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pedalbike2020-11-24 06:53 pm
upcyclingmod) wrote in pedalbike2020-11-24 06:53 pm
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Fourth TDM: Winter's breath
Welcome to the Test Drive Meme.
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As a quick note: This will be the last TDM and Application Round of the year! Have fun everyone!
Not all characters (known as Wickie, singular or Wickies, plural) arrive at the same time, surprisingly enough! That’s life for you. Some Wickies find their way to the island at a pivotal (or very mundane) point in their life, or even after or during their death.
Wickies who were standing or walking often find themselves entering the town South Sister, located on Lighthouse Isle, through an open doorway. Those that were laying down, or sleeping, tend to be found lying prone in beds, bathtubs, showers, couches, and similar places within the cottages on Cottage Row. There’s no rhyme or reason to it all! To Wickies familiar with the era, they will realize that everything looks as if it’s come from the ‘90s.
The house which a Wickie finds themselves within could already be occupied. This includes walking into a fellow Wicke, waking up in the same location, or accidentally scaring a room full of people with their sudden appearance.
Oops.
Start of Winter
Thankfully things have more or less dried out, for the seasons are already changing. Or at least, the weather is, and with it...comes snow.
The grass on the island is covered, various trees lose the last of their leaves, the sand becomes crunchy, and even a portion of the ocean water becomes frozen solid. (Take THAT, water!). And with it, Wickies wake up at their feet (or suddenly in their hands if they don’t sleep) warm clothing and various ways to keep warm- or at least keep the cold from messing with their joints!
And with it, there are snow shovels and boots that are set out neatly by the door. It seems more snowk is expected, and foot protection is more important than ever. While it is possible for some (those who are not infected by the Silence at least) to use the teleporter to get from town to their homes, there are pathways that need to be cleared for everyone.
It might be a good time to offer a helping hand! Especially with some Wickies who are snowed into their homes.
Or it could be a good time to use the shovels to gather snow for snow ball fights, snow forts, and similar winter activities. The nice thing about the winter shovels is that they’ll have them for a few months.
Too bad the ground is nearly frozen solid, and these particular shovels are not good for digging into the ground.
Frosty Protections
While there may be the snow and the quiet that’s coming in, there are other things that are coming into the island too. There are tables that linger day or night, which have tangyuan. Some in the shape of various animals, and some of them that are simply balls of colored dough. They are edible, and thankfully they don’t have a negative consequence to eating them (unlike the mooncakes from before) but there are written instructions, which also proclaim outloud to a Wickie if they linger for awhile:
“For the use of protective talismans! Stick it on your chair, your door, your window!”
Interestingly enough, they do seem to work. Wickies who are Silence infected are repelled by them, feeling uneasy and nauseous around them and touching the tangyuan even with covered hands will cause a burning sensation.
Infected Wickies who eat the treats...they’re in for a rough time. Really rough.
There are also little tables with various drinks, some being fruit juice, sparkling fruit juice, champagne and of similar ilk- but not ever with water. That’s just bad luck after everything.
The inscription for this table, which is again read out loud, “Toast to others health”
Picking up the cups, they will be unable to drop it, and the fluid will refill in the Wickie’s cup until they find someone to toast to- whether it’s in humor or in earnestness.
For the next twelve hours after the toast is made, even if the drink is not drunk after, the Wickie toasted will find they will have better luck in that subject, whether it is in health, love, or friendship, or just in general.
The same applies if Wickies toast together to a group of people as well.
Of hooves and horns
The strangest thing of all isn't the sweet rice balls, nor is it the smell of evergreens heavy in the air. Instead, it's the masks set to everyone, and the ruckus music that thrums through the air, deep into the night.
The masks are of a haggard old woman, well worn and aged, and that of a man with horns and facial hair similar to a goat.
There are different effects when it comes to the masks, both happening at night with the music starts.
Wickies wearing the devilish mask find themselves wearing a ragged fur suit, prancing in the streets, ready to whip other Wickies whose behavior has been suspect or bad as of late. Finding the wicked and punishing them is an impulse, neigh impossible to ignore. And, too, there is a sense of wicked glee when they do punish someone with their reeds and whips. Krampus masked Wickies thankfully can be pacified with rum or brandy. They'll need the help of another to pull of the mask. But once it's off, the costume vanishes, and the chagrin of what happened ( or the satisfaction) follows.
Wickies wearing the woman’s mask will find that they’re not trying to scare people, but instead, they find themselves loping in and out of the crowds, searching, scanning, for certain people, all the while wearing ragged clothing, and often a scarf on their now ratty, graying hair.
It’s with a sickening horror that Wickies will realize there is something in the mask that is watching through the mask itself, and is nodding to itself far away and writing their names on a list.
And it’s not Santa Claus.
The Wickie’s wearing the old woman’s mask can be distracted by scattering seeds or threads in front of them- one inducing a true distraction to count and pick up the seeds, and a rage that comes over that of wasted thread.
Seeds make it easier to pull off the mask, and thankfully popcorn counts as a seed! But thread...well, it is a distraction too, but one that can lead to violent consequences. It might mean some rounds of bait and switching until the mask is taken off.
And that’s when the Wickie who had been wearing the mask realizing the list is of ‘bad’ Wickies, But…
how bad could they be?
Confession network
Yet again, the phone goes off. Doesn’t look like it’s anybody in town, but it’s that weird, cheesy app called The Heart Game. And it’s persistent, too: it doesn’t want to be ignored, making a series of beeps and chirps, much like a pet that wants attention.
The message that pops up is as follows:
We’re back! It’s the time for everyone's favorite game- Confession! So beloved users, our question is:
What do you love about winter? Is it the nip on your nose? The hot drinks? Playing in the snow? Tell us!
« kitsuno » original
This isn't an unusual phenomenon, but most demons in her realm usually didn't get very far with their attempts. She'd gotten so used to them by now that it didn't really phase her, but this was a particularly bold attempt that she was alarmed at. Her retainers ought to have caught these as soon as they happened- as well as the entity that was bonded to her, but she couldn't sense their presence anywhere. Thankfully, her little familiar, a tiny spirit-fox with animated eyes, is with her and quickly accompanies her to ensure that there is no danger about.
It's why she's fearful, as she exits the room she's awakened in- there's really nothing on her aside from her long robes in hues of red and layers of white beneath, which again confuses her- these aren't her sleeping robes, so she wasn't taken while asleep- and she knows she'd been awake before this, making her offerings to the Goddess as she did on the regular.
She looks confused at that, too, rubbing the side of her head- how could she not know or notice? She hardly leaves her palace lately except for her daily ritual and surrounded by her retainers, so it makes no sense how anyone could have gotten in far enough to move her with all the charms and guards around. She's not even allowed out beyond the palace walls.
The way the voices echo in her head and scare her, though, is beyond anything she's ever experienced, and it unsettles her enough to run out of the space she awakened in. ]
A:
[ She might run into someone on the way out, shaking and looking unsettled- and probably near tears at first. She's definitely not dressed for the cold, and she'll be looking confused until she makes eye contact with someone, then probably back off a little nervously before gathering the courage and asking- ]
I apologize... but may I trouble you for a moment?
B: (Start of Winter-ish )
[ She's probably been aided already, and is exploring around, staring in awe at her surroundings. She's never seen construction like this, as much as she's heard of other worlds- and if anyone seems to be in need of aid with the snow, she'll approach and apologize politely. ]
Would you like some assistance? I can warm your equipment with a spell if you'd like.
[ Feel free to chase her off or turn her down or accept! ]
Though if she sees others looking nervous, she'll approach curiously. ]
Do you not like sweets?
[ As a fox, she loves them. Though she does get confused when she can't seem to put down the cup of her drink, watching it refill with confusion- so she might be looking around uncertainly, murmuring... ]
What's happening...
[ And, perhaps, looking at someone nearby- ]
Is there some kind of spell on these? I oughtn't drink too much.
[ Or at all. Her retainers aren't around to drink for her, and she doesn't want to take any risks with her limiters being affected if she's not in control of her senses. The little fox familiar with her, however, seems to be having the time of his life and might have discovered how to get more drinks... so don't mind it animatedly trying to climb around to attempt to drink from someone she's speaking to, causing her to apologize profusely! ]
F-Forgive me- he's enjoying himself a little too much!
hello,
it is good to meet you,
i like the snowflakes
my brothers catch them to make sweets with
is this an appropriate reply?
thank you.
[ What else was she supposed to do, anyway? ]
start of winter - B
He hasn't made it very far. The fact that he doesn't really have any winter clothes to speak of isn't helping. Clad in a short-sleeved, buttoned shirt beneath the lightest of coats, he's visibly flushed from both exertion and the cold, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand as he takes a quick breather.
That's when he hears a voice, and he turns to regard the stranger, surprised. ]
A spell? You mean you have some kind of...
[ And that's when he sees her. Indigo-blue eyes go wide. A stunningly beautiful yet gentle-looking woman with dark hair and a noticeable pair of foxlike ears and... oh, no. He's weak to all of that. ]
...magic...
[ That look is a dumbfounded, probably chilly teenage boy who, despite having seen plenty of astonishing things in his life, hasn't seen anyone quite like Kitsuno yet... at least, not in person. ]
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Ah. That reaction certainly likes to maintain its presence, even among humans it seems.
She looks a bit flustered despite it, bringing her hand up to her chest and giving what looks like an apologetic bow of her head. ]
I... apologize for startling you.
[ Is she scaring him? She's not sure if she should hide herself- he looks human, so this might be unsettling to him. Quickly, she wills a transformation to make her ears return to her human appearance, and the tail behind her dissipates. ]
Please don't be scared... I simply wished to help. You were working so hard out here.
[ Though, she's noticing he's hardly dressed for the cold himself... aren't humans prone to growing ill very quickly? ]
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He blinks a few times to clear his head, then lowers the head of the shovel to the ground, leaning on the handle. ]
Ah... sorry, you didn't startle me.
[ He lowers his head apologetically, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. ]
I don't wanna trouble you... but then again, I haven't really seen someone use magic here. Not up close, anyway. What sort of magic can you do?
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Her little fox familiar, Mitsu, peeks out from behind her robes and sniffs at the boy, before approaching him curiously. He turns his head and chirps at her, and she glances at the fox before nodding and looking towards the human. ]
It wouldn't be any trouble. It's not much, but- I could warm your body for a little while. You can get your work done faster if you're not too cold, right?
[ She isn't really built for work like this, though she does want to help. Extending a hand, she gives him a small, shy smile. ]
You simply need to hold my hand for a few moments.
[ Manifesting heat magic for another person in such cold weather will require some effort from her, but she'd rather not see anyone struggling when she can help at all. ]
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Aren't foxes usually wild animals? And yet, this one seems to be following this woman willingly.
He stands back upright when she offers him her hand, and he looks at it, his already ruddy cheeks turning a bit redder. He's not so easily flustered that the idea of simply touching someone's hand makes him into a stuttering mess, but still, this is an attractive woman he's only just met, smiling sweetly at him and offering him her hand. His teenage mind can only take so much. ]
A-A few moments? Hahaha... I suppose I can give that a try. You said this is going to warm up my body? I'd really appreciate that.
[ He reaches out his hand for hers, taking it gently. And trying not to think too much about it. He can just think of it as a handshake of sorts. That'll make it a lot easier for him.
Ah, he hopes that Mion doesn't choose now of all moments to come outside and check on him. That might make things awkward. ]
he's so cute help
Please leave it to me.
[ She speaks gently before her hand seems to glow faintly. The ears that he might have thought he imagined seem to reappear in a ghost-like appearance over her, but the glow is warm and golden as it surrounds her arm. What Keiichi will feel is something akin to the warm drape of a comforting blanket, or embrace- that seems to be laying itself over his form like a protective mist.
She waits until she can feel it surrounding him fully, before she re-opens her own golden eyes, and looks at the young man with a shy smile. Hopefully, it will comfort him just a little, though she's not sure how long the spell will hold. A pretty floral fragrance follows, lingering in the air like someone having lit incense, before it scatters. ]
There... I hope it lasts as long as your work needs it, young master.
[ She's terribly polite, already assigning respectful titles towards him, though touching someone like this doesn't seem to bother her. ]
How do you feel? Are you cold anywhere, now?
[ She hopes it's comfortable for a human as it is for her. The ghostly appearance of her fox ears and tail fade, and she smiles as she withdraws her hand. ]
this is how he accidentally wins people over
"accidentally"
he's incredibly dense when it comes to the effect he has on people
that just makes him even more cute
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arrival - a;
Magnus dips his head to the side to behold the familiar more closely (yep, definitely a fox) before returning his gaze to the trembling young girl. ]
It's no trouble at all, but do hold that thought for just a moment-
[ One of his hands rises, wrist flicking inwards as instinct nearly bids him to magic up a jacket for her, but he stops himself just in time. Her experience with the supernatural might be lacking, and it's best not to give the poor girl a heart attack when she's shaking that much. Instead, he winds up removing his own jacket and wrapping it around her shoulders, making sure it's secure enough around her. ]
There. Not much I can do if you turn into a block of ice before you get the rest of what you need to say. Now- [ He motions to her to continue, signaling he's all ears. ] how can I be of service?
my typos are going to be the end of me.
It is kind of you to offer as much, but you'll be cold too, won't you?
[ She needs to compose herself- what would her fathers think if she was easily unsettled by a new situation? She takes a few soft breaths, before looking up at the very- strange yet attractive looking man. She can't immediately pick up any kind of strangeness that she'd find in humans who are a bit more than others- but her anxiety is likely conflicting with her abilities at the moment. ]
I was hoping you would know where we are... I'm not supposed to be out of the palace like this. It's not safe. Were you brought here without warning, too?
[ There's a very obvious naivete to her questions- but she's never had to mistrust humans at all. The ones she has encountered have been very kind. ]
I saw nothing but I also saw the end of the abyss
This is practically spring weather to the average New Yorker, my dear.
[ As for her inquiry, well- ]
I can tell you this is not New York. In fact, I would hazard to say we may not even be on the same realms as we once were.
[ Because he would know if they were, but the energy signature of this realm... it's unlike anything he's ever seen or experienced before. ]
Would you happen to be familiar with the phrase, "Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore"? Imagine a whole lot of that right now.
[ Which he knows isn't the most comforting thing she could hear right now, but the truth rarely is. He'd rather be direct about that part than dance around it and give her any false hope. A normal portal isn't going to fix this. ]
the abyss is called "autocorrect" and my mistakes are forever in my top level
[ She repeats, unfamiliar with the area- or the phrase he speaks of. It does make her feel sheepish to not know at all- but she oughtn't be expected to, seeing as it seems as though different worlds have convened into one space here.
At least, from what she can make out.
She shakes her head apologetically, glancing down at Mitsu, the fox, who seems to be shrugging too- despite being a fox, and back up at the man. ]
I have never heard such names before, but from how you have phrased them, they seem to be locations in the human realms.
[ At least, she'd assume they were human. ]
Was... this "New York" where you were last, my Lord?
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"My lord"? Oh, you flatter me too much. Please call me Magnus, otherwise I will never want you to stop.
[ And he doesn't need his ego inflated. At least not at the moment. They have more important business to address. Namely- ]
You are not wrong there. New York is where humans live. [ Among other things. ] I assume from the phrasing you are not human then? Let me guess... seelie? No, you seem far too un-ambigous for that. A djinn then? We can play this guessing game all day.
[ Or he could hazard a peek for himself, but he would rather not scare her off. The fox is already giving him enough suspicious looks to make Magnus believe that thing is probably not just a regular fox, and he doesn't want to see what else it can change to- or does want to? Something, something about curiosity and the cat... he probably shouldn't tempt fate. ]
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[ A foreign name. She remembers reading something like it in the tomes that the Demon Lord sent to her. He was fascinated by such things and thought to share his interest when she turned him down as a bride. She can't say she regretted her decision if it meant her being able to read such fascinating things even though she was kept locked away.
In response, she bows her head, a hand to her chest in respectful greeting. ]
I am neither, Lord Magnus. [ She's hopeless. ] But I am a fox spirit— A kitsune. Some just call our kind foxes, but we're not entirely the same.
[ She uses the word in the language of the Mists before using "kitsune", having heard it from the humans she did encounter. It would be more familiar, after all- and she doesn't seem to have any qualms about hiding what she is.
She just didn't see a need to bring it up until he did. ]
If you know of such beings... then are you from among them yourself? Or are you a sorcerer?
[ The human she encountered was one, as was the onmyouji in her father's bloodline. She isn't all that unknowing, at least. ]
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frosty protections
also i'm so sorry shahni)( It has barely been a few hours since Aqua found herself in this place, and even though she's still barely prepared for cold weather (her teeth keep chattering no matter how much she tries to hold herself) she has found solace where the free food and drink is being set out for them to take. Unlike others who may be more wary, she isn't as cautious and started to dig in before even reading any of the information.
That may have been her downfall. )
S' there what...? ( Aqua's words are slurred as she looks at Kitsuno, her eyes a little off with her pupils dilated. At this point her staff is lazily tucked into her arm and she looks as though she's clutching her glass of what must have been champagne as though it's her one true love in this world.
Or she was until she blinks and finally looks down.
She notices Kitsuno's little fox friend trying to creep along her arm to lick at her drink and then it's like chaos breaks loose. Her arms shakes, and while it's a waste of alcohol she knows it'll refill if it does splash out. )
I don't want to share! ( In all honestly, it looks like the drunken slurs of a spoiled brat, especially as her eyes have watered up and she looks like she's going to bawl for having her drink potentially ruined. ) Why can't you have it take a drink of yours?!
I love her already
She feels her face heat up as she quickly makes a grab for Mitsu before he ends up hurting himself (even though a part of her does seem to want to let him drop for being so naughty) - and she quickly sets him down before bowing her head apologetically. ]
Please forgive his mischief, my lady. He was merely drawn to your radiant spirit...
[ It's flattery, but with luck, it should distract her from her upset? ]
Why don't we... ah, why don't we proclaim a toast? To your honoured self.
[ Smooth! ]
ah, perfect uwu
She pauses, eyes blinking a few times as drops of water that were almost tears flutter down. Then, as though a flick of a switch occurred, she's all proud airs. Her hand drops her staff into the crook of her elbow as a smug smile starts to form on her lips. )
O'course, o'course. ( Each word is still slightly slurred, but she's getting by ) I see you are a potential candidate to switch to being one of my beloved followers, after all you recognise true enlightenment when you see it. That's right! ( Her arm outstretches, holding the glass up. ) Let's toast to me!
( What is modesty? )
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( Poor thing seems to be quite inebriated, though... )
Kitsuno watches her, but is quick to bring on a very practiced, appreciative smile. ]
It is of no consequence, your Radiance. [ And she's blunt in her sweetness, but still vague enough to pass for being respectful. Which she is being, but perhaps now isn't a good time to point out that her status is far above a follower-
Still, she finds her behavior endearing, and she lifts her own cup, quickly urging Mitsu behind her, much to his chagrin. ]
- to your most wondrous self, your Radiance. May your reign be plentiful.
[ She'll let her clink their cups together but she fully intends to slip the drink to Mitsu. ]
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Even if she is the goddess of water, it shouldn't exactly make her as full of herself as she is. )
Hmm hmm. ( She hums, nodding her head though she is starting to wobble slightly on the spot.
How long has she been at this stand, anyway? )
That's right, I'll defeat the stupid Devil King and be back home soon enough, even if I have to slug a million monsters here as well.
( She says this, but she'll likely cower as soon as a monster comes near her-- )
I'll be back to being my radiant self really soon!
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In fact, the behavior itself is so familiar, that it's comforting in itself.
The mention of a "Devil King" makes her pause, wondering if she knows the very same Demon King she does- who goes by that appellation at times, too, but she doesn't ask. Instead, she quickly reaches forward and speaks out- ]
A toast to your victory over all you desire, your Radiance.
[ - at the same time, before clinking their glasses together. She wonders if she should at least tell her to perhaps not drink more, but- she'll quickly slip the glass to Mitsu when she's busy with her own drink.
And that's when she'll notice that the cup has left her hand when she sets it onto a table nearby, and sees Mitsu lapping up the drink happily. ]
...ah. It seems you've blessed me as well. How may I ever thank you?
[ Hopefully by not having her get sick, but she knows her manners. ]
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The fact that she asks him if she can trouble him, as if she's being a bother...]
Definitely not troubling me, but before you ask, we need to get you in something warmer.
[He's just noticed how there's tears in her eyes, and for a moment he's sharply reminded of the orphanage back home. How some of the kids came to their doorstep, cold and scared. It's no different now. Nero is immediately taking off his warm jacket and putting it around Kitsuno's shoulders.]
Take this, I can always get something else. It's not hard, here.
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It's when this silver-haired man approaches and suddenly moves his coat around her though, that she stills, quickly attempting to compose herself and meeting his gaze. ]
Forgive me- I didn't feel right taking what didn't belong to me.
[ The warm clothes, and any offers of them from others- though she huddles under his jacket immediately. Her familiar, Mitsu, sticks close to her legs, though he does approach Nero's feet, sniffing around and making a funny face, before chirping something at her. Kitsuno blinks, looking at him, then up at Nero. ]
You're very kind for offering such to a stranger. D-Did you just arrive, as well?
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Yeah, well, a lot on this island is made for us to be comfortable, so you don't have to worry too much about that.
[He doesn't miss her familiar, and is sure to stay still so he doesn't possibly frighten off the creature and offend her in some way. He crosses his arms, actually unaffected by the cold, breath coming out in clouds of steam as he chuckles just a little.]
We're all stuck here together, so. [He offers her a grin.] Not so much strangers now, are we? I'm Nero.
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Especially with all the kind people she has run into- it's warming to see so many humans helping those around them, and she looks up when he speaks, not wanting to be rude to someone who is obviously inconveniencing himself for her.
And he does have a very- very gentle voice, that sounds nice to her ears, and comforts her. She does shyly withdraw a bit, but bows her head as she offers a greeting in return. ]
I am honoured to meet you then, Master Nero. I am called Kitsuno, Princess and Oracle of Sawa...
[ She trails off, as though realizing something, then looks up at him. Her golden eyes seem to be scanning his face, before she realizes she's staring and quickly lowers her head. ]
Forgive me... Mitsu pointed it out, but- your presence... it's very overwhelming. In a good way.
[ The little fox at his feet sits up, seeming to look proud of his own discovery. ]
You're not... completely human, are you?
[ That might be rude to say, she thinks, realizing some ways of communicating in the spirit realm may fall differently to people in the human world. ]
I didn't mean to pry. I can tell sometimes... I'm not human, myself.
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He doesn't correct her in calling him "Master." He's pretty much given up on being called by a title, because that's too many people to correct at this point.]
Oh, full-blown princess, huh? So, where is Sawa exactly, your majesty?
[If she were a man and told him she was royalty, Nero wouldn't bother with the title. But he's a gentleman and really, he respects women so much, so this is no surprise.
Though she's shy, and he finds it endearing, being sure to give her space if she needs it. Her next few statements actually cause him to pause just slightly, head tilting before he looks to Mitsu, then to her.
All he does is just give her a smile.]
Mostly human. Your friend there can tell that right away?
[Smart fox. He's impressed- it reminds him a little of V and his familiars.]
Don't worry about it. There's a lot of people who I think don't qualify as totally human here, so I'm not the only one.
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She quickly lifts her hand, as though to stop him. ]
Just Kitsuno is fine, Master Nero. I wouldn't want people to think they need to use a title that holds no standing here.
[ As for where Sawa is... she looks thoughtful, trying to draw up the names she's heard humans call it. ]
It is in the Prism Mists... but the mortals that call for us are usually from a land they call... Wa? Perhaps Yamato... forgive me. They simply call it the land where the sun rises, at times...
[ At least, their texts would imply it. She looks apologetic, before lowering her head. ]
I can tell, too. Mitsu's just faster. What... what sort of spirit resides in you, then? It's like nothing I've felt before.
[ She realizes she might just be getting even more rude about this, so she adds- ]
I-I am fox spirit— A kitsune, as the mortals claim. Some just call our kind foxes, but we're not entirely the same.
[ She actually uses the term "fox spirit" in her own tongue, but since she wants him to understand it, it's what he'll hear. ]
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