SHSL Chemist

"Hm, what's this? You still need an introduction from yours truly? Whether your question comes from ignorance or amusement does not matter, I suppose. Now then, listen closely and commit this name to your memory, for it will be written on all history books from now on! I am the one and only Todoroki Tsukiko, a grande alchemist on my search for the Philosopher's Stone! You can applaud now - I shall allow it~!" Success | Failure [Affilated with RWC2]

[hadeanic]

Answer my Prayer || Jito || Chapter 4 || Closed @ Tsukiko

[eyepatch-alchemist]

jitosbizzareadventure‌:

He managed to finish his prayer, though he didn’t seem quite satisfied with an answer or lack of an answer.  Just more confused thoughts.

“Hmm…?  If you’re offering I won’t say no.  What would you make?”  

He stands up from his praying position, bounding up onto his feet.

“Um… Todoroki-chan you’re not really religious I bet but… what are your thoughts on it?  I figured I’d try it… try and see if I could get some message from my mentor… maybe some sort of encouragement from him right now.”  

He wasn’t sure what to expect though but he was disappointed all the same.

“Hmmmm... I can make decent sandwiches! But maybe that’s not much of a comfort food... Oh, what about spaghetti! That’s one of the few dishes I can actually make without something going wrong!”

If anyone would freely admit their questionable cooking skills, it would be Tsukiko. It’s not like as if she ever deluded herself into thinking that she’s a great chef. All she did was try out all kinds of weird combinations and see where this led her... and only if she actually had the time and wanted to cook to begin with.

(She missed her parent’s cooking--)

“Religion, huh? Well, you deduced correctly - I’m not religious in the least. I don’t believe in any gods, but if somehow, an actual god would appear in our mortal realm, I wouldn’t mind the surprise! It’d just mean that I was proven wrong on an assumption of mine - something that happens all the time when you’re experimenting. Mankind’s perception of the world around them constantly changes - sometimes in small scales, sometimes in a big way!”

From the looks of it, Tsukiko seemed to be doing better than the day after their last trial. There was still a hint of bags under her eye, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as before.

“As for praying... If it gives you peace of mind, then go for it. I wouldn’t do it myself, because I just can’t see some vague deity answering my pleas so conveniently - even less so other human beings-- unless you can use telepathy, of course. Though that wouldn’t really count as praying anymore, would it?”

She tilted her head to the side, one hand cupping her face.

“If I want to see changes, then I have to do it myself. With my own two hands. Even if the progress seems to be almost non-existent; even if you feel like you actually regressed - there’s no way other than forward. As long as you don’t give up, there are possibilities open to you. Maybe there aren’t a lot - or maybe, you simply didn’t see the other ones yet that are open to you. There’s always a way to reach your goal, even if there’s lots of pebbles in the way.”

... Wait, this felt sort of strange. Sure, Jitou asked her and she responded truthfully, but did this actually help him feel better?

“Um... Did that help?”

[hadeanic]

Answer my Prayer || Jito || Chapter 4 || Closed @ Tsukiko

[eyepatch-alchemist]

hadeanic‌:

Jito never considered himself to be a pious man.  But here we was at Wakana’s lab, praying.  On his knees, hands and eyes closed as he tried to send a message that might get sent across the planes of existence and maybe reach his loved ones.

He had a certain calm on his face despite everything, and despite his situation.  For now he was simply hoping that maybe he’d get a message, or a sign, perhaps even a dream.

Quietly praying he muttered a few words to himself, unaware of the world around him for a few minutes, trying to focus purely on his message and letting the emotions flow through him.

After checking up on Hiroyuki, Tsukiko wanted to seek out Jitou next. While she wasn’t sure if she could keep this up with more people, she wanted to at least succeed in looking after two people. It also kind of helped that Arisa clearly told them that she didn’t want to see anyone she didn’t name as an exception.

It took awhile to actually find him and it was more luck than efficient searching. If she hadn’t decided to peek into Wakana’s lab, she would have completely overlooked him and thus, spend more time to track him down to god knows where.

As she approached him, she looked a bit intrigued. Was he... praying? Why? Was he actually religious? But she never saw him do that before...

Ah well, no use to think it over.

“Yúyu? Uh... Can I help you with anything? Ummm... maybe I could make you something to eat?”

Not that she’d know what exactly she would prepare, but it was the thought that counted, right? And food could make you feel a little bit better, right?

[hadeanic]

Forward... Forceful shutdown | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | ATTN: Shu

[eyepatch-alchemist]

mango-fight‌:

It’s becoming more and more obvious to Shu that Tsukiko’s not alright. Ignoring the usual good things about Tsukiko, there’s not much about her that Shu can call “okay” at the moment. From the pause in her reply to her overall haggard appearance, Tsukiko was very much not doing okay.

“You don’t? Is there something that’s keeping you here?”

It doesn’t seem like Tsukiko’s in the middle of some pressing science experiment that has to get done as soon as possible. There wasn’t a deadline to worry about or some other reason that kept her chained to her chair. So what was going on?

“You’re going to hurt your back and neck sleeping here. I know what it’s like to sleep at a desk… It feels awful. And yeah, it never truly feels like sleep, either. You’d be better off heading back to your room.”

Shu doesn’t want to push too hard, but at the same time…Tsukiko might need it.

Tsukiko fiddled with her own hands, not particularly eager to explain her reasoning to stay put in her lab. However, dodging the topic and going the long way around didn’t sound appealing either. No matter what she’d choose, it would probably end up being a hassle.

“...”

“If I go outside, ‘m bound to meet people and... I don’t wanna.”

But somehow, even staying put in her lab resulted in people visiting her for one reason or another. Maybe she should just go to her room and remain there... but on the other hand, she wouldn’t be able to do anything there. Ugh, why wasn’t she able to lock up this lab with a key...

Thus, she shook her head at Shu’s suggestion.

“I can just sleep here. Did that for the past few weeks anyway... Feels better than being over at my ‘room’.”

She gestured to a part of the lab where a mattress was laid down, as well as a pillow and a blanket.

[hadeanic]

Forward... backwards... | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | ATTN: Jitou

[eyepatch-alchemist]

jitosbizzareadventure‌:

Maybe it’s just because they’re both kids and Tsukiko could enjoy their innocent playful ways but he personally couldn’t get along as well as as she was with them.  But perhaps that’s just the way that things were meant to be.  

“Sounds like they have a lot of history they were happy to share with you.  Anyting particularly interesting?  I know that Monokuma has an older brother with some special kind of sword, some stuff about arcana, and other mess like that.  A curse though… that’s news to me.  Though they did mention a curse way back earlier didn’t they?  Though it sounds like it’s something new…”

Well he can’t say that they weren’t cool.  Gundams and mechas always had a sleekness to them that was just appealing.  

“They are pretty cool, have you watched their shows before?  I saw a few when I was younger.  I guess if anyone’s going to be good at figuring out how they’re designed it would be you right?  Guess that’s as good a reason as any.”

Though the more that he thought about it, Tsukiko can’t been doing a lot of chemistry stuff.  Perhaps they were happily branching out to other realms.  

“That’s just cause I think swords are cool and samurai are cool.  If you like robots and gundams then by all means go and play with a few.  That’s the whole point of this place right?”

“Everything was interesting... You should read ‘History of Arcana’. Think Mimi still has it...? Anyway, there was lots of info about the champions of each of our symbols. Mine’s Devil, so you can kind of associate me with Diable; a powerful mage specialized in fire magic. She was the first Marquesse of House Fornax in the... uh... Terrian Alliance. She helped Queen Monde in the war between the Lunaris Empire and Elios Kingdom. Really tricky woman, but the champion of Temperance Modérée completely trusted her.”

It seemed like some resemblance of life returned to her as she recounted the knowledge she learnt through books.

“As for your champion, it was Juge, who was on the same side of the war as Queen Monde and Diable. She was also a queen herself, from another kingdom. She was good at dark magic, but was always on the frontlines to blow the bugle of war.”

Truthfully, Tsukiko was still curious how any of these assignments were done to begin with. After all, Jitou didn’t seem like the person who would cast dark magic if he were put in a fantasy setting... He’d be more like warrior or something.

“Mhm. Kumimi is versed in the arts of dark magic and curses. MinMin said that she’s probably a descendant of this banished hero... Dunno why she hates us though, ‘cause there doesn’t seem much of a connection between us and the patron heroes we’re associated with right now...”

She tilted her head. Man, she really wanted to know more!

Oh, but gundam time now.

“Mmmm... I think I watched some, but I dunno if I watched anything to the end...? But they were always cool when I did wind up watching them.”

She couldn’t help but wonder if she would’ve seen more of such shows if--

... That thought wasn’t really worth pursuing, was it? It will forever remain a what if - something that won’t help her to move forward. It’s best to focus on the important things.

“Oh, so you like samurais...? Mmmm... yeah, they’re cool too. Wanna try and wear one of these fancy armors one day...”

[hadeanic]

Forward! Social development | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | ATTN: Hiroyuki

[eyepatch-alchemist]

snowchorus‌:

Hiroyuki wanted to be alone, playing a makeshift comfort playlist quietly in silence. He sat huddled with as many blankets as he let the music play, as fear ran through his veins. The comforting sound of some of his more relaxing, calm songs wasn’t doing much to put him at ease. He continued to tremble in despair, knowing that his time was coming soon.

There really wasn’t much he could do to comfort himself. He knew it was best to be with someone he trusted that he knew would always be there for him, Shiba came to mind, but not knowing where exactly she was and at the risk of being around people? He didn’t want to.

He began to recite the names that he trusted, that he used enjoyed the presence of. He choked out a tearless sob as he remembered how they could do this to him. He was all cried out for once, so now he just felt hurt. He didn’t want to see them. 

His silence, save for the quiet and gentle music in the background, was interrupted as he heard a knock on the door. He listened for the voice, trying to recognize it.

Tsukiko.

What did she want? Why was she here? She was at the bottom of everyone’s kill list why did it matter to her that they talked? 

He stood up from the floor, gathering all his blankets of course, before sitting right next to the door and resting his head on it. 

“…What is it?”

He asked in a tired voice, reluctant to even speak back.

Tsukiko listened intently on whether there was something to be heard from within the room. Ah, there was some shuffling and after a bit, Hiroyuki replied to her! It wasn’t even a ‘Go away’ or anything, so she was off to a good start, right?

As the door didn’t open up, Tsukiko simply sat down in front of it, her legs crossed over one another as she put her hands on top of said limbs. It’d be more comfortable that way instead of standing here awkwardly.

“I wanted to ask if there’s anything I could do for you?”

It came more off as a question than a simple statement, because Tsukiko herself wasn’t too sure how to go about this. She cleared one point, but could she do the same with what lay behind that? It’s not like as if she’d planned for anything, really...

“Well, something that I am actually capable of doing, of course. If I could do anything, then we wouldn’t have to go along with this stupid motive... Um... well... You’re in a really, really bad spot and... I dunno, I don’t like seeing you cry? Or be sad? But I also don’t know how to help you?”

Tsukiko scratched her cheeks, furrowing her eyebrows a bit. The next part was said quieter, but still audible enough that Hiroyuki would hear it - though it did sound more like as if it was meant to be thought than said:

“Hmmmm... What would Sheebo do...?”

She mulled over what she could do. It’d be best to say something comforting, but how can you do that if the other one is doomed to die very soon if no one else dies before that?

“Mmmmmmm-- Oh! Right, I could search for Sheebo and ask her to come over to you if you want to? She really cares for you and you care for her too, right? And in bad times, it’s always good to have someone you like with you! Would that make you happy?”

She clapped her hands, proud that she came up with that idea herself. That was a good idea, right?

[hadeanic]

Forward... backwards... | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | ATTN: Jitou

[eyepatch-alchemist]

jitosbizzareadventure‌:

Jito doesn’t really believe it but what more can he do but hope that they’d take care of things.

“Oh yeah… they’re in charge of the casino and other stuff aren’t they?”  

He’s a little surprised at how she seemed downtrodden at their absence.  Jito for the most part was glad that those kids were gone for awhile.  But maybe someone a little childish like Tsukiko enjoyed their company.  She even gave them affectionate nicknames.

“Have you… been talking with them a lot?”  The uh… monokids?  Monokuma and Monomi?”

Well she can afford them, the question is which one will she get.

“I didn’t know you were a fan of robots or gundam, I thought you’d want something more… scientific?  Or maybe a Rubik cube?  One that changed colors or something when you played it?”  

Was Noel lingering on in her memory again?  Perhaps so, after another death it was probably hard.

“Is there one in particular you want?  If I had to get one it would probably be whatever one used a sword.”

“Mhm. Kuman played Blackjack with me... Never did that before. Might have lost more than I won, but... it was fun.”

That memory actually enticed a small smile out of her. Seemed like as if she really had enjoyed herself at the time.

“Mhm, I do. They told me lots about where they come from, how magic works... they’re nice. Can’t do anything about Kumimi though. Have a curse put on them that doesn’t allow them to disobey her. ‘M trying to find a way to undo it... But Kumimi probably took most of the books out that would shed light onto it... Still gonna try though...!”

Knowing Tsukiko, she probably meant the last part in actual seriousness. Well, she’s shown herself to be quite adaptable to the idea of things that seemingly work outside of their current understanding of science and the world.

“Well, they’re cool... And I wanna get a better understanding of how they’re designed... ‘course they won’t give me any info on how their inner workings are, but... having at least a small figure would help me to understand the whole subject better. Only so much you can learn from... from books, before you gotta go and experiment outta it.”

She was certainly ambitious in her current projects, huh? All of them outside of her usual subject... but she seemed to actually wholeheartedly accept and welcome these kind of challenges.

“A sword, huh... Mmm, that’s actually a good idea. ‘M willing to buy most gundams and robots, though...”

[hadeanic]

Forwa-- snz... | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | ATTN: Fumiko

[eyepatch-alchemist]

shsl-sh1ba‌:

Once Tsukiko had settled down, Shiba kept them close. She had said she’d watch over the chemist so that’s exactly what she was going to do. Even though at times she could feel herself drifting off, she managed to shock herself awake when she remembered that there was really no good reason to relax. She had to stay awake and protect Tsukiko. Shiba had failed Ayumu in that regard, so she wasn’t going to fail Tsukiko now. 

When Tsukiko began to speak, Shiba smiled a bit. 

“Think so?” she mused, laughing a little. “Maybe that’s why my area is so cold? Because I’m already so warm…” for now it was good to just not think and respond only to what Tsukiko was saying. 

“If you wanna sleep more you can… but I do have to ask, um, how are you sleeping? I know that…” they sigh, “I know that trial was a lot… but please don’t let it affect your health too much… If you need someone there to help you sleep or if you’re hungry and want someone to make you something, I’ll do it for you, okay? Just please take care of yourself more Tsukiko…” 

They were precious to Shiba and with so much death, Shiba was running out of people that they liked. 

“S- Sorry for sounding like some sorta annoying big sister there…” they blushed a bit because, well, it was embarrassing.

“Mhm... Wait, huh? You’re cold...?”

Tsukiko’s comprehension level was at a bare minimum right after waking up. Hopefully, it would better itself in a few moments, but only time could really tell.

She snuggled up closer, trying to keep Shiba warm that way. If she felt cozy, then surely, it could be conveyed with closer body contact? It was simple science, after all!

“Mmmm... can’t sleep more... got lotsa stuff to do...”

While she may say that, she certainly didn’t act like as if she was ready to go up and do what she wanted to do. She felt perfectly comfortable to just lie here for a little longer, at the very least.

“Was a good nap, though... better then what I had back in my lab.”

Not mentioning that she essentially passed out wasn’t done intentionally - she simply didn’t care enough to elaborate further on the subject. Probably for the better or else, poor Shiba would fret over her even more than she already did.

“...? Why annoying...?”

She blinked slowly, not quite understanding what was annoying about anything she said or did. All Shiba did was to make sure that she was doing okay, so why would she feel the need to be ever annoyed at that? And big sister...

“Not annoying... ‘nd if this is how big siblings act...”

“Really missed out then, huh...?”

She mumbled, though more to herself than at Shiba. Tsukiko seemed to be lost in thought at the moment.

[hadeanic]

Forward... Forceful shutdown | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | ATTN: Shu

[eyepatch-alchemist]

mango-fight‌:

“For a second there, I thought you were”—Shu avoids saying the word—“very, very hurt. I jumped to the wrong conclusion, sorry.”

Shaking Tsukiko up like that couldn’t have made whatever issues she was having any better. Shu watches Tsukiko rub her head. Guilt hits her in the chest as she realizes she may have accidentally made things worse for Tsukiko.

“You…you know how to make Aspirin? I guess that’s fine, but there’s no need to go through so much effort…”

Or maybe it was a simple process? Shu has no idea how pills are made or what components would need to be brought together to make Aspirin.

“I’m here because I wanted to see how you were doing. I think it’s a little bit after 12 right now? Somewhere around noon? How long have you been here?”

She’s beginning to suspect Tsukiko may have pulled an all-nighter.

Shu’s words took a bit to be processed properly, but once it did, Tsukiko could see why Shu reacted the way she did. Well, sort of, anyway. While the chemist didn’t know how bad she looked right now, being slumped over a table could look one certain way... It’s usually portrayed like this in movies and the likes. Shu was involved with movies, so maybe she’d be even more alerted? Something like that. Maybe.

Thinking was hard at the moment.

“Oh. I see.”

Came the very delayed response, before she tried to focus on what came afterwards.

“Sure I do. Not hard to make... N’ I don’t wanna go out of my lab...”

Naturally, Tsukiko knew that there was already finished aspirin available for them in the health area, but that would require to go outside and not stay in her trusted lab. If she could make something within her domain, why not do that? It’d spare her any human interactions that way... or well, at least it should, but what was she doing right now?

Speaking of, she got her answer and yet another question.

“Noon...? Hm... I see.”

“Uhhh... I’ve been here since the trial concluded. Can’t remember when I fell asleep though... Not that it really, uh... felt like sleep at all.”

Just say that you think that you passed out instead if falling asleep.

[hadeanic]

Forward! Social development | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | ATTN: Hiroyuki

After the disaster that was the ranking results, Tsukiko retreated to her lab for awhile. However, she couldn’t bring herself to stay there for long, because too many thoughts were distracting her from work. What did Kioku say again? You had to deal with what you were distracted with head-on, so you could finally work in peace? Well, it was something akin to that, at least.

Still, even knowing that you had to deal with it, didn’t mean that Tsukiko knew how to go about it. Of course, the simple answer was to seek answers - but what if they couldn’t be provided? There were a lot of questions that none of her classmates could answer - and Monokumi refused to cooperate in a helpful manner.

Ugh, why was this such a troublesome kind of complicated…?

Nevertheless, Tsukiko found herself in front of Hiroyuki’s door. Out of everyone, he had it the worst - if no one would kill in the next four days, his life would be the first to perish. That must be… a bad feeling. A very bad one. Due to her own place, Tsukiko had no reason to be concerned for herself too much - so she wouldn’t be able to relate to the dread he was experiencing right now.

Still, she didn’t like seeing the young boy so distraught. In fact, she didn’t like to see anyone so angry and hurt. She really missed the beach party where everything had been just nice and friendly… putting aside the end of it, that is.

After a few more moments passed, Tsukiko finally knocked on Hiroyuki’s door. She had to think what to say before she did so - it’s not like she was used to trying to… comfort someone? Maybe?

“YukYuk? Are you there? Uhhhh… It’s okay if you don’t wanna step out! We can just talk through the door if you feel more comfortable about it!”

While it may be a bit difficult to understand each other through the door, she’d rather take that than for Hiroyuki to immediately shut her down. Well, if he really didn’t want to see or speak to anyone, there’s not much she could do… But she had to try, right? That’s what Shiba was always doing - so it couldn’t hurt to take a page from her in that regard, right?

[hadeanic]

Forward... backwards... | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | ATTN: Jitou

[eyepatch-alchemist]

jitosbizzareadventure‌:

That was just how things were going to be.  He couldn’t expect everyone to pour out tears like him, and everyone had their own way of dealing with things.  In some ways he expected this from Tsukiko but he thought that he’d be able to move her a little bit.  Maybe that was being presumptuous.  

“Whatever works for you Todoroki-chan.” 

And they probably knew best.

He looks a little pained at how nonchalant she was about her looks.  Not that he was exactly the best at proper grooming and looking his best but… he still couldn’t be concerned right?

“Okay, just… take care of yourself okay?”

He looked around the room, with toys being made and produced it’s no wonder that Noel would’ve loved this place.

“I can help you look if you want, do you have enough coins to buy one if you found it?”   

"Mhm. Will do.”

Whether Tsukiko would actually try to take care of herself or not was up in the air. Both ways were entirely feasible with her - akin to a wild card. You never knew what might come next!

“Thanks. I have enough coins. Should try and get some more, but I can’t get in touch with MinMin or Kuman...”

Her voice grew sadder in tone, with her eye casted downward. She really wanted to spend more time with Monokuma and Monomi, but they didn’t respond to her as they usually did. She missed having a good time with the two kids...

(She couldn’t help but worry.)

“Hmmm... I wonder how many robot or gundam toys they even have here. The more, the better...”

[hadeanic]

Forward! Expect the Unexpected | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | RE: Motive Reaction Part 2

As there was no use to delay the inevitable, Tsukiko accessed the new tab on her monopad right away. She expected Haruto to be placed first, given his actions from the last case. As for the rest? It was up in the air, but she did expect some people to rank low.

However, life deemed to surprise her - and it wasn’t a surprise she welcomed.

“Eh…?”

The chemist blinked, stumped by the results that came in. First of all, there was Hiroyuki on the first spot. She figured that after Shiba’s plea to spare him from a high rank, at least some people would oblige. However, what surprised her even more was Jitou on second place - how was this even possible? Why was he, a well-liked individual, placed so high?

Not to mention that Haruto somehow managed to place in the middle - which absolutely didn’t make sense to her. Had she misunderstood something back in the trial? Hasn’t everyone screamed at Haruto for killing two of their classmates and putting another one at the risk of death? Why was he…

As she continued to scroll down, Tsukiko grew even more confused - until she saw herself in last place.

“…”

“I don’t understand… Why am I placed so low?”

She tilted her head, trying to wrap her head around this - which was difficult when everyone around her blew up in regards to the ranking. It was… kind of scary how quick they were to fight between themselves?

“Wait a minute, everyone! Don’t forget that votes could be bought, too! Otherwise, this list really doesn’t make any sense if it were normal votes only, right?”

Aside from one obvious choice, Tsukiko mulled over possible other candidates who might have bought votes to place someone higher on the list than they should have. However, there was no way to know for certain - it’s not like as if everyone had the same amount of monocoins and who knew who won a lot through gambling or not?

“… You shouldn’t be so quick to admonish everyone without knowing the truth, you know…?”

She mumbled that quietly to herself, her left hand gripping her right fist.

[hadeanic]

Forward... And now what? | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | RE: Motive Reaction

Tsukiko had wondered for a while now:

Why was this mutual killing game so rushed?

If her memory didn’t fail her, they’ve been barely in the station for 3 weeks. In the duration of this time, six lives had already perished. Was there really a need to force a murder in such a short amount of time? Was there some kind of unknown ritual going on that forced Monokumi to hasten the sacrifices to such a degree? It couldn’t be every week though, because they lost four people in the span of one week. So, why the rush?

Admittedly, these questions kept Tsukiko occupied enough before Monokumi came to the actual motive; it involved ranking everyone from whom they want to see dead most to the least, huh? And you could even buy votes to skew the results to your favour…

“This is odd.”

For a various of reasons; but most of all, because she felt like it was counterproductive to whatever goal those who run this game had in mind. If they truly didn’t care whether they all died in an execution, then why bother with any of this? Why spare Ryouma if they might get killed by the motive because no one wants to commit another murder?

It seemed risque and it made Tsukiko just wonder more.

Looking at her monopad, she didn’t hesitate to fill out the first and last place for this ranking. However, as for the rest…

“… How am I supposed to do this when I don’t want to see any of them die…?”

She mumbled to herself, but still keeping her eye at the item in her hands.

[hadeanic]

Forward... Forceful shutdown | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | ATTN: Shu

[eyepatch-alchemist]

mango-fight‌:

“Thank goodness you’re alright.”

Shu has to take a moment to calm her heart down. She might’ve overreacted quite a bit there, but, really, who wouldn’t have? There was more than enough misery in this place. They didn’t need another tragedy so soon, especially one with Tsukiko at the center of it.

“Sorry for rattling you around like that. You scared me.”

Normally, she wouldn’t comment on the state of someone’s face without any positivity, but…

“You look… Are you sick? Do you have a headache? I can take you to the Healing Room. I don’t think I can carry you like Mimi-chan can, but I can at least get you as far as the train.”

“Alright? Scared? Huh...?”

Another blink. Her brain processing powers were low at the moment, so she didn’t quite understand why Shu had reacted in such a way - even though it should be obvious.

Feeling a dull pain in her head, she rubbed the side of it, trying to massage it away or... something. Maybe she should just make an Aspirin for herself right now - would probably be less of a hassle than to leave her lab and get some ready from the healing room.

... Wait, what time was it anyway?

“... Eh? Oh. Uh... Right, yeah, I don’t feel too good... it’s not my tummy, though.”

“But yeah, my head does hurt... Kind of? It’s not that strong, but it’s still there? Nothing a pill of Aspirin can’t fix and... I know how to make them anyway.”

At that point, she shook her head -but only lightly.

“So no need to go to the healing room. I’d rather stay here...”

She looked down, before the question about time came to her again. Oh right and there was also something else:

“... Oh, why are you here, ShuShu? Uh, what time is it again...?”

[hadeanic]

Forwa-- snz... | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | ATTN: Fumiko

[eyepatch-alchemist]

shsl-sh1ba‌:

Since it didn’t seem like Tsukiko was letting go, Shiba stayed put as best she could. It was easy enough to piece together what the chemist was getting at so she sighed softly and returned Tsukiko’s hug. 

“Yep, the real Sheebo,” she said, keeping Tsukiko close. “It sounds like you really need your rest, huh?” Shiba kept her gentle expression but had to close her eyes after a bit. Tsukiko reminded her too much of Ayumu for a moment there. 

“That really does sound… kinda familiar, I think. I feel like Tsukiko too, very tired even though I don’t do much…” she began, to tired herself to really think everything through. “You can take a nap and I’ll stay awake to watch over you, okay? I was once told that hugs could help a lot… so if it’ll help you, I’ll keep hugging you so you can recharge faster.”

After resting her eyes for just a bit, Shiba opened them and smiled to Tsukiko, “And hopefully, you’ll have a good dream.”

It’s not even like as if it has been that long ago that she received a hug - Jitou did give her a big one over at Noel’s lab. However, this one felt... different. More comforting; probably because she was lying on a big, soft bed, surrounded by pillows. Maybe it’s because Shiba had been nice to her this whole time - but no, Jitou had been also nice to her.

Ugh, too much thinking.

“Mmmhmmm... Think I will...”

She mumbled as she yawned, her eye already closed.

“M’kay... thanks, Sheebo... you too...”

As soon as those words escaped her, Tsukiko fell asleep immediately. It was probably enough of a miracle that she stayed awake to utter those words to begin with.

...

......

.........

At some point, Tsukiko returned back to the land of consciousness. For a moment, she had absolutely no idea where she was and why she was lying on something so soft, but as soon as her eye opened, she started to recall some things. But more importantly...

“... Warm...”

She mumbled, a small smile appearing on her face she she rubbed her head into... right, Shiba’s shoulder.

“Hehe... you’re warm, Sheebo...”

[hadeanic]

Forward... No matter the costs | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | ATTN: Mimi

[eyepatch-alchemist]

shslcandidphotos‌:

The walk to Station Green was a long and sluggish one. Her feet dragged during it, but she paid it no mind. It was time for bed. As if she could manage to sleep now. She had worked hard to keep to a regular schedule of sleep; however, she couldn’t be bothered at the moment. Time was slipping away from her again, but at the very least, she kept herself busy by doing… something. Reminders stung her as she crossed the shores to reach the shack. So very many. She didn’t linger long. She collected the clothes needed and made her way over to Station Blue next.

After all, she had an idea where a certain someone would be. With a knock or so at the door, Mimi was answered by Tsukiko who was… equally awake and exhausted.

“It is, huh? I didn’t notice the time, but it’s a bit tough to sleep after everything, right?”

She held out the chemist’s clothings with one hand and a bear kigurumi with the other, offering them both to them.

“This is yours, Tsukiko-chan, and this one is mine. I’ll let you borrow it though. It’s definitely too big, but it can be used as a blanket or pillow.”

“In turn, do you mind if I stay here with you?”

Guess she wasn’t the only one who had trouble to find comfort in the idea of sleep at the moment. This was the first time she ever felt that way, now that she thought about it. Whenever she did pull an all-nighter, it was for her researches - something that she found joy in. However, she never actively seeked out to avoid sleep for negative purposes...

(Yet another first time in her life. Hasn’t there been too many of them recently? Especially the bad kind?)

“Mhm. Me neither...”

It was nothing new for Tsukiko to forget the time, but for once, she hoped she could’ve stayed ignorant for a bit longer.

When Mimi offered her the clothes she left behind at the beach, as well as the bear kigurumi, Tsukiko blinked in surprise. Oh, right. She forgot that she was still wearing her swimsuit. Well, if you kept the room at a comfortable temperature, you probably wouldn’t notice until it was mentioned to you.

“Oh... I forgot about tat entirely. Thanks, Mimin...”

She took her own clothes, but looked a bit stumped about the kigurumi. Another blanket or pillow, huh? But wasn’t that Mimi’s to begin with?

“But won’t you be needing it? Don’t you want something fluffy to cuddle to as well...?”

After all, weren’t they all feeling rather down about what transpired mere hours ago? Even Tsukiko would understand that everyone needed something to comfort themselves with.

That aside, she hesitated for a moment to answer Mimi’s question. She wanted to be alone now, if possible, but...

“... Sure, you can stay. I just don’t have much to sit on... Just this other chair other there or my manmade bed here.”

Labs were definitely not known to be comfortable spaces, but what can you do?

[hadeanic]

Forward... backwards... | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | ATTN: Jitou

[eyepatch-alchemist]

jitosbizzareadventure‌:

“Ah no I… didn’t mean that I did anything wrong it’s more like… I’m sorry for you.  Y’know just cause… I don’t want you to feel bad.  I mean it’s okay to feel bad but you don’t…”  

Ugh he was already screwing this stuff up.  He lets go of Tsukiko realizing that this quite having the effect he was hoping it would.

“…You say that but your eyes look like they’ve used up all the tears you’ve got.  And… sorry to say it but you look, uh… worse.  I mean everyone probably feels it but…”  

He doesn’t want to say that the stress is drawn on her face but it sure looks like it.  

“…That’s okay, you usually don’t feel better when you cry but you usually can at least… figure out some of your feelings sometimes.”

At least that’s what Jito thought about it.

“…That’s understandable.  I think a lot of us would be happy to just rewind time to before all this happened.  But here we are… in the present.  Or the future?  Eh…”  

He didn’t want to think much about it either.

“So what have you found here?  Anything interested?”

Oh. That makes sense. Or did it? Tsukiko always wondered why people said ‘I’m sorry’ in these situations. If a ‘for you’ was added, it was more understandable. Then again, people loved to shorten all kinds of things, so it was only natural for a longer phrase to end up shorter. Ah well, that was also part of human nature, wasn’t it?

The small girl looked up after she was released from the hug, tilting her head to the other side now.

“Well, yes. I already cried during the trial. No use to spill more tears if it doesn’t help in the least... Seems just a waste of time and energy. All it did was make me more exhausted...”

Sh gave a weak shrug.

“I know. Everyone said that to me today.”

She delivered it rather dispassionately. It’s not like as if she could change it from one moment to the other. And she certainly didn’t feel like as if she sorted out anything at this point, but she wasn’t really in the mood to debate this specific topic.

“Not much. Just a lot of toys and you can buy one if you pay 5 coins for it. Wanted to look for a gundam or a robot toy...”

[hadeanic]

Forward... Forceful shutdown | Tsukiko | Chapter 4 | ATTN: Shu

[eyepatch-alchemist]

mango-fight‌:

It’s important to Shu that she checks up on as many people as possible after that hell ride of a trial. She’s not quite sure where her head is. Her mind’s still reeling from the emotional whiplash, but she puts that feeling aside as she enters the Chemist’s Lab.

Tsukiko was one of the people on the top of her list.

Tsukiko who was…

Slumped over?

“Wh-wha…what… No. No, no, no.”

One part of Shu is still trying to rationalize what she’s seeing (Tsukiko’s asleep? Tsukiko’s hurt? Tsukiko—), while the rest of her is already bolting ahead. As soon as she reaches Tsukiko, she grabs her by the shoulders hard, and shakes her.

The sudden jolt was enough to wake Tsukiko up.

“Bwuh?! H-Huh...?”

The chemist was not used to being shaken awake like this, so she was desorientated. Her head felt... funny, really. Actually, forget about that, why was she only back to her consciousness now? She didn’t recall going to sleep... and somehow, her forehead hurt. Actually, her neck did too.

“Whawha-- I’m awake! Kinda!”

Judging that even after that sudden intrusion to her... was it sleep? If it was, it couldn’t have been a good one, because Tsukiko still looked exhausted. The bags underneath her eyes were obvious to anyone who laid eyes on her.

For a moment, she squinted, before going:

“... Oh, it’s you. Mmmm... my head’s feeling weird...”