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[pathofsacrifice]

... hello?

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[pathofsacrifice]

It is, and sorry.

I'm learning, too. [ A slight beat and a little worried, he asks again: ] Are you all right?

[everblooms]

No way, don't apologize. [ She got a chuckle out of it, after all. ]

Me? Yeah, I think so. Well, Artemy, to tell the truth... are you ready for the parade tomorrow?

[pathofsacrifice]

As ready as I can be.

[ He's attempted to get some blood for the flowers, but -- ]

There is certain a lot of talk of enjoying ourselves and not to take things too seriously. But also the desire of my leader, they wish for us to see other faction members as kin for this festival.

The wording of such things do make me worry. Like if this is but a reprieve before our factions ignore the peace of tomorrow. Still, even if that is so, we've shared a bit of a bond now with securing blades from people. So... [ Aerith will still be as kin in his eyes. ]

[everblooms]

[ How sweet. Despite herself, he coaxes a smile out of Aerith. For a moment, she thinks he's with her on anything. ]

You're right. That's not something broken easily, is it? A bond like that. [ Ugh, she's gooey for a second. Moments later, she continues, ducking into an alley way. ]

During the parade— well, it's kind of hard to explain. There's a set route for it. You know that, right?

[pathofsacrifice]

[ There is real warmth that comes in through his voice as he agrees with her: ] No, it isn't.

[ But hm? ]

Yes, I know that, of course. [ ? ]

[everblooms]

So you noticed the Kappa guarding part of it, then!

[pathofsacrifice]

Yes.

[ He nods even though she can't see it. ]

The Sutoku were asked to try to keep that area clear of people. [ Hm, wait, that wasn't a question but a statement. ] Is this where I should be a little disappointed? [ A little joke, because he couldn't guard that area the whole time, and only ever shoo'd people out rather than got too violent with anyone. ]

[everblooms]

Hm, maybe? I got past! You could be disappointed in me, if you want.

[ Might be kind of fun to pretend. ]

Artemy, do you know what they were protecting, then...?

[pathofsacrifice]

So long as you did not get caught... I also saw nothing so we're just talking.

[ His cheeky little kin. ]

... what they are protecting? No. I did not venture in.

[everblooms]

[ Well, there's no beating around the bush. ]

Under the parade route. It's a machine.

[pathofsacrifice]

A machine? What kind of machine?

[everblooms]

[ She hesitates before shaking her head. The camerawork is steady, at least. ]

I can't answer that. I think we figured out it was attached to the main water supply somehow.

[pathofsacrifice]

That's... odd.

[ A long pause follows. ]

From how I understood it, the Kappa had wanted some privacy and working on their own contribution a little slower than most. I considered their request to make reasonable amount of sense. [ The noise and bustle of everything irritating the Kappa just made sense, and he saw no reason to argue with their desire to be left alone. ]

... a machine attached to the main water supply. How could that even help the festival?

[everblooms]

[ Her response is thoughtful, mused over for what feels like too long to her. She carefully says every word, plucking them gently with great consideration. ]

The saying goes, power in numbers, doesn't it? So, from the moment we got here, as "Lost Souls"... we were numbers.

[ It could be a power play. ]

We promised we'd be there for people when we took their stuff... We'll be there no matter what.

[pathofsacrifice]

[ The apprehension must have been obvious in his voice. He said he was as ready as he could be, but he was worried about the days after the festival rather than what will come during.

But Aerith is right; they made a promise to be there no matter what. ]

We've done all we can to prepare... the rest is to be there.

[everblooms]

[ The smile she gives him is confident, then. Confirmation is all she needed. ]

You're right. You know how to fight, don't you? [ Lucky guess, she'd say. ] The parade's in good hands with us! We'll make sure everything's safe as can be. And... if not, we'll be there for everyone. No regrets.

[pathofsacrifice]

I know a thing or two about it... I can't say I'm good at it.

[ He gets his ass beat more than he does beating others up. But he is able to get the upper hand in the end. Guess that's what matters. ]

Right... [ Artemy isn't sure about saying that he won't have regrets, but -- it's her smile and confidence that has him wanting to believe in it. He gives a firmer nod, and a weaker smile. ] No regrets.

I can't have my khetey suffer any struggles. [ A beat. ] That's you. Khetey.

[everblooms]

[ This would be easier to promise if she had her healing abilities still. Even so, she knows she won't let anything happen to him. As long as she's able, she'll be there for Artemy. ]

...Khetey? [ It's foreign on her tongue. It rolls of it strangely, but there's some sort of comfort and a sense of duty with it, too. Perhaps it's merely that he's called her that. ]

Can't say I've heard of it! Explain it to me?

[pathofsacrifice]

It's the language of my kin.

[ Is it right to still call them that? He wonders, but rather than dwelling -- ]

It means "elder-sister." I suppose we can liken it to how I've come to understand "Nee-san" is used here.

[everblooms]

[ Artemy has to be protected at all costs. ]

Always wondered why it'd be like to have siblings, actually... so, thanks. I'll make sure I live up to the title.

[pathofsacrifice]

You already are.

So, just keep being yourself, I guess.