songerein | This Flame That Burns Inside of Me

Entry tags:

This Flame That Burns Inside of Me | OTA

Who: Soldier: 76 & Anyone
Which: Open Log | March Catch-All
Where: Farmlands, Wildlands, room attached to The Wild Harvest
What: Helping clean up the farm lands for the farmers, falling back in to old habits of spending a lot of time out in the wildlands and visiting bees, and a flower surprise that 76 has brought back to his room that's attached to The Wild Harvest pub.
Warnings: N/A, will add as any come up

Days in the Sun
A.
[76 was no stranger to farm work, far from it; he was born and raised helping out on the arm his family owned on the outskirts of Bloomington. Wasn't a big one, but enough so that he always had farm chores to do every day growing up before and after school. Weekends, too. Always had free time with that, too.

Reason that he was more than eager to get out there, burn some of the anxious energy out of himself in cleaning up the planting fields and mend broken fences to make sure none of the cows or other grazing animals kept could get in to them that easily. Also mean shoring and patching up fencing for the fields those animals would be let out in to as well.

There was a yetox close by where he was currently working on clearing a field. Grazing on a pile of weeds he'd gathered and gave to it. Still wearing a harness, but the topless wagon it was hitched to was closer to 76, filled with other debris he'd been collecting already.]

Hope you've got multiple empty stomachs, big guy. You're goin to be eating well and burning it off today.

B.
[The yetox that was out with him was currently resting in the sun, while 76 himself had spread out some fabric to sit in the shade of the wagon itself, checking over the amount of nails he had and the condition of the hammer. Just beside him was a covered basket.]

Hey.

[Passing by? There was that gruff voice-]

If you feel like it, should sit down and relax a bit. Even if not working it's quite the walk to get out here. Got a bit of food and drink. Rest up for a minute, won't kill ya.

Shade of a Forest
[Was keeping himself far more bus than usual, more so after- well, felt like a good two months or more where he just couldn't get out here like he wanted. Given the work he was doing out by the farms? He was taking it a little more easy. Not camping out in the Wildlands as he had been, but it wasn't stopping him from re-visiting some places.

Been a while since he'd gotten a good eye on the dreamhoney bees after all.

Still would be a bit of a walk, stopping by other areas in the Wildlands between each hive he knew of.]

Should probably see what I can hunt-up to bring back to the Harvest with me.

[On occasion? A rather large dreamotion made wolf would be walking either alongside or a little ahead of 76. Blue eyes scanning the area and ears on the swivel. Sometimes there'd be two more to make it three total. Moving together as a unit and sometimes one scouting ahead if something caught attention.

Rather peaceful looking should they approach someone, at least.]

Thorns & All For A Blazing Dawn
[Once the second half of the month hits, and when not working in and around the Wild Harvest itself, 76 could be found in a room connected to the pub itself and the garden as well. The walls of windows that could be easily looked in to from either passing by or from the garden itself was blocked off by various plants in pots and some rows of very colorful jaws that acted almost like stained glass by how they were arranged; a rainbow of colors and patterns. Both the plants and filled jars gave him enough privacy, so he felt.

But he was sitting on one of the cushioned benched with a pot on the table, what almost looked like a golden rose bush with glass-like blooms and buds sat before him. A gloved hand cradling one of the blooms carefully, blue eyes narrowing as he'd taken off the tactical visor part of his mask once he'd gotten it in and sat down.]

How the hell did these come from me?

[He'd gone back out, looking for the area he'd finally been pulled free and, well. 76 had found a single rose bush, just a bit below his knee in height. Looked like it had actually grown on the trip back.]

What does this even mean.

(OOC: Feel free to hit me up/PM me if nothing here catches interest. I'll also be putting some planned threads in here throughout the month.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Meet me at the firepit- the one that's in the clearing by the residential district. Can discuss things further there.

[A nice neutral ground of a sorts, because it was a gathering place he had helped build and knew it was easy enough to find. Not hidden anywhere.

He'd already assured Yujin that he was fine and, well, best way to start something like this was to discuss things, wasn't it? Even better in person to help better gauge things, because it wasn't as if this was just some quick to and from sort of thing. Take some hours to walk as far out as the cave was, and he could always pull in Blue if someone needed a rest or ride on the way.

More so if the man was possibly bringing someone else along. Better to know and plan accordingly what he needed to carry along with them. Been a while since he'd gotten close to the cave, but the trips he'd made in the area had seemed calm. Something had changed though. He could feel it.

So, as 76 waited he say on one of the logs around the fire pit, a low flame lift just so it was clear someone was there.]

[Yujin hadn't seen 76 for a long while already. After what happened with Kazuma- that alarming message they got, and the consequences of it- he'll be happy to meet with the man in person again. He'd like to see, with his own eyes, that 76 is indeed "fine". Visiting the cave is as good a reason as any to meet up, which is why he requested it of 76 in a polite, curt message. Even after all this time of looking after the Glowing Dawn, Yujin still hasn't seen the cave they came from with his own eyes. Perhaps there isn't much of a reason to, after most of it was supposedly destroyed by Reaper. Even so, if there's anything helpful left there at all, he hopes to find it.

Bringing Sholmes along is a given. Yujin's dear friend is known to get restless over time and with his incredible attention to detail, he may spot something in the cave that others would miss. Aside from that, Yujin selfishly wants to spend some more time with him. Their reunion in London was hectic and brief. A more slow-paced, casual 'adventure' is just what they need.

After receiving 76's confirmation, he wastes very little time with tracking Sholmes down and convincing him to come along. They have some basic supplies with them, at the very least. It won't be long before the duo arrives at the clearing to approach the fire pit.]

[ Fortunately, Sholmes didn't need any convincing: not only is he keen to see more of this curious place, he would never deny a request from the other half of the Legendary Pair. "Let us go! With all due haste!" he had immediately declared, only to deflate when he was told they would have to wait until the appointed meeting time.

But now the hour is at hand and Soldier 76 will see Mikotoba flanked by a tall man in an overcoat. Thick blond hair is squashed under goggles and a deerstalker cap. All manner of bright brass instruments and vials (one stuffed full with tiny paper cranes) are strapped about his person. For all of this excessive paraphernalia, he still manages to move with quiet ease.

He doesn't waste any time introducing himself to the figure across from the fire with his customary flair and crisp, British accent. ]

Greetings, my good sir! You must be Mr. Seventy-Six. My partner here has told me you could use my most valuable assistance. [ A tip of his hat. ] Herlock Sholmes, consulting detective, at your service!

[He pushed himself up to his feet once he noticed the unfamiliar face out of habit, nodding his head. He was back in to his usual gear, the blue-white-and-red modern biker's jacket that was perhaps even ore well armored than the normal amount for one of his own time. Worn with a few newer repair jobs to it since his time in this place.

Was a bit of an unexpected sight but- well, man could have fit in with the group of folks he used to know. Wow.

Mixed within the usual nearly-white grey hair were some streaks of glowing blue peppered throughout that he was still getting used to. Tactical visor lit up by the fire light even more so as his head tipped in a quiet sort of greeting.]

I am, yeah. [More eyes wouldn't hurt, more so since he hadn't even seen the destruction himself- but he knew better than to doubt Reaper, after the man went through the trouble of all the proof brought by.] Could use a sharp sight looking for anything that could help- and your partner is right in needing to see the place the flowers left in his care came from.

Will be a good bit of a trek, once we're ready to head off.

[Compared to his two companions, Yujin is very underdressed. He's wearing a very typically Western suit, but over that, a long coat to protect from the elements. He expects it'll get chilly in the cave. Apart from that, he's also chosen his most comfortable shoes to suit the long walk and a bowler hat because... Well, because he can. Though really, that's about the extent of it. He's not an adventurer by any means.

He smiles wryly as Sholmes speaks, even shakes his head a bit. His friend's confident, forward way of speaking has always been at odds with Yujin's own more withheld, grounded attitude. He quite prefers it that way; they complement one another like this. 76 likely won't mind it either, he thinks.]

Then, before we depart... I hope you won't mind my asking whether you are up for such a long trek. If you need more time to recover, we may always postpone.

[He knows 76 heals far faster than the average human being, but he doesn't know the extent of damage 76 is recovering from. And when it comes to nightmare energy, that expedited healing seems to have done very little for 76 so far.]

[ In true deductive form, Sholmes immediately takes stock of the man: his gruff American accent, the odd, but practical clothing and the easy confidence in his overall posture. The Victorian detective is by no means familiar with the modern military, but there are traits unique to veterans of war that transcend time and place; they're certainly evident enough in this man to lend credence to his moniker.

But his observation is disrupted by Yujin's stereotypical concern. He lays a hand on the doctor's arm and chuckles. ] Please Mikotoba, if the man required rest, he would not be standing here before us with such apparent eagerness.

[Quite the pair they made together-]

I'm good, and Blue'll be coming with us if there is a point where anyone may need to get off their feet. She's just waiting for me to call her back down. [Giving her time to have a glide-and-fly around before having to keep to the ground.

Still, 76 rested a gloved hand against his chest, some indication of knowing where old wounds were and a mix of new that had scarred over already.]

Been up enough that I've pulled in a few days of farm work out in the fields to be sure I can take the trek personally. Sholmes here isn't wrong in that.

[A legendary pair, yes. The sort of pair depicted in classic detective novels, be the author named Wilson or Doyle. And the game's almost afoot.

Yujin knows when he's outnumbered, particularly by the sorts of people who push through injury as if nothing's wrong. Sholmes and 76 are quite similar in that aspect. For that reason, he'll relent and brace himself for the long journey ahead. Even so, he'll be keeping an eye on 76's movements. One can never be too certain.]

Hah... Fair enough. [He raises a hand to his own hat, tipping it a bit.] In that case, please accept my gratitude in place of my concerns. This investigation will prove to be quite beneficial, I'm certain.

Excellent! A true paragon of American grit and perseverance! [ He seems genuinely delighted by the chance to spend time with a bonafide Yankee. ] But let's not waste anymore time. Lead the way, Mr. Seventy-Six!

[ Indeed, if 76 doesn't get moving soon, Sholmes is likely to strike off in whatever direction seems most promising to his peculiar senses. And, once they are underway, it's not long before the detective offers a bit of idle chatter: ]

Who--or what--is this "Blue" you speak of? A trusty hound? A well-trained steed?

Hopefully it does, and there's more than whatever skulls left behind in there to find.

[A nod towards Sholmes before 76 was turning to take a step towards the right direction before-] Ah, right, should mention more about her since you haven't been here long.

[76 took off his mask briefly, mid-step, to put a gloved thumb and forefinger against lips to let out a loud whistle that would carry, snapping the faceguard back in place to cover that bearded lower half of his face. The sound of somethin with large wings approaching seconds after-]

Blue is a well trained dragon that can double as a hound or steed. [As if on cue, a blue feather and scale covered dragon seamless dove down between limbs above to land some feet ahead, wings tucking in as she nearly pranced to 76's side; as large as a two year old horse well fit for having a rider and wings large enough to carry that weight. Notably, there was also a leather harness made just for her that had saddlebags that fit nearly under folded wings and a few other pouches just at the base of her neck.

He moved a hand to rest between curved horns, glancing back towards the two men.]

She knows the Mikotobas well, given the time I spent in their home under their care due to injury.

[For a moment, Yujin feels bad for not telling Sholmes about Blue. But then, there's been so many things to talk about already. Yujin's met so many people- come across so many interesting creatures and situations... A few things were bound to fall through the cracks.

Just as Blue knows the Mikotobas, Yujin knows Blue well enough. He wouldn't say he's formed a strong bond with the dragon, but he enjoys her presence all the same. That's why he smiles warmly at her, cocking his head.]

It's good to see you again, Blue.

[ Sholmes takes a backwards step, appropriately stunned by the beast. Okay, then. Why not? He's already seen chocolate sculptures animate, the moon is missing, and Kazuma has come down with an acute case of the nightmare snakes. What's a dragon on top of it all?

He straightens his posture and clears his throat. ]

A pleasure, Miss Blue. [ He says this with a cheerful lilt and another polite tip of his hat. He's not about to skimp on manners for a creature as regal as a dragon.

Soldier 76's last comment brings something immediately to mind: his conversation with Kazuma. Was this the man whose nightmares caused so much trouble? He glances at Mikotoba--the doctor seems to trust him well enough--but Sholmes is given to more paranoia.

Luckily this American seems like he wouldn't mind a pointed question: ]

Injury, you say. Of the nightmare variety?

[The dragon's ears swiveled, coming out of the feathery fluff that tended to hide them just below horns, trilling with a bounce on front claws, head dipping and lifting back up in her own greeting. Then she was content in resting her head on 76's shoulder, easily reaching it.

Of course with a bit of a nuzzle, the small bottle of colorful origami cranes fell in to sight from where it had been safely tucked under his jacket, still hanging around his neck.]

She'll be an extra pair of eyes and ears during the trek- can't be too careful when heading deep in to the Wildlands. [A hand rested on top of Blue's head then, gloved fingers idly rubbing along the scales at her forehead.

His head tipped, easier to tell he was looking towards Sholmes when he spoke then.]

Yes and no- I was attacked out here by the Ents that once lived in the cave we'll be going to. They were wiped out shortly after that by the one who discovered me bleeding out in the snow and close to death. [Better to to hold back the sort of dangers that could be around.] Only have a working theory on why they attacked me then, but hadn't even looked my way before, and it does involved nightmare energy.

You could say I've been suffering a condition similar to that of someone else.

[He couldn't know how much Sholmes might've been told of Kazuma's condition, so he left it vague. Was hard to spot the lingering effects given how 76 dressed, but there was no hiding the glowing blue streaks peppering his hair.

Related or not, everything else was well covered.]

[Indeed, Yujin's also taken note of those blue streaks. He simply doesn't know what to make of them. It doesn't strike him as an after effect of nightmare energy, which is why he hasn't commented on it. Dreamotion, perhaps, or simply a fashion statement. What he also takes note of now is the bottle of origami cranes. It brings a light smile to his face for a moment, to know that Susato will be protecting 76 as well. Yujin's own good luck charm is in the chest pocket of his suit's jacket, below the overcoat. He'd never leave home without it.

Regardless, he doesn't speak. There's nothing to add, really, nor to question. He's sure Sholmes will make the connection to the 'someone else' without him.]

Edited (oop, missing word!) 2022-03-10 11:34 (UTC)

[ Ent? Unfortunately, Sholmes comes from a time where the term isn't in the cultural lexicon. All he can conclude is that they're a potential threat, and enough so to give this seasoned soldier trouble. In any case, the dragon is a welcome (if unexpected) ally and he's glad he brought his trusty revolver, although he only has about twelve rounds. In a pinch, he could certainly mix a few of his chemicals to dangerous effect ...

And thankfully, they all have a little help from Susato. Her charms are becoming quite prolific, such that he wonders if her fingers are sore from folding so many tiny cranes! ]

That "someone else" is Mr. Asogi, no doubt. [ The pieces are falling into place. ] His symptoms are quite striking. It seems you avoided the worst of it, Mr. Seventy-Six.

[ He resumes walking, offering Blue a hand for a sniff as he passes. ]

And as I understand it, the cave to which we're headed is home to a valuable resource--those coveted blossoms that inhibit the effects of this nightmare energy ... ?

You'd be correct, yeah. Last time I pulled him out of it- this time, well. [His head tipped, enough to tell he was looking Yujin's way for a moment before gloved hands reached for his mask. There was a sound of it unhooking from the rest of the gear that went around the back of his head and along his jawline.

Removing the mask showed those blue glowing streaks were also in facial hair. Blue eyes glowing in the bit of shadows cast from tree limbs above and fire-light, pupils slit. Dark circles under his eyes as well.

As lips parted there were larger and sharp canines visible when he spoke.] A bit different, but there's something lingering.

Still not as much as his, but I reckon it has to do with fully turning beyond recognition, given the description I was given for what I turned in to.

[That mask kept in a gloved hand, just for the moment.

Blue nudged the end of her snout in that hand, a warm huff likely felt after taking in the scent. Yes, good.]

The cave Kazuma and I initially found the Glowing Dawn flowers in, yeah- the two of us named it. They, too, were wiped out and I don't know if any had a chance to grow back, or if anything was left for them to be able to. [He'd not had a chance to go back, and he'd be hesitant for good reason.] All the more reason for a venture to see.

[Yujin watches with an attentive gaze when the mask is removed, and where the blue streaks were still ambiguous in origin, these newly-revealed details are... less so. Both the altered pupils and the canines are rather monstrous in appearance- similar to Kazuma's transformation. It's dreadful, really. Still, 76 implies that the symptoms are receding and Yujin will have to take his word for it, then.]

Indeed, I'm quite curious to see what's become of the cave after all that time. Thankfully, even if there is nothing left, it's not the only location where these flowers were grown. They seem to be doing quite well in the greenhouse, at least for now. And then... [He pauses for a moment, choosing his next words carefully.] Well, there is a variation of the Glowing Dawn in existence, or so I've heard.

[Kazuma told him, to be precise. Even brought one to their home. Yujin doesn't know where the rest of them are at the moment, though; whether they're even still alive. They're clearly not on 76's body anymore.]

[ Sholmes' proximity to Blue also affords him a better view of 76's unmasked features. Underneath the jarring, nightmarish traits he can see more evidence of the man's experience: the hard lines and sharp edges carved deep by a life of relentless trouble. Plenty of nightmares of a different sort, to be sure.

He can't help but wonder what fascinating stories the man could tell. Perhaps something to discuss later over a cold pint ... ]

Glowing Dawn. Yes, an apt name for something capable of warding off such terrors. [ He nods. Sholmes always approves of a bit of poetry. ] But the original crop was destroyed, you say? By these “ent” creatures, or … ? Perhaps by someone--or something--else who cannot abide their existence?

[ Kazuma’s mention of the Story Eater comes to mind. If it would devour the moon, surely it would have a vested interest in destroying other threats to its stock of nightmares. ]

They were destroyed by the same person that destroyed the ents living there- anything and everything living within the cave was wiped out. [The skulls had only been one piece of proof, given how well he knew the man. Having one of the flower's thrown at him as well had been another.

Reaper had stepped up to that promise of a threat, and perhaps they were fortunate that he hadn't died or it would have been more than the cave and everything within it gone for.] They didn't know about the flowers, what they did, until after.

Still, leaving him in Mikotoba's care seemed the best bet given the circumstances at the time. I'm glad they're doing well.

[The only reason 76 couldn't make himself be mad at Reaper about it, much as he had wanted to be.

76 lifted the mask, snapping it back in to place, the visor lighting up briefly as the connection there was made. Head tilted towards Yujin then-]

I think there may be- I, uh, found a small rose-like bush, had a few blooms and buds on it. In the area where I'd finally been pulled out of the Noctaere state. [How else could he describe that?] I've collected it, not that long ago. Seems to be growing well.

Doubled in size. Can see it for yourself after this if you're up for it.

[Yujin's just going to... not say anything about Reaper. To some degree, the less Sholmes knows about that, the better. And usually, Yujin wouldn't hide anything from his partner, but there's so many people involved in this that it's a bit too complicated to tackle.

And hmm. Kazuma mentioned that the flowers had been growing on 76's body, so either they aren't talking about the same thing, or 76 is actively covering up where they were found. Or perhaps 76 had been so out of it at the time that he didn't consciously process the flowers as being on him and they were somehow moved to the ground later? Well, if there's more Yujin needs to know about it, he's sure 76 will tell him at some point. So he nods his head with a smile.]

Yes, I'd like that. I'm quite curious. [If nothing else, he can compare the flowers on this bush to the sample Kazuma had brought to their home. That would clarify at least some things.]

[ Well, there goes his conspiracy theory. As much as he wants to continue pressing for details, he makes a mental note to follow up on this mysterious and destructive individual later. At the very least, bully a few more information out of Yujin.

Neither of the other men seem to consider the person to be an imminent threat on this excursion. ]

Well, we have much ground to cover, gentlemen. [ Someone is still antsy as ever. ] Allow me to behold this cave with my own eyes and, even if no Glowing Dawn remains, we may yet mine it for equally valuable clues.

Consider it a trip after this one then, since it's in my room attached to the Wild Harvest. [Which was part of Kazuma's own home, and again which was near the Mikotoba treehouse; really, easily seen to.

A nod, and it was easy for 76 to pick up a pace in knowing where they were going, Blue taking up step beside him rather than hurrying on off ahead. Some concern on her own part given what happened last time she'd seen him off in the direction of the cave under a waterfall.]

You're right, Sholmes. [Easy to get side-tracked, but the sooner they got to the cave, the better.] Hopefully something of value is find- more information we find, the better for growing and working with these flowers.

There have still been deer with the flower growing off of them, or so I've seen, at the very least.

[As they walked, Yujin tries to stick to 76's other side rather than falling behind too far. Still, he knows Sholmes might want to stick closer to 76 and for that reason, he leaves a spot open for him.]

Where exactly are the flowers growing on these deer? Their bodies? Or their antlers, perhaps? [It's another one of those things Yujin hasn't actually seen with his own eyes- only heard about.]

[ Yujin's question, and really, the entire situation at hand briefly shocks Sholmes into a moment of awe. Truly, he's been dropped into one of the surreal Lewis Caroll novels Iris preferred for her bedtime fare. Equal parts fanciful and ominous. ]

A stag wreathed in mystical flowers? Ha! Sounds to me like quarry worthy of the Wild Hunt! [ Sholmes' usual long strides are curtailed by the uneven ground and occasional undergrowth. He grunts as a reaching bramble rakes his trouser leg. ] And no doubt capturing one may prove to be a similarly rowdy affair.

... Unless, of course, Miss Blue here can double as a sighthound.

[Fortunately 76 was good for walking and talking-]

Both, actually. [He gestured with a gloved hand as he spoke.] It grows like fur along their sides and backs, but also hangs from antlers. I don't now if that's just a thing with some of the animals here, since I've seen all sorts that have different plants growing off them- even mushrooms.

[His head still made sure to tip, all the easier to tell who he was speaking with when it couldn't be easily seen where he was lookin thanks to his visor.]

What I hunted mostly when I camped out here- not always specifically them, but other such deer with other plants growing off them. [Blue went a little ahead of them then, once she got the idea of where they were going. Still remaining to a side as not to block 76's vision of the path ahead, well trained in that-

76 made sure his pace could be well kept up with, the armor of his boots protecting legs from the underbrush.] I will say that those with the Glowing Dawn growing on them? It seems to give their meat it's properties as well, protects them from being corrupted by nightmare energy. Other beasts turn from it and rot a bit, but they don't seem to.

[He gestured between Blue and Sholmes then.]

She can hunt them all on her own, and proved as such when she dropped one off at the Mikotoba's door essentially while I was staying with them. [A look towards Yujin-] Sorry about that, by the way. She wanted to help make sure I was fed well, I think.

Still, she's a good hunting partner. Reason I tend to take her out here with me often. Some of those deer? Grow far, far bigger than the usual buck and maybe they are fair game for the Wild Hunt.

Closed | professorbestie & thegamesafoot

(SPOILER WARNING for Great Ace Attorney, just in caaase~)

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