(no subject)

[recollecters]

EVENT

REVERTED. "Every moment is a fresh beginning." - T. S. Eliot Happy July, Retrospecters. Can you believe it's been nearly a year since the city was under attack and several of you were pulled and lost in Unreality? Time sure does fly, doesn't it? But don't fret. It seems as though the city is in for a real vacation this time...rest easy. THE BEGINNING Recollé has been fully restored thanks to the effort of the citizens working to paint the city back to life and breaking down the layers separating the city from most of its non-Retrospec users. The sky is painted multiple colors (a permanent fixture, it seems) and some buildings and plants are extraordinary but everything appears to be in solid, functional condition. All buildings are where they should be. The roads are safe. And everyone around you appears to be preparing for one of two celebrations... THE 4TH OF JULY With the 4th of July tomorrow, citizens of Recollé are preparing for their own celebration. Much like last year, the city will be preparing with a large gathering at Peach Beach, food trucks aplenty, discounts at several stores in Tisse and Enprise, and of course at 9pm sharp the beautiful and historical fireworks display will begin. Street vendors sell glowsticks and lemonade as everyone gathers to watch the show in the sky. This year, however, while the fireworks display still shows events of the city's history citizens may recognize a few new scenes added to the show. As they look up into the sky they'll notice scenes depicting several of the events that have happened over the last year ranging from the Retrospec bingo games to the nightmare fog to the mistletoe bats and more. This year will also include scenery and displays from the four regions around the city. Perhaps you recognize these events a little too well. Care to share the tale with your neighbor? TANABATA It seems as though this week is a non-stop celebration though. As the 4th of July ends, several members of the city are hard at work in preparation for Tanabata. Celebrated on Saturday, July 7th this year, residents are hard at work decorating areas in Tribunal Terrace and Chata with massive colorful streamers and moving in several bamboo plants. Stalls are set up and prepared and carnival games line the sidewalks for citizens to play. On the evening of the 7th, all are invited to attend the celebration and try Japanese cuisine, play a few games, and most importantly write a wish on a colored sheet of paper to hang on one of the bamboo trees. No matter how citizens choose to celebrate at this festival, for anyone who makes a wish and hangs it on the tree they will soon receive a Retrospec ticket in their mailbox. While your wish may take time to be granted, good fortune is upon you and a free gift has been provided. THE NPCS NPCs are back in the city and all is well. They are unaware of the layers they were caught between but they are grateful and happy to see you again! Professors will be lenient of students whose finals have been delayed, employers will inquire about your vacation time, and your friends and family may constantly badger you for time and attention. Isn't that nice? In addition, citizens of the city may now place calls to members outside of the city for up to five minutes. While that pesky growling problem still appears at the tail end of all conversations, citizens will be able to reach out to anyone in the world and speak for that length of time. Let's just hope your loved ones aren't too bothered by the previous radio silence. THE DREAMS What was that about resting easy? Perhaps you won't be able to as well as you'd like. Though everything appears to be fine, the moment you close your eyes beginning on July 3rd, you may find yourself plagued by strange, unusual dreams. As you dream you'll find yourself experiencing everything from wild scenarios set in space or on a pirate ship to everyday, mundane interactions. Your dreams will reflect who you are, but...maybe in a different light. Perhaps your siblings aren't related to you in your dreams, or perhaps your hair is a different color. Maybe you find yourself dreaming about a whole different lifestyle than the one you currently possess. Why, you could even be one of the lucky ones and dream about those memories you've been receiving since you've joined the app. Then again, you'll also find that you aren't dreaming alone. When you look, you may find that someone has joined you. It's easy to move in dreams and intrude on other people's dreams. You may choose to watch the scene play out or find yourself able to change scenarios within these dreams. Some of you will recognize what is and isn't real, but...what is real anymore? Aren't you curious what it all means? The moment you awake, however, these dreams will fade away and simply be dreams. THE QUESTS If you're looking for a way to pass the time and bring a little adventure to your life, a new feature on the Retrospec app is the quest hotline! By submitting a request, Retrospec will generate a new task for you to accomplish either in the city or around one of the four regions. While Retrospec cannot claim that all tasks will be exciting, all tasks given are important to the functionality of the city. Or perhaps you're interested in exploring Mementos or Tartarus...? Just what are these new places anyway? Strange. Happy questing! THE REGIONS Travel is available once more for the regions outside of the city, though do watch out for the common monsters that still linger between districts. It will take three hours by boat southward to Pesgare, an hour underground eastward to Respatrum, two hours west via horseback to Bosuma and seven hours via driving north to Magatus. Depending on where you travel though you may find some surprises waiting for you. Fishing season is at its prime in Pesgare and it's the perfect place for a seaside getaway this summer. The region remains untouched and stable, and the economy is thriving once more thanks to the repairs after their tsunami and the work of Retrospec users. In Respatrum, the workers in the mines don't seem to mind the heat and continue crafting and creating. Anyone who ventures into these parts will be put to work, but may be rewarded with small tokens and hospitality from the natives of this region. Bosuma, however, is a little different. The Swamp Witch is nowhere to be found though the forest is alit with bright, blooming flowers, strange multicolored animals and friendly natives from a nearby village in the woods. Monsters lurk the deeper parts of the woods, but one would actively have to go looking for them. But should one linger in this region for too long, they may soon discover that they'll start to see things...not just things, but people. Vivid, life-like forms of people you've seen in your memories will appear before you even if you're unaware of who they are. They seem to beckon you to come closer, happy to see you and encouraging you to explore the forest further. Some of these forms may engage in combat if the relationship you remember is a hostile one. Should you follow or fight them, however, you will soon find yourself lost in the woods and it may take days to return to the city. Do keep sight of what's real, won't you? Finally, over in Magatus, for anyone who has ventured there before they may be expecting the snowy mountains and ski lodge. However, it's summer! Snow isn't fit for the summer and as residents approach the region they'll come to find that the ice-capped mountains have been replaced with cliffs, sand dunes and a desert-esque climate. The iced-over lake is now perfect for swimming and further exploration will lead you to a path in the mountains that's the perfect height for cliff-jumping into waters below. This is the perfect region for you outdoorsy, camping types. Just be careful of the scorpions and rattlesnakes out there. THE CITY It's summer vacation everywhere. How are you spending your days? Maybe it isn't such a bad idea to listen to Joanne and plan your days with fun and exciting ventures. Parties and meetings and spending time with your friends...it sounds nice, doesn't it? Even if some of you may notice your friends seem...off. The city is peaceful. Everything seems to be calm and safe, so much that you may not even notice the difference at first. It all begins in mid-July though. One moment you're sitting in a café and the next you realize you're wearing an apron and you feel as though you should be working behind the counter. One moment you're sitting in your bedroom and the next you look up and notice that the items on your wall have changed. These little hallucinations are minimal and only last a few moments, but they will begin to increase as the month goes on and leading straight into August. But hey. It's probably nothing to worry about. Welcome to recolle's July log! The information above provides loose guidelines of things occurring this month, so please feel free to make your own prompts based on these. You are also free to create your own logs and inbox threads. Regarding Tanabata! If you would like to claim a free 10-20 point item, please head to the regains page and submit as normal! Please indicate that it is a Tanabata freebie. Characters are free to travel to one of the four regions this month (Pesgare, Respatrum, Bosuma, Magatus), but keep in mind the effects/changes as listed above. As a reminder, you may qualify for an additional freebie this month by threading out a dream sequence with at least one person experiencing a new AU! This thread must be at least five consecutive comments from you. Any questions you have regarding this event may be directed to the mod comment here. Be sure to review the mods' question thread on the plotting post for important information as well!

Comments

[idolworship]

☆ dream: like icarus, i am winged only sometimes
     a dream for escape, and perhaps a little talking

( it seems to you upon your waking that you're somewhere you oughn't be; not because it's forbidden, but because there's a primal instinct deep down that tells you that this is not a place fit for people to be in.

regaining your senses a little you can't say you're much assuaged: it's dark in here, it's very dark, and the air is thick like there's not much of it going out; its scent is stagnant, and something might as well die in here. but there is air, and there is light; just barely any. the light is a faint aurora-like haze coming from some direction you can't quite recognize, and it feels almost like the depths of a cave (it is a little bit cold, now that you think about it), and it does seem a little bit natural the way the floor and walls, pad together, but there's something about the shape of things that make give the whole thing an attitude of something sculpted men. in fact if you were to measure it, you'd find the whole thing not more than seven feet in any direction, a little too perfect for nature's hand.

as your vision adjusts, you catch sight of someone just some feet off, his legs loosely drawn up but with bright, suspicious eyes, and blonde hair dully gleaming in the light. he seems no more than 17. his top is off and it's hard to tell, but 'long the front of his body and threatening to touch his shoulders and thighs are what seem to be tattoos of roses done in a minimal style, though the skin around many seem bright red and swollen; like they were recently done, but a little too much to be usual. around his neck there is a symbol, and a tattooed collar of prickling thorns. it seems there might be more marks along his back, but there's no redness there. )

Are you here, ( he says slowly, with careful respect, ) to test me somehow? I'm afraid I didn't see you come in.

☆ tanabata: our bodies are just stardust this, stardust that
     writing wishes, with or without you

( now for something a little less complex. miai is where they give out colored strips, and he has a pen in hand and his paper in the other. now, he might be waiting for you because you have an arrangement with him - maybe even a date - or he might just be here, mingling in the festival, stopping on his way to run into something else. his yukata is simple and white, its accents a light blue and a little bit of gold.

regardless, he seems quite stumped by the colored paper, and he looks like he can't quite decide if he's better to put this down, or if he ought to write on it— and, if he will write, just what sort of wish he should choose. after fruitless contemplation he eventually turns the slip over (although both sides are blank) and begins, it seems, to doodle on the other side, like it might bring him inspiration: lovely full roses with unfurling petals, their vines curling fluid around the strip. he hums, thoughtfully; evidently, he really is still thinking. )

☆ wildcard: a bright gone thing
     bring your own adventure!

( contact me at rosiere to plot, or surprise me! new and old cr welcome! )

Tanabata

[strayknight]

[Ritsu hadn't celebrated Tanabata in a while, so it was something of a nostalgic surprise to see the city setting things up for it. It was a fun festival and the story was nice. So it wasn't too hard to pull his arm into going. Especially when he spoke to Miai about it prior.

Arriving a little late Ritsu is in a simple royal blue with some silver swirls along the bottom and over the shoulders. His obi was a golden and white mix, it was something he really liked and thought looked good on him. When he sees Miai he brings a hand to his chin looking him over.]

Those colors look good on you~

[idolworship]

( when he hears ritsu's voice he sets his work down and takes a slow look over at ritsu. he leaves his things aside and pushes up, making his way over and playfully sliding an arm around ritsu's waist. )

I should say the same about you. Still, I'm surprised; I thought you might choose something with a little more black or red . . . but this looks quite nice as well ♪ Would you happen to be looking for company?

( he jokes, having been the one to invite ritsu in the first place. )

[strayknight]

[Not making much of an effort to approach he waits for Miai to do that. Leaning into his arm the moment he feels the warmth and pressure of the limb around him. Ritsu brings a hand to his own mouth before chuckling.]

Hm~? I have one that color but this looks nice. I can show you the other later. [Rolling his eyes a little he pokes at Miai's side.] You're the one that convinced me out.

[idolworship]

Sure, you can show me— after we get this one off you.

( get it ;) ;) ;) he laughs at the poke, the feeling of ritsu leaned against him nice, shifting ritsu's weight to his chest to better support him. )

But, you're not wrong . . . I'm the mastermind here, and now that I have my cute hostage in hand, I'll subject you to all sorts of torture. Like cotton candy, or games, or a little tryst in the gardens . . . All depending - of course - on what you feel like doing first.

[strayknight]

[Ritsu rolls his eyes though he doesn't mind the idea. Besides the warmth from Miai's body was pretty nice too.]

Candy sounds good~ Though I really wonder how often Michan's mind is in the gutter?

[Teasing he moves to take the others hand before tugging at him to walk.]

[idolworship]

Cotton candy it is ♪

( taking ritsu's hand naturally despite some. mixed feelings he's been sitting on still— not about ritsu specifically, but his family. he's talked with leo and there was an agreement reached to not turn ritsu in, and staying true to his promise to treat ritsu well, but ... mm. to place leo's directives above the commandments of god was something; to hold hands with someone so likely a heretic was something else, too. things had been so much harder since coming to recolle.

outwardly, though, he's smiling as is natural, walking in step with ritsu. )

Hmmm? Are you saying you dislike that part of me? I don't mind being chaste, if that's what Richu wants.

Dream☆

[unlightmusic]

[She had cautiously stayed in the shadows, confused and bewildered as to what her dreams were showing her. But when she hears that voice, sees that familiar sight of golden hair, and those bright eyes... The "visitor" steps forward towards what little light there is, gradually approaching him as she reveals herself: A girl in a simple black dress, equally dark hair hanging past her shoulders and obscuring the left side of her face. An appearance she hasn't had for years, yet one very nostalgic just as his. With the oppressive atmosphere of this space, one would be forgiven for mistaking her as an Angel of Death.

She looks down at him, the lids of her eyes lowered as they reflected a mix of emotions---Disgust, pity, concern being of the major three. It would seem that even in a dream such as this, Suzu's feelings about Miai remained complicated.

Yet, perhaps because it was a dream, or because of this horrid sight, she couldn't bring herself to put up the wall of hostility she had grown accustomed to doing towards him. She sits herself down on the cold ground before him, speaking softly, like she used to long ago:]

... Ai-chan. It's me.

[idolworship]

... Suzu...?

( this miai is too entirely startled to use honorifics or nicknames in this instance, his face considerably paler than it was just a moment ago, even in this light.

he watches her step further out from the darkness like a devil and sit quietly before him, and there's just a way about her and her look that makes a shiver pass through the skin of his body. it pricks his painful, swollen skin, and he swallows. he doesn't see any marks on her; no redness, no flowers, no thorns around her neck. so ... how? )

... Bell-chan... ( though gradual, he tries to regain himself. ) ... What are you doing here?

[unlightmusic]

... I don't know. [She really didn't.] The Devil can show himself to mortals and speak with them. Maybe it's like that...

[Angels and the like could do that too, but she wouldn't flatter herself by comparing herself to the likes of them. Suzu's eyes cast downward, studying the patterns on his skin, how they compared to the frenzied readings she went through despite others dismissing it as paranoia. Suzu's noticed the one around his neck since they've reunited, but to see all of it like this... It just hammers in the reality of the major thing that had created a rift between them; just how far gone he had gotten into this. Though beautiful on the surface, each flower and thorn filled her with sadness, horror, and most of all, questions. Far too many questions, some of which she still couldn't find the words for.]

I don't feel like I'm a hallucination, though... Maybe it's because... I wanted to see you so much. That this is happening. [It felt strange, to be so honest about her feelings like this, in contrast to how she was in the waking world. The feelings the "her" around this time carried, to be precise. Yet, somehow she felt compelled to. Like she wasn't in control of her own words.] What do you think? Am I real...?

[idolworship]

( to compare herself to a devil may be artistic, but it tears a thorn of anxiety through this miai's heart, still tender from his fresh sin. perhaps he shouldn't be near her, he thinks; perhaps these are the devil's murmurs, and she suggests it herself to disarm him. he should have just learnt his lesson, he should know better, and yet ... )

... Honestly ... I wonder, sometimes, if anything is real.

( he drags his fingers through his hair, clearly in a state of stress, and yet, he can't find it in himself to send her away, real or illusion. this loneliness was sin when it made you accept the devil in your bed, and to this extent he had been taught the perfect method for pulling apart your emotions, string by string, until there's nothing left for the devil to get into. and yet, somehow, when he'd needed it most, he always stumbled. )

If you're real, I'd think you might be a miracle of God ... but He hasn't been very pleased with me lately, so...

( ... )

... But we don't have to talk about that. ( he draws up his knees, wrapping his arms around them. he seems to be a little cold. even so ... he manages to smile, faintly. ) I've wanted to see you, too. I wish I'd have a chance to visit. I wish I could talk to you more too, like when we were kids.

( somehow, once a week felt like an eternity now, compared to never seeing each other ever ... compared to forgetting slowly the names and faces of all the people you used to know )

[unlightmusic]

[At the mention of her, of all people, perhaps being a miracle of God, Suzu can’t help but press her lips with discomfort at the prospect. To her, no, that was impossible. There was no way her existence was produced from a holy, inherently “good” being like God, unless as some kind of cruel source of amusement. Misfortune befell her and everyone around her, and she didn’t blame anyone if they left her, distanced themselves from her. Perhaps it was better that way. Even now, when she was granted fans, fame, and fortune, that feeling always crept behind her, that she was a terrible creature that shouldn’t exist. Perhaps that was why she embraced the image of “Fallen Angel” so easily.

Despite the awkward and dour mood of everything, Suzu manages to return his smile with her own, looking back up to his tired face, her left eye barely visible as black locks slide off her face. That same tired, sheepish smile she always had every time she was about to speak about something unfortunate happening to her, always using that light, resigned tone. And indeed, that was the case:]

I... I kept waiting. At the same place we always met. Even if it was raining and I forgot my umbrella. I only went home when it started getting dark... It took me a month. Of going to that spot every Sunday and waiting to finally accept... that you weren't coming back...♪

[She wasn’t angry about that, surprisingly. A bit sad, and a bit fearful about what happened to her dear friend. Thinking back, that may have what been what sent her down the rabbit hole of conspiracy theories and other such bizarre subject matter, trying to rationalize Miai’s sudden disappearance. Perhaps it was a selfish form of denial towards the idea that perhaps he just got tired of her company one day and went elsewhere... Suzu now wishes that were actually the case, as her far-fetched paranoia has proven to be true.

She manages to pick up on him huddled up like that, the tell-tale slight shivers. Ah, that was right... He never did quite well in the cold, did he? Like that time he got pushed into a river trying to defend her from bullies... Some things don’t change, even after all these years. Strange, if she was real, then why wasn't she cold? How curious.]

Um... A-Are you cold? You must be, so, umm... I'm not sure i-if it'll help much, but, er... [She timidly holds out her arms in invitation.] H-Here...

tanabata

[roughplayer]

[ Miai you asshole. Kazuki expects getting reserved on Tanabata because it's a special occasion and that's how it goes... but damn. Part of him is mad he has money to throw at him like this. He's doing his job though and meeting up with Miai at the festival. His arms are folded, waiting for Miai to notice him but otherwise speaking up after a bit. ]

You think you're real clever, don't you?

[ While Kazuki would much prefer a darker color scheme, the agency wanted him to look like a good pair with the client who reserved him (also deeper-colored yukatas were popular so their goods has to stand out or something). That puts him in a simpler white and gray yukata, but it highlights his dusky silver hair nicely, tucked under a corded headband. He's even wearing a little makeup... someone please put him out of his misery. ]

[idolworship]

( he looks up from his work at the sound of kazuki's voice, recognizing the voice of the poor victim of his teasing immediately. he traces his gaze up along kazuki's kimono, not what he might've expected from him (but miai, of course, has no complaints), his gaze lingering on kazuki's new ashen hair. it's new, but, after a few moments, miai decides it quite suits him in a way he can't articulate. )

I get that a lot— I wonder why?

( he knows Exactly what he's done. offering a rosy smile to greet kazuki's disgruntled look, he pulls away from his work to come see his cute date up close and personal ☆ )

Silver's a good color on you. It compliments your kimono well. ( the corner of his lip turns up just a little bit more in the littlest of mischievous grins ) You look even more handsome than the photo on the website promised... ♪

[roughplayer]

[ Those eyes looking at him... it's not the worst gaze to give a guy he took out for a date (as a service), and Miai genuinely had gentle-looking eyes. But because it's someone he knows thanks to Kei, it makes this feel uncertain and annoying. He could be professional, and he would try for the sake of having something solid like that to lean on. ]

Tch. Do you want me to say you are? You're so easily satisfied either way.

[ Slowly, quietly. He speaks in a way that's different when they're helping his uncle out, but the bite is there. Fingers thread through the hair at the nape of his neck when miai has his compliments for it. He actually isn't used to the change himself, bleached hair feels different from how it is now, natural despite the unusual color. ]

Hmph. My boss liked it too and wants a new photo, what a hassle. Mizuki's got silver hair too, so I'm not that surprised.

[ With a sigh, he gets closer since his client/date probably would want a closer look if he's that interested. It's definitely natural, as noted by no roots and his cute eyebrows! But, he turns away to pick up a strip and a pen. ]

dream.

[livingimpaired]

[ The suffocating feeling that comes with being in a place that he should not be presses down around him. He rests his hand against the side of the walls to help him walk forward, like he is afraid he may trip. He pauses to knock his knuckles against the side of the wall -- finding it a little cold to the touch, but unable to discern more than that.

Kei steps forward as his clothing changes to that of a priest's cassock. His gaze slides down to his clothes as he feels the weight of the cross around his neck. It is simple gold cross that catches the faint light, shimmering brilliantly in this stagnant space. He is still himself and not Kirei Kotomine, but it seems his dreams would rather he wear the skin of the man. ]

Test you? [ He recognizes the young man as he steps closer. His scrutinizing eyes slide over the tattoos recognizing that they were done recent and wondering of the significance of them in a dream. But he tilts his head instead and asks: ]

What am I testing you on?

[idolworship]

( ah.

he doesn't recognize this man, nor is his exact robe custom to his sect. but— the clothes are familiar, and it's not as though it's unused. was this itself part of the test? it's strange that this man approaches him with no grand airs, questioning what this test may be, but perhaps that's meant to disarm him. miai is under punishment, and so there is no obligation to make matters easy for him. besides, who else would come here, if not one of rosetis's priests?

he bows his head in some shame and deference, shifting into a proper kneel. )

On my Faith, I imagine, Father.

( he hopes that's the correct answer — it seems right enough.)

... I know I have sinned gravely, so I wouldn't expect my punishment to be simply this. ( he seems to be speaking of the situation they're in now ) If there's more I'm meant to undertake, I will gladly receive it.

[livingimpaired]

[ Is this his past?

His eyebrows furrow as he can’t be certain if it is or is not. His head tilts at the way that the young man kneels before him. Test you on your faith? Kei reaches his hand out to rest it on top of Miai’s head. There is a smile that ghosts itself upon his lips but he chases it away. His head lightly shakes at the confession that he is hearing – for it certainly feels like a confession within this space of such darkness that almost obscures both of their faces. The air feels heavy, and for once, he can say it is not due to his own presence. ]

Everyone sins. There is no chance for redeeming any one of us for what we have been born with. [ His voice sounds surprisingly warm, even though his words are not comforting or kind. ] No matter how much blood and flesh that you may rend, it will not bleed out of you.

In order to free yourself, you would have to die. [ He looks to the side. ] But your life is precious. It has meaning, and should not be taken lightly. And you certainly are taking it lightly with how much you wish to break it into pieces.

[idolworship]

( it's strange. he follows the man's logic with ease. each syllable flows to the next, each thought a just a skip from the last. this man's demeanor is warm, but his words unnerve him, because a part of miai agrees. but the words are unfamiliar; they are not natural to rosetis. and that is what scares him, to have found himself receptive and realize moments later his agreement is heretic.

his skin pricks faintly, but he's afraid to look up; fear has been so deeply bred in him he is afraid to do anything, lest he be wrong in his assumption. maybe this, too, is a test, somehow. maybe, maybe. it could make sense. because rosetis is popular for its simplicity, its exchange of favors; at least a partial forgiveness in exchange for injury, for guilt inflicted. suffer enough, and god may overlook you. to the desperate, it seemed a deal. )

Then what, Father, would you suggest I do instead?

( a bit of deference, in case this man is legitimate. he continues, supposing he ought to make his case as well, lest this be a test indeed— maintain his faith in the face of contradiction, an easy way out. because wasn't anything short of punishment easy? even death, in a way, seemed merciful; punishment in hell continued on eternally for good reason, certainly.

he presses his palms together; for courage, and also for the friction. he was weak to cold. )

... I understand my life is God's, and to rend it in His name is an honor indeed. But He would have us punished not out of malice, but out of grace; to remind us of our sin, with which we grow complacent, though we know full well He had sent his only Son to forgive us of it.

It is because we are flawed ... that we must be punished as thus. Am I wrong? Humans are so wretched that they will forget the harm they've caused in an instant if left alone; but when we are scarred - selfishly - we remember, and commit to repentance when our sin comes in sight. To mortify the flesh brings us closer to God's forgiveness.

( he hesitates, then adds: )

... I can't imagine how a life can have value, and in tandem time carry so much sin— as you argue. Is that not a contradiction?

( this remark is not a rebuttal, but a pitiful, fearful interest, like he does not know if he's doing right by inquiring, as though he feels he is questioning truths he should not. )

[livingimpaired]

Live in a greedy, selfish manner for yourself. [ The answer comes easily for what it is that the young man should do. It is what he hopes everyone will do. He doesn't know why he wants it, why he seeks it out, but he knows that is what he wants to see -- everyone living as greedily as they like. Because people are basically good; they understand the difference between evil actions and evil intent. Kei thinks that if they're given the push to live life less restricted that they will still do so in a "good" manner. ]

This life is but the only life that we have. It is the only existence that we shall know. We will, indeed, forget the harm we cause others, cause ourselves, if left alone, but we will remember easily, because shame will come to us soon enough. [ He lightly pats the young man's head, feeling for a second that it is a patronizing action for one suffering so openly. Pulling his hand back, he lets it drop down to his side. ] We will, then, stumble and scramble for forgiveness of others, but God forgives all that truly desire it.

You already have His forgiveness, so why not live in a contradictory way? [ He feels a smile dancing over his words. He wonders if what he's saying is comforting or driving Miai further into a corner. There is an odd sensation that builds in his chest, and he can't quite name it. Or rather, is he afraid to name it? ]

Humans are filled with contradictions. It is how we were made. Free will has given us a paradox of how we live both in sin and goodness at the same time. But He is the one that gave it to us... so ... He can't be wrong.

Wlidcard: Arcade time!

[amodelidol]

[Makoto nearly forgot what he promised when he got a call from Miai about meeting up at the arcade. He forgot what he said when he was sick, though he does remember that Miai helped him out and he does want to repay him for it. He really appreciated the help! He's a man of his word so he agreed and got ready to meet him. He does know it's not a date! He remembered when Miai teased him too. Makoto shook his head on his way to the arcade. He didn't have to wait for long before Miai joined him.]

Hi! So, what would you like to try first? The fighting game or the dancing ones?

[idolworship]

( it's a date!! tsk tsk makoto, playing with miai's heart like that (no)

miai arrives fashionably on-time. despite all his teasing, he's dressed nice, but not in date attire. makoto seemed, in general, a little too innocent to tease seriously, and so miai had some mercy on him. he waves as he nears makoto, smiling. )

Hello ♪ You're feeling better, I hope?

As for the games . . . Both sound good to me, honestly. Maybe we could start with the fighting games so we don't get tired out from all the dancing?

Ah, but let's pick a game we can play well, too, so we can get plenty of tickets . . . I'd like to win at least one prize while we're here ♪

[amodelidol]

[Makoto appreciates taking mercy on him. He puts his phone away as he waves back.]

Hi Miai! Oh yeah I'm feeling much better now. I'm doing a much better job taking care of myself. Okay! Have you played any fighting games? I want to show you the ones that are pretty easy to play. You'll be able to win a lot of tickets with them too. What kind of prize do you want to get?

[idolworship]

( oooh, a good question. he thinks for a few moments . . . )

Maybe a plush toy? I have someone I'd like to give it to. Do you have a prize you're after?

[amodelidol]

Hmm, I might get another plush toy or maybe another charm, I haven't decided yet. Alright! Let's go to the first game.

[Makoto looks around for the first game that they can try.]

How have you been? How's your summer going?