'd like to see what you think of them.

But right now, I figured you're still getting your head around being here after coming from where you were. I know you have friends here too. Sonia, Hinata, and Komaeda are good people, and I've heard about the kind of world you come from too. That's not my business, but if you ever want to talk about animals more or see any, you can contact me any time. I can show you some of the partners I've made here in Empatheias.

Take care. Tell Fearsome Four I said hi.

Red

[ On the second letter are notes about the wyverns and wurms, about their usual behaviours, how they're groomed, and how they're taken care of and bonded with, with mentions of dunamis cropping up often. There is a note there about dunamis on one part-- I know about animal charming with dunamis if you want to practice together sometime ]

[properprincess]

Tanaka-san,

Since your arrival, I find myself missing the constant companionship of the Dark Devas. I am happy that they have you once more nonetheless. Almost as much as they, I suppose. However, I am considering finding an animal for companionship while I am here as well. I've also asked Cilan-san to join me, as he is also a very dear person to me whose opinion I respect. Besides, I would like to introduce the two of you sooner, rather than later.

If you would be amenable to this, I would like to go tomorrow, as I have a party planned for Saturday. If you're unable to come, I would understand as well.

Thank you,
Sonia Nevermind

[hamnation]

To the Dark Queen,

I have no choice but to apologize to you. I did not mean to take such loyal companions from you. But it seems that they wish to atone for lost time. I am sure that the Dark Devas would love to spend time with you whenever you may wish, but I do see the value in helping you to obtain your own familiar.

There is no set appointment in the devil's planner. So let tomorrow be the day that I join you in this task!

May You Find Safety in the Darkness,
Gundam Tanaka

[hamnation]

[Oh, Gundam is impressed by that fascinating creature! He unfortunately did not have any worms on him, and his attempt to offer a treat was rejected. Regardless, he fills out his own response, to be delivered by his new relatively very ordinary raven.]

It seems that you acquaint yourself with a wide variety of interesting creatures. It is true that I have not yet been to Sharnaath, although your notes sound similar to what I would guess about some creatures.

However, I must tell you that my head is already fully in this situation! I am fully prepared to spend some time here. Well, I suppose that my power level is still adjusting to the dimensional difference. But despite that, I am fully prepared to both speak of and meet a variety of beasts!

We will meet again, at an hour of my choosing and mine alone.

-Supreme Overlord of Ice, Gundam Tanaka




PS: The dark devas of destruction also send their regards.

[gottacatch]

[ Hello, ordinary raven! Is that a raven that really wants to hang around when there's a group of monsters surrounding the recipient? If so, they'll definitely get a choosing of the food Red has before returning with a letter.

Or it will be the fishy flying wonder, looking slightly damp and leaving a wet imprint of its mouth where it had been holding the letter. ]

Hi Gundam Tanaka,

I'm glad you're doing okay here. It must help having your friends around and the dark devas too. We can meet when you want, but I travel a lot so we might have to change it around for when we're both free. I need to make a trip soon to the mountains to find herbs for the wurms I showed you in the petal. They haven't been feeling well after eating food they were given from Verens.

There's griffins, bears, dragons, wyverns, wolves, ogres, rabbits, and loads more in the mountains. How many animals have you seen so far that you know back home?

Jolteon says hi too! Jolteon never forgets a face, so you and him are going to be friends for life.

Red

(Why ice?)

[hamnation]

[That's so raven! Well, the bird is a brave one and will stick around long enough to get the letter, but keeping its distance from the pocket monsters.]

Greetings Mortal,

I am able to survive in any environment, but it is certainly helpful to have allies on close call. I too have a busy schedule that is filled with many dark errands. Yet I am still willing to negotiate a joint excursion at a different earthly hour! If the wurms do not improve with those herbs, I would also like to ask that you contact me immediately!

Fascinating. It seems that this island has quite the selection of interesting beasts, much unlike the previous one I was taken too. So far, I have stayed within the city limits in order to recharge my demonic entities. However, I have seen some sightings of the cerberus, the hellcat, the serpent, and avians who have been blessed by the feather of the phoenix! This is only the beginning, of course!

I would like to send my regards back to Jolteon!

-The Dark Lord of the Taboo Realm, Gundam Tanaka

(Ice is but one element that I possess an affinity for!)

[gottacatch]

[ Aww, he cares about the wurms. That's nice to read. ]

Gundam Tanaka, the one and only with a lot of titles,

I'll keep you updated about the wurms! Charizard flies quick and we're going to stay overnight and get as many as we can find. We're going to do our best!

I've read the name cerberus before, but I don't know which kind of cat the hellcat is. Cerberus are the big dogs monster, aren't they? With the multiple heads. I didn't know anyone lived with a tamed one in the city! There's a big dog with horns called Fluffy that I visit sometimes but I don't know what breed he is. He loves playing fetch though. And what bird is a phoenix?

I'm going to head out now and I don't want your raven friend to follow me all the way to the mountains, so I'll write to you again in a couple of days to let you know that the wurms got some medicine, and we can keep talking about animals then! Tell me what your raven's nickname is and what food they like so I can keep some with me. The friend who came to you is nicknamed Nephras (his real name is really long) and he likes dried cranberries, dried seaweed or worms.

Red of Pallet Town, Kanto

[ Gundam you're not going to send your raven off anyway, are you. ]

15th of Penta/Voice

[properprincess]

[After the trip with Gundam and Cilan to find a new pet, Sonia buried herself in more tasks so that she could figure out what to do, how to approach the situation. Even though Nagito was sure that she would be able to reach their classmate regarding their predictament, she still has her doubts.

However, with Hinata away, she must make the inroads herself. She knows that Nanami and Nagito support her, but this is definitely something she has to do.

With a slight hesitation, she reaches through the crystal to contact him.]

Tanaka-san, are you free? I would like to talk to you about something important and it should be done in person.

15th of Penta/Voice

[hamnation]

[It's not longer than a minute before he responds.]

Sonia. [He says her name bluntly, yet hints of warm feeling leak through the communication.]

Kehehe... Your timing is fortuitous. I have just finished dispensing the dark devas' earthly nourishment. While they feast, there is time to spare for an audience. Now, tell me the location of this fated appointment!

15th of Penta/Voice

[properprincess]

[She's alright with waiting. They all have lives outside of each other, even Gundam. His response is so him that she can't help but feel a little of her worry melt under his kindness.]

I don't know where you live, and this isn't something that should really be discussed in public.

[She takes a moment to think before figuring on a good place, one she's used before for serious conversation.]

However, there's a lovely vista near the lake outside of the city. It is sometimes used as a swimming place, but there is a nice spot for a picnic. I will bring lunch as well. Can you meet me by the city gate nearest the market in an hour?

15th of Penta/Voice

[hamnation]

I can easily provide you with the number of my dwelling. Hmph, but you've proposed an interesting habitat. [Lunch by the lake... that definitely helps him feel shy.]

Very well! I will accept your plan, and I will meet you there, even if I have to fight an entire demonic army to reach that area! Mark my words, Sonia Nevermind...!

15th of Penta/Voice --> Action

[properprincess]

I will see you there then.

[She knows that he'll show after giving his word. She takes time in preparing food that will be easy to eat while talking and doesn't require much cooking. She doesn't trust herself cooking for others just yet, despite a successful lesson with Antoine.

When finished, she makes sure to pack a blanket and parasol in her basket. And a jacket, just in case. Then, she walks over to the gate to wait for him.]

15th of Penta/Action

[hamnation]

[Soon, his arrival is announced by the pattering of tiny paws as the dark devas scamper over towards her. Gundam follows, in his usual attire, with the primary addition being that he's made his amulet into a necklace. He smiles confidently as he approaches her.]

So, we meet again... [He says as if this wasn't planned.]

15th of Penta/Action

[properprincess]

[The arrival of Tanaka and the Dark Devas is something that thrills Sonia so much that she cannot help but have the ringing of chimes sound as a slight, happy flush overtakes her face. She puts out an arm for the hamsters to crawl up onto her shoulders, but isn't surprised when only two join her while the others scamper up Gundam's body to perch in his scarf while peeking out.]

Hello, everyone. I'm so happy to see you all.

[And despite the conversation she knows they're about to have, it's always nice to be with the fuzzy helpers for a bit.]

I see that you've managed to acclimate reasonably well to the city. Have you spoken to the rest of our classmates yet?

15th of Penta/Action

[hamnation]

[The clever devils... By splitting their forces, they have both of the humans under their protection at the same time. And on Gundam's side, a warmth fills the air around them as he looks at her.]

Kehehehe... Compared to the netherworld, or even that sorry excuse for an island, getting used to this city has been mere child's play. [He flashes a confident smirk.]

Yes, it seems that I've met all of those classmates who have taken part in this intergalactic quest. And on top of that, I have already started to expand my forces of magical beasts within this world! [Priorities, he has them.]

15th of Penta/Action

[properprincess]

Hm, yes, the island.

[And all of her good mood is gone for a brief moment. After the horrible sight she saw a week before, this is something that she knows will hurt them both. But, she's determined to enjoy time with him while they're both still reasonably unburdened.

But to find out that he's already made friends with the animals of their new home is a good sign. And she starts heading out of the gate towards the lake.]

I didn't doubt that you would be able to tame the creatures here, Tanaka-san. Your skills are amazing. I only wish that I can watch you do that one day. Have you figured out what you'll do to support yourself while you're here? Nanami-san and Komaeda-san work at a book store. Kirigiri-san has a detective agency. I'm...not sure what Hinata-san does.

15th of Penta/Action

[hamnation]

[He does soon realize that it may have been a mistake to mention the island, but they move on quickly past that. Gundam follows her as she moves, straying a little closer than he would when following others. And he crosses his arms as he listens to her, smiling mildly at her praise.]

Yes. I have made a decision that will change the very fate of this world! You see, I intend to lend my aid to the local asylums for enchanted beasts. By sharing my unholy power with them, this world's familiars can become truly unstoppable!

15th of Penta/Action

[properprincess]

You're going to work at one of the animal shelters? [She gives him a smile that could put the summer sun to shame as they continue walking.]

That's wonderful! I think that is the perfect job for you, Tanaka-san. No one will be able to do as well as you can.

[He is the Ultimate Breeder, after all.

But they reach the spot soon enough and she sets out the blanket and food while humming happily. It's a good front that she's put up so that he doesn't have to see how badly her hands shake when they brush the bag at her side or how poorly hidden the dark circles under her eyes are.

Once everything is set up and laid out, she sits down carefully and sighs, knowing that the sweet farce is over.]

We spoke about Enoshima Junko the first day you arrived here. You remember that I'm sure.

15th of Penta/Action

[hamnation]

[That smile and those compliments bring a blush back to his cheeks.]

That is correct. Th-thank you... It certainly seems to be a fitting task.

[And as they arrive at the spot, Gundam sort of hovers around awkwardly nearby, but he occasionally leans over to try to help set up a thing or two. He does take notice of the shaking in her hands and the circles in her eyes. They're definitely out of the ordinary, and he finds himself feeling deeply concerned.

Gundam then sits down nearby and attentively glances towards Sonia.]

Yes, I recall. The unpleasant underclassman... [as unusual as it is to consider someone an underclassman when he doesn't remember starting class at Hope's Peak to begin with.] ...What of her?

15th of Penta/Action

[properprincess]

[Where to begin... There's so much to cover, so much to talk about that she honestly feels overwhelmed for a moment.]

She is the originator of Monokuma-san. It is but one of many persona that Enoshima puts on. She looks like this: [Sonia projects an image of Enoshima from the recent trial they had for the girl's "murder" to her companion, with the slightest hint of distaste attached.] You might have seen her already. She's told me that she's spoken with you.

The island that we were on was meant to be a prison for the Remnants of Despair, a group of vicious, dangerous killers that followed Enoshima Junko—the Ultimate Despair. Our class, the 77th class of Hope's Peak Academy, and Hinata-san, are those criminals.

15th of Penta/Action

[hamnation]

[Now it is his turn to feel overwhelmed, as he takes in all of those revelations at once. Recognition glimmers in his eyes when she projects the image of Junko. He had indeed met her, when he was practicing snake charming. She had seemed perfectly harmless and gullible. It's hard to believe that she's the one behind Monokuma... and behind a group of killers.

A group of killers - that are comprised of them?!

Winds start picking up around them, stirred on by Gundam's desperate confusion. The idea of them all being criminals - how could that be?! As much as he trusts Sonia, at this moment, he only feels lost.]

What?! What are you saying? What is the meaning of those words? Our class... criminals? [It may be easier to imagine himself as a criminal, and there might be a yakuza or two in the mix. But, the rest of the class?] Are we playing some sort of a game...? [Is this her way of playing along with a demon lord maybe?]

[ tacks this on here, you can pick the date!! action ]

[gottacatch]

[ The quest through the mountains takes longer than expected, but perhaps it should have been for the amount that was required, the vast size of the terrain, as well as the quantity of ingredients requested to help comfort the ill creatures.

But their size and count gives Red a reason to stay that far out, everything carefully sealed in their own packs and tied up safely within the string bag he carries with them now, a few extra herbal medicines inside to talk over with the main client that had gotten him to accept the task. He gets pointed by another worker as to where to find them, gives the person thanks and continues walking to meet them --

and finds himself amazed when he sees the sight of the specific someone that's also there, taking him a quick second to question himself. But there's no mistaking that hairdo, whether or not the Ultimate Breeder has taken at all to the Shaarnathian dress sense. ]

Gundam?

[ He won't keep his distance; he'll be coming over, giving a nod and a hello to the Shaarnath wurm tamer, who speaks out to Red with recognition. ]

[hamnation]

[Gundam Tanaka does not bother with any alternate fashions. He wears the same clothes as always. He hasn't been in Sharnaath for over a day, as this was the primary reason for his visit; he really wants to see the wurms for himself, and also to provide his own second opinion on their health. He's at least been somewhat respectful towards the animal tamer, because a mystical beast's life is in his hands.

Once he hears that familiar voice, Gundam turns to face Red in a very smug manner, with his arms crosses and a light smirk on his face.]

It's about time that you've shown yourself.

15th of Penta/Action

[properprincess]

[She understands his confusion, anger, distrust and everything else that he might feel, but she has much more to relate.

Instead of speaking, she reaches out and takes his hands in her own, face devoid of any sort of mirth. She looks stern, but there is a kindness still lingering, especially for him.

Always for him.]

I need you to listen to me, Tanaka-san. I know that it sounds ridiculous. We all thought so at the time of the revelation, Hinata-san, Owari-san, Souda-san and Kuzuryuu-san. [She lets those names sink in before she speaks again, gathering courage for what she needs to impart.] After your execution, Komaeda-san went... crazy.

He set up his own murder so that the rest of us would die and Nanami-san would survive. Because she and Monomi-san were the spies sent by the Future Foundation to watch over us. However... they sacrificed themselves so that the rest of us might live and make it out.

I have a memory that I would like to share with you, one that I received from the Tree of Memories last week, a few days after you arrived.

[She pulls out a book from her basket, opening the front cover to show a delicate looking petal. The other still hides in the other end of the book.]

This will prove to you what I'm saying and after viewing it, I will attempt to answer any questions you might have.

15th of Penta/Action

[hamnation]

[Gundam still gives her his attention as he speaks. Because he's believed her... he's always believed her and believed in her, and he knows he has to hear her out. Even if this sounds unbelievable even to the self-proclaimed demon lord. That's why he even lets that hand contact ensue. Her touch may be oddly warm, but what comfort it provides is negligible next to what follows.

He hears her describe some more confusing events. Well, Komaeda's actions actually don't sound unexpected for him. But the idea of Nanami being from the Future Foundation - and sacrificing herself? It can't be.

All of that is nothing compared to the last thing that he is shown. Gundam is utterly wordless during her revelation, and then he quietly takes the petal in both hands as he gazes into it. Komaeda had warned him, hadn't he? About the memories that could appear... ones that he would not want to see.

...

This is definitely something he did not want to see.

Even when Gundam faced his death, he was able to put on a brave face and posture through it all. But this sight of Sonia, so twisted and cruel, along with that glimpse of he himself... It only leaves him feeling cold, and empty. It shows on his face, and it seeps out into the environment. The air around them chills, and the grass starts to whither.

Gundam finally manages to look away from the petal and looks up towards Sonia. He meets her eyes instead, stricken by how different they look. He stares, agape with confusion and shaken as he considers the truth behind her words.]

Th-this... this is not you! This is inconceivable! [He manages to bark out those words, but his objections sound weaker and more desperate than ever. How could reality be so much more twisted than his own imagination?]