falnerestate | [Open, Major Event] 12 June 2066

[Open, Major Event] 12 June 2066

Over the course of the last week, you'll have likely noticed the buzz and excitement that's been building all around Metro Manila -- if you've been around awhile, you know what time of the year it is. If you're new: well, this is an experience you're sure to enjoy.

The festive mood surrounding Philippine Independence Day is hard to miss. Wander around the metropolis and you'll note that the streets are filled with tourists and locals; turn one corner and you'll see parades, turn another and you may be treated to performances set up on strategically placed stages.

As for Falner, the colors of the Philippine flag seem to be everywhere you look: the kids who live or study at the estate are mostly running around with their faces painted. If you wander down towards the Fair Grounds in the South District, there are a couple of booths set up offering anything from body paint and temporary tattoos to local delicacies. West District establishments The King's Rest and Liquidated also have special treats aligned with the theme of the day. There's also talk about the annual street party which will be held over at the Baywalk later this evening, and the younger initiates are abuzz over the yearly light show held over Manila Bay that showcase reenactments of all the major battles all the way up to the Darkest Vigil.

Independence Day is also not all that's being celebrated, because for Keepers of the Vigil and supernatural communities all over the world, today marks the second anniversary of Arcis Fortress City.

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Yeah. [ A weighted pause. ] You know those dog fights from... I dunno... decades ago? [ He's sure that there are probably some still, who keep the practice, in far-flung places, but generally they're considered inhumane. ] The ones where you breed pit-bulls and mongrels to be vicious.

[ Lips pressing together now. ] That's the closest analogy I can think of.

[ There's the distinct feeling of Leo pawing at him, asking in more action than actual words, that he would like Josh's blessing to step out. Because he could, all on his own, but he understands his Card's preferences.

You are compromised, Joshua. She has taken your heart hostage as well, without intending to.

Alright then.

And just like that, a large, golden lion is stepping around from behind Joshua LaRue and ducking under the Card's palm so that Josh has no choice but to scratch behind his ears lightly. ]

Alright, you overgrown cat. Arisato-san, this is Leo. I don't think I've introduced you guys before.

[ Watching that entrance with a smile, and reaching down to briefly cup the big lion's chin under one hand as if he's more a housecat than a feline predator. ]

Hi there. I'm Minato.

[ And then, with a jerk of his thumb behind him to the vigorously waving suit of armor: ]

That's Lancelot. It's nice to meet you, and I'm speaking for the both of us.

[ That yawn is not that he is bored, good sir. He is expressing his appreciation for that very nice scratch. He'll also turn to Lancelot and send the suit of armor a long look of acknowledgement. This is how he expresses his regard.

On the other hand, Josh is scratching lightly under his ear, amused, and also a little relieved to have Leo close at hand. ]

This one's been helping out at home. Lyall's more comfortable with him out, so he has free rein of the house when I'm in.

[ Large cat > Adult human, apparently. Go figure. ]

That must mean that he has his own words on the situation too, then?

[ Which is kind of a Minato Prompt for I am listening to you and treating you with the respect that you deserve. Besides, that Leo actually got Josh to have him step out must be significant. ]

[ Oh he likes this one, Josh, but then you do tend to surround yourself with Quality People. Look at Hikaru, for one. And then the Hounds. And well, he shouldn't be surprised, really, you're from Rhiannon and he likes everyone there.

I do. And thank you, Arisato-san.

He'll sit his butt down and let you both smoke a little longer, by the way. He doubts that anything eventful will happen tonight. When you both decide to walk more, he will stand again.

In spite of your own worries, Joshua -- yours and the Blade King's, since they go hand-in-hand. I believe that you are both not giving yourselves enough credit.

The child is damaged. And she moves on instinct. There is much that she is resistant to accepting because of how viciously she was treated.

There's a low rumble in that last part. He was watching and waiting in those first few months, observing. He has had enough time with human children because Angela Brennan is a lioness all her own. The twins act like children, Lyall is a wounded animal. ]

[ Well, since you're all idle now... going for another cigarette, yep.

Listening quietly, as well, to what Leo is saying, as promised. ]

Falner is a good place for her to stay in for a while, then. It doesn't sound like she's ready for the rest of the world just yet.

[ A sigh from this one. ]

It is. [ Thoughtfully watching the smoke from his cigarette now. ] She starts school on Monday though. So that's a step towards something, at least.

Oh, so she's starting school too?

[ There's clear approval in his voice too. Balamb has been consistent, thus far, in putting out the best of the best, and being a safe haven for many special cases. ]

Yeah, that's probably going to help her a lot.

[ Have a helpless smile your way from this one. ]

Didn't think I'd have to worry about first day jitters for the next couple of years.

[ Because, baby siblings.

He runs his hand a little nervously through his hair at that. ] Lyall's a sweet kid. And Hikaru cares about her a lot so... [ A shrug as he idly pats the top of Leo's head. ]

[ Hmm. ]

The three of you would make a cute family, you know.

[ No, he doesn't have to meet Lyall in order to say that. ]

[ ...

Wait did you just-- ]

I-- [ ARISATO-SAN WHY ] --I dunno about that.

[ Blinks, perfectly innocent. ]

You mean you don't think that you do?

[ Is there actually an answer that works for that question?

Yes, but he doesn't want to jump the gun. He's never denied the truth of things that he'd like a family of his own, it's just... it's one of those things that you shelves and put aside when your significant other might not be ready for that sort of thing emotionally.

Thoughtful now, because you've made him pause to think on it. ]

I guess... [ wetting his lips before he worries at his bottom lip. ] I guess I just don't want to think along those lines just yet.

[ There's a quiet look in his eyes when he lifts them to yours. ]

The whole situation's [ a breath now ] complicated.

[ Making a thoughtful noise, taking another drag from his cigarette, ans turning away to scan the streets around you both.

After a bit of a pause: ]

Is it because of Lyall-chan's condition, or is it something else?

[ Or is it both? He's distinctly remembering that Rhiannon Board Meeing in Tokyo. The one where you came in late and Hikaru looked like he wanted to curl up and die quietly somewhere. ]

[ Following your gaze for a moment. He doesn't expect any particularly alarming activity to happen tonight, but patrols are patrols for a reason.

To your question though: ]

A large part of it is Lyall. [ A breath. ] She and Hikaru have these awkward moments and I'm reluctant to intervene in any way because... well. She's not... my kid.

[ Helping things with Hotaru had been different back in the day. Lines were generally less blurry because family is family and what little he'd offered to help Hikaru's youngest sister to relax around his boy had resulted in a much better thing for both ( he likes to think it did, he'll never say it out loud though. ) ]

She's drawn a line between them: a king and soldier kind of set-up.

[ It's heartbreaking, what it is. Especially since he's pretty sure that he's not the only one to have seen the way Hikaru moves around her. ]

Ah...

[ Okay yeah, he's only getting the barest of details and it already sounds like it could kind of really suck. ]

That must be really, really hard on Hikaru-san. Yet both of your hands are tied.

[ These things could only take time, or they just never improved. ]

[ He feels Leo nudging his hand with his nose as the Persona gets up to stretch a bit. It's a little bit of comfort, because thinking about this whole thing is prompting him to rub lightly on his brow. ]

I worry about him.

[ A little soft, that. ] Them, actually.

Like I said... she's a sweet kid. Just... [ a sigh ] damaged.

[ Walking over now to swing an arm around your shoulders and smile, just so, at you. ]

It'll be okay.

[ He's sure of it. ]

[ Has he ever told you that you're really great? Probably not. ]

Thanks, Minato.

[ Sparing a glance now towards Lancelot. ] You too, Lancelot.

[ Chuckling softly at that. ]

Better get back to my rounds. I promised myself I'd go catch Rethe's set at Haven.

Anytime, Josh.

[ And of course Lancelot is bowing. ]

We'll see you around, then?

Yeah.

[ Have a two fingered salute before he pats Leo's head to signal the Persona to step back and vanish where no one but Josh will feel him. ]

Take care, man. See you at the next conference call or whenever I do.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Open, Major Event] 12 June 2066

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