[gardening!! . . . "gardening"]

[sevenhorrorsmods]

Who: Katsumori and the rest of the school
When: September 21
Where: the equipment shed
What: more things happened!!
Warnings: spiders, spider bites, and someone getting chomped on in the adventure itself

[It's a bit overcast today, isn't it? Clouds rumble lightly in the sky above, dark with rain that has yet to actually fall. It is still pretty hot outside, but at least the weather is beginning to cool, right? Fall must be right around the corner!]

[If you happen to be taking a moment to enjoy the great outdoors, then you may stumble across some friends in green uniforms hanging out around the equipment shed.]

[The]

[Opened equipment shed]

Comments

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[brokenlance]

In that case, allow me to restore one for you.

The ones available here will need a fair bit of polish before they're fit for use - but doing so with only one hand is far too cumbersome a task. And it seems only right, as it was your house's effort that opened this shed.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[darkholder]

Ah... If you insist, I won't object. Thank you, Azure.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[brokenlance]

Weapon maintenance is a hobby of mine, so it's hardly a chore at all.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[darkholder]

Really? How did you get interested in that?

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[brokenlance]

Alas, I have a tendency to break almost every weapon I touch. The smithing skills to repair them is quite beyond me, unfortunately. Goddess knows they might just shatter on the anvil instead.

It began as a way to try and preserve their longevity. But I soon discovered that I find it... soothing. I feel as though I can better appreciate the craft that went into their creation this way.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[darkholder]

It does sound calming, when you put it that way.

[but also,]

You don't strike me as the type to be so clumsy, though.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[brokenlance]

As loathe as I am to dispel that illusion... it is an embarrassing side effect of my Crest. The strength it bestows often flares without warning - and whatever I happen to be holding simply shatters in my hands.

[SIGHS, FORLORN]

The silver lance I regained from test of courage is already broken. The pole snapped in half.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[darkholder]

Ah, what an unpleasant side effect... You don't find it more troublesome than it's worth?

[curious]

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[brokenlance]

When we first arrived at this school... well, it was the first time I had ever been without it. To even my own surprise, I confess it was a bit of a relief.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[darkholder]

Is it not something you can remove at will?

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[brokenlance]

[like maybe if you drain all the blood out of his body but then he would be dead]

Not at all. One must be born with a Crest. I know of no way to remove or manifest one otherwise.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[darkholder]

...It must be difficult, then. Having to constantly be cognizant of it, I mean, and even then having it affect you so often.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[brokenlance]

It can be frustrating. Yet I often think… it must be for some purpose that I was born with this strength. Things that only I can do.

…If it allows me to protect what is dear to me, then it will have been worth it.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[darkholder]

I imagine many would say there are things only you can do even if you weren't born with an inordinate amount of physical strength, you know...

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[brokenlance]

[his expression softens, but he doesn’t look like he believes what she says. there’s, really nothing remarkable about him at all…]

…That’s kind of you to say.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[darkholder]

[debates saying something further about it, but - it feels too personal. instead:]

I'd hoped by now you would know I don't say things simply to be kind, but because I consider them to be true.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[brokenlance]

[…a fondness enters his eyes, and he smiles slightly.]

No, you would not colour your words in such a way. I suppose I simply question how I must appear in the eyes of others…

Ah. Speaking of which… I know your house recently gained a new member.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[darkholder]

[she nods]

We did. She seems capable, though of course I wouldn't wish her here under any circumstance... Why do you bring it up, though?

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[brokenlance]

Well…

[his face twists with inner conflict, trying to best figure out how to describe her]

The simplest answer is that we hail from the same world. In fact, we were attending the same school prior to this.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[darkholder]

—I see. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised... If they can bring one person from a world, there's no reason they shouldn't be able to bring more than one from each.

If that's the simplest answer, though, do you care to tell me what the more complex one is?

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[brokenlance]

Our families have ties to each other that are… complex, and not publicly known. One may consider us stepsiblings, though we did not know of the other’s existence, growing up.

We are not… close. I do not believe that she wishes to pursue any manner of relationship, so - it is not my wish to force one upon her.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[darkholder]

...I see. It certainly sounds complicated.

[and not really her place to comment more than that, given how little she understands of the dynamic. after a moment:]

If it would cause any further tension to tell her I know about your connection, I don't mind not bringing it up.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[brokenlance]

I would appreciate it. I don’t want to make things more awkward for her than necessary.

[…he tries for a small grin]

I did think the two of you would get along, though. I truly do hope that she can find a friend in you.

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[darkholder]

Of course.

[tilting her head just a bit, curious more than anything]

You do? Why is that?

Re: [THE EQUIPMENT SHED]

[brokenlance]

I knew Carnation would respect a driven, intelligent young woman like yourself. One who speaks her mind, and is not held back by attachment to outdated traditions.