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[Remember him, Kojirou? Do you?
Well you're not going to forget him this time. That flushed and giggling face and...
Wait. Is he naked? It's hard to tell...]
Koko-chan! You're so pretty. We should be like...a pair. Of pretty.
[He gives another giggle.]
I forgot where my clothes are too! Oops!
Well you're not going to forget him this time. That flushed and giggling face and...
Wait. Is he naked? It's hard to tell...]
Koko-chan! You're so pretty. We should be like...a pair. Of pretty.
[He gives another giggle.]
I forgot where my clothes are too! Oops!
[ ...
...
... ]
Jirou-san, is it? You've had too much to drink.
[ What else can he possibly say here? ]
But ah, unfortunately I'll have to refuse. Being paired with you would be like staring into a mirror. A trick mirror that makes me look taller with too much powder on my face. It seems rather unnerving.
[ His idea of "pair" might not be your idea of "pair", Jirou. ]
...
... ]
Jirou-san, is it? You've had too much to drink.
[ What else can he possibly say here? ]
But ah, unfortunately I'll have to refuse. Being paired with you would be like staring into a mirror. A trick mirror that makes me look taller with too much powder on my face. It seems rather unnerving.
[ His idea of "pair" might not be your idea of "pair", Jirou. ]
[ Kojirou's carrier spits out a letter sealed in a manila envelope. ]
To my friend, Kojirou,
If you are reading this, then I have left Enprise to hopefully return home. I say hopefully, as I have not yet managed to ascertain whether vanished Heroes do indeed return to their original verses, but I can hope. I asked my carrier to deliver this in case of it happening.
[ Underneath here the green ink is more vibrant than the faded words above, it's evident that these words have been added at a later date. ]
I have learned a great deal here, and I hope that my efforts are enough to at least alleviate the pain of those here. I greatly appreciate what you have done for me, as always.
I thought deeply of what you had told me: there will never be perfect good, only perfect evil. I, who have spent my living life trying to produce the former, only resulted in producing the latter. I feel that this is not the first time I have come to this conclusion - perhaps in another summoning, another has told me the same.
But I ramble. I merely wish to convey that you have taught me about myself, about what I feel that I have forgotten since coming to meet our Master. And now that I will return, I will guard her in your stead.
Attached is a key to the locked case in my room. Please take what is within it, I hope it will be of use to you.
Yours,
Assassin
[ If investigated, the box will contain Tianya's heart, some dragon scales, colle as well as a satchel of gems. ]
To my friend, Kojirou,
If you are reading this, then I have left Enprise to hopefully return home. I say hopefully, as I have not yet managed to ascertain whether vanished Heroes do indeed return to their original verses, but I can hope. I asked my carrier to deliver this in case of it happening.
[ Underneath here the green ink is more vibrant than the faded words above, it's evident that these words have been added at a later date. ]
I have learned a great deal here, and I hope that my efforts are enough to at least alleviate the pain of those here. I greatly appreciate what you have done for me, as always.
I thought deeply of what you had told me: there will never be perfect good, only perfect evil. I, who have spent my living life trying to produce the former, only resulted in producing the latter. I feel that this is not the first time I have come to this conclusion - perhaps in another summoning, another has told me the same.
But I ramble. I merely wish to convey that you have taught me about myself, about what I feel that I have forgotten since coming to meet our Master. And now that I will return, I will guard her in your stead.
Attached is a key to the locked case in my room. Please take what is within it, I hope it will be of use to you.
Yours,
Assassin
[ If investigated, the box will contain Tianya's heart, some dragon scales, colle as well as a satchel of gems. ]
[ on the morning of the 23rd, you receive a package, wrapped neatly in glossy white paper and gold ribbon, with a photo attached to it. It’s a picture of Teddy, your resident Prime Minister, giving puppy dog eyes at the camera and holding up a sign that reads “I ♥ HEROES”. the message on the back of the photo says: ]
Dear Kojirou Sasaki,
I am happy to see that you made it back from Gammon, safe and sound. War is truly a terrible thing, and I can only imagine the horrors you had to go through. I thank you for your service, from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of Blanc’s citizens. We are truly grateful.
Commander Pinta has informed me of your valiant efforts in the recent battle to protect the Kingdom of Gammon. Gammon is an important ally of the Republic of Blanc, and though a battle is never an enjoyable ordeal, I do hope you enjoyed the sights and celebrations our sister nation has to offer.
But not too much! Gammon is a great place, but Blanc missed you, Kojirou! I missed you. I thought it might be nice to send you a little gift, which I hope you’ll enjoy.
Warmest regards,
Thierry Toussant
[ Unwrap the box and you will find:
A book filled with nothing but bird haikus, along with a lovingly detailed dragon bookmark.
If your eyes happen to wander over to your window, you notice you’re not alone. Wait a minute, is that… Teddy peeking in, watching eagerly as you unwrap your gift? Was it just your imagination? Whether it is or not, he’s already gone! ]
Dear Kojirou Sasaki,
I am happy to see that you made it back from Gammon, safe and sound. War is truly a terrible thing, and I can only imagine the horrors you had to go through. I thank you for your service, from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of Blanc’s citizens. We are truly grateful.
Commander Pinta has informed me of your valiant efforts in the recent battle to protect the Kingdom of Gammon. Gammon is an important ally of the Republic of Blanc, and though a battle is never an enjoyable ordeal, I do hope you enjoyed the sights and celebrations our sister nation has to offer.
But not too much! Gammon is a great place, but Blanc missed you, Kojirou! I missed you. I thought it might be nice to send you a little gift, which I hope you’ll enjoy.
Warmest regards,
Thierry Toussant
[ Unwrap the box and you will find:
A book filled with nothing but bird haikus, along with a lovingly detailed dragon bookmark.
If your eyes happen to wander over to your window, you notice you’re not alone. Wait a minute, is that… Teddy peeking in, watching eagerly as you unwrap your gift? Was it just your imagination? Whether it is or not, he’s already gone! ]
[This package you will receive doesn't come by Carrier. Rather, Vietnam has given strict instructions that this will be treated like every large package, and will be delivered like so. After all, it is one! A letter, and a little box. Wonder what it is? And when do you receive it? Any time between the September 6th to the 15th. And in the case of the newer Heroes, it comes sometime on the 8th or after (hint hint).]
CODED BY TESSISAMESS
COMRADE,
No matter our opinions of our situation or this place, we are all the same, brought here from different places. Still, we all have each other. Whatever fate has in store, we will chose. I suppose what cane be important here now are the bonds we create.
To celebrate that let me share a custom. In my world, sometime in the Autumn, is the Mid-Autumn Festival, known to me as Tết Trung Thu. It is said that during this time, the moon will be so round and will shine its brightest. To appreciate the moon, one can ask for blessings from the gods. You can give thanks for the harvest or harmonious unions. You can pray for prosperity and good fortune. But also, it is a time to spend together.
Each year will it would be celebrated on a different day. In the year I left, 2016, it should fall on September 15th. I believe the equivalent date here is Sylvant 15th. So please take this chance to relax. I have included one free pass to a two night stay at the inn I manage, Dragon's Flight and Phoenix Dance, located on Gisela. On these islands, you will be able to see the sky, so very close. I have also included a mooncake of lotus filling. As per custom, you share your mooncake with family and friends to signify unity. I hope it is to your tastes.
May your year be filled with prosperity.
Vietnam
No matter our opinions of our situation or this place, we are all the same, brought here from different places. Still, we all have each other. Whatever fate has in store, we will chose. I suppose what cane be important here now are the bonds we create.
To celebrate that let me share a custom. In my world, sometime in the Autumn, is the Mid-Autumn Festival, known to me as Tết Trung Thu. It is said that during this time, the moon will be so round and will shine its brightest. To appreciate the moon, one can ask for blessings from the gods. You can give thanks for the harvest or harmonious unions. You can pray for prosperity and good fortune. But also, it is a time to spend together.
Each year will it would be celebrated on a different day. In the year I left, 2016, it should fall on September 15th. I believe the equivalent date here is Sylvant 15th. So please take this chance to relax. I have included one free pass to a two night stay at the inn I manage, Dragon's Flight and Phoenix Dance, located on Gisela. On these islands, you will be able to see the sky, so very close. I have also included a mooncake of lotus filling. As per custom, you share your mooncake with family and friends to signify unity. I hope it is to your tastes.
May your year be filled with prosperity.
Vietnam
CODED BY TESSISAMESS
[HELLO KOOJ YOU'VE GOT MAIL.
A good week and a half into Letter Writing Month, Kojirou will receive one (1) fish. There's no letter attached, nothing to explain why it's still uh... gently flopping every now and then, but Vivienne is confident he'll understand. Also yes, it has taken her this long to actually catch one. It's the hardest fuckin' thing she's ever had to do, okay.
Anyway, enjoy....?
I'm sorry for this]
A good week and a half into Letter Writing Month, Kojirou will receive one (1) fish. There's no letter attached, nothing to explain why it's still uh... gently flopping every now and then, but Vivienne is confident he'll understand. Also yes, it has taken her this long to actually catch one. It's the hardest fuckin' thing she's ever had to do, okay.
Anyway, enjoy....?
Dearest Sen,
Japan too has a tradition, known as tsukimi. It is said to be when the moon hangs largest and most beautifully in the night sky.
It's an important date to me, for the beauty of nature, particularly that of the flowers, birds, wind and moon are some of my greatest loves. This communion with nature was the first thing I learnt in my training.
Unfortunately, I cannot return your letter with a refined letterhead nor with any large parcels, and I did not make them myself, but I hope you'll enjoy my return gifts nonetheless.
[ The carrier will also happilly pop out some dango, make sure it doesn't then eat the dango! There's also another sheet of paper, smaller, folded in two.
It reads: ]
Beautiful bird perched
on tree limb under moon's glow
elegantly dressed
Japan too has a tradition, known as tsukimi. It is said to be when the moon hangs largest and most beautifully in the night sky.
It's an important date to me, for the beauty of nature, particularly that of the flowers, birds, wind and moon are some of my greatest loves. This communion with nature was the first thing I learnt in my training.
Unfortunately, I cannot return your letter with a refined letterhead nor with any large parcels, and I did not make them myself, but I hope you'll enjoy my return gifts nonetheless.
[ The carrier will also happilly pop out some dango, make sure it doesn't then eat the dango! There's also another sheet of paper, smaller, folded in two.
It reads: ]
Beautiful bird perched
on tree limb under moon's glow
elegantly dressed
[ dw kojirou got it, he sends back half of the fish, properly grilled over a fire, but also a small note: ]
Congratulations, and thank you for the gift, but you should also partake of your own catch. It is the least of your rewards.
Congratulations, and thank you for the gift, but you should also partake of your own catch. It is the least of your rewards.
[Written in plain black ink, is the name Sasaki Kojirou on an envelope. In the envelope is a letter, which reads as the following:]
To the bird killer, assassin, the (now) wandering samurai:
You have quite a few titles, don't you? More then would be expected for one such as yourself. I've wondered about you, and I wonder still. Not on your history no. Or your abilities.
Perhaps it is better to phrase it as this: I wonder how I would be able to use you, as a master would an assassin.
Would you want your seal upon my body? Would you claim, that as such, you are the master of me instead? Perhaps that way you could get the better of me.
Perhaps.
Or maybe you would just tease us both until one of us gave in and did something foolish.
-Caren.
To the bird killer, assassin, the (now) wandering samurai:
You have quite a few titles, don't you? More then would be expected for one such as yourself. I've wondered about you, and I wonder still. Not on your history no. Or your abilities.
Perhaps it is better to phrase it as this: I wonder how I would be able to use you, as a master would an assassin.
Would you want your seal upon my body? Would you claim, that as such, you are the master of me instead? Perhaps that way you could get the better of me.
Perhaps.
Or maybe you would just tease us both until one of us gave in and did something foolish.
-Caren.
[ The reply might take slightly longer than Caren expected, but it does arrive eventually via Carrier. ]
You may have missed a few of my other names, but it matters not. One name is very much the same as the other for a ghost like myself.
I can tell you what I've said to my other Masters: You would be free to think of me as a single swing of the sword. Set me upon your enemies well and watch them fall, use me inexpertly and she who lives by the sword may very well die by it.
I cannot presume to own you, but I'm sure I would leave my mark. It would be a very foolish thing indeed, but some people are simply fools who cannot live any other way. I may very well be one of them.
You may have missed a few of my other names, but it matters not. One name is very much the same as the other for a ghost like myself.
I can tell you what I've said to my other Masters: You would be free to think of me as a single swing of the sword. Set me upon your enemies well and watch them fall, use me inexpertly and she who lives by the sword may very well die by it.
I cannot presume to own you, but I'm sure I would leave my mark. It would be a very foolish thing indeed, but some people are simply fools who cannot live any other way. I may very well be one of them.
|
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Dear Hakuno-dono,
This is a very precious gift I've been given. I shall treasure it greatly, and always think of you whenever I wear it in my hair.
Yours,
Sasaki Kojrou
This is a very precious gift I've been given. I shall treasure it greatly, and always think of you whenever I wear it in my hair.
Yours,
Sasaki Kojrou
Dear Friend,
We may not know each other very well yet, or maybe at all! I've only seen one battle here, but the amount of bravery and care that people have shown for one another both on and off of the battlefield lets me know I'm part of something special. People have lost their homes and loved ones, and while we can't bring those back, I know that there are people here to believe in. And I'm very lucky to get to fight alongside them.
It's not much, but I hope you enjoy a few snacks that I've made! A full tummy always makes me feel better. Maybe we can share a snack together in person sometimes soon.
Sincerely,
Orihime Inoue & Kou-kun
井上織姫とコウくん
We may not know each other very well yet, or maybe at all! I've only seen one battle here, but the amount of bravery and care that people have shown for one another both on and off of the battlefield lets me know I'm part of something special. People have lost their homes and loved ones, and while we can't bring those back, I know that there are people here to believe in. And I'm very lucky to get to fight alongside them.
It's not much, but I hope you enjoy a few snacks that I've made! A full tummy always makes me feel better. Maybe we can share a snack together in person sometimes soon.
Sincerely,
Orihime Inoue & Kou-kun
井上織姫とコウくん
The package is wrapped in pink and blue paper. When unwrapped, your character will find three cute little animal-themed pastries! (You're welcome to decide which three.) They have a sweet bread outer layer and some curious fillings...
Pink Bunny is hopping and happy to see you! It is filled with a sweet carrot cream.
Purrfect Kitty is very pleased and ready to be eaten! It is filled with some sort of chopped meat, reminiscent of a BBQ Pork bun.
Sleeping Froggy knows it's delicious. It's filled with a MYSTERY FLAVOR...which is either a sour green apple or...seaweed?
Friendly Puppy isn't supposed to have chocolate, but it's filled with it anyway. Don't tell anyone!
Cute Chicky is filled with a egg-flavored cream. Yeah, that one actually isn't surprising, although maybe a little morbid when you think about it.
Purrfect Kitty is very pleased and ready to be eaten! It is filled with some sort of chopped meat, reminiscent of a BBQ Pork bun.
Sleeping Froggy knows it's delicious. It's filled with a MYSTERY FLAVOR...which is either a sour green apple or...seaweed?
Friendly Puppy isn't supposed to have chocolate, but it's filled with it anyway. Don't tell anyone!
Cute Chicky is filled with a egg-flavored cream. Yeah, that one actually isn't surprising, although maybe a little morbid when you think about it.
Hakuno it is, then. I'm sure you'll forgive the habits from an older time.
It is somewhat more adornment than I'm used to, but how could I possibly reject such a pretty little trinket from a pretty little thing?
It is somewhat more adornment than I'm used to, but how could I possibly reject such a pretty little trinket from a pretty little thing?
I tried to find one without too many unnecessary charms or beads, and the clasp is fairly easy to undo one-handed. You can tie up your hair normally, and just cover the tie if you feel like adding a little something extra.
Again with the flattery? I'll have to start returning the favor at this point.
Again with the flattery? I'll have to start returning the favor at this point.
[She's surprised she got a reply at all. But a letter comes back!]
Clearly, I need to find out some of those names, ghost or no. It might be entertaining to find out some of the stories that come with them.
For all I know, panty snatcher is one of them.
But what you say here does nothing to deter me-if anything, it sharpens my interest, which may be the best way to wield you as a sword, is it not?
But ghost or no-I don't know if you could leave a lasting mark. Depending on what you would wish to do, I'd like to see it. Or at least, see your attempt.
Clearly, I need to find out some of those names, ghost or no. It might be entertaining to find out some of the stories that come with them.
For all I know, panty snatcher is one of them.
But what you say here does nothing to deter me-if anything, it sharpens my interest, which may be the best way to wield you as a sword, is it not?
But ghost or no-I don't know if you could leave a lasting mark. Depending on what you would wish to do, I'd like to see it. Or at least, see your attempt.
To Orihime-dono
I doubt you are a real feudal princess, but it is heartening to receive a gift from a lady nonetheless, even if, nay especially because we do not know each other.
Honour dictates that debts must be repaid in equal value. Perhaps one day I will be able to return your gift in full.
Yours,
Sasaki Kojirou
P.S. The egg-flavoured chick biscuit was a rather apt choice. I rather enjoyed it.
I doubt you are a real feudal princess, but it is heartening to receive a gift from a lady nonetheless, even if, nay especially because we do not know each other.
Honour dictates that debts must be repaid in equal value. Perhaps one day I will be able to return your gift in full.
Yours,
Sasaki Kojirou
P.S. The egg-flavoured chick biscuit was a rather apt choice. I rather enjoyed it.
Is it flattery when it is simply what I believe to be true? Although I am certainly not in the habit of rejecting compliments.
Perhaps I should find someone to tie up my hair for me? It does seem unfair to this little trinket to attach it to one of my roughly done ponytails.
Perhaps I should find someone to tie up my hair for me? It does seem unfair to this little trinket to attach it to one of my roughly done ponytails.
[ Kojirou is weirdly diligent about certain things...? ]
I would say they aren't difficult to find, but many of my greatest feats belong to a history that shouldn't exist.
However, I can say for sure that I do not snatch underwear. At least not without the full permission of the lady in question.
But no matter how interested you are in me, I have no intention of serving under another vixen ever again. It seems to be a path that leads only to my own suffering, something I am keen to avoid. So you'll forgive me if I do not accept.
There are many ways a man can leave his mark behind. Do you wish me to go over the ways, or would you like to experience it first-hand?
I would say they aren't difficult to find, but many of my greatest feats belong to a history that shouldn't exist.
However, I can say for sure that I do not snatch underwear. At least not without the full permission of the lady in question.
But no matter how interested you are in me, I have no intention of serving under another vixen ever again. It seems to be a path that leads only to my own suffering, something I am keen to avoid. So you'll forgive me if I do not accept.
There are many ways a man can leave his mark behind. Do you wish me to go over the ways, or would you like to experience it first-hand?
[For the record, the handwriting of the letter from this particular person is immaculate.
But then in his case, he got a letter from her before, so he should recognise the handwriting.]
Kojirou,
There's not a lot I can say about you that you don't already acknowledge yourself. Between your remarkable talent and your unusual demeanour, the things I like about you, well, you're already aware of that right?
You know, I was a far different person when I was alive. I was far more aggressive in dealing with people which only got worse the older I became...if we'd met in life would we have got along, I wonder? I don't think so. If you refused to join me I likely would have tried to have you killed...one of us would have died, either way. I'm not above acknowledging a man of your skill could have cut his way through all of my vassals and killed me. On the other hand, talented as you may have been, I'm not sure if your limitations as a human would have let you fight off an army of soldiers. You seem more like one of those...dueling one-on-one types. Maybe that's why you're an assassin, even if you're an unusual one.
Well, that being said, it isn't worth thinking about is it?
They say that if you hear a lot about a person, the real deal never matches up with the imagined version in your head, right? Well in this case, even if some genuine Sasaki Kojirou were to make an appearance, he wouldn't be able to match up to you, in my opinion. If anyone asks I'll be sure to tell them Sasaki Kojirou is a bird killing, poem writing weirdo.
And I'll make sure they know I mean it fondly.
Sincerely,
The esteemed Lord of the Oda clan, Demon King of the Sixth Heaven,
Nobunaga.
P.S. There's a treat for you to go with this letter. Here's hoping it's to your taste.
[Attached in the little parcel is...
a bird cake]
But then in his case, he got a letter from her before, so he should recognise the handwriting.]
Kojirou,
There's not a lot I can say about you that you don't already acknowledge yourself. Between your remarkable talent and your unusual demeanour, the things I like about you, well, you're already aware of that right?
You know, I was a far different person when I was alive. I was far more aggressive in dealing with people which only got worse the older I became...if we'd met in life would we have got along, I wonder? I don't think so. If you refused to join me I likely would have tried to have you killed...one of us would have died, either way. I'm not above acknowledging a man of your skill could have cut his way through all of my vassals and killed me. On the other hand, talented as you may have been, I'm not sure if your limitations as a human would have let you fight off an army of soldiers. You seem more like one of those...dueling one-on-one types. Maybe that's why you're an assassin, even if you're an unusual one.
Well, that being said, it isn't worth thinking about is it?
They say that if you hear a lot about a person, the real deal never matches up with the imagined version in your head, right? Well in this case, even if some genuine Sasaki Kojirou were to make an appearance, he wouldn't be able to match up to you, in my opinion. If anyone asks I'll be sure to tell them Sasaki Kojirou is a bird killing, poem writing weirdo.
And I'll make sure they know I mean it fondly.
Sincerely,
The esteemed Lord of the Oda clan, Demon King of the Sixth Heaven,
Nobunaga.
P.S. There's a treat for you to go with this letter. Here's hoping it's to your taste.
[Attached in the little parcel is...
a bird cake]
[Considering present company, he's not alone when it comes to that.]
Pity. I would have enjoyed reading about them.
Even if I am, as you call me, a vixen. Perhaps vixens suit you best, swordsman; a softheated fool would only dull your keen edge.
Though this place might have softened you already. List them or show me, I do not care. I doubt you'd leave more then a fleeting impression.
Pity. I would have enjoyed reading about them.
Even if I am, as you call me, a vixen. Perhaps vixens suit you best, swordsman; a softheated fool would only dull your keen edge.
Though this place might have softened you already. List them or show me, I do not care. I doubt you'd leave more then a fleeting impression.
[ Oh, he's very proper, isn't he? Wait, feudal--oh...oh! Her name. Sometimes she forgets where it came from.
She has to be polite here in return. ]
Sasaki-san,
Thank you very much for your letter! The fact that you enjoyed the snacks is all the thanks I need. I enjoy baking, so if you're ever feeling hungry, please let me know.
Take care!
Sincerely,
Inoue Orihime
(Not "That" Orihime) :)
She has to be polite here in return. ]
Sasaki-san,
Thank you very much for your letter! The fact that you enjoyed the snacks is all the thanks I need. I enjoy baking, so if you're ever feeling hungry, please let me know.
Take care!
Sincerely,
Inoue Orihime
(Not "That" Orihime) :)
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