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Kotori's Crater Garden
A crater stands where a park had once been, A reminder of a dead world. But death often gives way to new life, And the small budding garden tilled from the soil of this desolate crater is a perfect example of the cycle of death and rebirth. Outside of the crater is a doorframe standing in the middle of the grassy field, a small shelter that looks to be made from repurposed doors, and a small sign that says "Please bring your exotic plants" The "door" to the shelter is ajar, and a small foot hangs out of it
*After a very strange morning, Haruko heads to the crater garden!* Kotori-chan? Are you home?
Uuuuuugh~ The bare foot moves a little in response
Huh? *she suddenly notices the foot* Kotori-chan! First of all, get up!!! Ahem. Second of all, do you seriously live in this thing?
AAAAAGH! too loud..... head hurts..... The foot pulls in the shelter and rummaging is heard inside
*Sighs....* You need a real house....
She crawls out of the shelter, covering her eyes B-bright..... too bright.... Waddya want?
You slept in this late? Geeze, it's almost Christmas.
*A tall, muscular built man approaches. His skin pale, his outfit seemingly from a bygone era, but his attention turns to the landscape, and the single piece of life left in the area* Interesting. It seems this place is devoid of all life. A small garden blooms in a place so barren. What happened here?
AAAAAGH! I need money! Gah! She smacks herself and gathers her things Rrrgh! I only have six Silver! How am I supposed to buy anything! And the plants haven't regrown yet! And I'm NEVER going to therapy ever again! As for the crater, I dunno.... It used to have a portal to a dead world in the well, but now it's just my garden.
(edited by Kotori_K)
Oh yeah, about that. You're never going drinking again. Geeze... I can cover for you today I guess. *She then looks over at Adrian.* Uh... hello.
*To Haruko* Hello young one. I apologize, to both of you for my sudden intrusion, but this place really struck my interest. I do hope I am not a bother.
(edited by Adrian_Tepes)
I mean, there's not really any problem....... Do you happen to have any seeds with you? That would be helpful.....
(edited by Kotori_K)
Ah! I think I may have some... *He digs into his coat pockets, rummaging around for anything that can contribute, and then he pulls out a handful of sunflower seeds* Would these help?
Ooh... I've never seen this kind before! Yeah! Thanks! Kotori quickly runs down the crater and begins planting the seeds into a sectioned off square of soil
Huh... she hasn't, huh....? She really is weird.
I'm glad they help. I've been wandering the world for quite some time now and came across these in a far away plain. I haven't introduced myself. My name Adrian Fahrenheit Tepes. But like most people, you may call me Alucard.
Kotori, Nice to meet you. That's Haruko. She rubs the soil off of her hands as she returns Wandering huh?....... Sounds like fun.
(edited by Kotori_K)
It's anything but. In fact it's rather lonely but I do feel like I deserve the solitude. I am of a cursed bloodline...
I imagine wandering would be pretty boring. But cursed? Are you sure about that?
Yeah? Bloodlines suck, don't they? They tie you down. Come with curses. Tie you to people you hate. And in my case, burden you with an expectation that you'll never have the potential to reach.....
I am fairly certain. I am the son of evil incarnate, the monster who reigned horror on Wallachia centuries ago. The monster you all know as Count Dracula.
A flash of white can be seen at the edge of the crater, before a voice rings out in Haruko and Kotori's minds. Haruko would likely remember it well You know, it doesn't have to be that way Kotori A small, cat-like white creature emerges near the house of doors, fully visible to all present. It wanders near the house, continuing to speak to Haruko and Kotori only I could help you with that, if you want. I'd say to ask Haruko, but she hasn't decided on her wish yet.
Count Dracula? Her eyes wander as she thinks .............. Doesn't ring any bells..... Must be from this world's history.... She looks to the voice What do you mean?
(edited by Kotori_K)
Careful Kotori, this is Kyubey. *Despite her cautious words, she'd pick the small furry creature up.* He's the one Homura-chan is so worried about.
*Sigh* He was a vampire from centuries ago. I aided in destroying him along with an old ally. He was truly evil, and in his true from, a nightmare. He was responsible for the deaths of many, it was only right that I aided in killing him.
The furry, white Kyubey curls up in Haruko's arms and looks at her endearingly. How adorable. Once again his voice rings out to Kotori and Haruko I don't really get why Homura is so against me, after all, she DID make a contract herself. As Haruko said, my name's Kyubey. I'm here to grant people's wishes, and in exchange, they have to become Magical Girls in order to keep the Witches in check. Kyubey's beady red eyes look up and down Alucard, and nods before speaking to the girls again There are a lot of people like that here, most Witches probably wouldn't stand a chance against him. Too bad he can't find them on his own.
(edited by Incubator)
Ah, Vampire, ok. Yeah, those things can be dangerous if they want to be. So, are you a vampire too? She looks at him curiously, but without a trace of fear So you want me to do the magical girl thingy, right small animal thing? But..... that's a bit..... Well, First problem is the witching..... Second is the wish..... Third is.... I don't really want a burst of power. I want to gain it by working hard. Not for free. I want to earn my power, not work it off....
(The 7'3 man walks in with his 7'1 claymore dragging behind him) ayyyy
And that's why you want us, huh? Because best case, there's not enough people fighting witches here. *She gives him some pets.*
A young man in a gray overcoat would end up wandering into the crater. His skin was abnormally pale and his eyes looked tired. From time to time there was a glimmer of gold by his feet but the glimmer seemed to fade as soon as it appeared. He would notice the group of people already within the crater and look to them with surprise though without approaching them directly. "Hey, I recognize those people but what's that weird creature in Haruko's hand? Is that a cat or something? Didn't know they had any pets."
(He walks right to the edge of the crater) hm....wonder of I can take some?..
My mother was a human, so I am a Dhampir. I possess some of my father's powers, but was against his ideals. Like him I can turn into a wolf, a bat, even assume the form of a thick mist, and yes, blood does restore my strength, though I do not rely on such means.
Oh, ok. Cool. Half Vampire then. You even got the transformation powers. She looks at Rep First of all, I installed that door specifically for you, the least you could do is kick it open. Second of all, touch my plants and we're going to have a problem. They aren't even done growing yet.
Oh (he kicks the door) that feels nice
Kyubey turns on his back and accepts some tummy rubs, he kicks his feet in the air a little, just like you'd expect of a cat while he continues talking in Haruko and Kotori's minds None of those are a major issue at the moment. Becoming a Witch can be easily forestalled by hunting Witches for grief seeds, and there are more than enough of THOSE. Your last two problems can be solved in the same way, the amount of power you gain is dependent, in part, on your wish. So if you wish to be able to grow stronger, then that's what you'll get. You'll become the kind of person able to grow as strong as anyone. Kyubey nods to Haruko, before looking between and speaking to her and Kotori After all, they could use all the help they can get. Just ask your friend here. I've already explained the situation
(He then pulls his banjo, and plays it beautifully)
If you wish to say so, yes. I am also a master of the dark arts, with vast knowledge in various spells, such as teleportation, pyrokinesis, soul summoning. I once possessed a faerie familiar, though I'm afraid we were separated after my father's death.
*Urumi finds herself near the Crater Garden wondering what this is, she goes to it and soon enters it*
It is true what he says.... apparently the number of witches here is growing. And they do need help.... I mean if it was just us... it's not like we'd necessarily be hurting for these grief seeds. A city this large for just us five? It'd be like our own club.
So....how y'all doing?
Quintus would finally decide to approach the group more out of curiosity than anything else. "Uh, what's going on here...and why are you all talking to a cat? I'm pretty sure it can't understand you. Cats done really talk as far as I've seen and this one doesn't seem to be speaking at all." Quintus would look Adrian with a bored and tired expression almost as if he had trouble concentrating his own thoughts. "You really like talking about yourself, don't you? I mean, I guess it's good to have a healthy amount of ego but nobody really asked about any of that as far as I've noticed."
(edited by Quintus_Geminus)
(He goes to the group, while playing his banjo) ayyy
I wouldn't really call him a cat, honestly. He's more... special than that.
Well yeah, that's the simplest way. But how do I know I won't just make my wish and have so little power that I instantly Witch out? She looks at Quintus It's talking to us telepathically. She then turns to Alucard I'm not very good with dark magic... I can't use it yet.....
*Urumi watches what is happening*
So....how y'all doing?
*To Kotori* I would teach you, but these types of spells can cause great destruction if handled poorly. A small mistake could cost your life. *To Quintus* If it seems like I am bragging, then you are sorely mistaken. I am simply telling of my exploits and experiences. Not that it would interest you, as I have noticed.
Kyubey just turns his beady red eyes to look at Kotori, before glancing back to Haruko. It briefly considers the others in the group, but once again only speaks to Kotori and Haruko Didn't Homura explain everything about becoming a Witch? I thought she really trusted you guys. No matter, I can explain it. Strength has absolutely nothing to do with becoming a Witch. That happens whenever your Soul Gem becomes completely dark. The most common way for this to happen is to expend too much magical energy without bothering to clean your Soul Gem. If that happens, it'll grow dark and then burst, leaving behind a Grief Seed, and a Witch. Kyubey turns in Haruko's arms, resting his face in the crook of her elbow. A red, egg-shaped mark can be distinguished on his back as he seems to take a rest.
(He puts his banjo away, and spins his claymore around. Not trying to hurt anyone) I'm in a good mood
I understand, I'm probably not strong enough to handle it anyway, thanks though. To qb Most common? What are some other ways? And she taught me plenty about witches, I'm just being careful. It's my life on the line.
"I'm pretty sure talking about your exploits without anyone asking is the baseline definition of bragging. You can deny that you are but at the end of the day that just further proves my point. Whatever, not like I really care what you do. I just dislike people who blatantly deny what their doing is all." Quintus would turn his attention away from Adrian and focus back onto Haruko and the strange animal. "Not sure how much I'd really take information wise from a talking cat. I meant a rather troublesome moth before and, well, being trusting of unassuming things has led me to intresting circumstances."
*Urumi sighs and walks to the group while a mask digitizes over Urumi's face*
Plenty? All she's told me is it's the fate of all magical girls to either die or become Witches.
Kyubey stretches a little before looking over to Quintus, beady red eyes meeting Quintus's own after all, he IS talking about Kyubey. He continues speaking exlusively to Kotori and Haruko Huh, guess she wasn't really telling you anything, was she? First she forgot to mention the familiar part, now she doesn't even explain Witches. Must have been scared. Anyways, there is one more factor to your Soul Gem darkening, any major negative emotions will begin to darken it too, such as a large amount of fear or despair. And I guess if someone wished to become a Witch that would work. But the only other way it happens is with the Soul Gem. After rolling around on his back again, he directs one final thought to the two Oh, and if you want, you can tell that grey guy I'm just informing you. Unlike some people I'm not here to convince or deceive anyone, I'm here to request your help and make sure you know your options and everything that comes with it
(edited by Incubator)
*Haruko once again fully bites on, acting like some kind of mouthpiece for Kyubey.* He's just telling us what he offers. And it's... a good offer... maybe not as good as Izanami's, since she likely wouldn't have the Witch aspect, but still good.
Senri stands in the ruins of what was. She smiles. As troublesome as being trapped in that world was, it was now a fond memory and learning experience. Learning of another world... Chaos... Testing bonds... Herself, and her mortality in that world. Senri looked around at the devastated, slowly reviving park. She was stronger now. More than ever, she wanted to prevent anything like that from happening... So far, so good. She roamed aimlessly, lost in thought and recollection.
*Urumi sighs and looks at Adrian* Hi
Ok. Last question. What about when I enter a world without witches? Like back home? I'm stuck then. So tell me. Is there any way to clean a soul gem without grief seeds? [She grabs Senri's arm as she passes by[/i] Hi Sen-chan.
(edited by Kotori_K)
Oooooh, she's got a good point.
*To Urumi* Hello. I am Alucard. And you?
I'm Urumi Koto but people call me Masked Death
(edited by Urumi_Koto)
Kyubey eyes Haruko and Kotori curiously before jumping out of Haruko's arms and flicking its tail. Kyubey looks back at the two and addresses them again It is entirely possible, anything's possible here. But I will admit, as one who has always lived in a world with Witches, I have no confirmation one way or the other. Grief Seeds are definitely the easiest method, but that does not mean others don't exist. Especially with the kind of Magitech you seem to have Kotori.
Interesting. Can I call you Mask for short?
.............. Kotori looks down and begins fiddling with her left ear I'll think about it...... The offer is always open, right?
Quintus would be a bit thrown off by Kyubey's eyes. The beady red eyes would remind him too much of the red eyes of a parasite. The way that it was making promises to the two reminded him all too much of when he became infected by Hook and while the deal had worked out for him in his own mind he couldn't help but think he had just gotten lucky. He would keep an eye on the creature but without hearing it directly or knowing anything about magical girls all he could do was hold onto skepticism. "Uh, so is making a deal with any entity that makes promises really good? I guess I'm not much of one to talk but I know at very least that you want to be stronger for a specific reason, Haruko. Maybe it's not my place to speak but would getting stronger through some contract or deal really be in your best intrest? In the end you might end up having to hurt people for that deal. Again, that's not something I'd exactly be against but we all know I'm not exactly a beacon of virtue."
If you want to... I don't really care that much *Urumi looks at her pocket for a moment before looking back at Adrian*
Senri is surprised at being grabbed before turning around, expression softening upon seeing it is Kotori. She smiles before pulling earphones out of her ears. Oi, Kotori-chan, and her friends. And Spider-kun as well? Long time no see. Do you feel better, Kotori-chan? ... She looks at Kyubey, a childish sparkle in her eyes. Is that a cat? It's cute... C-Can I pet it?
Kyubey turns his back to the others, and begins to walk back before glancing at and speaking to Kotori and Haruko Of course, all you have to do is think to me, like I'm doing with you now, and I'll be able to find you. In fact, while I'm in the area, I'll help you two do it if you want. That should allow you to talk with each other, or any of your Magical Girl friends in private much more easily. Consider it a gift. In fact, you can try it now if you want. Kyubey casts one final glance at Quintus, speaking to the girls one last time as he starts walking away The only things you might end up hurting through me are Witches. Though, you might want to be careful with your wish. Human desires have some tendency to backfire on their own. Of course, that's not my fault, but some people feel the need to blame me anyways.
I think it can be good.... it reminds me of a TV show we had back home, honestly.
She thinks to qb as he goes Any idea how your suggested wish could backfire? Yeah. Dragonthistle pollen is good for numbing pain, so my head doesn't hurt anymore. But I'm never drinking therapy ever ago.... That was horrible and I woke up naked.....
*To Urumi* You seem like an interesting bunch. These are your friends, yes? Kotori and Haruko? They seem like nice humans.
"TV? You're really going to make a decision because it seems like something you'd see on TV? I had more faith in your rationality than that but it seems as if you're not quite as wise as I gave you credit for...I think I'm gonna go. I've got a lot to think about anyway and not like this is gonna matter much in a few days anyway." With that Quintus would begin wandering off. His face is neutral but his eyes almost seemed pained as he leaves.
I really don't know some or none at all of these people
You and I are the same. I just wandered here and noticed the garden, the bit of life I could see for miles. Are you wandering too?
Drinking should be fine. Moderation is key, Kotori-chan. A full bottle of vodka will make you sick. Try cocktails, or beer or wine. Less alcohol volume. Senri watches Kyubey walk away sadly. I wanted to pet the kitty...
Yea... mostly wandering around to find and destroy any evil monsters, evil gods, the list goes on. Im also a clone of a great evil from my world but the great evil or what my people called her "the demon" and I have to kill her then myself to kill her for good, I died but my soul was put into a robot body and theirs a yandere after me...
(edited by Urumi_Koto)
Ah.... I forgot to ask dream guy If he had any seeds on him.... Do you have any seeds on you Sen-chan? And as for that stuff..... Maybe. Ill avoid it if I can tho.... And you, mask kid! You got any seeds?
Shows what he knows. The good guy won in the end, by using the bad guy's means against them...
Kyubey stops walking and turns back around to face Kotori, thinking to both her and Haruko The only way to know for sure what a wish would bring is to make a Contract with me and find out. You'll get exactly what you asked for with your wish, but I can't say how you'll react.
*Urumi gets out her phone and texts something... soon 10 bags of different kinds of seeds teleport in front of Kotori*
I mean, Kotori, I had to think long and hard about what I wanted... about what would be worth fighting for. And honestly you guys helped me figure it out. So I guess what I'm saying is make sure you think about what you want....? *She really does say a lot for someone still uncontracted to either devil.*
Seeds...? Like, sunflower seeds? I might have some in the pantry at home, but I don't carry any. Or do you mean garden seeds?
Thanks, that definitely answers my question. Ooh! So many! Thanks! She takes the seeds and pockets them, reminding herself to plant them later First thing I'll think about is my survival. What I want comes after. Any seeds! Things I can plant!
(edited by Kotori_K)
Well, I don't really have a green thumb, but I'll definitely visit the flower shop on the way back and pick you up some. Do you have any preferences? I highly recommend white lillies. They are beautiful and symbolic of true love. ...So I read in a manga.
I dunno, what's a lily? What can you mix it with? Is it Poisonous? Does it make you fall in love?
Mix it? They tend to be toxic, so please don't mix them with anything. And I don't think so? Unless it's some magical lily. I imagine something crazy like that exists in this world... Which sounds like a treasure hunt. If there were leads.
You never know. All kinds of plants have tons of different effects when infused with magic.
Do they? I'm interested. Care to show me how you do it?
Ok, gimme a second! Kotori gets in her shelter and comes out with a morter and pestle then pulls out some dragonthistle and Morroweed Ok, so first thing you do is enchant the bowl thing Then, you smash them into it till it's all pasty. she begins grinding the herbs together
Oh, so it's just incantation? I expected something more complicated. Senri still watches with interest.
So what kind of salve are you making?
Then, when it's niiiiiiiiiice and pasty, you move the enchantment from the bowl thingy to the paste and scrape it off! The bowl glows blue for a second before fading And there you go! Dragonthistle plus Morroweed plus water enchantment equals healing salve!
Oh! Was this what you were selling back then? Makes sense now. These would be useful for missions and treasure hunts... I will buy them from you if you're interested. Just don't spend it on vodka, eh?
Sure! How much?
Wow, that's an elaborate, yet easy way to make those. Seriously, you should like triple the price. People would still buy.
*Urumi was still here*
Do you think people would buy it for a thousand yen?
1,000 yen is no sweat, we make 10 times that while adventuring. I'll stock, in that case. 20 for 20,000 yen?
Yes! she happily hands Senri 20 salves That's 20 silver pieces! So much more than before!
*Urumi walks to where the two are* ...
See? There you go, much better at that price, right?
She turns to Urumi You gonna buy any Mask?
Hey, the one I have is a good one... and I don't really need to buy any masks when I can easily digitize any mask I want... so no OOC: I saw this happen in a dream... I always get these dreams of the future
Suit yourself....