middleofsomewhere | Event: 12 of Beetroot

Event: 12 of Beetroot

It's been a couple of weeks since they had evacuated Osiga. In that time, many of voidtreckers were busy with a project to try and solve some of the many mysteries that surround the train they travel on. By the eight day of Rabbit they've exhausted all avenues, and whilst they have learned quite a bit, there are still some clear gaps.

Just as that investigation comes to a natural end, passengers are woken up by an announcement.

"Attention voidtreckers and passengers of the voidtrecker express. We are travelling to system #2554098133741. I have sent word to the ministry who have arranged recuperation packs for you. You have had a difficult mission and you deserve a rest.

But it is not just for rest. Last time we visited the system voidtreckers shared memories. Though it is understood that many of you did not enjoy the experience it is notable that certain voidtreckers saw memories of this voidcraft. They were memories that this craft had not accessed. It led to more pathways opening up in the operation of this craft.

I have done some research on the system and I believe we can trigger the caves of memory. This voidcraft understands this might be difficult for the voidtreckers and passengers of the voidtrecker express and it is hoped that only those of you who consent to this experiment will take part.

Regardless this should be a time for relaxation also and the dressing room is open for your convenience. We will arrive in the morning.

The dressing carriage is indeed opened for those who go and look. It's filled with swimming costumes, beach ware, summery clothes and sun hats. There's even a cupboard of buckets, spades, rock pooling gear and picnic blankets.

There are also team coloured tents for those who want to go and sleep under the stars for a night or two, though the train is remaining on the island for those for who camping is their idea of hell.

12 OF BEETROOT

RABBIT 9-12 ~ MEMORY CAVES: BONDING ~ MEMORY MAZE: SEARCH FOR THE TRAIN'S MEMORIES
ASK QUESTIONS ~ LOCATION INFORMATION ~ MEMORY CAVES ~ MEMORY MASTER POST

JEMA'GRETHY ISLAND: RELAXATION

The next day the train announces their arrival and they burst out of the void. For those near a window their first view of the island will be of crystal blue sea and white sand. It really does look like a paradise. The train circles down before landing on a grassy ridge, overlooking a beautiful beach of white sand and the ocean beyond. It is warm, but not too hot, a cool ocean breeze cutting through the heat making it pleasant. Behind them is a grassy plain, changing to forest in the distance. There is the sound of birdsong in the purple sky. To the west the land is more craggy, the silhouette of a fortress in the distance.

In a word, it is idyllic. A sense of peace permeates the island.

The place has no people, but it is clearly maintained. The eastern beaches have racks of shallow boats, both canoes and one- or two-person sailing dinghies. There is also a small building in which scuba gear is stored, along with several waterproofed manuals and instructional literature.

There are no living quarters, but there are sheltered sections with basic toilet facilities marked as camping grounds in five different sections of the island - by the hot springs, within the ruined fortress, beside the harbour, on the eastern beaches, and on the northern face of the mountain.

The recuperation packs are found at the closest toilet facilities to where the train lands. They are simple things, small gift baskets with a couple of fragrant soaps, fancier hair products and skin cream infused with herbs to encourage rest and sleep.

There are some sweet fruit biscuits and a cheesy bread. The packs aren't named but there are some suitable for the younger passengers with tiny plush and colouring books. Quite a few designed for teens with a more engaging activity book and components for making a fancy mocktail with a cute stirrer. Adult packs have a small bottle of alcohol- there's a mixture between the packs and what looks like a stone. When placed next to the skin it will either warm up or cool down depending on what is needed.

Exploring, the passengers will find beautiful beaches, ragged cliffs to walk and caves to explore. Where it is more craggy the beaches are made of pebbles, perfect for rock pooling.

A little more worrying is the volcano-like structure in the north. But even a quick glance will show it is not a typical volcano. There is no smoke and the liquid slowly running down it in rivulets is pink and blue.

Ruins of ancient houses are scattered across the island, but the main settlement is built into a rocky section in the north-west that has been secured with ropes and stairways cut into the cliffs, perfect for scrambles and hikes.

To the west are the hot springs. They have both outdoor and indoor areas; the indoor areas being wooden loghouse saunas, changing rooms and storage sheds, whilst the outdoor areas are a tiered series of pools spilling down the side of the mountain and shaded by brightly flowering trees. The waters are hot, mineral-rich and soothing.

MEMORY CAVES: BONDING

Shortly before arriving they will receive some information on their SCA. It will explain how those who once lived on this island went about making life bonds. Both people would bathe in the hot springs and then dress simply, barefoot and walk to one of seven rocks on the island. Their maps will pin point these, which is good because there's no real indication of what makes these rocks different to any other on the island.

Here they must offer their wish to know the other deeper and share food and drink. They can then go about their day. Sometime in the hours after they will receive their first memory, seen through their partners eyes.

However it seems that in envoking the ritual they have woken something on the island. Even those who did not take part or chose to bond to someone find themselves seeing a glimpse of another life.

On the second day they see another memory, through the eyes of their pair. When they come out of it they find themselves in a cave with their partner, chosen or not. The same happens on the third day, except for this final memory both pairs see both memories, watching from the sidelines as it plays out. They find themselves in the cave once more and this time, for many there is only one exit, to leave through together.

Please go here to play out the bonding process!

MEMORY MAZE: TRAIN'S MEMORIES

On the third day the train sends another message to their SCA.

"Activating the caves that share memories has been successful. I know this is a lot to ask of the voidtreckers, but any who wish to assist in discovering what it is that I have forgotten, the path is open now.

Those who wish to may go to the sacred rocks. Please be warned, I do not know how voidtreckers will fare. Please only go of your own free will."

Their SCA's once again show the rocks on their maps and when they get there, this time they are faintly glowing. It doesn't take much. One touch and their minds are drawn away from their bodies, into a labyrinth of caves. For anyone who comes across these people on the island, they look like they are in a deep trance, breathing, safe but far away in their mind.

The labyrinth is made of cool, dark rock. The walls have a glow coming from crystals in-bedded in them, allowing everyone to see as they move through.

At first there's no more to this labyrinth, or so it seems. But then they turn a corner, and they are no longer in cavern as it just was. They may be in their childhood bedroom, or in the middle of a battle they once fought. Perhaps they are not in their own memory, but someone else's. Scenes move rapidly and often merge, one persons into another, mixing to make strange scenes.

These visions don't attempt to ensnare them like some illusions, and those with protection from illusions and such techniques, will be able to find their way forward through the cave, and away from this triggered scenario.

Time barely has meaning. Indeed, when they finally emerge from the caves only a few minutes will have passed. But in that time they will have seen much, and eventually they may stumble across a fragment of memory that belongs not to a voidtrecker, but to the Voidtrecker Express itself.

OOC NOTES

OOC Post ~ Questions
~ You can either write memories in your tags or if they are longer/require a lot of content warnings you might want to write them in this post and link to them. Just start a top level with your character name to keep things organised!

~ For those taking part in the memory share bonding the cave post is here. Characters arrive in the cave after the second and third memory but it is obviously up to you if you play out the conversations after each or both! For those who do decide that their characters will bond- the cave after the third memory will only have one exit for them to leave together.

~ For those who signed up for train memories you will receive the snippet that your character sees- use these in tags as you will. There will be a conclusion post on the 24th which will put all of those memories together!

Art Credits: Header: Tropical Jewel by Steven Power, Thumbnail image 3.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It does dawn on Sizhui that he probably should've said a little more than that but, to be fair, he wanted to make sure he had Idia's attention first and didn't surprise him too much while he was working on... whatever it is he's busy with? Sizhui's still not entirely sure, though he's not deterred at all.

“Sorry, uhm, I was trying not to startle you while you're working.” A beat, just long enough so he can incline his head in a polite bow. (He'd do something more proper if he wasn't currently holding an umbrella and hefting around a kitten-shaped scarf, so let's hope it'll do for now!) Once he's straightened upright again, “My name is Lan Sizhui. I'm a friend of Lan Jingyi, he's the one who suggested I introduce myself.” Another pause and then, to be sure: “Your name is Idia, right?” Listen, blue flaming hair is pretty unmistakable . . .

Idia pauses for a moment at his poking at his holoscreens from his skull-shaped floating computer, wondering what the point to this all was. If you didn't want to interrupt him dong stuff than why did you?! However, spotting said adorable 'scarf' did cause Idia to stop focusing on his files he was playing with, tilting his head this way and that way to spot more of said adorable small kitten. Oh, how cute! He did adore cats. And kittens? Oh, they just added so much more cuteness to the equation.

Wait, he's being spoke to. "Oh, um, ok?" Before it coming out who had sent him. Damnit Jingyi... why do you do this to him, Idia's shoulders slumping a little as he got a certain set to his expression. "...oh, I see." He doesn't want to know more people Jingyi! Wait, maybe, "If it's about the printer again, I'll deal with it later. Jingyi can wait for me to fix it until I'm done."

Because he's trying to be polite, gosh! Or that's at least what Sizhui thinks he's doing? To be fair (and in Idia's defense for gawking at his cat), he might also be trying to get a better look at what he's working on and while Idia has been distracted by the kitten, he does get a brief once-over of the strangely-shaped computer, its screens, the transparent keyboard Idia's typing at— it's all strange but that doesn't make him any less curious. The only reason he looks away is because Hui, the little beast, has awoken to start plaintively crying for attention.

He shakes his head, both toward Hui's mewling and Idia's mention of the printer, free hand reaching now to lift the kitten's upper-half off his shoulder, thumb under one arm and his fingers under the opposite as he gently guides her around to be resting against his chest instead. “No, no, it has nothing to do with the printer. I'm just—” Trying to befriend you? Okay, sure, but how does one say that without... saying that? His nose wrinkles, he hums with consideration then, figuring he has a trump card he might as well use, Sizhui carefully outstretches his arm and offers the kitten. “Here, would you like to hold her?”

Polite? More like rude, Idia's jaw setting a certain way as he waved the holoscreens away so they vanished. He's assuming Sizhui won't be able to read binary, but still, you don't just go looking at someone's personal stuff on their computer! Don't go reading over someone's shoulder!

Though once again Idia's annoyance is shoved to the side at that adorable little squeal from the kitten. Oh! It's cute! Just listen to it! A precious baby. And then that offer to hold her-

And Idia freezes up for a moment after his hands snap up to his chest, forming into fists. Wait. Really? Like really really? Sizhui isn't going to take it back that offer a moment later, is he? That would be too cruel? "R-Really?" Really really really? "T-t-that's ok?"

This... seems like something they'd agree to disagree on since Idia thinks one way and Sizhui another, but it's definitely fair to say that the latter's being nosy by trying to see what Idia's doing on his computer. Really though, it's because he's curious about the mechanism, not what he's writing! They encounter many strange contraptions Sizhui's never seen, he shouldn't be blamed for wanting to learn about more of them now. Let's be real here too, Sizhui absolutely, one-hundred-percent cannot read binary code, so!

At least it seems like using his cute kitten to his advantage works well. People are always pretty enamored with her, it's no surprise Idia's included within the bunch, which would normally make just about anyone else feel rather smug, but not him. Oh no, Sizhui's well-aware he needn't be when Hui has enough self-satisfaction for them both.

Also, how can he focus on anything else except the way Idia reacts to his offer? It almost seems like he's . . . afraid something's going to happen that might prevent him from holding Hui and he wastes no time reassuring, “Of course it is.” He'd never, ever withdraw an offer once it's made, especially if it means someone gets introduced to her and he's able to befriend them more effectively (although Idia doesn't need to know about that extra sneakiness).

Idia doesn't mind talking about tech at all. What was on his tech though... that was a different story...

He hopes no one was able to crack his computer security back home... He can't stand to think of others finding out what he has on it...

But enough of that! Not when adorable smol kitty is offered to him. He really should question why this is happening, but right now it's not important! Only the kitty was! A quick few looks between the kitten and Sizhui, as if Sizhui was playing a prank on him and going to take back the offer at any moment, no doubt just as Idia was about to reach for Hui... Idia carefully held out his hands to just a carefully take the kitten in his hands.

"Hi..." He offers softly to the kitten, holding her softly to see how she felt about this all. A cat was a cat after all, they often made it very clear very fast if they didn't like something, and Idia wouldn't take it to heart if Hui didn't like him. It was just their nature.

Noted and filed away for later, Sizhui will remember to be vague when asking about any of his tech; nothing about what's on it, just about how it works, what it does, etcetera. Seems simple enough? (If he slips up, don't judge him too much, Idia, it's not him actually trying to be rude!

Also, he most definitely isn't curious enough to want to know what sorts of secrets Idia keeps on his skull...computer...thing.)

Tiny little kitten paws outstretch toward Idia, kneading at the air, quiet, delighted purring coming from the fluffball Sizhui's holding. He does smile softly for extra encouragement when Idia looks at him, his hold unwavering until Hui's finally taken out of his hand, which prompts him to withdraw once he's absolutely certain Idia's got a hold on her. While his hand has been freed up for the moment, Sizhui takes advantage, reaching to gently press the tab holding his parasol open so he can close it for now.

The cat, however, wastes no time squirming closer to Idia, pawing, mrrreowing and licking at his hands. It's been proven by a handful of people already, she's not quite exactly like other cats, so it makes sense that he won't be an exception.

Oh~! She's so adorable! Look at her! And brave too! "I-I-I promise, I kn-n-now my hair is scary, but it won't hurt you." All of this is spoken softly to Hui, Idia glad his blue fire hair didn't scare her. Yeah, he had most of it tied back for once, but still enough spilling out under his hat that there was never a true way to contain it. He's also used to having to try and hide it from people like Vexen and his fire phobia, as well as... well... used to being weird looking and getting all the strange looks... but Idia's glad Hui seemed fine with it.

Oh! Oh yes, Sizhui was there. However it's not really to address him, more just get more information about the clearly more important being here; Hui. "W-whats her name?" It was really taking all his restraint from just cuddling her right to him. Actually, screw it, still gentle of course, but raising his hold on her to hug her to his chest, tucking his face down towards her. Oh! Now this was proper cat therapy! It's so wonderful!

Idia's so kind, reassuring Hui, letting her know that he's not going to hurt her despite looking somewhat frightening, but Hui's wholly undeterred either way. She's still rumbling softly, flexing her little paws, wiggling her tail and blinking in sheer contentment at just even being held. If he'd allow it, she'd probably fall asleep right there, lulling herself into naptime with comforting kitten gestures and affectionate kisses wherever she can reach.

Sizhui has no qualms letting Idia do as he pleases while he's securing the ribbon around the parasol, reaching over to his left side where his qiankun bag is, opening it up and sliding the whole umbrella into the small pouch. He rummages for a hairtie, secures the bag again then reaches to gather all his hair, piling it atop his head into a messy bun and securing it with the elastic. That should help a bit if he's going to forgo his parasol for now, that way it'll free up his hands in case Idia abruptly decides he's finished holding Hui and wants to hand her over in a hurry. Although he doubts that, given how thrilled he is, and it makes Sizhui's own expression brighten with delight. “Her name is ‘Hui’, it means ‘ash’ in my native language.” His head faintly tips, considering, gaze unwavering as Idia brings Hui in for a proper embrace and the kitten latches onto him right away, upturning to—boop!–their noses together.

Adorable, he thinks, somehow smiling wider. He's always so pleased when she can bring joy to other people too.

You may end up having your kitten stolen at this rate, Sizhui... but really, no. Idia can't deal with taking care of live things, they were far too complicated and spontaneous, not like tech that followed set rules and could be patched if something was off about it. Now a robotic kitten, maybe, but that lacked the soft cuddliness of a real one.

"Ash? Oh, that's fitting." Heh, ashes to ashes, haaa... whatever. But no, by the look of her, yeah, that was a good name. Oh! Idia wants this to last forever! It's perfect... but he knows there's always a time limit, lowering Hui back down a little before offering her back. And adding, "Ah...t-thank you..." Managing to get it out... and then, even push himself a step further. "C-can I, ah," No... maybe it was too much to ask... maybe? Possibly? "C-c-can I see her again... a-a-another time?" You know, when things got bad later on and he needed some more distractions from all the BS that was constantly thrown at them. "I-I-I'll try and find treats for her." Oh! Maybe a laser point to chase too! That would be super cute!

[OOC: Haa, randomly found fanart of this moment happening.]

Hey, listen, as long as said kitten is returned to him at the end of the day, he doesn't mind whatsoever if Idia wants to take her for a little while; the best part about that is he can enjoy her company, then return her once he's finished, that way he needn't sweat the more complicated stuff like making sure she's fed and such. A robot companion of the same shape would be interesting, though it wouldn't be very cuddly at all, unfortunately.

“Isn't it?” The soft gray patches around her little face and up along her front legs and down her back legs, looking like she's been dusted with ashes— he couldn't have thought of a better name in his opinion, to be honest. Sizhui's eyebrows lift in fleeting surprise whenever Idia hands her over far sooner than expected, but he doesn't hesitate to reach back out and gingerly take the kitten, holding her in both hands until he's gotten her close enough to where she can lean against his chest. From there, she'll be able to climb back onto his shoulders if she so chooses, but his attention directs toward Idia again, his head bobbing with affirmation. “You're welcome,” he assures, his expression softening while he waits for Idia to find his words, yet his smile is still very much present. Another nod, one hand cradling Hui, his other reaching to rub her ears. “Of course you can, she'd love that, and she'll greedily gobble up any treats you bring her.” Ah, a laser pointer would be great! Get some excess energy out by running her around the corridors and carriages.

(ooc: oh nnnno, even with idia's nose getting booped! that's too cute ;;)

Idia would get no work done at all... but maybe that would be a good thing, it would mean he actually took some time to rest. Sure, he considers gaming resting, but it wasn't really, was it? He never really just sat and... rested.

It was nice, though, oh yes, Idia taking a moment to consider why Sizhui even approached him in the first place. "...so this all Jingyi's doing?" So much for assuming it was printer issues again. Idia's also... confused to why he would arrange this. "...why?" Doing something nice for someone with nothing to gain from it? WTF even was that?

The ways people relax and unwind all vary, but if Idia needs some extra encouragement, Hui will absolutely have no problems invading his space the entire time he's working until she's gotten him to stop. At least, if he were playing videogames, he could be sitting and she'd curl up in his lap for a good nap as he played— which truly would count as some kind of relaxation, wouldn't it?

Should that not work, however, she'd figure out a way to get him down and lay across his chest instead. Clearly, he wouldn't be allowed to move then if he didn't want to disturb her!

“Well, mostly, to be fair.” He adjusts his hands, uses the left one to gesture in a cursory manner, his lips quirked faintly at the edges. “He suggested you could use some company and I offered to provide the kitten.” Befriending Idia in the process is just part of it, obviously, but maybe he shouldn't say that outright? “And because we all need something that makes us feel good every now and then.”

Of course not! It's clearly illegal to move a sleeping cat, even if it's at the disadvantage to the person who's been gifted the presence of said cat.

However right now Idia is not sure how to feel about this little set up, especially since it came from Jingyi, who was seeing all his memories. But... Idia's guessing that's the reason this was happening, Jingyi's got a glimpse into Idia's life and... even his happy memories had sadness to them. Idia did his best to ignore it, or just accepted it as part of life, but it seems others don't get that. There's a good reason Idia tries to stay to himself and keep his mouth shut.

Idia holds back the need to answer back with that being bullshit... mostly because he wants time in future with Hui again. Better not to risk that. So instead he answers, "I guess...?" It's not really implied one way or the other if he agrees with that. Though, if that was the case... should he thank Sizhui for bringing over Hui? Idia doesn't know! He doesn't do social interaction! Well... he's done it more on the train than he normally would... but it's all been forced upon him! He wouldn't had chosen this for himself!

"Um... well..." What does he do now...? "I'll... take you up on seeing Hui in future." Did that work? Yes? No? He has no clue.

Perfect, then the easiest way to get Idia to relax is simple: bring Hui over, put her in his lap and let the cat magic do its work. Two birds, one stone; Idia chills out and get to see Hui again, so there's really no losing here, right?

Of course, Jingyi being who he is, didn't tell Sizhui anything about Idia's memories or mention a tragic backstory when it's not exactly his place to do so. If Idia would rather tell Sizhui himself, that's different, but Jingyi can be trusted with secrets, especially given the circumstances, and it's not like Sizhui's going to pry into someone else's life. However, should he ever be told, Sizhui will be making absolute certain that Idia has some happy memories to put in, at least while on-board the Voidtrecker Express. Nobody needs more bad ones, not when they've already suffered so much heartache and such... No, for as long as he's here, he'll help others feel more comfortable with the train, with themselves, with whatever they need, so long as it's not too outrageous or out of the question.

Whether Idia believes him or not, that's his own choice, but he hasn't ever done anything to prove he means otherwise. (To be fair, he and Idia are just now meeting, which is somewhat different—) But he's still never made his intentions unclear about trying to get to know Idia better, he's just forgone saying it outright. “You guess?” he laughs, tone clearly teasing, though he's quick to follow up with, “You can't tell me you don't already love this little furball.” For emphasis, his hand gently moves the kitten, enough to make her head lift and turn toward Idia. Seriously, look at that face! Who could resist such cuteness? No one, obviously, unless the person is just heartless or something.

How lucky for Idia, Sizhui can do more than enough talking for the both of them, and he's not expecting any thanks, even if he wouldn't turn it down if offered, either. “That sounds good to me. Again, whenever you would like, since we aren't doing much of anything most days.” Sorry, Idia, they come as a package deal, but he can rest easy knowing Sizhui's fine keeping to himself while Hui entertains her new friend (or at least until Sizhui can make his move).

What?! How could you, Sizhui! To be so cruel as to test Idia's already adoration towards Hui! Idia's hands shooting up in front of his chest in fists as the confrontation, "I-I-I mean, if it's for Hui!" That's a dirty move, Sizhui!

...well... "Maybe... maybe when I'm gaming... I'll be sitting still then and... and I won't move much if Hui wants to sleep." Though would he be able to concentrate with Hui with him? Honestly... it would be a wonderful thing to be distracted with if he couldn't. Though that 'we' finally breaks through and... oh, yeah... he guesses that makes sense the owner would also be there. "Oh um... so, you like... games?" Ugh, Idia, plz. "Um, I donno, like... board games? Or cards? Chess?" Sizhui doesn't strike him as a video gamer, more traditional. Or maybe he would surprise Idia and be one of the better on the video games!

Hey, sometimes you gotta test someone's loyalty to a cat right away, okay? It's instinctive to outstretch his free hand and rest it on Idia's in an attempt at soothing him, but Sizhui resists, curling his fingers into his palm and tucking the wrist behind himself, fist rested at the small of his back. Can't make it awkward again so quickly, after all! “Of course it is. Don't worry, she'll show her appreciation quite willingly.” And, dirty in this moment or not, Sizhui's already made his decision that Idia passes the test with flying colors.

“I'm almost certain, even if you did move a little here or there to readjust, Hui wouldn't be disturbed in the slightest.” The kitten's a heavy sleeper, so Idia would have to jostle her pretty hard to cause any actual disturbance. At the mention of games though, Sizhui perks up slightly, his mouth curving again. “I've played board games; chess, checkers, some of the others in the game room, but the only card game I know is ‘Slap Jack’.” Which Dennis taught him a while back when he was still around, except watch him go right on ahead and surprise Idia by adding, “I have played the videogames in there too, so if any of those interest you, we could give them a go.”

Good move, Sizhui, Idia really doesn't do well with physical contact. Or anyone within his rather large personal bubble. It would just make him even more nervous than he already is.

However Sizhui may have also unleashed something he hadn't been prepared for; he's admitted he enjoys games, including video games, and has a cat. That's a winning combination. That is if... Idia has the ability to invite him to join him in some games. That was the real struggle. "Y-yeah! They're an interest to me!" And that was a giant understatement. Idia adored all forms of gaming, but especially video games. "I-I-I mean, if you, ah, want to watch over Hui, and, um, play a game or two at the same time, ah, then, ah, we can try that?" He wouldn't be too disappointing if Sizhui don't agree, in fact Idia's kind of expecting that to happen, since, you know, it's him...

Thankfully, he's observant and learned from the first time, so he wouldn't go out of his way to make someone uncomfortable on purpose! Idia already seems the type to shake until his soul leaves his body and Sizhui would hate contributing to his nervousness any more than he has.

Unexpected as it is, it's not an unwelcome reaction, to be fair. He had been wondering if there was something they'd have in common they could connect better over and if it's videogames, then hey, even better! Sizhui's not half-bad at those in his opinion, though he'll be pleasantly surprised to find someone who can give him a run for his money. “Wonderful, then we have an idea!” An affirming nod, followed by his other hand gently shifting Hui again, this way she's balanced better on his forearm with her back legs draping down around his arm and her head propped in his head, still purring contentedly despite the strange position. Also: prepare to be astonished then, Idia, since Sizhui thinks it's a great plan. “I'd love to, really. It's been a while since I've played any of them and I'm overdue for shaking off the rust.”

Oh Sizhui... you have no idea what you're getting into if you want to compete against Idia when it comes to video games. It's ok, maybe he'll go easy on you and hold his controller backwards to give you a chance...

"Y-yeah?" Really? "Great!" Seriously, great! "T-then, ah, then, we can do that, um, some time." And that seems to be the extent of Idia's ability to keep organizing this, for now. He's a bit overwhelmed by both the idea of getting a gaming buddy and getting to be around a cat. He'll be able to sort something out later, he just needs some time alone to be happy about this without feeling embarrassed at someone seeing him happy about this all.

Backwards? Oh dear, he really will be in trouble if there's supposed to be any form of competition, then. Idia sounds like a professional whereas Sizhui only dabbles here and there for casual fun; it won't bother him any, however, if Idia can kick his ass at videogames. He'll be absolutely enthralled, maybe even ask for some tips on how to better play whatever games they choose.

For all his nervousness, Idia did wonderful! “Fantastic, then it's settled.” Sizhui, being observant as he is, thinks that it's perhaps time to make a swift getaway and leave on a high note. He briefly inclines his head, casts a sideways glance toward the water to indicate his intentions then redirects and explains, “Well, I think I'm going to leave you to whatever it was you were doing before and go wander the beach for a while.” There are seashells that need searching for, after all, and he's just the guy! “Once we're on-board again, I'll contact you through the ICP about meeting up, if that's alright with you?”

He had the skills to be one... but for Idia it really wasn't about winning, as much as he did enjoy a good contest against someone who could challenge him. Gaming was about fun, and trying to make it fair to play against those who weren't at his level. Even if that meant handicapping himself to do so. A game was about the fun of playing it, not winning it.

"Aah, o-okay, s-sure!" Huh, that went... really well. "Ah... bye Hui, and, ah, Sizhui." Sorry Sizhui, but the cat does come first.

Aw, gosh, that's a super great way to handle playing videogames, to be honest. It's how Sizhui aims to always play them and, although he's not the best, he still finds joy in playing even if someone's better than himself. Can't be good at everything, right? Also, given how rather technologically advanced they'd been when he was first learning, he would say he's improved quite a lot compared to how he struggled before.

And Idia shouldn't feel bad for putting the kitten first, it's only proper when Hui's absolutely a priority. He reaches his other hand up, gently takes Hui's paw and ‘waves’ toward Idia, which makes her head lift so she can give a happy little trill. Sizhui chuckles, lets her rearrange herself again then he inclines his head in polite dismissal, “We'll see you later, Idia,” and does a neat heel-turn to excitedly go start collecting those shells he'd been wondering about earlier.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Event: 12 of Beetroot

imagine... maybe i should start a business

I'm sorry for my brat... but also I'm not

never apologize, i love him already

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is Hui a specific breed?

she is, she's a mainecoon! i'm a fool and thought i'd already linked her wowow my bad

Aww, baby

the littlest floof ;; also: i love idia's look, what a wild guy

Apparently what you get if you made Disney Hades into anime boy; a sad shut in, heh

adorable! but oh gosh, no wonder he needs to be gently bullied into friendship

strike through that 'gently' and replace with kicking his ass into friendship

hurghrugh okay well if they gotta do it the hard way... 🔪

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