touchscreens | video; some action in the end

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video; some action in the end

[The video option of the transmission will be used as an exhausted and sweaty individual will appear upon the screen. The first thing everyone will notice is the distance between the individual and the device used to transmit messages, it was clear that he was extremely close to the device as his hand is currently holding onto the top of the object for dear life -- he was using the phone booth as a way to keep himself steady and was currently having a difficult time breathing. He is rapidly breathing in and out, as though each breath might be his last. His gaze will look weak. It was clear that he was having a difficult time using the device as his focus does not seem, well, very focused. Actually, he is still wondering if the device was even working...

Once he was able to calm his breathing and uneasiness, he will offer a weak, but polite smile. It was clear from his gaze that he was currently helpless as he was in a later stage of the withdrawal sickness.]

Good evening. I apologize for unexpectedly taking much of your time by transmitting this message, but...I do not believe I will be able to speak at a more convenient time. [A short pause as he felt the dizziness take him over again. His smile will weaken even more as he takes another step closer to the device. At this rate, it feels as though he will lose his consciousness soon.] My name is Soushi Miketsukami. It has been almost three weeks ever since I have arrived to this... [He is still uncertain over if he was in a new country or city or continent all together.] ....quaint city. I am certain many of you are in the same predicament as myself. It is the reason that motivated me to finally speak because I wish to trade information....if you would like....

[But first, he needs to loosen a button from his white dress shirt. He really was feeling sick and even hot.]

How much has been found out over the situation? Like the reason for our sudden arrival? Or even the location of our current whereabouts? It is to my understanding that we were told over our mission was to be affectionate towards one another. Other information was not disclosed.... [And the nauseousness will return as he stops speaking for a moment, using his other hand to hold his head. How was he even able to stand after speaking so much? Much less get out of bed enough to leave his apartment, find a phone booth, and speak.] ...if you have any information to offer, then, if it is within your desire to share your knowledge, then I will be heavily indebted to you....especially if it will be the key needed to return home. [...] There is someone I need to return to...any help will truly....indeed....be greatly appreciated.... [Again, his expression will look a touch bit desperate, anxious, and lonely as he says the next line:] ...even if I do not deserve such a luxury....

[After a long pause as he ponders over his words, he will return his attention to the video transmission as he closes his eyes. Please pretend he is bowing!]

...thank you for your time....

[The transmission will end soon after.]

[And if anyone was out and about in the late evening hours, they will soon find a fallen individual, wearing a white kimono that happens to have nine tails and a pair of fox ears, on the ground as he has finally passed out from his current exhaustion and advanced withdrawal symptoms. Will you help him?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I know what you mean. Even though I got a job at a restaurant near the river, I... haven't learned a lot about this place. With the way people who live here treat me, I feel sort of... well. [It was obvious, but--] Out of place.

[He took a brief breath before helping Soushi step out of the elevator. They were in the home stretch...

He looked to Soushi at his question, feeling somewhat unnerved by his stare (the gold eye especially), but he kept it from showing.] No, I've been keeping up with the... contact requirement, I suppose. A few friends that I made and my job helps a lot with that. I wasn't really willing to take the risk of not doing it and getting sick.

[Listening to most of what the other boy was explaining, Soushi could not help begin to realize that maybe he should begin to find a job to keep Murai and himself afloat; at least, for a while.]

...it sounds like a wonderful idea... [It won't be long until he adds.] In having found work, I mean. Do you believe they are still looking for additional assistance?

[His expression will turn a little bit friendlier before his gaze will fall to the ground as he begins to ponder over the idea of remaining in the world he was now trapped in. He couldn't help wonder if his master had returned and was feeling concern over his sudden disappearance or anger over his lack of obedience. It was difficult to not think of her.]

...how long do you believe we will remain here for? Have our patrons spoken of a return date? [He had a feeling they didn't, but he couldn't help wonder about it nevertheless.]

[Shinju gave him a nod.] I think so, but even if where I'm working isn't, I'm sure you can find work somewhere. They've got more potential customers now, after all.

[He took a moment to ponder the question.] They haven't mentioned anything, no. You could probably try to ask, but... I'm not even sure they know when everything will be working again.

...I'll definitely give it a try.

[And with a genuine smile appearing on his lips.]

Thank you very much for answering my trivial questions. It's quite appreciative.

[His gaze will turn ahead as he takes notice of the proximity of his door. A relieved smile will appear upon noticing it.]

...it would seem as we finally arrived to our destination. [His gaze will slightly weakened, but it won't be long until he begins to smile again.] What a relief. I am certain Murai-sama must be filled with concern over the reason behind his meal not having been served to him yet.

[He smiled back, glad to see Soushi in better spirits.]

It's nothing, really. I was glad to.

[Shinju's eyes turn to the door as well, and as he takes the key he took from Soushi out of his pocket, he glances to his own room down the hall; it's really not that far.]

Y-yeah, thankfully. [He pauses a moment as he puts the key in the lock.] Murai?

[If Shinji is able to hear, there will be a muffled sounds by the other side of the door that were crying out "Miketsukami" several times before adding "Doggie" a few more times as well. Soushi will simply offer a smile as he takes notice of the muffled voice.]

Murai-sama. He is...Ririchiyo-sama's most precious friend and treasure. [He will knock at the door weakly to announce his presence to the one at the other side.] I am looking after him until I am able to return him to his rightful master.

[And that is all he has to say as he begins to lift himself off Shinji as he takes a hold of a close wall, beginning to breath in and out as he is trying to calm his fever a bit as to not worry Murai.]

Please open the door, Shinji-san. I need to serve him now before he begins to riot. [More like, Murair won't let him sleep if he doesn't feed him now.]

[If Shinju didn't know any better, he'd have thought there was a person named Murai behind the door, but thankfully, he's heard enough birds to recognize the shrill note to the voice, and he can piece together Soushi's hints.]

S-sure. [He opens the door, holding it open for Soushi.] I guess if someone can bring a dragon here, it's not that far-fetched for someone to bring a smaller pet...

[Heading toward Murai's cage, which was placed in the middle of the apartment, Soushi will begin to sooth Murai's nerves as he promises to offer him an extra portion of the creature's dinner in exchange for his good behavior. The bird will listen to the older man as he simply offers a bird sound as agreement to his plea.

Returning his attention to Shinju, Soushi will offer him an inquisitive smile.]

A dragon? [How did he miss that?] There is someone within this world who possesses a dragon as a pet? How does it look like?

[While Shinju answers, Soushi will slowly head to the kitchen, in order, to find the mynah bird's dinner.]

Y-yeah, um... it's... [He struggled to find the right word, remembering the wyvern staring him in the face and offering her his water.] ... big. Err, big enough to ride, I mean.

[He didn't miss Soushi's slow advance into the kitchen, and moved to follow him and place a hand on his shoulder.]

Here, let me help. What do you need? [Normally he'd ask if he could help, but he was getting an idea of Soushi's personality; he didn't figure the older man would just say "sure" if he had asked.]

It must have been quite large if it's giving you a difficult time finding the best words to describe it. [Was that a light tease? It might have been. It might not have been. It was difficult to tell by his formal tone masking his light amusement over the matter.] Was it your first encounter with a dragon?

[Then at Shinju's question, Soushi will ponder over the idea of accepting his help or not. It was clear that Soushi was having a difficult time making a decision until he heard Murai begin to say "Hungry" a couple of times. It was clear that Murai was losing its patience again.]

Over at the top shelf is where I store Murai-sama's low-iron pellet bird food, please do locate it for me while I prepare to remove the seeds from the grapes. [He will head towards his refrigerator as he requests for the soft bird food pellet for Murai.]

[The teasing didn't escape Shinju (or at least, he took it as such), and he couldn't help but turn a little red.] Y-yeah, well... yes, it was. Sort of.

[Thankfully, Soushi accepted his help without protest this time.] Right. [He searched for the requested pellets for a few moments, finding them without too much trouble, and moved towards the door to the kitchen before turning to the other man.]

Should I go ahead and feed him a few? [Shinju honestly didn't have a clue how to take care of birds. He didn't want to do something wrong and make it harder for Soushi.]

Do dragons exist in your world?

[While Shinju was searching, Soushi will have found the grapes, placed them over a small bowel, and begin to slice them into two while removing the seeds.]

Not just yet. [He will place the butter knife down as he weakly points over to the sink, where a patch of clean plates can be found. It was easy to tell that his entire kitchen area was quite clean even when Soushi has been sick.] Please. Fetch me the smallest bowel you can find over at the sink. Afterwards, I need you to find a tablespoon, so you can use it to measure the pellets. We need two tablespoons of pellets to be added into the bowel. Then we will add the grapes onto the plate. After that, we finally add a few blueberries and pieces of strawberry into the platter to finish.

[He will quickly finish taking care of the grapes, then he will return the left over grapes over to the refrigerator before reaching towards the bag of blueberries and strawberries. Before returning to his place over at the counter, he will turn to Shinju.]

Do you wish to drink or eat anything, Shinju-san? [After all, he can't be rude to his guest neither.]

They do, though it surprised me when I found out. I haven't actually seen them while they're in their... more scaly form, though. Not until I got here.

[He listened carefully while Soushi gave instructions, then gave a nod and headed towards the sink to find a bowl.] That's a pretty spoiled bird you're taking care of. [Was it a joke? Was he jealous, maybe? Why not both?

He looked surprised at the offer, then gave Soushi a worried smile.] I'm fine, thank you; let's just feed Murai first. You still need to rest.

[Finishing with his given task, Shinju placed the bowl next to Soushi so he could put in the rest of the food when he was done.]

In other words, the dragons from your world have the ability to change forms -- from human to their true appearance, correct? [Well that explanation has gotten his attention because it sounds a little like the abilities an Atavist possesses especially from those who hold the lineage of a dragon.

At the remark over Murai being spoiled, Soushi will simply chuckle.] Fufu. I wonder about that. [Of course, it won't be long until Soushi decides to add after his amusement as slightly calmed down.] I am uncertain of the best way to look after him as he is Ririchiyo-sama's precious companion. All of this preparing is from the information I remember investigating in my younger years. Mynah birds like Murai-sama are omnivorous, just like we are, but there are certain kinds of food they need most in their diets -- fruits and pellets with iron to name a few.

[He will begin to add the blueberries onto the bowel along with the pieces of grape. It won't be long until he begins to work in slicing the strawberries after having washed them.]

Murai-sama belongs to Ririchiyo-sama, it would be a dishonor if he were to fall ill or...worse. It would prove I do not respect Ririchiyo-sama enough... [Which he means to say: he spoils his master a lot worse than Murai.]

Yes. As far as I know, anyway.

[Shinju folded his arms as he listened.] I guess that makes sense... I've only had a dog before, so I guess I don't really know anything about birds.

[Hmm...! Maybe this is his ticket.] And what about you getting sick? You can't exactly do anything for her or her pet if you don't take care of yourself. That doesn't sound like it would prove your respect for her any better.

This is my first time looking after another creature that isn't human. I do not hold much knowledge over the matter in owning a pet. It's an odd experience, but... [His voice will slightly soften.] I only hope I will do well in looking after him for her sake.

[Once he was finished preparing for Murai's dinner, Soushi will slowly head towards the cage as he places the bowel of food into the bird cage. He knew Shinju had asked a question, but it would seem as though Soushi was still focused on Murai.]

Please, do enjoy your dinner, Murai-sama. [The bird will look up at Soushi before offering him a quick "thank you", then beginning to eat his meal. The older man will watch the small bird continue to eat before he finally decides to say:]

Ririchiyo-sama would not wish for it, as you have explained. Nevertheless, she is not within this world, but in another. I only live to serve Murai-sama now. Even if I fall ill, I will not die nor leave him behind because my body will not allow it unless my master orders it. [Turning towards Shinji, he will offer him another polite smile.] I know my limits and my place. I do not need to be reminded as such as I will not allow myself to perish so easily. So please, do not feel any concern for a dog such as myself. [In other words, mind your own business.]

[Shinju felt his fists clench; he could tell when he was being told off. If it were a year ago, he probably would have let Soushi be, but not today. He could be stubborn when he wanted to be, and this was one of those times.]

Like hell you know your limits. If there hadn't been someone out there to help you, you'd still be lying on the pavement in front of that network screen. I'm going to be concerned and remind you if I feel like it, so you'd better get used to it.

[He wasn't about to allow his help or worry to be refused so easily; not when he could actually do something for once. It was part selfishness, part concern, and part wanting to be useful.]

[If one were to ask over Soushi's reaction to someone speaking back and persisting to help him a year ago, then Soushi would have been somewhat surprise over his reaction as he was not used to others feeling concern over his well-being. However, due to having gotten to know most of the other residents from the apartment complex, known as Maison de Ayakashi or Ayakashikan, he did not feel any type of surprise over his response, but he does admit that he was slightly curious over it. Why does he feel so much concern for his well-ebing? He was only a stranger, wasn't he?]

There is no need to feel concern towards someone like myself. I would have found a way to return to my room. If I was able to leave the confines of my room, then I would've been able to return. Just the thought of Murai-sama needing my assistance would have been more than enough to allow my body to have found the necessary amount of energy needed to return to him...

[At least, he knew it would have been done. Somehow. He still has complete control of his body. An illness would not have been more than enough to stop him from caring for Murai as he was the only symbol he had of his master -- the one person he loved more than time itself.]

Regardless, I do admit your help was very much appreciated... [He will offer the other boy a genuine smile.] Thank you very much for having offered your assistance towards me. I'll never forget it. I'm in your debt. [Along with having worried about him. The action was more than enough to make him a little happy.]

[He was still pretty sure Soushi is full of it, but he didn't pursue the conversation any further, instead simply folding his arms with a sigh.]

You're welcome... and you don't owe me anything. But I'd appreciate anything you wanted to do in return.

[He walked over to the nearest seat, be it chair or couch, and sat. ... It didn't look like he planned on going anywhere for a while.]

[Soushi will continue to smile towards Shinju as he found him quite interesting, but will make no mention of it. Not now, at least. He has been complimenting him far too much today.]

Then it would be wise to keep the debt close at hand, so it can be used at a time when you most need it. I much prefer to repay my debt by being of good use to those I am indebted towards.

[Then taking notice of Shinju taking seat in his couch, Soushi will watch him with some concern, even if he was smiling formally.]

Is there anything you wish to do? I am finally done with my current responsibilities. If you have anything you wish to do in mind, then I am at your service. [A slight bow to his head to show he was not kidding.]

If you say so. [He couldn't really think of much that would be that drastic of a need...

He noticed the watching and frowned a bit at his question.]

... What are you talking about? I'm not here to be a guest, I'm staying to make sure you get better. You should sit or lie down somewhere.

....

[There will be some actual silence coming from Soushi's end as he heard Shinju's declaration.]

...are you indeed planning over staying here for the entire evening?

[Please, give him a moment as he tries to process it.]

[Does he win a prize for stumping Soushi?]

Yes, I am. I'd be angry with myself if I left before knowing everything's alright.

[Yes, yes you do. It is known as having a touched puppy. Have you ever seen one of those before? Well, there will be one in front of you as he begins to lightly blush. For someone like a complete stranger to feel any ounce of concern towards him -- he feels quite astonished, but embarrassed. It made him feel self-conscious over it.]

I am unworthy of such words. Though I am but a dog, you bestow such kindness on someone like myself...

[So much smiling over at his side, so much embarrassed, but happy expression on his part.]

If that is your wish, then I shall accept it wholeheartedly. However, you do not have to rest on my couch, you are more than welcome to take the bed instead. I shall heat up some tea, so you do not sleep without supper. [Can you tell he won't sit still now?]

[Good! He loves puppies.]

I guess it's good for you that I like dogs. [He's joking. He doesn't think Soushi is a dog but doesn't figure he'll get him to stop calling himself that just yet. He can't help but smile, himself, glad to see the man actually showing some genuine emotion.]

I'll be alright on the couch, Soushi. And please don't; I can get something myself in a bit. You do still need to rest. That's the entire reason I'm here.

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