(no subject) (part 2)

[initiatesnpc]

Here is an overflow log for the Black Rock, New Mexico mission! The original log is here, and the OOC information is here. Start new threads or continue old ones, this is just some more room for it to grow into.

Comments

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—not any of it.

[She conquered a dungeon? Where's she from, an RPG? Is this what that midriff guy whose name he never got meant by 'Conqueror'? His voice's swelled from surprise and piqued the horse, who snorts as though in agreement.]

What's this 'bout a palace?

[peachbaths]

The imperial palace. [ she says nonchalantly. ] It's a very big palace near the capital--oh, that was what I was going to tell you... that I am the Eighth Imperial Princess of the Kou Empire, Kougyoku Ren.

[ Yeah, Kazu.

She's from an RPG. ]

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[There follows an expectant pause, until Kazu realises this is probably where he's meant to react.

So he does.]

That's it?

[peachbaths]

[ Kougyoku gives him A Look. ]

What do you mean, "that's it"? Aren't you surprised?

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[-5 HP.]

Kinda, yeah! Just thought it'd be something bigger if you thought I'd stop being your friend.

[peachbaths]

I don't know... A lot of people don't want to be my friends because of that. Back in my world, I mean. [ she's also shy and awkward and surrounded by horrible people. see: judal. ]

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Sounds like a long story... [ Even with the bare bones, Kazu can sort of guess where they're coming from, but nonetheless: ] ...That kinda stuff shouldn't matter here, right? This's not your world.

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Not like I wouldn't have talked to you if I'd known—maybe just cursed less.

[peachbaths]

Yeah. In Exsilium, I've been able to meet a lot of people and make so many friends... Friends who don't care about your wealth or status.

[ You know, people who don't care whether your mother was a prostitute or not. ]

I'm - I'm really happy I was able to make a friend like you, Kazu.

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[Now he's all sideways glances and awkward rubs at his nose.]

Yeah, uh... You've been cool too.

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[He casts around for something more to say that isn't completely lame, then gives up and goes with a simple:]

...There's gotta be more of 'em out there. You'll run into 'em.

[peachbaths]

More!? [ She - and the horse, it seems - both lean in to ask Kazu: ] Do you think I can make more girl friends, too?

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[The horse actually is leaning in, though its attention on Kazu seems— Off-center compared to Kougyoku's.

The reason quickly becomes clear when it first sniffs, then tries to nibble at his hat.]

H-Hey!

[ANYTHING BUT THE HAT. Hand clapped to his head, Kazu backs away to a straining arm's length. Kougyoku was asking something, wasn't she—]

Oughta be easier! You haven't made any?

[peachbaths]

Oh—! [ She can't really do anything about the horse, can she? Kougyoku is paying more attention to the question either way. ]

Well, there's Detective Skye, and... Detective Skye... [ She can't count Emily, she hasn't asked Emily yet! ]

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[It should be easier, right? Easier than making guy friends, at any rate, and it's not like she isn't nice enough—. . .]




Oh.

[He's pretty sure you're not supposed to count somebody twice.]

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[After a pause:] Could try talking to other girls more often.

[Assuming that's even the problem.]

[peachbaths]

Wait, there's Vanille! [ See, she's not completely without friends! ] But I haven't asked her if we were friends yet. [ So they're not close... ]

Anyway, I don't know if I can... Ooh, I get so nervous! [ IT'S HARD, KAZU. YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!!! ]

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Wait, you gotta ask? Nervous 'bout what? You're talking to me okay!

[peachbaths]

That's because we're already friends! [ And you're not a hot guy like Sinbad. Sorry. ] That was decided when I joined the Kogarasumaru, wasn't it?

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[Kazu is the least cute, it's okay. But don't let Emily read your mind.

He palms at the back of his head; looks briefly up to the sky before glancing her way.]

...This's probably lame, but just try talking to 'em and be yourself. Thinking 'bout it'll get you worked up more, right?

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And what's with that 'the' in front! Just Kogarasumaru's fine.

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[peachbaths]

What!? But, but it's a group, so there should naturally be a 'the', right? [ She's not going to admit she made a mistake, okay. ]

[peachbaths]

[ Be yourself, huh? Actually, no one's ever told her that before. Anyway, storytime is over. Kougyoku nudges the horse lightly with her heel, and they start moving again. ]

... It's not lame. I'll... try that. But we should get going. You still have to explain this to Ikki. [ You, Kazu, not her. ]

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[........................

Their campsite can't be far by now, so yes, he supposes explanations are in order; as well as finding makeshift shelter for the horse, providing it with food and water, and also contriving some way of disguising the thing.

Why is this his life.]

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Yeah, yeah, if he can stop laughing within the next hour. Don't blame me if I sell it wrong! And try talking to Adachi when we get back, she's cool.