Week 4 - HEARTS

[foundfate]

[In the evening on Monday, Watanuki will send a letter (by magic, not bird, since the cockatiels are still healing) inviting Ann to his room. By the time she's arrived, she will find that he has set up a little table with two chairs at it. Space for them to work at, basically. There is also tea set up, so that they can have a bit before beginning this.]

Thank you for coming, Ann-san. I apologize for the rush, but I feel like this is urgent and should be addressed right away.

Comments

[foundfate]

[And in she goes.

This time, it feels like countless years pass. Little scenes come and go quickly- a shot of watching friends walk away from the shop for good, another of a friend turning old and grey and then disappearing entirely, an empty front yard with no guests, quiet halls to the shop with no laughter or mirth to fill it- but they all leave Ann feeling absolutely, completely lonely. It's so strong here in this room that it feels like she might get crushed under the weight.

But if she can persist, she'll eventually be able to find a small, glowing orb in the darkness.]

[fullbodied]

[she's going to-- because she promised Watanuki that she'd help. Even if this is going to mess her up for days after, he's been dealing with it for ages.]

[foundfate]

[As soon as she touches it, she will be able to see blues and oranges swirling around in it. In the blues, there are quick flashes of happier days: Of Watanuki celebrating his birthday with his friends, smiling warmly as everyone congratulates him. Of Watanuki sitting on his porch, smoking his pipe and chatting with someone. Of Watanuki at school, eating his lunch with some friends. Of helping someone, and seeing them say 'thank you' afterwards. Little happy moments like that, where Watanuki doesn't feel so alone.

And then, in the orange, are similarly happy scenes, though the happiness comes from other sources. Watanuki and Nirrti, butting heads over the game, but ultimately finding a sense of agreement in 'wow, I can't believe Karen contracted a servant, this is going to make things interesting.' Of Watanuki being pestered by a blonde witch in a pink dress, one who is clearly annoying him, but is doing so in a way that makes her fondness for him clear. Of Watanuki talking with Anon about morality and righteousness, with both agreeing that 'might makes right' isn't a bad way to see things. They're a bit stranger and less straightforward than the blue memories, but there is still a sense of happiness to them.

But the two colors are in conflict with each other, and that conflict is what's making the surface of the orb stormy. A solution to this problem might be what's needed.]

[fullbodied]

You do need a third way.

[anon. anon.

watanuki why are you taking any lesson from anon, much less that one.

Also... can she lift up the orb?]

But those two opposing ideas of happiness... No wonder the loneliness is so strong. Especially if you think you have to choose.

[foundfate]

[She can, but she will also find that the glow from it chases away the shadows. And as the room is illuminated, she will eventually be able to see a door.

It looks like the doors in the mansion, and is probably the way out. She's found his treasure, as obtuse as it may be, so what is she going to do with it?]

[fullbodied]

[she's going to steal it!! Because this treasure's being corrupted, obviously. And it needs to be protected from the loneliness. :(

What that means, when she gets outside... well, she'll find out!!]

[foundfate]

[I mean.

She's going to find Watanuki face-down in his tea, snoring softly.

Yep he's still hella knocked out. But at least his sleep seems peaceful?]

[fullbodied]

[is it still the orb that it was? because if so, she's going to set it down gently, so it doesn't roll away.

if it isn't, she's still setting it down

and then put a blanket over him.]

I'm sorry, Kimihiro-kun.

[foundfate]

[It's a lot smaller now, about the size of a marble. But yes, she still has it.

And Watanuki shifts a little in his sleep, but doesn't stir yet.]

[fullbodied]

[and so she looks at the marble, and then holds it close. She's got to keep this one. but she does put the paper back on the desk.]

Kimihiro-kun?

[said after another few minutes.]

[foundfate]

Go make breakfast yourself, Mokona...

[But yeah he's starting to blink awake, especially if she keeps calling out to him. Only a couple hours tops have passed, but it feels like a lot longer to him.]

[fullbodied]

Not Mokona... though I didn't know he could make breakfast.

[her tone is light.]

... How are you feeling?

[foundfate]

It's talent...I forget the number.

[How does he feel? Well, he's frowning as he sits up.]

...wet. Did I knock over my tea?

[fullbodied]

You might have, yep. Anyway, I stole your heart!

It might take a few days, or weeks, even to notice the change. But just in case... I'm going to keep your treasure safe with me.

[foundfate]

Really? I don't feel any different.

[She did just say that it would take some time to feel the affects, though, so. ]

Thank you, Ann-san. I will trust you to take care of it.