[Closed] Entry 005

[chippedsoul]

Who: Barok Van Zieks, Ema Skye, Gina Lestrade, Herlock Sholmes, Kazuma Asogi, Susato Mikotoba and Yujin Mikotoba
Which: Closed
Where: The Wild Harvest
What: The AA crew get together to try their luck with the spicy food challenge. Or to observe the struggling of others. Don't worry, we got a doctor on the scene.
Warnings: Fire


The Wild Harvest have setup a food challenge this month and the crew are having an impromptu get together to either try it themselves or observe. An area by the garden has been sectioned off for those to do the challenge, so damage control can be a bit more manageable. Some extra hands are definitely appreciated when, not if, a fire starts.

There's plenty of ice cream and floats to go around for those watching, along with the regular menu of course. Or maybe one could get some air walking around the garden, with plenty of critters from garden snakes to lotus koi fish, and an axolturtle wandering around somewhere. Take care not to feed the fish and turtle too much "junk" food, and good luck spotting the garden snakes as they are more on the shy side.

Comments

[open]

[judicialassistant]

a.) Preparation

[ Early risers may catch Susato in the morning: walking about the garden, making preparations for the guests she expects, now that they are open for the day. The area that has been sectioned off has been tastefully done so by vines lined with glowing moon-shaped fruits, and she can be seen adjusting the vines to some unreadable standard of perfection.

Because there aren't too many guests yet--Ryu, one of two garden snakes that have taken a liking to her, can still be seen slithering about, following Susato. Once she makes sure all the proper signs are out to label the area and all the tables are clean, Susato is on her knees, like one would be while playing with a dog.

Instead of yelling something like "here, girl!" however, she is holding out a tiny lotus blossom on the tip of her finger. When Yumie gets close enough, instead of feeding it to her, she places it atop her head like one would a crown.

What a grouchy looking dream snake. Despite this, Susato chuckles. ] Heehee!

b.) Coming through!

[ Later on, damage control is in full effect. There is no warning when the garden doors open. Susato comes barreling through, hurriedly, with one of two things in her hand: either a.) a pitcher of lotus milk and an accompanying glass in her other hand, or, b.) a literal bucket of water. ]

E, Excuse me!

[ Maybe your character is waiting at the end, panting with their tongue out like a dog. Or maybe there's a tablecloth on fire somewhere. If not, stay out of her way! The world's greatest assistant must be ready for every possibility. ]

c.) Wildcard

[ If neither of those work! ]

a! or maybe earlier than a? wildcard??

[thegamesafoot]

[ From the previously empty kitchen, there comes a sudden clatter followed by minced oaths. The garden critters scurry for cover.

If Susato should investigate, she'll find a ... well, not particularly unusual sight. A certain detective tends to invite himself into the Harvest's kitchen to scavenge empty containers, sturdy pots for ill-advised experiments, or handy chemical components common to food prep.

Today, however, Susato will find Sholmes gathering up dozens of cherry tomatoes that have scattered across the floor. They're still perfectly good, right? He dusts off and drops another handful into an upturned bin before glancing up. ]

Good morning, Miss Susato! [ This is said as if nothing could be more normal about the situation. ]

earlier than a it is!

[judicialassistant]

[ ...Well, there goes Ryuko. Susato is mid-yawn when she hears the sudden clatter from the kitchen, and in an instant, Ryu is gone from her shoulder, darting into the bushes with a hiss. A muffled, familiar voice follows, barely heard over the sound of the small waterfall rushing into the pond.

That's not Jack. Nor Kazuma, nor a lady's voice, so no Tifa or Aerith...

Haaah. She rubs at her cheeks to wake herself up, picking up her pace slightly as she moves to investigate the kitchen. The door opens, and it's lucky that Susato pays as much attention as she does. One or two cherry tomatoes are within the shadow of her boot, seconds away from being crushed before she pulls her foot back. ]

Oh... [ Of course it's him. There is a fond smile, despite everything. ] Good morning, Mr Sholmes. You're rather early today... Creating more work for me, I see.

[thegamesafoot]

Oh, no, I'm quite late in fact. I'd meant to stop in around midnight, but you know how it goes—the best-laid plans of mice and men ... ! [ That is to say, he was sitting in his favorite chair, smoking his pipe and staring at the ceiling for several hours while he rummaged about in his mind attic.

He sweeps the toe of his boot under a shelf to flush out a few more wayward tomatoes. ] But since you're here, my dear, might I ask your assistance? I have designs on winning that spicy food contest, you see, but my success hinges on securing a sample of those devilish peppers used in the dish.

[judicialassistant]

[ Midnight? It takes Susato entirely too long to process this, but eventually the brain fog start to lift. The spicy food challenge... yes, of course. Mr Sholmes always was a competitive one. ]

I can get you some. [ She needs to get some from the garden anyway to take back to the kitchen. Does he plan to eat them raw? A form of "training"? ] ...But they are easier to digest in curry or ramen, you know. If you'd like to participate?

[thegamesafoot]

Brilliant! [ He breezes over to Susato, dropping a couple more bruised tomatoes in the container on his way. There are still a couple dozen littering the floor. Well, a couple dozen minus the one he's just crushed underfoot. ]

Hah! I have no designs to eat them raw, no. [ Yes, Sholmes does put some questionable things in his mouth, but this white man's tender palate can scarcely handle wasabi, much less something called a devil pepper. ] I merely require some data before I undertake this culinary feat of strength.

[judicialassistant]

[ Ah. Well... that's admittedly a relief. Her expression shows it too. She is slightly amused, and comforted by the mention of data. Of course he would want to do the research. ]

Heehee. As always, I admire your tireless pursuit of knowledge. [ Not sure how it's going to help, exactly, but if anyone could find a way, it's Sholmes. ] I shall try not to keep you waiting, then. Unless you would like to come with me?

...Have you seen our new remembrance garden?

[thegamesafoot]

[ Well, it's a good thing Susato was here. He might have ransacked the whole kitchen looking for peppers and come up emptyhanded. ]

Oh, so you're harvesting them fresh from the garden? For maximum potency, I expect! How utterly diabolical! [ He waves for her to lead the way. ] I'll join you then. I haven't seen this new addition you speak of.

[judicialassistant]

Potency and taste. [ To his credit, he might have found some left over, but Susato always picks them fresh when she can. At least she will pick what she thinks she will use for the day, and then if she needs more... well.

A stroll through the garden for a change of scenery is always welcome. ]

Come, it's this way!

[ She gives a nod, leading the way back into the garden happily. Retracing her steps, she passes by an area sectioned off by the familiar vines of moon fruit with appropriate signage. Near the green and yellow bell peppers, Sholmes will see a devilish red, appropriate for the name; but before they get there, there is another area between two small ponds. She stops here. ]

We thought it would be a nice way to make use of the starfish that were falling... and honor those who have left.

[thegamesafoot]

[ Sholmes trails behind her. He hasn't spent much time in the Harvest's Garden—he usually gets his fill of horticulture from the greenhouse. But he has to admit the open air and layout is more pleasant. Like the gardens back home: be they tucked around row houses, or stretched luxuriously outside of estates.

He pauses beside Susato, then steps closer to the starfish to peer at the inscribed names. ]

Ah, Mr. Vigil! I expect the poor man has been returned to the confines of a prison cell. What a shame, after all of the freedoms Songerein affords!

[ Then his eyes light on the only other familiar name. ] And Mr. Naruhodo ... I do find myself missing the dear fellow from time to time. His hair fashioned into a frantic nest, as if by a flock of drunken sparrows. The wild panic that would fill his eyes, how ridiculous he looked in a top hat ...

[ A sigh, and his head hangs. ] And, I suppose, I've sorely missed his insightful mind and dogged pursuit of justice.

[judicialassistant]

[ Well, they're not dead. The thought suddenly crosses her head, something of a gentle reminder. Her lips visibly twitch at the mention of Ryunosuke's wide eyes, and smiles fondly. ]

I miss him, too, Mr Sholmes.

[ And Vigil... Songerein afforded him freedom, but she also knows that he must have been lonely here. Eventually... she hopes he will be able to find peace with his wife and children, and put everything behind him. ]

Do you like it? If there's anyone you'd like to add... [ Seeing the way Sholmes' head had hung low, she places an encouraging hand on his shoulder. ]

[thegamesafoot]

[ It's fortunate Susato didn't voice that thought. There's a chance Sholmes might have unhelpfully blurted, Oh, but they could be! They have no idea what's transpired in the waking world. But no, the moment is spared. ]

It's very thoughtful, Miss Susato. I've no additions. [ He takes her hand and gives it an encouraging squeeze. There's a smile on his face, his (apparent) emotions turning on a dime as usual. ] And a fine use of those starfish. You know, your poor father was concerned about rescuing them? His heart is much too big for his own good.

[judicialassistant]

[ There's a slight delay before Susato lets out a small laugh, squeezing back his hand. Like father, like daughter in a way. Susato remembers struggling with salt ratios and the like, and the way those tiny starfish glowed, clinging to life. All this, for a beautiful beach, and not one, but two (!) moons. ]

That sounds like him. Kazuma, meanwhile, simply wanted them off his roof.

These were already dead when we collected them, but they cling rather aggressively to the surface when they are dry. [ Stubborn. ]

b

[katonking]

[There's a small part of Ema that revels in fire and explosions. It was a love that had been engrained in her since she was a kid, because where was the real fun in science if you also couldn't burn some chemicals and light some fires? But only in a controlled environment of course. Always in a controlled environment.

A table cloth in the middle of a restaurant is definitely not a controlled environment though. How it started doesn't really matter it was Ema. All that really matters is that the fire seems to be growing.]

Susato, hurry up, I'm this close to putting this thing out with my lab coat!

[Why not just use a different table cloth you ask? Because there's food laid out on all of them and throwing perfectly good, spicy food onto the floor would be a sin and there's tears in her eyes from how spicy the food was. Don't look too close at the details.]

[judicialassistant]

I'm here, I'm here!

[ EVERYONE CONTINUES TO GET SHOVED OUT OF THE WAY. She'll apologize later, it's fine. Susato rushes to close the distance between her and the ensuing fire (and the culprit, Ema), repeating the phrase like a mantra. The fire is definitely bigger than she remembered it a moment ago, making each passing second more precious than the last.

No questions asked. The bucket full of water (previously used to collect starfish) being carried by Susato gets hurled in the direction of the fire, dumping about half the bucket's worth. There is probably a trail of said water created by the bucket being swung about during the rushed, tumultuous journey, but again, everything is fine.

What remains of the tablecloth is blackened, charred. Smoke fills the air, making it hard to catch her breath, but it seems to slowly dissipate, replaced by the smell of burnt ramen. ]

. . .

[ Lord. What does she even say? Give her a moment. ]

[katonking]

[Some sand and water definitely gets tossed her way but she's mostly just staring at the charred remains of the fire and the bowl of ramen.]

Thanks.

[Well this is awkward. Cause she was the one that started it but she doesn't exactly know how.]

...Sorry for ruining one of the tablecloths. I can pay for another one if you want.

[judicialassistant]

[ Even as she continues to catch her breath, Susato will wave a hand dismissively as she slumps into the nearest seat. At the very least, none of those were damaged. In fact, she likes to think that she'd prevented the worst of it.

She shakes her head. ]

No, it's alright. I will replace it.

[ Later. They have many. She didn't really anticipate this, but either way--after living here for months, she has a general idea of what could have happened. She eyes what remains of the ramen on the neighboring table. ]

Did I overdo it...? [ It's supposed to be a challenge! But... ]

[katonking]

[She feels so. guilty. And it's not often that she feels that anymore so that's saying something. She can't just not do something about it.]

Can I work it off on some kind of tab?

[And she's gonna assume that she's talking about the ramen spiciness level.] I don't think so? To be honest...I had some water but when I drank it I kind of spit back fire.

[judicialassistant]

[ Aaah, so that's what happened. There is a slight, amused smile, albeit a tired one as she rests her arms on the table. She's trying not to let herself get too comfortable, but It's Hard. ]

When we came up with the idea for the challenge, we thought that might happen. Not to worry. In the future, however, I find that milk is more effective to alleviate the burning sensation. [ Water just tends to spread it around (and make it worse). ]

We have lotus milk. Would you like me to bring you some?

[katonking]

[How is Ema going to fault them for a hypothesis, especially if that person is Susato? Answer: she can't. But only for Susato. And she's still planning on finding a way to make up for the burnt tablecloth otherwise she might have Kazuma on her case.

But back to the topic at hand. She has to untie the ribbon from around her neck and had already taken her coat off and her tongue still feels fuzzy from the spice.]

Yeah that'd be great. I'm still sweating.

[judicialassistant]

. . . Hmm.

[ So she can see. Susato looks at Ema, then nods like she understands. She's more casual now than she is back home, but there's a bit of a bow as she excuses herself. ]

Alright, then I will be right back. Not to worry.

[ Nothing else is said, but there is a notable glance over the mess all over the floor, as if to say, 'I'll be back for you.' Then she disappears in the direction of the kitchen in a hurried manner. ]

[katonking]

[As soon as Susato is gone, she reaches for the water in front of her in the mean time. The tickle in the back of her throat from the spice is still there and what better way to try and soothe it than with water?

Unfortunately it catches her throat and she chokes - but instead of water coming out little bursts of flames spit from her mouth. A garbled sound sounding something like, 'Susato come back!!!' accompanies it only make the flames worse.]

[judicialassistant]

[ Susato is, of course, oblivious, though she's not exactly taking her time. She has an objective, and that helps with keeping focus. In addition to the pitcher of lotus milk, she reappears with some new tablecloths, carefully draped over her free arm. The moment she enters the garden, an ominous feeling fills the air, and she walks with a new sense of unease.

...Smoke?

She turns a corner, and immediately she sees the fire from Ema's mouth. She gasps. Somehow none of the new tablecloth falls off her arm as she runs, and then she's ushering the pitcher directly into her hands.

The whole damn pitcher. ]

H, Here, drink!

[ She has to shield herself with an arm after that. The flames are bright, and she can feel the heat from them that is somehow different from a normal fire. ]

[katonking]

[Susato can probably see the panic in Ema’s eyes and she quickly grabs the pitcher, sloshing some of the water on herself and the table before she starts chugging it down.

It’s actually quite impressive how fast she’s drinking it all. When she’s done she lets out a wheeze.]

What the hell was that?! [The droplets of water that didn’t quite make it into her mouth are now rising off her like steam.]

[judicialassistant]

[ At least it is milk this time, but with how fast Ema gargled it down, Susato doubts she even tasted it. It's fine. It seems like Susato was in time such that any more damage has been prevented. There's a sigh as she relaxes her shoulders...

Awkward silence. Susato doesn't quite know how to answer. Fire comes to mind, read in a flat tone in her head. Fire breathing?

But instead...

... ]

......Perhaps the Devil's peppers have unlocked your latent ability to transform into a dragon.