Messenger Box

[eyeswideopen]

If you need to get a hold of Komaeda, here's where you do it.

Messenger birds, action, what have you.

Comments

[eyeswideopen]

Take as many notes as you like. Spread the information you gather. The more people know, the more will be prepared.

[He accepts a mug from a waiter with a sigh of content. The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg drifts from the mug as he sets it down placing a lid over it.]

[dereban]

I can definitely do the former, but the latter might be a little more difficult for me unless I start working with newspapers again.

[ Nevertheless, she opens her backpack to take out a notebook and pencil. ]

So you went over to Elios' place, right? Besides the weird, warm ice, what was it like? I mean... unless that's all there was there. That's fine, too.

[eyeswideopen]

I can just show you. Unless you'd rather we didn't do it that way. [He holds up his human hand, the metal one occupied with stirring his spoon in the soup.]

And it isn't that hard to spread information. Just tell what you learn to everyone you know.

[dereban]

...

[ Inaba is quiet for a moment, scrunching her brows before she sighs, not enjoying the fact that she might have just gotten read. Nevertheless, she sighs almost melodramatically and nods. ]

As long as it's not in my head, I don't mind.

[eyeswideopen]

The land was blanketed with snow and ice. There was a storm that raged through and up into the sky. It was only with the help of Thras and Peromei alongside Red's icy bird that it was kept at bay. The way up the mountain was treacherous even on vehicle.

[She can't handle telepathy. Or dislikes it. He doesn't know why but he won't press. Komaeda picks up his spoon and touches it very lightly to the surface of his soup.] All the while this insidious feeling of love and comfort tried to slip past whatever hate we had. It was like a low grade hunger of the very soul.

When we reached the top of the trail. Everything was covered in thick black ice. It was thickest around the door. ...and all the while birds flew near us. Two perched on either side of where we knew the door was.

[dereban]

I see, I see...

[ She quickly writes this down without a single moment of hesitation, nodding each part of the way to show him that she's still listening even if she isn't looking at him directly, still a little bit in thought. ]

I have a few follow up questions, then. They might sound trivial, but it's best to know all the facts and not misinterpret things. Or make any assumptions, either. [ Inaba laughs a little, halfheartedly. ] By storm, are we talking about a snowstorm? Or some other kind of storm?

And the second one would be... did the feelings come like, suddenly? Or was it like rising? You say it's hunger, but I want to know just how deep the effects are rooted and how it all works. [ Inaba seems to talk from experience and it shows in the interest in her eyes. ] And besides, in terms of love, there's different kinds of love, you know? That's why I'm asking it like this.

And the birds I'd assume are familiars, right?

[eyeswideopen]

No. You must understand, the land we stepped onto. That is Elios. His land and the place he rises from. Essentially it's like walking on him.

[He sets his spoon down and holds his hand palm up. A cold storm of wind, ice, and snow whirls at the heart of his hand.] Anyway I'm talking about a snow storm.

[He doesn't answer the second question. His eyes look faintly haunted as he returns to eating. He picks at the soup taking it slowly.]

The birds are part of him as blood belongs to us. They appeared before according to other sources when he was corrupted with hate. He came thirsting for love and to fill the emptiness with it.

Even went so far as kidnapping.

[dereban]

That's...

[ She doesn't finish her sentence, but it's clear that there's a bit of annoyance in the way she says it before she finds herself sighing. ]

I see. [ Inaba seems to say that almost half-heartedly, but it isn't as if she isn't taking the situation seriously. ] So all of that is a part of him.

So basically they showed up whenever Elios was unbalanced... but you didn't answer my second question, you know. [ She wonders if he's avoiding it on purpose or just waiting. ]

[eyeswideopen]

[He sets the spoon down. There's no getting around it. Komaeda stares out the window, watching the people walking by. It's easier than meeting her eyes.]

The effects are deeply rooted. If you aren't prepared in any way, you'll have a problem. If you have a lack of love or a need for it, you'll have a struggle. It feels like slipping beneath the ocean waves.

As much as you dislike the idea...I found my saving grace was someone else tied to my mind. We watched out for changes in each other. But I imagine, just being united together could help.

[dereban]

[ Ah. Maybe it was a mistake, asking. But at the same time, this information is vital; in fact, it's rather important, considering her background. How she's yearned for the feeling because she didn't want to be alone anymore. Friends. Family.

Then there's--

She shakes her head at the thought as she tugs at an arm, fingers digging into the fabric of her sleeve. ]

I can't have someone tied to my mind like that.

[ There's disgust in her voice, but there's also something underlying in it that shows up as frost under the chair she's sitting. Fear, rejection.

The near quiet sounds of a soft, cold wind blowing. ]

... Sorry. [ She apologizes, but only because of the harshness that sat in her tone. ] I just don't like people in my head. I don't like to admit it, but it scares me.

[eyeswideopen]

[He says nothing at first. When he looks back at her his face is unreadable. Not even the air gives away what he's feeling. It takes a moment to unclench his jaw.]

You might have to. If you want to stay free.

Whether that has to be or not is yet to be determined. But I would consider the possibility. He will be far worse than he was when we saw him. Likely his attempts to sway us will be stronger.

[He picks up his spoon, flipping it between his fingers in a careless manner.] Plans are being made. I can't discuss them right now. But we will have help against him. If you think you can't face a corrupted Elios. Stay at the safe haven when it is announced.

[dereban]

...

[ Quiet at first, Inaba finds herself trying to conceal her emotions, sucking a breath as she manages to shake herself out of it. Nevertheless she interlaces her fingers together, squeezing on them tightly. ]

I won't allow it to happen to me. [ She doesn't even dare to hide the frustration that's slowly boiling in her voice. It's clear by now that she has problems here, even if they're ones she isn't voicing. ] It's fine if you can't talk about it right now, but it's definitely a good thing that plans are being made to stop them. I don't know if I'd be able to face him, but... I can at least assist those who can't.