[OPEN] rainy and sticky days

[kivatteru]

Who: Wataru & YOU!
When: All of Mareuer
Where: In and out of town
What: Catch-all for the month! Quests, events, and others. Open prompts under the cut. HMU if you want a close thread!
Warnings: NSFW in one of the threads, a corpse in one of the prompts, Kivat being Kivat, and that's it.

i; research request — i fucking love reading

[ A simple enough request that gives me an excuse to look around the library. Though he's strictly ordered to just look up books about chimeras and similar, he can't help himself and skims through a few unrelated shelves, curious about what he could find about this world. His free time has been cut off a lot since he started working, so now is a chance like another to catch up.

He's in the process of piling a few books when he sees another person seemingly into the research. He smiles softly. ]

Are you also looking up chimeras, by chance?

ii; hungry grass — rest in pizzas

[ Wataru brought more than just a sandwich, in case the situation called for him staying in the grass further than necessary. He ended up dawning down more than half his share while investigating, without even realizing it. Kivat might even praise him for getting more fat into his exceedingly slim body, but that's besides the point.

When the corpse comes into view, he feels a sudden wave of nausea hitting him. He'd seen a lot of humans getting turned into nothing but only their clothes when the Fangire sucked all their life essence out. He also witnessed the Fangire themselves shatter into pieces of glass when they died. But an actual human corpse, just laying there and rotting? That's something he's still not quite used to seeing in plain view.

He notices he's still got a piece of pizza in his mouth, and he shoves it back into his bag. He's no longer hungry. ]

I guess that answers it. [ He tells the companion who came to investigate with him, although it sounds even ridiculous to him that a dead body would cause hunger-inducing grass to grow around it. So he adds, as an afterthought, ] ... Probably.

iii; kivat option — stuck in the moment

[ Kivat Bat the 3rd loved wandering around with no purpose, interacting with people and playing pranks sometimes. As Wataru's familiar, he's the complete opposite of him: chatty, loud, and brutally honest. He got around making a few friends among the monsters thanks to his attitude, but with those came also enemies he pissed off either on purpose or by accident.

So one day he gets his comeuppance. A cat turnskin managed to capture him, wrap him up in tape, and trap him under a half dozen sacks of fertilizer. Bad luck wills that the weather is especially bad today, and a rainstorm pours in the area with no one noticing that the sacks are soaking up in the street.

Muffled by the tape, his voice can still be felt faintly in a pitiful "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" sound that might as well be ominous if he wasn't pissed off while wildly wriggling and trying to break out. That turnskin is a dead monster.

Wonder if anyone manages to find him before Wataru does? ]

iv; wildcard

[ The prompts are mostly for quest shenanigans but there are still other things Wataru will do throughout the month! He will...

- Help experiment for the sake of vampires in the Desmodus Mori quest;
- Be out of the city and assist the infected when he's not at his job;
- Frequent the Coven, especially the Abjuration and Evocation classes;
- Work at DiplomaTea as a server/musician;
- Walk his petalwolf Dahlia around, play with the orhphans and refugee children, etc.
- Probably be around for full moon shenanigans if you want something hotter.
- Event shenanigans, possibly, when they come around.

Let me know if you want a specific closed thread! PP me at gaiamemories or send me a PM. ]

Comments

Everett (NSFW) — more full moon mistakes

[kivatteru]

[ It's no use lying to himself. After the hot disaster that was Ieuneur's full moon, Wataru spent the next two months being kind of fidgety around Everett at his workplace. What happened between them was undeniable as much as it was an actual great first close experience with sex for the witch, and he kept getting those reminders whenever he saw his boss and talked to him about mundane things like work routine and their pets. He clearly remembered the sounds and sensations they both caused to each other the whole time they were in Everett's bedroom, and that was... distracting, sometimes, leaving him a blushing mess.

On the other end, Everett had been acting his usual self. Maybe he forgot the whole thing, but Wataru doesn't have the heart to ask directly. It would be fine if it was just a... one night stand, as they say. But the memories of it are still haunting him weeks later, and although it made me generally curious about how further sex could go between two people, he couldn't really look it up. Still too embarrassing. It was pathetic, and he felt bad for it.

Full moon comes around for Mareuer eventually. He gets a call from Everett who's asking him to come over to brush his fur. The timing and request are suspicious but... somehow, he feels as though this is yet another chance to maybe talk things over and determine where they both stand. If they're still friends and coworkers after this. Anything at all will probably give him peace of mind.

He knocks at the door of Everett's cottage, and takes a deep breath, waiting. ]

[rollfordiplomacy]

[Everett was standing at his hearth, feeling instinctually hesitant to spark a fire up within it. The full moon being about makes him... jumpy. Among other things. Good company should sooth that well. At the knock, he jumps with a clatter of hooves, before setting the matches aside to go get the door.

Wataru is greeted with as fond a smile as ever, opening the door wide to welcome his friend in]

Come in, come in. So good to have you over! It's been far too long, my apologies for being so distracted of late. [between the business, the newly formed council, and running between Dorchacht on diplomatic missions... well, he's just a busybody, wish he could be everywhere at once. It's good to have a night set aside just for Wataru's fine company.]

[kivatteru]

[ The closer he hears those hooves hitting the floor, the more nervous he grows. He gulps saliva down his throat a couple seconds before Everett appears at the door, smiling and being gentle, lovely, as usual...

Wataru can hardly keep eye contact with his boss as he walks in. ]

I understand. We didn't have an easy time, overall.

[ A real, unpleasant understatement. He'd rather not talk about it. Expecting Daisy to welcome him, Wataru looks in the direction of where he'd seen her bounding over to him last time.

It's been two months and he still remembers every minute of that night. His face heats up. ]

Thank you for inviting me, by the way. I... [ He pauses, closes his mouth, stifles a sigh. ] I kind of, uh, wished we could talk alone. Without others around. I mean...

[ This is SO DIFFICULT!!! ]

[rollfordiplomacy]

[As is to be expected, the moment Daisy smells Wataru has walked in, she's bounding out from where ever she was curled up. The petal wolf is larger than ever, still somewhat a puppy, but well trained enough by now to sit at the young man's feet and wait for attention. She's still hardly polite about it, stomping her feet in scarcely contained excitement.

Everett's focus is entirely on his companion, nodding along with a calmness he can only hope Wataru anchors to in time. Such a shy, nervous thing he can be, but Everett saw that as cute.]

Yes, anytime you might wish, my dear. I do so enjoy your company, privately or otherwise. [he eyes Daisy a moment before looking back to Wataru] Though, you must give her your attention, first. She looks ready to burst.

[kivatteru]

[ Daisy's such an adorable girl, just as much as Dahlia is. Seeing her eases up his anxieties a little and brings a smile to his face. When Everett mentions giving her attention, Wataru doesn't waste time ashe kneels down and brings the petalwolf closer, hugging her and petting her head, also expecting puppy kisses. ]

I... do so enjoy it, too. [ He admits, glad that he doesn't have to necessarily look at Everett now. ] Hopefully we have more time this month... or otherwise.

[ He doesn't want to sound eager. Or too imposing. Everett is a friend and Wataru shouldn't be weird about it. So self-conscious... ]

i. research request

[foundfamilies]

[ Leslie also loves reading and would like to read...basically the entire library. But if she’s told to only look up the books she asked about, she will only look up those books. She looks regretfully at the other shelves, but makes her way to a section where she thinks she’ll find information on the requested research.

She wasn’t expecting someone to talk to her while she was in the library, so she looks surprised as she looks up at him. ]

Yes? ...Oh, I’m sorry, did you need this one?

[ She holds up a book in both hands that is too thick and heavy for her to lift with one hand. It seems to be about Monster physiology of some kind. ]

[kivatteru]

[ If his hands weren't full of books, he would have waved a hand in apology for startling her. ]

Oh, no. I'm sorry for approaching you all of a sudden. [ In retrospect, he should have been a bit more delicate. ] I just wanted to know, because I thought it would be easier if we helped each other with the research?

[ He makes sure to leave that a question, just so she won't think he's imposing on her. ]

[foundfamilies]

[ Her surprise continues for a moment, but then there is some measure of relief that it would be cooperation instead of competing over the books, with a bit of uncertainty mixed in. ]

I don’t know if I’d be much help. I’ve never worked together with someone else on anything like this, and I’m a witch who has only been here a month, besides. [ The uncertainty gives way to a more determined look. ] But if you still want to work together, I will do my best!

[kivatteru]

[ Wataru nods in acknowledgement. There had been many new arrivals last month, and of course he couldn't keep up with them all. Her doubts are something that mirror Wataru's from when he first arrived to Aefenglom. He recognizes them, and is also quick to try waving them off, kind of like how some people helped him find his worth as a Witch in an unknown world. ]

That's alright. A little help is better than no help at all, and I'm sure you'll do fine anyway. [ He didn't miss that determined look of hers. ] Let's find a table to put all these books on.

[ Before they proceed, though: ] I'm Wataru. I've been here for a few months, and I'm a witch as well.

[foundfamilies]

[ Leslie sets her book down on the floor as she stands up, because for her, introductions are accompanied by a low curtsy. ]

My name is Leslie, and -- I guess you know that information for me. Please treat me well.

[ She straightens back up fully before she crouches back down to pick up the book. ] Lead the way, Mr. Wataru.

Jill — giving it a shot

[kivatteru]

[ He doesn't feel really good stepping back into the house that saw his friend and Bond Jill die and turn into a vampire, but he wants to overcome the feeling, so he didn't invite her to his own abode. What gets him worst is how Jill's appearance changed as well with the depiction of a classical vampire from back home. The fantastical one, not the Fangire for sure. Normal vampires wouldn't have blended in as nicely into human society.

Pale skin, red eyes, fangs... it's hard to look at her sometimes, but he's nothing but mindful of her feelings. To a fault, and his own detriment, but that didn't change a thing about the two of them. He still cares a whole deal about her, and therefore he's going to conceal his turmoil from her as hard as possible, though their Bond makes the task... not so possible.

Either way, once he's inside, he sits down somewhere and gives her a sheet of paper with, on it, the details of what he just mentioned via watch messages without giving out too much. He'd rather they talked about this face to face. ]

I found this on the quest board, and made a copy of it. [ He explains gently. ] ... What do you think?

[whydogs]

[It's been a change the two of them have to adapt to, that was much was clear. Now a days, Jill would stop and look at herself in a mirror to just take in all the changes. To her credit, she still looked pretty similar to before. Just a good deal more... dead. The fangs in particular were tough to get used to, as she was especially conscious about them and what they were used for.

And naturally, she could tell without even looking that Wataru was having a hard time with this.

At least he was still there for her, and that was what mattered the most to her.]

I'm interested, sure. But it sounds like they're not sure if this is even going to work.

I'd like to know what the risks are before I commit to anything.

[kivatteru]

[ It's a sound argument that Wataru won't counter since he also feels the same doubts as well. This might as well be a trap, or a plan made in good faith that's still destined to horrible failure. But after the events in Dorchacht, he swore to still have faith in the fellow Mirrorbounds and the inhabitants of Aefenglom. ]

We could ask them before getting into the project. I think they're doing this in good faith, but there aren't many other details about how they're going to go about this.

[ He presses his lips together. ] Still... it would be great if you could feed yourself with magic instead of blood.

[whydogs]

[She has concerns, but the idea of not having to drink blood is just too good to really pass up.]

Yeah, I feel the same way.

[Jill gives it a bit more thought.]

Alright, I think we can give it a shot. But if I don't like it, then we bail immediately. Alright?

[kivatteru]

Of course. This mostly concerns you after all, and I want you to be comfortable.

[ If worse comes to worst... his blood will be on full offer. Sure he can't leave her to starve. ]

We could go now and get all the information we need. Are you available now?

ii; hungry grass

[getting_better]

What is it? Oh.

[He says as he sees the body as well. Unlike Wataru, Bishop was more than used to seeing decomposing bodies. Maybe a little too used to it as he doesn't hesitate to pullout a handkerchief to cover his nose and mouth then kneel next to the body to examine.

He studies body as thoroughly as he can without disturbing it, walking around it and moving closer to study it in more detail.]

Hmmm...I'm not certain but the wounds on the body look like they were caused by magic. This one here though is some kind of blunt force trauma....

[He says while pointing at part of the head which was curved inward. He shakes his head, not in mourning, but irritation as he can't gather anymore beyond this.]

This body is too far gone to be able to get anything out of it. [He picked up a stick and lightly opened it's mouth releasing a horrible odor.] Mmmmm....yeah, nothing.

[kivatteru]

[ Thankfully Bishop is calmer about this than Wataru is. He wouldn't step closer to the body without feeling even more sick, and he doesn't feel like releasing what he's eaten so far. That would... also ruin the evidence. Being in an actual crime scene is one of the least things he expected out of this investigation.

He listens to the other man's speech while bringing a hand to his nose, pinching it to suppress the rotten stink that has now reached him. ]

If we can't do much, we should alert the Coven and have someone pick it up. [ Because they're not doing it, right? To save the evidence and all that. ]

They might suceed quicker in figuring the murder out. Maybe investigating the grass instead might get us somewhere.

[getting_better]

Mmmm...I wonder about that.

[He tossed the stick aside and walked over to his companion while rubbing his cheek in contemplation. Strange for a witch body to be this far out in the field, then again when was murder not strange in some way, but this was private property. If this was murder, then why dump the body here? Unless it was sudden, probably even an accident. When he finally reaches Wataru and notices how he's covering his nose, Bishop smiles and turns the young land around while putting an arm around him.]

Let's get out of here before you lose your lunch, eh? [He chuckled while giving him a good shake, leading him away from the body to a relatively nearby fence.]

First time seeing a body like that? [Rhetorical, really. He can tell it's the first time he's seen one.] Don't worry, everyone gags. This one though does raise some questions.

[kivatteru]

... I'm not losing my lunch.

[ Though he's beyond nauseated, Wataru really doesn't want to toss away the dignity he had. He's stronger than this. Once they're out of there, he'll feel better and the rotting dead body will be just a memory. At least he's thankful that Bishop is leading him away from the crime scene, though his display might have been a bit embarrassing. ]

Yeah. First time, I mean. [ It's true. He'd seen a load of people die, but he never saw actual dead bodies before. That's as ridiculous as it sounds, and he's glad he doesn't have to explain it to his companion. ] It does raise a lot of questions, and I'm not sure where to even begin.

[ There's a lot to unpack here after all. ]

[getting_better]

[He admires his strength, most people do vomit or at least get so sick they need to sit down. This kid was clearly made of some tougher stuff. Might come in handy someday.]

We start- [He reaches into his back pocket and pulled out a small leatherbound notebook with a matching pen and begins scribbling in his short hand.] -by gathering what we know so far. First, we have a curse that induces deep hunger the cause of which is related to the heavily decomposed body found in the field.

Second, we know that it was the lands owner who posted the request to do something about the curse.

Third, the body is in such a state of decay that discerning the gender is impossible at a glance. The fact that it was left out here exposed to the elements must have something to do with that as well.

And fourth, numerous wounds were found along the body which suggests this person was attacked. By who or what and how many has yet to be determined but fire and a blunt weapon is most definitely involved.

iii

[trusttheshovel]

[Her changes begin to set in, pale skin, red eyes, her cute fang turned into sharp fangs. Those weren't too bad, but lately, stepping foot under the sun had her lethargic, forcing her to confine herself in her own home until she found a solution to this problem.

So when the dark clouds block out the sun and even when the sky's started pouring, Kurumi takes this chance to stretch her legs outside. Bundled herself with a raincoat, an extra layer of hoodie jacket underneath, a nice pair of squeaky boots, and a shovel strapped to her back, she takes to outside the relatively empty street. That's when she, eventually, heard a strange sound.]

Hm?

[Did she hear muffled screaming near the sack? Curiosity leads her towards the wet large bags and, one by one, lifts them away, against her own better judgment, but not without having her shovel ready in her hand just in case she's met with something dangerous instead. You don't survive a zombie apocalypse by not being cautious of things.]

[kivatteru]

[ Finally, someone heard his call. He kind of hopes it's a beautiful woman with a long neck like Modigliani's. Chance encounter, love at first sight, all that stuff that he secretly fancies.

Kivat wriggles in his bonds. The tape is obscuring his view and keeping his mouth half-glued as he can really just screech vowels. This is so humiliating, and infuriating as all hell.

When the weight of those sacks finally leave him, he whimpers out: ]

Thank you, kind stranger!

[ ... but what she hears is a mess of garbled words that don't make a lot of sense. ]

[trusttheshovel]

[Nah, dude. It's just a twintailed, normal neck girl with a shovel. And said girl's eyes are wide because out of every possibility she could find under the sacks, this isn't one of them.]

Eh?

[What is that? A toy? A bat toy... and it talked? At least it sounds like it's saying something even when it came out more as a garbled mess in her ears. Must be a broken, recorded voice or something...

Weird, she wonders why someone left it taped here under a bunch of sacks, it looks kinda cool, actually. Tentatively, she reaches for the tape and pulls it, freeing poor Kivat... Only for a second, she's grabbing his wings next for a closer look.]

Woah, what a cool design...

[kivatteru]

Eh?! Really?

[ Well, that comment left him shocked! Although she looks a bit too young for his tastes and her neck is not definitely sexy long as he hoped, Kivat's eyes glow a bright red when he hears her compliment his design. He doesn't even mind her grabbing his wings, since he can now use his mouth again and talk to her properly. ]

I'm double the thankful for you saving me then! Hi! I'm Kivat!

[ His anger has dissipated a bit now, though he'd still hunt down that cursed turnskin and give him a lesson once he's able to. ]

[trusttheshovel]

Eeeh?! You can talk?!

[Or rather, she's surprised that this toy is talking back to her than it just talking. She's 90 percent sure he didn't press any buttons, seriously did just assume what she'd found under the sacks is like one of those talking toys. That makes Kivat 100 times more cooler! So after the surprise is settled, she goes right back to wow-ing at Kivat, eyes wide like a child who got her first toy.

Oh wait, he just said hi.]

Um- H-hi! I'm Kurumi. If you don't mind me asking, what are you? You're seriously cool!