#my rutile ask.....

[toestalucia]

was gonna write. got hit by the awful cramps i rarely get. gods intervention.......

[electric-plants]

sunday + e1s1 aventurine kinda gross actually like girl this should NOT be legal

[mylonelydreaming]

How exactly does Link know the warmth and power of Light Dragon scales feels familiar? Why does Link think of her as "my sweet princess"? How did Zelda obtain his clothing items several times? Why does she have so many bottles of wine? Why disguise to go to Lover's Pond more than once? Why hide his gift behind the throne specifically? Why is there a heart bed in the Deku Tree with blue nightshades and Silent Princesses next to it? Or those same flowers paired together at Rutile Lake? Why is the dream home something you need to find a "special someone" for? Why does the dining table in that dream home have the same flowers as the ending scene? Or a study unit for "time alone"? Why is Link so closely bonded with Zelda's horse? Why can I yell "I have!" when asked if I have a gf/mind set on someone by Ashai? Why "favored" swordsman?

[dollya-robinprotector]

Hello !

What are your thoughts on a Houseki No Kuni au of the DOL characters ? Whitney and Sydney would likely be diamonds . However, it would be funny to imagine Whitney as something below 5 hardness ..

Just some musings

oooooohhh you are asking the right person because I freaking love HnK lol. I never thought about it but surely Whit as something below 5 is truly hilarious

I personally think Sydney as something similar to Rutile is funny too, they're hard and can fight, but prefer to stick with paperwork and fix other gems when they're broken. When they have to fight thou, ho boi, they're scarier than Moonies or even Sensei.

Kylar can be none other than obsidian to me, they're obsessed with making blades and so eager to fight. They break pretty often thou and prefer to fix themselves if they can help it cuz they hate both Syd and Robin lol. They wanted to be PC' partner, if they couldn't they would act alone. Their ahoge is often missed when everyone collects their shards, so they always come back to that location later and find it by themselves.

And Robin, even though they're pretty hard they're clumsy and often break their partner while fighting too, so they step back and prefer to be a somewhat collector/nurse. They help out around the school and try not to be a burden, and nobody thinks they are a burden. But deep inside they always feel somewhat guilty because harder gem like they should be out fighting, not their partner PC.

PC as Rhodochrosite is my personal fav. In my language, Rhodochrosite is often called "Pink Flowers Stone", and it easily fades its color. But they're eager to fight too, and because they're so soft they often break pretty bad so their partner Robin have to fix them. "Gems with low hardness like me have nothing but courage." and then they're captured by Moonies and leave their partner Robin, heart-broken and shattered by themselves LOL.

Whitney is still a meanie, a standoff fish, foul-mouthed, maybe like Bortz, so they prefer to act alone and don't want any partner. They hate hibernation too. They think every other gem is weak and soft and not worth fighting alongside them, but really I think maybe they had captived partners before so they don't wanna lose anyone dear to them anymore. I think would be fun if they secretly enjoyed the moon pups and tried to sneak one away to keep as a pet. Think about it.

[pinterestmom5]

compiling a few asks because i want them in my inbox forever

Testing everyone’s HNK knowledge, who is the baby? (It’s Zircon!) Rutile is NOT the father everyone he just helps deliver he’s the doctor

On the moon they have food, phos suffers consequences

[mirikitakato]

[Translation] Skits of "Our magical party wiz you" and the staged reading ""A Mixer After the Mission"

Good day, everyone! I have translated the skits and the staged reading from the “Our magical party wiz you!” (Mahoawa) event on January 28-29th, 2024. It took me a while, and this is not the full translation for the 2-hour show. There are also Q&A activities involving seiyuus and some additional skits with characters. However, I translated all the skits featuring CaiOwe and the 20-minute main skit "A Mixer After the Mission" written by the devil Tsushimi Bunta!

Please feel free to share the link to the translation or screencap it to react.

Characters: Oz, Arthur, Mithra, Rutile, Cain, Owen, Snow

(The Day’s skit)

Owen: Hey, are you kidding me?

Mithra: That's my line.

Cain: Hey there, you two. Let's not start off on such a tense note, alright? What's going on?

Mithra: The thing I just had for lunch is called Napolitan pasta. This guy has more bacon in his bowl than mine, not fair at all.

Cain: More bacon? How nice!

Owen: That's not nice, comparing to that pudding he has. Mithra's pudding is bigger than mine.

Mithra: Obviously, because I eat faster than you.

Owen: You were just eating everything randomly, weren't you? Ah, I feel sorry for that pudding, being eaten by someone like you.

Mithra: So you're not giving up? How unsightly.

Owen: Hah? You want to die?

Mithra: Just what I want.

Owen: Cuore Memini–

Mithra: Athrim—

Cain: Wait, hold on!! Let's not start a fight out of nowhere! You'll wreck the place.

Rutile: Ah, how about this? Since we're in a theater, why not have a competition fitting this place?

Mithra: A competition fitting this place?

Rutile: Let's have the spirits of this land as judges. Since they love singing and art, we could have a poetry competition. What do you think, dear spirits? (The audience applauds)

Rutile: Thank you.

Mithra: Well, okay. I'm the strongest at writing poems.

Owen: I won't go along with your ridiculousness. Such a stupid game.

Mithra: Oh? Is it because you don’t have confidence?

Owen: Aren't you just led by the nose?

Cain: Please don't start a new round of quarrels, guys. Owen, if you're not interested…

Owen: Fine, I'll participate. With Mithra's brain, my victory is assured.

Sir Knight, let's start quickly *kick*

Cain: Ouch! Why did you suddenly kick me?!

The theme is “Winter”. Owen, you first!

Owen: Eh? Me?

Cain: 321, GO!

Owen: The…the winter sun…on top of the sky…turns into…a frozen white jade…

Rutile: Wow, what a beautiful imagery!

Owen: On the snow field…there's…a fluffy dog…but his fur sheds…and vanishes with the wind…

Cain: Ahhh, he was so fluffy, though.

Mithra: That's it? Well, no surprise that you're at this level

Rutile: But the first part was great! I couldn't have come up with “frozen sun”!

Cain: I also love fluffy dogs, they’re like winter. When you see your dog getting shaggy, you know winter's here. It's a shame his fur fell out.

Owen: Oh, you like that? Then why don't I turn you into a big hairless dog and throw you into an extremely cold place where it snows all the time?

Cain: Why do you come up with words to insult me so easily?!

Cain: Next theme is “Northern Wizards”. 321, GO!

Mithra: On the snow field…there is a fluffy dog.

Owen: Wait, don't copy me.

Cain: It’s even the same dog.

Mithra: Standing there is a creature more majestic than a dog, a huge crocodile... and the strongest and most fearsome, me...

Mithra: Hmmm, sounds weird. Rutile, you are up.

Rutile: Huh!? Uh...if you step on the shadow...

Owen: Hey hey, it'd be cheating to ask others for help, wouldn't it? Rutile, don't say more.

Rutile: I'm...I'm sorry. I can't resist answering when someone asks me...

Mithra: Huh? Is there a rule against asking others?

Cain: Well...no, there isn't. Sorry, I forgot to set rules. But I trust the spirits (audience) will judge fairly. Let's hear Rutile's first.

Rutile: Yes! Owen's expression was particularly poetic, and Mithra was great at involving others.

Cain: I see. Both had unique elements in their poems. What do the spirits think?

(The audience applauds)

Cain: I see. Congratulations, Owen and Mithra, you share the victory!

Rutile: Congratulations!

Mithra: Winning was too easy. Poetry seems like child's play.

Owen: You just won without a fight. Let's start over.

Cain: The spirits seem pleased, making the atmosphere livelier and more energetic here.

Owen: That means…

Mithra: Then...

Owen/Mithra: *fighting each other* Cuore Memini/Arthim!

(The Night’s skit)

Snow: You're back too. Just walking around, not bothering anyone and not killing anyone?

Owen: You think I'm Mithra? I don't do those things. *sound of chewing*

Cain: What are you eating?

Owen: Dango from a nearby stall. It's right over there, by the red gate.

Snow: You're right, it smells sweet and delicious.

Cain: I noticed it too when I passed by earlier today. But I was so full that I couldn't eat anymore, so I didn't buy any.

Owen: Because you had too much Napolitan pasta, didn’t you? What a glutton, ordering such a large portion.

Cain: I couldn't help it! It was so delicious. After that, I walked around the streets with Rutile for a long time and started feeling hungry again.

Hey, give me one.

Owen: The song of hot dango.

Cain: What?

Owen: If you want one, sing. This is a payback for making me do weird things during the day.

Cain: Are you still holding a grudge over that...? Eh…Impromptu singing? I've never done that without a drink...

Snow: How about this? They also sell hot drinks near the red gate. It's slightly sweet and tastes a bit like wine, but it's actually non-alcoholic.

Cain: Thanks. Ohhh, it smells good. Now this can set the mood I need...

Owen: Cuore Morito

Cain: Ugh!?

Snow: Owen!? What did you--

Cain: ....He he he...there...is a pile of hot dango...~

Snow: Cain!?

Cain: Dango dango~~ Taran taran tan tan~

Owen: He's started drunken dancing and singing now. How clumsy and amusing.

Snow: Dear! Did you cast a spell on Cain? That kid took just a sip and he's already drunk.

Cain: Ha, ha ha...Let's take off our clothes to dance and sing, everyone...

Owen: Do it, do it~

Snow: Wah!!! Wait--! Noscomnia!

Cain: What just happened?

Owen: What, we were just getting to the good part.

Snow: Phew, that was close. Are you okay, dear? You were only dancing and singing, don’t worry.

Cain: I can’t remember…..But then that means I fulfilled Owen’s request?

Owen: Well, you could say that. Here, I'll give you a dango, catch it. *throw it away*

Cain: Ah! Hey, don’t just toss dango around like that!

The staged reading "A Mixer After the Mission" written by Tsushimi Bunta

Arthur: Look, Lord Oz, there are fireworks lighting up the sunset sky.

Oz: Indeed.

Rutile: It seems people are setting off fireworks to celebrate the resolution of the recent event. How beautiful.

Cain: Strange occurrences took place at Granvelle Castle. Although very dangerous and tricky, fortunately, we managed to solve them successfully.

Snow: That's right, the people on the street are also very happy. Beautiful music is coming from the square, it feels delightful.

Oz: Indeed.

Snow: Ah, dear Oz, the young wizards are all very happy now. You should sometimes respond to them with something more enthusiastic, like "Wow! That's fantastic!"

Arthur: Just watching the fireworks with Lord Oz makes me happy enough. And is this music the same as the one played during the inauguration ceremony?

Cain: Yes, the sound of fireworks, the music from that day, and the laughter of the people. Just hearing them makes me feel like I've been transported back to the day of the inauguration ceremony.

Arthur: The sages and their wizards gathered on the terrace of Granville Castle and waved many times to the people.

Rutile: After that, a lot of things really happened. Time has really flown by since then. Being able to become so close to Lord Arthur, Uncle Mithra, and others is like a dream.

Speaking of which, where are Uncle Mithra and Mr. Owen?

Cain: Hmm? Oh, I don't see them either. Weird, they were with us just a moment ago.

Snow: Maybe they went to confirm "The Legendary Wind Passage"?

Arthur: What is "The Legendary Wind Passage"?

Snow: The land in this area is blessed by the wind spirit, thus strong winds blow sometimes. The most famous one is a passage where there are always violent storms. It is said that only the strongest wizard can pass through this legendary passage.

Arthur: So it’s the strongest passage?

Snow: Exactly, the strongest passage, literally as the words imply.

Cain: I'm pretty sure those two are competing to see who can fly through that passage faster.

Rutile: I am very confident in my broom-flying skills and would like to participate too...

Mithra: Arhtim

Arthur: They're back. Welcome back, Mr. Mithra, Mr. Owen.

Mithra: We're back.

Owen: Ugh, that was the worst.

Mithra: Oz, it is said that only the strongest wizard can pass through the wind passage - the strongest path, and I have conquered it. In other words, I'm the strongest. Your strongest throne has been taken away by me. How about that? Don't you want to say something?

Oz: Wow, that's fantastic.

Mithra: Huh?

Oz: Wow, that's fantastic.

Mithra: What's that?

Oz: Wow, that's—

Mithra: Shut up, you're noisy.

Arthur: Lord Oz, your level of agreement is truly superb.

Speaking of celebration, it seems that Lord Oz, Mr. Mithra, and Mr. Owen have never participated in a mixer.

Oz: Mixer?

Arthur: A mixer is to celebrate an encounter. If possible, how about holding one now? I feel a bit regretful not being able to join the social gathering with Lord Oz and others.

I also want to plan a mixer for 22 people including the Sage.

But now that we are here, how about practicing this bonding event in advance?

Mithra: Interesting, I want to join this thing called a mixer or something

Arthur: Thank you, Mr. Mithra.

How about Lord Oz?

Oz: Yes.

Arthur: Thank you so much!

How about Owen?

Owen: I won't. It's boring.

Cain: Don't say that.

If we sit face to face in a social gathering, we can understand each other better and maybe become closer.

Owen: When did I say I want to get along with you?

Cain: I want to get along well with you.

Owen: I don't want to. As if I would go.

Cain: Uhmm okay, that's good then! I actually don't want to get along with you either, but I have to do this because my lord is here. Lucky for me that you refused me first.

Owen: Oh? So you actually don't want to get along with me?

Cain: Yeah, why should I want to get along with you? You took my eyeball.

Owen: Ha ha, what a pitiful Sir Knight.

Owen: Then I will reluctantly join this mixer. Let's get close to each other, shall we?

Cain: Is that so?! Thank you, Owen!

Owen: Huh?

Cain: That's good for you, Arthur.

Owen: What does this mean?

Cain: Everyone, let's join in the fun!

Owen: Hey? Hey!

Arthur: I see!

Speaking of which, the Sage told me once…in mixer, people are supposed to have some special events.

Rutile: Special events?

Mithra: No matter what those are, it’s not a problem for me

Arthur: I don't know the specific details. Let's try to find out.

Rutile: I think I have an idea! (Rutile starts singing)

Rutile: Why do you want to drink? Why do you want to drink? Because you want to drink, so you drink!

(T/n: He is singing a parody of なんで持ってんの, a japanese drinking song)

Arthur: *confused voice* W-what song is that?

Rutile: This is the kind of song everyone sings at the beginning of a mixer.

Cain: Somehow, it feels like I’ve heard it somewhere before.

Rutile: Really? I created this song, though.

Cain: Really? But it sounds a bit familiar… Anyway, since we have songs, there should also be dances, right? Like dancing in pairs at a ball.

Arthur: That sounds appropriate! Perfect for social occasions to celebrate new encounters.

Owen: So how about this?

Owen: We play a game where one person acts as the king and the rest are retainers who follow the king's orders.

Cain: This game might not be suitable for this event, right?

Owen: …it isn’t?

Cain: It could make the atmosphere tense. It doesn’t seem like a social game.

Rutile: Although it sounds fun, I don’t think it's suitable for social gatherings.

Owen:…Hmmm, whatever.

Arthur: So, what dishes do you think should be served at the party?

Rutile: Dishes, huh? If there’s a grand feast at the mixer, the atmosphere will be livelier.

Cain: You must be hungry, Rutile. How about roasting a whole pig or something?

Arthur: Sounds like the mixer will be quite lively.

Rutile: It does sound that way! A roasted whole pig would be nice at a mixer.

Owen: Hey, how about this?

Mixing a hot sauce puff into a plate of sweet puffs filled with thick cream.

Cain: Absolutely not. That's a terrible idea.

Owen: Why?

Cain: Well, it's just not feasible. People who eat the hot sauce puff would be in for a bad time. This is meant to be a rare opportunity to meet new friends, and doing this would definitely make the atmosphere tense.

Owen: …Wouldn’t that make everything surprisingly lively though?

Cain: No, absolutely not. This would make it difficult to warm up the atmosphere. Think about it carefully— putting hot sauce in the puff for people to eat. It's going to be very tense, I'm telling you.

Rutile: I would certainly feel nervous…

Owen: Hmmm, whatever.

Snow: Ah, now I remember!

Rutile: What is it, Lord Snow?

Snow: Dear Sage mentioned a "first impression" game that seems to be held at the mixer.

Rutile: A game of first impressions?

Snow: Yes, for example, a question like "Who looks the gentlest here, or the richest person," and then you point to someone intuitively.

Snow: I hope everyone points to me when being asked "Who is the cutest person here?"

Oz: He just blurts out his wish.

Mithra: I definitely don't think you're the cutest person. If you asked who the scariest person is, I'd probably point to you.

Snow: I'm not scary. I'm obviously very cute.

Rutile: Very cute, indeed. But since we’ve met before, it might be difficult to judge as if it were the first time.

Snow: No worries. If it's just for a short time, I can erase your memory!

Mithra: Hah?

Owen: Erase memory?

Snow: Noscomnia.

Snow: Great, now we can play the first impression game!

Snow: Okay, after preparing, let’s point out who the cutest person here is.

Arthur: What just happened?

Mithra: What kind of terrifying magic was just used?

Owen: Step any closer, and I'll kill you.

Owen: Cuore-- Mithra: Arthi-- Oz: Voz--

Snow: Wait, wait, don't be so excited yet

Mithra: What do you mean?

Owen: Who are you?

Oz: Voz–

Snow: I said wait! Now everyone is playing the First Impression game.

Rutile: First Impression game?

Snow: Yes, it is to determine who the cutest person here is in the first impression.

Cain: Hold on a minute, I don't remember anything, not even you or myself.

Snow: Well, don't worry about that.

Cain: Don't worry?!

Snow: Yeah, don't stress about it, it's no big deal.

Cain: Is it really okay?

…Well, I suppose it is!

Rutile: Great, I don’t remember anything either, so I feel relieved to hear you say that.

Mithra: What's going on? That boy's complete lack of any sense of crisis is making me irrationally angry. My stomach seems to be hurting too.

Rutile: Oops, brother over there, do you have a stomachache?

Drink some hot potion to soothe your stomach, it'll help. I'll warm it up for you now.

Ah, but... T/n: Usually Rutile calls Mithra "Oji-san," but he's addressing Mithra as "Onii-san" now.

Mithra: What's the matter?

Rutile: This potion is very bitter. Brother, can you handle it? Will it be difficult for you?

Mithra: Not a problem. If need be, I can even eat grass.

Rutile: Ha ha, you're quite the wild one.

My first impression of you, brother, is that you're a very wild person.

Mithra: Ah, thank you.

My first impression of you is that of a careless person.

Snow: Look like someone knows how to play the game already!

Arthur: Hm? If you look closely, you two have the same eye color.

Cain: Ah, you are talking about me?

Owen: Me?

Rutile: That's right. Maybe you guys are brothers?

Ah, I feel like I have a brother too.

Cain: Do I have a brother?

*look at Owen* Can I call you big bro then?

Owen: What a joke. First of all, how could I have a brother with such weak magic power?

Besides, just from the appearance point of view, my hair color is similar to that guy’s.

Arthur: Are you talking about me?

Owen: Your magic power is pretty strong. Maybe we really are brothers.

Arthur: …Big Brother!

Owen: What's wrong~

Oz: Wrong…!

Arthur: Ah. Oz: That’s definitely wrong, although I don’t know why. Arthur: You over there… Oz: …Are you talking to me?

Arthur: …Sir, you have been silent until now.

Can you say a little more? That way we can get to know your personality better. Maybe the cutest person here is you.

Oz: I have nothing to say to you.

Arthur: Why?

Oz: *Silence* Because I have nothing to say.

Arthur: But why?

Oz: *Longer silence* Because I don't have anything to say so I won't say—

Arthur: Why—!

Snow: So, you guys have nothing to say. Okay, I get it! Let's begin! When I ask who the cutest person here is, everyone points to me.

Mithra: Isn't this cheating?

Snow: Humph! Forget it, let's not ask you; let's ask the spirits of this land.

(Snow asked who is the cutest, who is the noblest, who is the sexiest, and who is liked by animals. The audience responded with Snow, Arthur, Mithra, and Owen. After that, Snow returns memories to everyone.)

Arthur: Where are we?

Owen: Feels like there's a gap in my memory...

Cain: And I feel like I just had a strange dream...

Snow: Ha ha, the first impression game was so much fun!

Oz: I don't remember anything...

Cain: I want to join in too.

Snow: But you already participated.

Cain: Eh? I did? My memory's a bit fuzzy.

Owen: Too bad for you, then.

Snow, did you cast some strange magic on us?

Arthur: I feel like Owen and I were brothers...

Oz: Wrong.

Snow: Ha ha! That was so fun!

Mithra: So, what about the mixer to celebrate our encounter? Is this the end?

Arthur: No, it's not over yet. It's been a while since we last met.

Let’s reminisce about the events from when we first met until now.

Mithra: Are we talking about my heroic deeds?

Arthur: Mithra, Owen, Lord Oz, Cain, Rutile, Lord Snow, and our other esteemed comrades. And let's not forget the heroic deeds of our dear Sir Sage.

Cain: From the Ancient Birds and Beasts to the Resurrected City of the Dead. Three monsters attacking Granville Castle. And the perilous adventures in the Western Kingdom.

Rutile: Too many to recount. Let's share our stories tonight as we delve into the memories we share with the Sage.

Owen: There might be some pages I'd rather forget completely though.

Arthur: Even so, these are the nostalgic scenes that shape who we are. No matter how embarrassing or heartbreaking they may be, let's hold them dear in our hearts. Like precious friends, let's cherish those dark pages with tenderness.

Oz: That’s just like you, who is good at loving others.

Arthur: It's thanks to you, Lord Oz, and the watchful eyes of everyone else, that I'm able to do this. Now, everyone! Let's prepare some warm black tea and sweets. Get ready for our trip down memory lane, with the sound of fireworks and the music we love, while listening to everyone's laughter.

--- END ---

[yulesarts]

i have finished designing and drawing them... these are my newest hnk ocs' final designs!!

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

Background

Vivianite was born within a deposit of iron on the beach of beginnings, formed between fragments of ancient human bones long since fossilized with the aid of the sea water. They were one of the first gems to be born. Not long after came Erythrite, born near a cobalt ore deposit, thus gaining the colour they have. The two are similar in structure, and became bonded as siblings.

They worked as a pair for a while, but Erythrite was captured by the lunarians and Vivianite was left distraught. Due to this, he isolated himself for decades, furiously doing research into the gem shards that came back from the lunarians. 300 years later, a new Erythrite was born. Vivianite was conflicted over this - the ghost of their old friend has come back to haunt them in a way, although he is completely different from the previous Erythrite in every way possible. Vivianite chose to keep his distance, but watched over the young Erythrite nonetheless.

Nowadays, he simply keeps to himself, either doing research and experiments on things he finds interesting, or out doing fieldwork and noting down new species when he finds them. The younger gems both fear and respect him, as he's the oldest out of all the current gems.

When Phos asks Vivianite to follow him to the moon, he agrees to go. Part of it is morbid curiosity, anothher part of him is tired for having lived so long, and he yearns to see the old Erythrite once more. During the moon arc, he becomes part of the lab team trying to figure out how to bring the shattered gems back.

BIOGRAPHIES

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

Vivianite "Vivian"

Hardness level: 2

Stiff, Loner, Morbid

Role: Biology Expert

Relationships

→ Erythrite: Sibling/Ex-partner

→ Rutile: Mentee

→ Padparadscha: Old friend

→ Yellow Diamond: Old friend

→ Lapis: Research partner

HCs:

The areas of him where there is bone are stronger, helping to protect against attacks

Helped mentor Rutile when he came into existence, later on helps him with Padparadscha

Gets excited about the organic life forms easily, wants to know all there is to know about them

An expert on gem biology

His human AU counterpart would be a coroner

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

Erythrite "Eryth"

Hardness level: 2.5

Loud, Energetic, Straightforward

Role: Architect/Patrol Duty

Relationships:

→ Vivianite: Cool senpai

→ Sphene: Close colleagues

→ Red Beryl: Fashion friend

→ Diamond: Gossip friend

→ Euclase: Games friend

HCs:

Fixes broken parts of the building

Learnt how to make glass, favorite past time is making stained glass pieces

Friends with almost everyone, easy to get along with

He goes on patrol very occasionally, and only reports back to the others when he finds a sunspot

His human AU counterpart would still be an architect

[warriorssurvivalandstuff]

Production notes in description and under the cut. Much longer here without a 5000 character limit to adhere to. Highlight:

Didn't intend this when the first frame used to just be og Phos kneeling there but realised mercury dress Phos works well for "wedding dress". The bad intro would've been Phos wandering over to the Cape instead of a pile of mercury for that case. Phos technically gained and lost the (quick)silver treasure before seashell huh?

Cinnabar is used in Chinese traditional medicine for its mercury content as a sedative, and mercury poisoning affects the motor neurones to cause tremours among other symptoms, so there's that for matching it to "morphine shakes" here.

"Violent man" and "Heart's decayed" might fit better switched around in the grand scheme but the focus on this scene is heart decayed for Phos. Also transitions to the next line better. Flipped from the panels because I need Cinnabar on the left side, also to transition to the next line better. There's other instances like this (the changed pov for "Don't go!", Phos before Cairn smashes their head for the night raid...) Though I might flip this around? If I want to keep Phos on the left side for pre-moon? That'd mean I have to flip around the next sequence somehow too though.

Here, Phos is walking further away from Cinnabar. Not sure what exactly "Smoking out the window" conveys but it sounds like a better place than "Get high in the bathroom" while not by much. Using this chorus for the difference and later reversal between Cinnabar and Phos' situations. Might add Euclase and Rutile looking at Cairn making Phos carry the scythe.

Was trying to do a transition there. If coloured, the dark night, a bit of red shine, mercury and star sparkles would blur alright into Cairngorm's broken arm. A previous draft was to show Cinnabar hunched in their cave but this would be literal "get high" and the transition for cave view was tougher.

It was unintentional but almost every "Baby" frame is a close-up of Phos suffering.

Phosphenes is a kind of hallucination (seeing light without light to be exact). Would overlay their faces onto the shards like the anime intro but too cheesy for me, it's just a Phos pun here. I would probably do that if depicting the Ghost Quartz loss fight instead since Phos was distracted thinking about recruiting Cinnabar for their schemes then.

Adamantly in my notes that Cinnabar doesn't visit Phos during 102 years. They're likely using that time to forget about them, the clipboard was even placed deeper in the cave so they stop staring at it every moment. Buried in the back of their mind if you will. Only one frame shows the clipboard kinda deteriorated because I forgot to apply to all.

"He's got a new girl-" (Points at Lapis head) Phos mostly wanted advice and insight from Cinnabar, and Lapis kinda fills this. Would attribute the confidence/influence from Lapis for Phos ignoring Cinnabar's call to stop. Though not sure if Phos was expecting Cinnabar to change their words to ask to come along instead since it sure looked like Cinnabar was gonna take their offer at first.

I've seen a quip going around that Phos remembers Cinnabar with their arms (kinda forgot them after winter).

The transition from LaPhos to MoonPhos would be less sudden if properly coloured but can't be bothered, the dramatic shading for Cinnabar's field of view wouldn't be so dramatic if LaPhos' clothes were black throughout.

It is a choice that og Phos is further than MoonPhos.

Staging this part was tricky, it was definitely going to be Phos trying to convince Cinnabar to come to the moon but had to make up visuals when it's a speech in the source. Thank goodness for mouldable hands, abstractness is more fun than having pop-up bubbles depicting it. Depicts the gems around Adamant, then them rising (to the moon) and leaving Adamant behind to pray. Guess they could change to moon clothes (just Phos' style since Phos is moulding and not a fashion designer) to make it clearer. Yellow and Dia were namedropped in text, but had to fill in someone for the last finger and went with Alexandrite for seniority since Phos was trying to look credible with this. Though maybe Rutile would've worked for having contact with Cinnabar and having respectable knowledge, then them not actually going would be funny. Made the choice at 3 am and didn't want to change it. Cinnabar at the thumb position makes them further from the rest and gets pulled closer + mercury removed after the ascension, Dia is next to them assuming Phos knows about them being born the same year (Doubt it but again they namedropped Dia (probably for the hardness (oh well)(Alexi happens to be hardest after Padpa so unknowingly justified that)), Phos is in the middle because, Yellow and Alexi just arbitrary order. Might swap Phos and Dia's places, Phos being hidden behind Adamant could work well. After the gems rise (go to the moon), Adamant is behind bars (isolated). This is the main reason Cinnabar doesn't follow. This image also parallels Phos being put in a cage after they visit Earth post-raid. A draft of the hand theatre was going to be about removing the mercury (the desperate last ditch argument) but this is much better after the staging got worked out, it follows the progression and actually points out the main problem with Phos' recruitment attempt, though "don't breathe out" is quite "don't exude mercury". Hopefully it's not too abstract but Phos making hand blobs and poofing them wasn't great either.

"So fun but I got bills to pay." could be sarcastic or it could be Cinnabar actually turning down a better situation for piety to Adamant. Either way they're soured on Phos seemingly losing empathy for their situation because the parallels between these three go hard.

It was hilarious that Phos just stood there until daytime afterwards. And they're now on the moon (light) side while Cinnabar remains in the night (or so they think).

"Smoking" now features both of them in the middle chorus, would try to do the same for "Get high" but no ideas that look good. Honestly here towards Padpa wrecking Cinnabar was tough to script and stage.

Tonight, Phos is the Lunarian on the receiving end of mercury wave. Actually utilising phosphenes-hallucination this time with a callback to Cinnabar defending Phos with mercury despite not wanting to use it.

Still unsure how Padpa wrecked Cinnabar exactly. Seen it floating around that it was indirect but a whipcrack-like effect from their sword that did it. I'll just make it clear here it was Padpa that did it even though they should be standing a ways behind Phos.

As a callback to previous chorus, Cairn smashes Phos' head in. I think they've got a decent role in this thing despite not being about them, Bort a bit too.

Cinnabar is on the right edge for every frame this sequence (soft skin press cold hands sleep sweet) except the last. In the part where Phos gets Caesar'd, it's uncertain if Cinnabar, Red Beryl or Sphene threw the last sword. Guessing Sphene since we don't see the other two with a sword ever, even though Sphene didn't seem to have one either when touching up the cage. Peridot had one so assuming they were both patrolling. ...Forgot to include Bort again after the cage disappears.

Honestly I think Phos just crawled to the island's edge to escape instead of actually seeking out Cinnabar in their cave. But I won't argue if Cinnabar's on their mind.

Needed the mercury mark for "Coffee stain", so a dramatic shift from flappy board to empty. If shaded, the pages would cast no shadow to suggest not actually being there. I believe this parallels how Phos declares they can break hardness 2 with a single touch later, as the clipboard had once represented "only ally/friend" to them. And well it sits in Cinnabar's cave.

Still made of gold, no more curly hair or river eyes. It's the original Phos that Cinnabar holds with importance. It's nice to believe that they could've been fulfilled without dramatic changes for og Phos to be feel accomplished by solving a long-running issue while Cinnabar gets a pestering friend undaunted by the poison. But that'd be boring to actually have instead of this mess so thank goodness the possibility is just there to make the angst sharper.

Cinnabar is now matched to "Smoking" with the scene kinda similar to the first one with Phos, running along with the other gems. Phos now matched to "Get high", where they're separated from the others and on a flight of stairs like the cliff Cinnabar stood on. There's hints to Phos-Adamant parallels with the placement, and... Cinnabar-Aechmea parallels?? What. Why does he have Cinnabar's haircut.

"Lightning" to Phos' spiky gold and "Fingertips" to Cinnabar's hand would fit better but the flow and sequence of events demand otherwise, it is Cinnabar who makes the first move. Same for "Jump" matching to Phos emerging from the mercury pile, it simply flicked too fast to make any sense.

Would have Phos actually slowly emerge from the mercury pile but lost steam. This entire sequence might get a remaster down the line anyway, I need to properly draw the big splash clash.

"April to our death bed," They officially met in autumn but whatever. And they both die (metaphorically) after this part.

The "Baby" exception. It's a close-up of Cinnabar's broken head this time.

And we're back to the start. This was unintentional, as said above, but it's a nice effect as all the lyrics are over.

And we end with the product of their whatever entanglement. Phos doesn't have actual cinnabar fragments picked up with the mercury I don't think, like it's possible but we see them swerving around the focus pile and broken body so pretty sure it's meant to be none.

Thumbnail: Burial box is a vibe, doesn't get focus in the actual vid so there. Gut feeling says that whole thing concludes them quite well, and death theming. Cinnabar is kinda someone who watches things die around them and of the few(?) who sees the graveness of death due to their poison. The body and box themselves are ambiguous in identity with gloves over the unpowdered and identifying fingernails, but the two mercury blobs reflect the colour of Cinnabar's hair above and Phos' uncollected shards around. The indirectness adds to it imo. Might switch them actually so a top blob reflects what's inside the box instead, or just horizontal flip to match the starting positions of the ending turnaround.

Favourite dynamic. Now get them out of my head.

[nemisisnemi]

NEMI ANEMONE NEMO NEMESIS IVE COME TO REQUEST MY SILLIES🥺🥺🍄

also sorry for the long ask😭

ok so hehe padparadscha and rutile BUT HERES THE KICKER... as the mizisua cover from alien stage😼

(references for both rutile and padparadscha)

(if two characters is too much then just padpa as this sua cover)

(also can the blood be cracks pwease🥺)

Gem angst :D

"Dissolve me in your gaze"

"I don't want to let you go"

i messed up on the gem cracks but shhhhhhhh

Thanks for your art req and for reading the rules fully <3

[srovtl]

(the joy after eating) Figaro SR Card Story Translation

Feelings toward the Sage - Episode 1

Lennox: Lord Figaro. dinner is ready.

Lennox: ...No reply. I can sense that he's in the room, but...

Lennox: ...Very well. Excuse me, Lord Figaro.

Lennox: (This is...smell of alcohol)

Figaro: Hmm? Oh hey Lennox.

Lennox: My apologies. I called out to you, but there was no answer.

Figaro: Really? Sorry I didn't notice.

Lennox: I dont mind. More importantly, were you drinking again?

Figaro: Hold on a minute, that is a misunderstanding. This is chocolate.

Figaro: While there's alcohol in it, it barely  amounts to anything.

Lennox: I see.

Figaro: its candy so its fine. wanna try one?

Lennox: I'll pass.

Lennox: ......Besides, if it contains even a small amount of alcohol, I think it's best not to eat too much.

Lennox: I'm sure Mitile and the others, as well as Master Sage, will be worried.

Figaro: …Hmm? You sure care about Master Sage a lot.

Lennox: (…That's the way he smiles when teasing someone)

Figaro: Lennox, How do you feel about Master Sage?

Lennox: …What do you mean?

Figaro: i mean exactly “that meaning”

Feelings toward the Sage - Episode 2

Lennox: Lord Figaro I don't know what you mean by "that meaning".

Lennox: I respect Master Sage, and I'm always willing to help them.

Figaro: You sure are serious Lennox. That's the type of answer that Master Sage should hear, not me.

Figaro: That event... I think it's called Valentine's Day. Give them the words you just said along with the chocolate. I'm sure they'll be happy.

Lennox: Can I also ask you that?

Lennox: How do you feel about Master Sage?

Figaro: How do I feel about Master Sage? I feel that I have to protect him. He's an important existence after all.

Figaro: Well, for example... I feel like I want to tame him, and like I want to be tamed by him...

Figaro: Just kidding, haha.

Figaro: Anyway, I think of him as important in a different way than Mitile and Rutile.

Lennox: I see... Lord Figaro. I think it would be best not to tell Master Sage those feelings in those words.

Lennox: I think they would probably be very wary...

Figaro: Eh? I didn't feel that what I was saying was so threatening.

(knock)

Akira: Figaro, Lennox?

Lennox: !  Master Sage?

Akira: It was dinner time and I didn`t see you there, so I came to call you.

Akira: ... Perhaps you were busy?

Figaro: No, not at all. We were just talking about you.

Akira: Me? What were you talking about?

Figaro: Wanna know?

Akira: Yes....Wha! Lennox? Why are you covering my ears?

[just1gnome]

shout out to the person who ate my last rock au post like a snake i made four more

aheemheem lore under the cut

ranboo as a snowflake obsidian is obvious, we never had a choice fr. i like to imagine that snowflake obsidians are very rare(having incredible terrakinesis abilities in a society of rock people is not something that should come in large numbers) so when he just randomly appeared on the rebel planet it was quite a shock. he literally came out of nowhere and doesnt even remember his own origins and not even the most historically inclined of them can figure out what those red and green insignias are.

for some reason i was REARING to add sam as SOON as possible so hes a mossy agate. he was assigned to a newer colony close to the lmanburg planet(name still pending) and was in charge of overseeing the construction of important structures; he grew very fond of the building and aided his workers a little more than he was probably allowed but nobody really stopped him. he worked alongside bad(black opal), antfrost(tigers eye), and ponk(clinohumite) and we will get to them. eventually. because of his proximity to the rebels, he'd grown pretty attached to that silly little rutile and offered him protection if ever he needed it. he never fully removes himself from homeworld, he doesnt really have a reason to, but he does offer help from behind the scenes on occasion. he still builds for them, particularly the prison which is sort of like the human zoo in canon in that it is a station floating around up there as opposed to being on a planet. also sam nook is his pearl that he asks to go check on tommy and hang out with him when he cant be there in person

i am going to be so incredibly honest i dont think ive written down any quackity lore i just really wanted to draw him. i think he was just pretty chill doing stuff for homeworld but then he heard about these rebels and was like. uhm bye i wanna know whats going on over there. i feel like his lore is so well understood and hes an established canon gem type so i dont have to do a lot of work for him hes already the perfect boy

as stated before, tubbo is a nephrite who had a lot of time to hang out with tommy before they all ran off to lmanplanet. he worked one station above tommy, but he wasnt a captain. i dont have much written for tubbo either, but it is safe to say that snowchester is on the moon and the fur is completely cosmetic.

These little character bits are mostly backstory unfortunately Tubbo and Quackity's lore happens on screen so I don't have much for them

I would love to explore their arcs in this au tho but y'all gotta wait

[toestalucia]

anyway,,,,,,,,,

these r also great. theres always more panels than i think where vyrn is on grans head/shoulders LOLL

[mihai-florescu]

Sheep

Rutile looks so cute

Also kitty

Tumblr ask preview said "sheep rutile" and my heart skipped a beat at the thought. I think i need to draw rutile in a sheep costume... Where are these from?

[inviiberu]

[MHYK] 2021 Proposal Lines

2021 Proposal Lines from all 21 wizards! Translation by me and proof-reading and some revisions of the western wizards lines by @amorest-viesse​

✧˖°Central Country°˖✧

Oz: Even time, which feels like an eternity, is finite. Think carefully about whom you want to be with in this limited time you have.

Arthur: “Will you make miso soup for me every day of our life?” …I hear this is a common way of proposing in your world. We don’t have miso soup here, but I think it’s wonderful that such a simple word can become a pledge of eternal love.

Cain: We lose our magic if we break a promise, but there must be some other power you gain by makin’ a promise to someone you love dearly. I hope that I can make a promise like that one day.

Riquet: I love you Master Sage! Um, if I may ask, which of the wizards do you love the most? …Huh, me? Ehehe~ That makes me so happy!

✧˖°Northern Country°˖✧

Snow: If I were to ever get married, I would like to say the line that the previous Sage taught me. Ehem. Sage, would you like a meal? Or maybe a bath? Or maybe… Hohoho~

White: Should we be reborn again, I hope to also spend my next life with you. …Hohoho~ That’s my favourite pick-up line. Did I make you swoon?

Mithra: If you love me, please make sure it lasts for a thousand years.

Owen: How foolish of you to ask a promise of me, just as foolish as love itself.

Bradley: Marriage, huh… I’d probably consider it if it were with the kinda guy I wouldn’t be able to live without. Well, it’s not every day ya find someone who’d love ya like that.

✧˖°Eastern Country°˖✧

Faust: You want me to teach you the most common ways to propose in this world? How should I know? I could teach you the most common curses though.

Shino: A proposal is an important line you only get to say once. I should think about it while I still can.

Heathcliff: To think that someone might propose to me one day... I've no idea when that could be, but I'm getting nervous already.

Nero: It seems like everyone's proposin' left and right today. Marriage ain't really for it a guy like me, but I suppose it wouldn't be so bad to live a peaceful life with the person I love.

✧˖°Western Country°˖✧

Shylock: We Western wizards are known for seeking pleasure and thrills. Thus, if you'd like, I would be glad to entertain you for the rest of your life... Am I joking, you ask? Would you like to find out?

Murr: Hey, Master Sage! Gimme a proposal! Huh? Why? 'Cause I wanna know what you'd say! C'mon!! Please?

Chloe: A proposal!? Ehehe, just thinking about it makes me blush, but I think it's wonderful to be able to tell someone how much you truly care. Someday, if I ever get the chance, I want to be able to confess with everything I've got.

Rustica: Have you ever proposed to someone, Master Sage? What did you tell them? We Western wizards are quite fond of love stories after all. Why don't you confide in me next time?

✧˖°Southern Country°˖✧

Figaro: What kind of confession would you like most, Master Sage? I'll tell you whatever you want to hear.

Rutile: “My eyes are like a lake of stars. I gaze at you with everlasting love” …Fufu, beautiful, isn’t it? That was a verse from when my mother and father met. I hope that, someday, I will find a love like theirs too.

Lennox: If I had a significant other...? Ah, I know. I'd like to protect them, so they'll never have to feel sad.

Mitile: I suppose my brother might get married someday, but I'm sure whoever his partner is, they'll be a wonderful person! Eh, what about me? Well, if I ever meet someone, I'll definitely make sure to propose to them in a cool way!

[honyakuninakunaru]

To The Tune Of The Music Box ~A Moment Of Rest For Mithra~ // Mithra SSR Card Story

CHAPTER 1

(Manor hallway) Mithra: "<Arthim>"

(Zzziup!)

Akira: "Wh-Whoa?!"

Mithra: "Oh, hello, Master Sage."

Akira: "Hi, and welcome back. Where were you just now?"

Mithra: "The North. I had a craving for some beast meat but was left rather disappointed. I was looking for something nice and chewy but found nothing that satisfied me."

Akira: "I'm sorry to hear that…? But now that you're back, I've got something to ask you."

Mithra: "Let's hear it."

Akira: "So, since your birthday's coming up, I want to invite you to "The Music Box Of Serenity"! It's this tiny box Rustica lent me. It connects to another dimension that's supposed to help wizards relax and ease their mind."

Mithra: "Serenity, you say… I feel like Bradley told me about something with a similar name…"

Akira: "Well, what do you think? I think it's the perfect place to spend your birthday and unwind."

Rutile: "Ah, there you are!"

Akira: "Hey, Rutile, what's the matter?"

Rutile: "Mitile and I are about to head over to the South together with Dr Figaro and Mister Leno! Just thought I'd let you know. There's been a spike in the deer population at the foot of the mountains, so we ought to check it out."

Mithra: "Mmm… Deer… Lucky you."

Rutile & Akira: "Huh?"

Mithra: "I'm going with you."

Akira: "…Are you going there to help?"

Mithra: "Yes. I'll capture a few large ones and have Nero prepare them for me."

Rutile: "I remember you like deer saute, don't you? We'll be feasting tonight! I suppose that is one way to help, though. I'll go and inform Dr Figa–"

Mithra: "There won't be a need for that. I can take us there right away."

Rutile: "Wah!"

Mithra: "<Arthim>"

(Zzziup!)

Grabbing ahold of Rutile by the hood of his coat, Mithra calls forth a door. In a hurry, I yell after them.

Akira: "B-Be careful out there! I'll tell Figaro and the others!"

Rutile: "Thank you, Master Sage! See you later!"

Mithra: "Will ten be enough…?"

Mumbling to himself, Mithra crosses the threshold with Rutile in tow and disappears through the door.

Akira: ("Never change, Mithra…")

CHAPTER 2

(Manor Courtyard)

Akira: "Dinner was great last night. To be honest, I feel like I've eaten enough for a month ahead… (Still, yesterday was as busy as ever, and I couldn't properly invite Mithra. I'll make sure to do that if I see him today…)"

(Rumbling & crashing)

Akira: "…What the…?!"

Mithra: "<Arthim>"

(Poof!)

All of a sudden, a heap of bricks flies over my head, scattering everywhere. Having deflected them, Mithra descends in front of me, his red locks swaying with the wind. He casually turns around and looks back at me.

Mithra: "Don't you have anything better to do than idle around here? You almost got yourself squashed."

Akira: "S-Sorry, I saw the wall crumbling down and kind of… froze in place."

Mithra: "You have Oz to blame for that."

Akira: "Huh? Why?"

Mithra: "I bumped into him in the hallway just now and got the itch to attack him… But right as I was about to strike, he drove me through the wall. What an absolute barbarian."

Akira: "I don't want to say this, but you kind of had it coming--"

Mithra: "Care to repeat that?"

Akira: "Nope, never mind! Thank you for saving me just now. …Ah, M-Mithra! Your arm's bleeding!"

Mithra: "…Ah. One of the bricks must've grazed me."

Akira: "Quick, we have to stop it! Here, use my jacket to wrap the wound…"

Mithra: "That won't be necessary. "

Akira: "…The stains are slowly disappearing…! Is the wound properly closed, too?"

Mithra: "Of course. When will you finally understand that we're not as fragile as you humans?"

Akira: "Ahaha, sorry, I can't help it."

Mithra: "Honestly, the nerve of that guy. The way he flicked me as if I'm a pesky flea or something… One day, I'm going to defeat him for sure, and then I'll be the strongest wizard in the world."

Behind Mithra's usually languid gaze rages a feverish fire. In this moment, he has the air of both a wild beast ready to go berserk and a passionate young man.

Akira: "(He's fantastic with words as always…) You know, I quite like that."

Mithra: "Like what?"

Akira: "Your unwavering will to become the strongest in the world and never giving up no matter what. Of course, I would appreciate it if you didn't get into fights with the others, but…"

Mithra: "Wouldn't that be the opposite of what you just described? I wouldn't be me if I gave up on settling my score with Oz."

Akira: "Yep, that's what makes you, you, and is charming in its own way…"

I found Mithra a bit intimidating the first time we met, but now, I can't look away from him.

As I was trying to figure out the best way to describe Mithra in my head, I call out to him.

Akira: "Mithra, shall we use the "Music Box Of Serenity"? Consider it my unique way of celebrating your birthday!"

CHAPTER 3

(Mithra's room)

It's Mithra's birthday today.

We've changed into the special outfits Chloe prepared for us, looking spick and span.

Akira: "Thank you so much for trusting me on this, Mithra!"

Mithra: "Well… It's better than spending the day idling around, I guess. Is this the so-called "Music Box Of Serenity"?"

Akira: "Yep! Are you all set for the teleportation?"

I place the tiny box on top of the table and close my eyes. I recall all of the unique characteristics that make Mithra who he is that I got to re-experience these past few days.

Akira: "…Take us somewhere fitted for Mithra, who's strong and always true to himself."

The box's lid flicks open, and the little doll of Mithra in the centre begins to spin round and round.

Music comes flowing in from somewhere, and soon, light fills the room…

(Inside the music box)

When we come to, the first thing we hear is a funky yet fickle and somewhat charming melody.

Mithra: "This does feel… oddly relaxing. And the music's quite nice, too."

Akira: "That's the purpose of this dimension. It composes a melody that's supposed to ease the visitor's mind, and, apparently, this is how it perceives you! I think it fits you perfectly. I've also prepared a few extra things…"

Mithra: "Alright, let's see it."

Mithra gives me a half-hearted nod and makes his way to where I was pointing.

Atop a table bathed in warm sunlight streaming through leaves, lays a feast made up of Mithra's favourite dishes, such as charcoal and deer saute.

Mithra: "Wow, you've really outdone yourself."

Akira: "What I respect about you is that you're always true to yourself and what you want. With that image of you in mind, I prepared this hoping that you'll spend the day doing what you do best. And first on the list is, of course, enjoying a hearty feast."

Mithra: "You're absolutely right. Nothing gets done on an empty stomach, after all. I'll gladly eat my way through this. Should I leave you a bite or two?"

Akira: "…What did you just say?"

Mithra: "Here, you can have some charcoal. It smells and looks delicious, doesn't it?"

Akira: "T-Thank you… It's okay though, you can have all of i-- Mmph?!"

Mithra stuffs a big piece of charcoal in my mouth while munching on a piece of his own.

Mithra: "Well?"

Akira: "…It's… good? Is this because we're inside the music box? …Oh, right. There's a super fluffy bed over there, so let me know whenever you want to lie down. If there's anything I can do for you in general, just say the word!"

Mithra: "…"

Akira: "What?"

Mithra: "…You're surprisingly gutsy. I can't tell if you're just being cheeky, but… You're the first person to willingly approach and chat with me so casually. You're even going out of your way to do things for me."

Akira: "(Is he…actually praising me…?)"

Mithra: "And I wouldn't know what to do if you were to die, so… keep it up. Whatever it is that you're doing."

After saying that, Mithra takes my hand in his. All of the charcoal is long gone.

Mithra: "By the way, can I attack anything in here?"

Akira: "W-Why would you want to do that?!"

Mithra: "I've stuffed myself full, so now I've got to stretch a little. Is there anything you don't mind me breaking? What about that big tree over there?"

Akira: "I-I would rather you didn't do that! Rustica let me borrow this, after all…"

An irrepressible flame flickers somewhere deep behind Mithra's eyes as he stares me down.

Mithra: "You said you'd do anything I asked, remember?"

Seeing me break out in cold sweat, Mithra slightly relaxes his gaze.

He appears in a good mood, which tells me the celebration is a success.

Mithra: "Do your best to support me with everything you've got, Master Sage."

–––––––––––

The Party's Finale // Card Training Episode

(Hallway) (Rumbling & crashing)

Akira: "W-What is it now?!"

Mithra: "There you are."

Akira: "Mithra…! What's so urgent that you have to tear my wall down?!"

Mithra: "Destroying a wall is easier than summoning the Door of Space. Anyway, come to my room already. I want to sleep now that the dance party's finally over."

Akira: "You mean the one we threw for your birthday yesterday? It was really fun, but I recall it broke off around nighttime…"

Mithra: "Well, the twins had other plans. They forced me to stay up with them, and they just kept going and going. At one point, I couldn't take it anymore and ended up blowing up the venue."

Akira: "I see… I'm surprised you stayed up that long, even if by force."

Mithra: "There was a lot of food left, and some of the dances included attacking and firing at each other as well, so it wasn't that boring."

Akira: "(How did I manage to sleep through all of that… I sure hope the lounge is intact…)"

Mithra: "Can't they behave and stay in that damn painting during the night at least? Their infliction is too forgiving. Soon enough, I was full and tired of watching those two prance around and randomly firing at Bradley and Owen… So now, I need you to hold my hand and put me to sleep. Come on, let's go."

––––––––––– Home Voiceline

Mithra: "…Is there anything I want? Not really. If I want something I can take it by force and make it mine. …But since you're asking… I remember you telling me about those 'lullabies' from your world that put people to sleep. Sing one for me. At least on my birthday I want to have a good rest."

[cainluvr69]

Surely, We Can Make Miracles Chapter 17

Previous Chapter

Borda Island Resident: Open the castle gate!

Borda Island Resident: Bring out the new lord…!

Borda Castle Guard: Stand down! If you break the castle gate, you'll be arrested for treason!

Borda Island Resident: Treason?! Just for asking her to help us?!

Mitile: … Everyone's in an uproar outside the castle… And when Leno's in so much trouble, too…

Riquet: I'm worried about Shylock, too. And about Lord Snow in his painting… …And Lord White, too…

Mitile: Where is Lord White…? Maybe we just can't see him, and he's right next to us… No, he should be at Lord Snow's side, right?

Riquet: Oz said he couldn't feel his presence anywhere…

Mitile: Oh no…

Mitile & Riquet: …

Nero: It's gonna be fine.

Riquet: Nero…

Nero: None of 'em are that fragile. Once Snow's all healed up, White's gonna show up again, too. That's why Arthur and Rutile are out searchin' for medicine for him. Just believe in 'em and be patient.

Riquet: …Okay.

Mitile: …Alright. Nero, is there anything that the two of us can do? We were told to wait here in the castle because it'll be dangerous in the ocean, but I really did want to go with them, too.

Riquet: Me, too. So if there's anything we can do for our allies…

Nero: … I wanna tell you kiddos you don't need to worry about that kinda thing, but this whole island really is in a tizzy right now… I ain't gonna pretend things aren't real touch 'n go right now. Something bad really might happen.

Mitile: Something bad…

Riquet: Nero… Why are the people at the gate so angry? I can understand being scared of the dragon and the natural disasters it might cause. But neither of those have anything to do with the people in the castle, do they? Why did they come to the castle, and why are they so angry at those within it?

Nero: It's 'cause the new lord ain't listenin' to what her people have to say. No one can trust someone who won't listen to 'em. But even if they don't trust her, they still have to rely on her. So they're all mobbin' her 'cause they're scared she's gonna up 'n abandon them in their time of need. Ignorin' their voices when they're scared and desperate is the same as ignorin' that they exist at all. So they're here to say, "We're here, we're alive." Y'know how Arthur and Rutile listen to whatever people have to say to 'em, even if they don't agree with it?

Mitile: Yeah…

Riquet: They'll even hear out people I think are perfectly fine to ignore…

Nero: Haha… Yeah, I get where you're comin' from. But the people who're spendin' their time listenin' to you on a regular basis… Aren't the people you're gonna be worryin' about up and ditchin' you when somethin' happens.

Riquet: … …I suppose that's true. Oz also didn't talk about himself for a long time. He wasn't someone I thought would come to help me when something happened. I thought it was wrong of him to be unwilling to help others despite holding such great strength. I didn't think he was really seeing me, and so I often made a big fuss about it. "Are you listening, Oz? Make sure you respond! Be sure to say things clearly!" Just like the island residents are doing now. Oz is just bad at talking to people. He isn't doing these things on purpose to spite people. But once Oz began meeting my eyes and listening to me, I stopped feeling the need to make such a fuss about it.

Mitile: … …I understand how they feel, too… I always want to make sure people are listening to what I have to say. I always feel childish and ashamed of myself when I say that kind of thing, so I don't like to, but… When busy grown-ups look back at me and nod and listen to what I'm saying… It feels like my words…and I myself really matter… So I was really happy today. Dr. Figaro really talked with me… It made me feel like he was really acknowledging me and putting his faith in me…

Nero: …Yeah, I know what you mean…

Mitile: You do?

Nero: Back when I was younger, there was someone I wanted to stop and look at me. I don't think I wanted him to praise me, but at the same time, I really wanted him to… I wanted him to see there was value in where we were. I wanted him to think there was somethin' worth keepin' his interest.

Riquet: Are you talking about your father?

Nero: I mean, no, but…

Riquet: Was it someone who guided you?

Nero: …Yeah, I guess you could say that…

Mitile: Did he ever stop and look at you?

Nero: Maybe halfway… But I never let my frustration with that bubble over. Because he did look at me. He was workin' hard and held himself back. He did listen to what I had to say to him. …The new lord here was prob'ly the complete opposite when she was talkin' to the head chef. She didn't listen to what anyone was tryin' to tell her. So everyone, the island residents, the wizards in the market, even the people in her own castle… All of 'em expect her to cut and run at the first sign of trouble.

Riquet: … Dianne said that it's her job to guide the people living on the island. So why doesn't she do that when her people are in so much distress?

Nero: Beats me… Maybe there's some kinda circumstances we don't know about… But anyways, there's way too much bad stuff all lined up in a row out here. Even a single misstep could end up with a full-blown riot on our hands. That guy'd be good at unifying everyone at a time like this, but…

Mitile: Ah… My brother and everyone else are about to leave!

Riquet: Let's go see them off!

Nero: Yeah, let's.

✦✧☾✧✦

We were about to dive to the bottom of the sea, to where Balthazar was lying in wait. The ones meant to wait in the castle--Nero, Riquet, and Mitile--came to see us off. Figaro didn't, but he couldn't let himself pause in Snow's treatment for something like this. Snow had been poisoned, White had vanished, Shylock had been kidnapped, and Lennox was being manipulated… And to heal them, to bring them back, we had to face off against a Northern wizard and a sea dragon. Going against that sea dragon in particular… Thinking about that made my chest ache.

Akira: (…Hwylryn…)

But I could only let myself think about him for so long. We didn't have a moment to waste right now. More than anything else, I didn't want to lose Snow, White, Shylock, and Lennox. We finished up getting ready to depart, and left the castle, standing just before the castle gate. On our way, someone from the castle called out to us. Everyone was in a rush around us, anxiety plain in their movements.

Castle Butler: Master Sage, Prince Arthur, how did your investigation into the disappearances go? In truth, I have something else I wish to pass on to you as well…

Cain: We'll need you to tell our comrades about that later. We've got stuff to talk to your side about too, though. Three corpses were found without their heads, right? Can you tell us why we didn't get informed of that particular detail?

Castle Butler: W-well…

Cain: I'd appreciate it if you could make time with Lord Dianne for us. I'd like to talk to her more in depth…

Nero: I'll take over from here.

Cain: Got it?

Castle Butler: Y-yes, sir!

✦✧☾✧✦

Shino joined our group with his scythe on his shoulder and his bag stuffed full of Rutile's medicinal herbs. Murr turned back to the rest of us while walking towards the front.

Murr: Okaaaay, let's get this show on the road! All of you can use magic that'll let you move freely underwater, right?

Arthur: I can, yes. How about the rest of you?

Shino: Yeah.

Heathcliff: I'll probably be okay. I put a good amount of practice into it during lessons. I haven't been able to put it into practice for a particularly extended period of time, though.

Rutile: Same here. I've played around in rivers and lakes before, but it'll be my first time going this deep.

Chloe: Um, I'm not super confident I can.

Murr: Rustica, can you help him out?

Rustica: I believe I can keep him breathing under the waves, yes.

Chloe: Wh…what else is there to worry about?

Rustica: I cannot swim, you see.

Chloe: Huh?!

Arthur: Really?!

Murr: Have you drowned before?

Rustica: Who knows? But I'm very certain I can't swim.

Chloe: Now that you mention it, we've never gone swimming during our travels…

Cain: Just leave the swimming part to me. As long as you can both breathe underwater, I'll take point and you can follow my lead.

Arthur: There's a big river in your hometown, right?

Cain: Yeah. You should come swimming with me sometime, your Highness.

Murr: So the Sage should be with Oz, Faust, Rustica, or me. We'll make sure they're covered.

Arthur: Thank you. The deep sea is not only dangerous, but also draining to navigate. If you start getting tired, please feel free to separate from the rest of the group and take a break. If you can float up to the surface and get to the sky, it should be simple enough to find land again. If you've completely exhausted your magic, though, you won't be able to fly. Lord Oz's magic will be more than enough to bring us all back to land, but at the same time, that will be difficult to do until dawn breaks.

Faust: That's true. Murr and I should be able to aid the rest of our students, but… We should have contingencies in place, just in case. All of you should keep a close eye on how much magic and physical exertion you're using.

Heathcliff: Understood.

Cain: Gotcha.

Shino: Yeah. Can I ask something?

Arthur: What is it?

Shino: How are we gonna kill the dragon when Oz can't use magic? If the Sage is with him, he should be able to use it, but he failed at killing it just earlier today.

Shino was staring at me, and I kept my mouth shut. I remembered what I'd done only a short while ago. I didn't want to hurt Hwylryn. The moment I'd thought that, the moment I'd let go of Oz's hand, he'd stopped being able to use magic. Eleven of my dear wizards bore an injury from <the Great Calamity>, a burden that restricted them terribly. When I, the Sage, touched them, the weight of that burden was lessened. We'd done this many times over now. Oz, who could no longer use magic at night, could use magic. The sleepless Mithra could rest… But there were also many times it hadn't gone so well. No matter how many times I desperately pray for it to work, those prayers are never answered… I still don't understand why it works some times but not others. But as of this last incident, I had a feeling I'd made the first step towards understanding that mystery.

Akira: (…It's because of my own heart…)

It took me a moment to realize I was clenching my hands.

Akira: (Wizards cast magic with their hearts. This must be the same principle…) (I think that if both I and the wizard in question aren't wanting the same thing, then I can't do anything to heal their injury from the Calamity…)

But even if we said that, there were still some points that didn't cover. For instance, I wasn't very good at letting Oz use his magic again during the Umbra Volans incident, at least at first. Nor when Shylock was suffering from his heart being set aflame, even when he was in so much pain right in front of me…

Akira: (…Even though Nova was able to do it…)

Though I was at a bit of a loss, I still put my thoughts into words.

Arthur: I see… So you don't wish to attack the sea dragon, Master Sage. That's why Lord Oz isn't able to use his magic right now… That's what you're trying to say, yes?

Akira: I mean, that just has to be it, I can't think of any other reason why… That's definitely how it feels to me.

Murr: Then while we're in the water, Oz, you need to keep your desire to protect us in alignment with the Sage's. Normally I'd want to do some proper experimentation to verify things, but we sadly don't have the time for that right now.

Faust: At the very least, we should be able to make sure the younger wizards all stay safe… Oz.

Oz: What.

Faust: If you feel that your heart and the Sage's aren't matching up, take the younger wizards back to shore. Can you do that?

Oz looked at me. I looked away, feeling like I was trying to run away from the intensity of his gaze. It wasn't a comfortable feeling.

Akira: (Oz must be really troubled by not being able to use magic…) (Normally everything works out just fine, but because of me…) (When Snow and White were in danger, I started getting all wishy-washy because of a dragon I'd only just met…) (That's what he must be thinking about me right now…)

I felt terrible that I couldn't meet the expectations everyone had placed on me.

Oz: Sage.

Akira: Yes…

I responded to Oz when he said my name. The voice that spilled from my lips was unbelievably small. But Oz's voice contained no blame or accusation within its thunder.

Oz: I believe I once told you to not let your role confine you.

Akira: …

I looked up at him, startled. He had said something similar to me before. Those words, too, had felt very precious at the time. I mustn't forget my own name. The weight of my role was such that it could blot out my personal identity. And now… I was the one who had begun to forget who I was. I'd started to think that if I couldn't fulfill the role I was supposed to play, then there wasn't any point in me being here in the first place. It wasn't that anyone had told me that. But still, the weight of responsibility had made my heart begin to curl in on itself. Akira didn't need to be here. The perfect, flawless Sage should be standing in their place. I took a moment to once again look around myself. Everyone's expressions were tense, taut as a drawn bowstring. Arthur, Cain, and Faust were staring at me, their gazes focused… As was Murr, with his wandering gaze, as well as Heathcliff and Shino, after they glanced at each other. Rutile and Chloe were too, both looking worried. And then there were Nero and Rustica, who looked like they were watching over me from far away. Riquet and Mitile were holding hands, but they were looking at me, not at each other. I could tell. All of them were desperately thinking about what they could do for me. "It wasn't all you sole responsibility. We can help, too." That's what it felt like they were saying to me. I took a slow, deep breath in, exhaled, and then opened my mouth.

Akira: It's not like I can be 100% about it, but… I think I can work with Oz to let him use magic as long as it's not for violence. If it's to help any of you, then I definitely think I'll be able to help.

Faust: Got it. Thank you.

Shino: I don't want to get dragged back to shore. I'll figure something out on my own.

Cain: I'm pretty confident in my diving ability. I dunno exactly how well that'll hold up in the deep sea, but…

Chloe: But, um, isn't that gonna be pretty bad in the definitely super small chance that we got forced to fight the dragon…? Oz can't use his magic for that, and none of the Northern wizards are here, either… I mean, this is totally hypothetical, okay?! I definitely don't want us to have to fight against a dragon that the Sage is friends with!

Arthur: You have a point… Master Sage, do you think opening a dialogue with this "Hwylryn" fellow would be worth a try?

Akira: A dialogue…

Arthur: Yes. If it's possible to avoid any conflict by talking with him, then…

Arthur's words made me feel a faint sense of hope.

Akira: …I don't think it's impossible, at the very least. Hwylryn didn't strike me as being super into violence. He was more playful and mischievous, if anything…

Chloe: A mischievous dragon…

Rustica: What a wonderful prospect. I hope we can become friends.

Akira: I hope so, too.

My tone had sharpened a bit, though I hadn't meant it to.

Akira: Actually, Hwylryn said a bunch of times that his brother was more predisposed to being aggressive. So I figure that means Hwylryn himself is a lot more mild-mannered than his brother was…

Oz: …I have never heard of a mild-mannered dragon before. Though they may not be needlessly aggressive, their arrogance and wariness are both very defined. I do not believe conversation will be an option.

Akira: H…Hwylryn can definitely be talked to.

Oz: …

Arthur: Your own wariness is entirely understandable, Lord Oz. But the one who has had direct experience in speaking with this dragon named Hwylryn and flown at his side through the sky is the Sage. Can we not have faith in what they say and make an attempt at negotiations?

Akira: Negotiations… That's right, he also talked about wanting to negotiate with me! It was when we first met… You remember too, right, Rutile?

Rutile: Yes, I do. In exchange for gemstones, he wanted us to share our torta di cocco with him…

Heathcliff: A dragon that wants to eat sweets…?

Shino: That's surprisingly humble.

Oz: …I understand. If that is what the Sage wishes.

Murr: So, what about Balthazar? Are we gonna try to persuade him, too? If he wants a proper apology from Oz and Figaro, will he get one?

Murr's words were as sharp as a blade, but I didn't see any intention to pick a fight or start an argument in his eyes. He was just simply trying to get a straight yes or no answer. Arthur hesitated for a moment before turning to Oz. Oz greeted him with a steely gaze.

Oz: I see no reason to. Being unable to control my magic as I desire is putting needless strain upon the younger wizards… For that, I will apologize. However, Balthazar has no understanding of his own sins. Power is everything in the North. Bowing my head to him will do nothing but spark his fury.

There was no hesitation whatsoever in Oz's words. Murr shrugged his shoulders and looked back at Arthur.

Murr: Well, there you have it. So we're not going to be persuading Balthazar to do anything, and instead we'll just take him out. I don't really know very much about him. But I do know he's got a real thing for Shylock, and that he was the one who sank Adams Island. That means he's got both the inclination towards and means for sinking an island. We can't say for certain he won't make the same decision again if he gets pushed far enough!

Chloe: So he might sink Borda Island?

Murr: Full marks!

Arthur: Then it'd be best if we made arrangements for evacuation and rescue operations ahead of time, just in case.

Nero: Gotcha. I'll make sure I talk to the new lord about it.

Faust: Sorry, and thanks.

Arthur: Now for our next point of discussion… What precisely will we be doing once we're underwater? Heathcliff. Can you tell us what you learned from Vespa?

Heathcliff: Yes. Balthazar has taken the other mermaids captive, and rules over them like a tyrant. He works them like slaves, imprisons them in a cage at the bottom of the sea…

Oz: …I have seen this cage.

Heathcliff: You have?! When…?

Oz: Before sunset.

Heathcliff: According to Vespa, several of the mermaids know where to find a sunken ship.

Murr: Is it Melissa's ship?

Heathcliff: She doesn't know for sure, but Balthazar seems to think it is. Apparently he's been trying to threaten the mermaids into guiding him to the ship so that he can get the cintamani stone of medicine.

Faust: And so he confined some of the mermaids to that end. Why are they refusing to show him where it is?

Heathcliff: Vespa told me to keep this a secret, so I can't talk about all of the details, but… It seems to be very close to a location of great importance to the mermaids.

Murr: I see! But she doesn't know where the sunken ship is?

Rustica: Oh my. She raised one of her hands and tilted her head.

Chloe: Maybe she knows…?

Nero: Nah, this is what she does when she doesn't know.

Cain: It'd be pretty bad if we got lost at the bottom of the ocean. Can you introduce us to anyone who does know where the ship is?

Vespa: …! …!

Cain: She raised her right hand.

Heathcliff: Apparently her sisters know. They're some of the mermaids trapped in the cage, though.

Faust: It's probable that one of them knows where Balthazar is, too. We should ask them after we've helped them.

Arthur: Then let's head for the mermaids' cage!

Rutile & Shino & Cain: Yeahhhh!

That was a chorus of voices I knew I could rely on. As we drew closer to the castle gates, we began to hear the voices of angry, desperate people.

Cain: What should we do? Should we take to the sky and fly to the ocean?

Arthur: No, wizards flying off the island right now when Lady Dianne has yet to address the people would only make them more suspicious of her. So we're going to leave through the front gate. I will talk to the island residents.

Arthur's expression grew serious. Cain put his hand on the hilt of his sword, and Shino adjusted his grip on his scythe. Oz and Faust both looked like there was something they wanted to say as they watched Arthur. And then Murr did a somersault through the air with catlike grace.

Murr: One last thing! We all gotta have fun on our upcoming expedition!

Everyone raised their heads to watch Murr as he tumbled through the sky. A golden moon hung in the cloudless sky, as if the torrential rains had all been a bad dream. <The Great Calamity>. It illuminated the darkness of our world just as surely as it would destroy it. And yet, for some reason, it felt like it was watching over us tonight. It was like it knew we were heading to the bottom of the sea, where its light wouldn't reach, its gaze a peaceful and gentle one… Murr narrowed his eyes like a contented cat, though he was embracing the moonlight and not a warm sunbeam.

Murr: It's a lot easier to take it easy when you're having fun. And taking it easy opens up more options than when you're taking things too seriously! The goddess of victory is gonna run away if you've got a frown on your face! Besides, you guys won't believe how pretty the sea is at night!

He was right. I steadied my breathing, and then opened my eyes. My field of vision that had been swallowed up by the darkness slowly began to expand. The moon's light reached out to all of us, all throughout the world, embracing us in its rays. I heard the sound of the waves from the vast, mystical place we called the "ocean" so easily, never considering how little we knew of what lay beneath its waves. And thus, surely we'd see sights we'd never seen before.

Cain: Open the gate.

Castle Gatekeeper: B--but…

Arthur: I will take full responsibility. Please, open the gate.

Castle Gatekeeper: You are…?

Arthur: One of the Sage's wizards, as well as the crown prince of Central Country. Arthur Granvelle.

Castle Gatekeeper: Y-yessir…!

✦✧☾✧✦

There were many people gathered beyond the gate, anger, anxiety, and frustration clear on all of their faces. This mob was clearly motivated by more than just petty irritation. They couldn't just stand around doing nothing, not when they were worried about their families, their coworkers, their friends--and so, their legs had carried them here. But as Arthur took his place before them, their angry yelling was quickly silenced. It wasn't because he looked every inch the noble prince that he was, no. It was because his eyes, the same blue as the sea and sky, were truly pure. He regarded them with the same expression as if he were addressing his friends.

Arthur: People of Borda Island, I cannot apologize enough for having caused you worry. I am Arthur Granvelle. One of the Sage's wizards, and the crown prince of Central Country. The local lord, Lady Dianne, has asked us to look into the strange incidents taking place on this island.

Borda Island Resident: She asked you to…? So she isn't just trying to cover things up for the wizards here.

Arthur: While our investigation has yet to conclude, we have reason to believe that these incidents involve Adams Island, which sank below the waves many centuries ago… And the wizard that sank it, Balthazar.

Borda Island Resident: The wizard that sank Adams Island?! Does that mean this island is going to sink, too?!

Arthur: We won't let that happen. In fact, we're presently headed to the bottom of the sea to prevent exactly that. I want all of you to help each other. I imagine that some of the wizards that do business in the market may be familiar with similar past incidents. Listen to what they have to say. Ask them what you should do to prepare yourselves.

Borda Island Resident: B… But will the market wizards even want to work with us?

Arthur: Of course they will. As long as all of you intend to help them, too.

Chloe: A… And because Shylock's in real big trouble right now! If you tell them it's for Shylock's sake, the older wizards will definitely help you with what's going on! I think!

Borda Island Resident: Alright… Then… We should find this "Balthazar".

Cain: Borda Castle should also be coming up with countermeasures. You should contact them when you've figured out what you want to do.

Nero: Yeah. I'll make arrangements for all that.

Heathcliff was smiling as he watched their exchange. He took a small, nervous breath and straightened his back. When he noticed I was looking at him, Heathcliff told me something.

Heathcliff: I started feeling like Shylock and the others who aren't here are still at our sides somehow… Shylock taught me a lot about how to enjoy myself. Lennox taught me how to be more stubborn… Lord Snow and White taught me how to have the courage to face a strong foe… So, it just feels like they're here with us right now…

Heathcliff gazed at the ocean's dark waters. I was reminded of something. Although Heathcliff was normally a shy and gentle person… It was his desperate plea that had first moved my heart after I'd arrived in this world. Heathcliff's desire to help his comrades and kind feelings had touched me, and made me put my faith in the wizards. I felt like I was seeing the same scene now that I'd seen that night.

Cain: Riquet, the rest is up to you!

Arthur: Please don't push yourselves.

Riquet: I should be the one saying that to all of you. Please take care and come home safe. Lord Arthur, Cain, I'll see you soon! You too, Oz!

Oz: Yes.

Nero: Shino, Heath, take care of Teach for me.

Shino: That's the opposite of what you usually say.

Heathcliff: You can leave him to us.

Vespa: …! …!

Heathcliff: Vespa'll do her best, too!

Faust: I'm already calm and composed. I'll be fine.

Mitile: Rutile, please make sure to get Leno back.

Rutile: I definitely will. Mitile, take good care of Riquet and Dr. Figaro, okay? And be sure to listen to what Nero tells you. …Mitile, let me see your face.

Mitile: …Please be safe, Rutile…!

Rutile: Mhm…!

Arthur: Now then, it's time for us to depart! <Pernoctant Nixzo>!

Cain: <Gladius Procella>!

Shino: <Matzah Sudipas>!

Heathcliff: <Repsev Aivulp Sunos>

Chloe: <Suispicibo Voitengok>!

Rutile: <Ortonik Setomaouge>!

One by one, my wizards chanted their spells and stepped into the water. First were the younger ones, and then the more experienced ones also sank into the water after them. The moon's light shined off the surface of the water. Seeing such a beautiful sight made me remember something with a gasp, and all of the wizards still on the shore turned back to me. I looked at Mitile and shouted to him.

Akira: Mitile! Can you ask the owner of that one shop to bake a torta di cocco, please?!

Mitile: Torta di cocco?!

Akira: Yes! And if Mithra comes back… Tell him to bring it with one of his doors through space, please! Hwylryn really wanted to eat it! So maybe it'll help with negotiations…

Mitile: Okay, got it! I'll find the shopkeeper as fast as I can and ask them!

Riquet: If we get turned down, we'll have Nero make it instead!

Nero: Man, I don't wanna try makin' a cake with so much ridin' on it on the first go… But I'll make it happen somehow! Take care of yourself, Sage!

Akira: Yeah…!

After responding, I turned back around to the ocean. I took Oz's hand in mine and held it tightly. He reciprocated the gesture, his fingertips pressing against the back of my hand.

Oz: <Vox Nox>

And we jumped into the water together.

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