Mike Driver
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@punicea
moving blogs!
hey!! it’s been a while, don’t know if anyone still remembers this dusty old blog, but — ! just leaving an official note here that, although i’ve been planning to for quite a while, redwada has finally been moved over to my multimuse blog! i haven’t done replies here for literal ages, so consider all threads dropped; but regardless of whether or not we were doing anything here, feel free to hit me up over there if you’d like to start something! that’s all! u wu
moving blogs!
hey!! it’s been a while, don’t know if anyone still remembers this dusty old blog, but — ! just leaving an official note here that, although i’ve been planning to for quite a while, redwada has finally been moved over to my multimuse blog! i haven’t done replies here for literal ages, so consider all threads dropped; but regardless of whether or not we were doing anything here, feel free to hit me up over there if you’d like to start something! that’s all! u wu
moving blogs!
hey!! it's been a while, don't know if anyone still remembers this dusty old blog, but -- ! just leaving an official note here that, although i've been planning to for quite a while, redwada has finally been moved over to my multimuse blog! i haven't done replies here for literal ages, so consider all threads dropped; but regardless of whether or not we were doing anything here, feel free to hit me up over there if you'd like to start something! that's all! u wu
lmao, i’m not gonna waste my time makin’ this all sentimental an’ what not, bc i just don’t have the mind for that rn. but i will say a few things prior. first an foremost, thanks for all bruhs i’ve met throughout my time a’ this blog. ya’ll some hella peeps, ya’ know? and furthermore, i feel like i don’t deserve ya’ll since i keep constant with all the OOC, but hey, one day, i’ll be posting regularly with threads for everyone’s viewing pleasure, i promise. aside that, i also just wanted to say that i appreciate all of the support i’ve managed to get over the while i’ve been playing Old. ye, so without adieu, here are some peeps ya’ll should give a lookse to.
these are in no specific order„,
tha cru
busui | ivlisi | knightsfool | thecorpsewhale scaredycatshark | dxvines | wxdanohara sameketchup | cxrcharias | squaloastuto samxkichi | episimi
cool kids ( but sal is cooler )
tatsxmiya | shxrkfry | redwada | punicea akataishi | blackfxsh | bandaged-devil seaboneprincess | seasorcerer | aoimesame red-starlight | sharkfinpunch | anorcaonastroll cantuplacidum | aseaofredeyes | dxemon dxlphi-n | loligull
❝ I haven’t? ❞ He echoes, curious as to what that means, and when she explains it, it’s no surprise to see how shocked he is. Crushing the Blue and supporting Red…? No… He’s never once thought this way. He and his brother have always been blue. ❝ No… Samekichi and I have always stuck together by your side after you found us, and we’ve always supported Uomi. That’s how I’ve always been. I’m your familiar, and so is Samekichi. We’d do anything for you and Uomi. ❞
But when she laughs, he abandons such troubling thoughts again. He loves everything about her — from the bright smile to the laughter like bells. It calms him, assures him that there’s just some weird misunderstanding that will be sorted out. It’s alright. It’s going to be alright. He will always be with Wadanohara, always be her knight at her side. ❝ I’m glad you do. But even if you didn’t, I’d always love you, always be there for you. ❞
Because she is the Witch who saved him.
He then feels her hand grip his with more force and his expression falters. Did something happen between Wadanohara and Samekichi? Samekichi had always been bad with words but… ❝ We, ah, we don’t have to… no. Did something happen…? ❞
When she says he’d might not say anything, that he’s not happy, he’s visibly distraught. His brother has always meant just as much to him as Wadanohara does — they were both precious to Syake. And to hear that he was unhappy… made his heart pang with worry and the desire to help him. Besides, this only further confuses him, for Wadanohara has always been closer to and preferred Samekichi. For her to be so stuck to himself… while he liked it, it didn’t feel right. Not that he felt he didn’t deserve it because of reasons like “not being good enough” but…
It just wasn’t meant to be.
❝ We’ve always been a trio, Wadanohara. We’ve always taken care of one and other. If one of us is sad, we’re all trying to make them happy again. ❞ His words are spoken with a tone of pure worry, confusion, and shock. He’s appalled that Wadanohara would avoid Samekichi like this, especially if he isn’t happy. ❝ I want him to be happy. He’s my brother, my friend. We protect each other. We both love you so much. I don’t understand because… because you… you’ve always loved Samekichi. ❞
And I’ve always been second best.
The sudden negative thought surprises him. He’s never been so jealous. He’s always been happy this way, so as long as he’s with them. He doesn’t mind if he is the third wheel, he just never wants to lose sight of them. He knows he’s just as good as Samekichi but… but sometimes it isn’t about being “just as good” but rather just being destined for it or not. He knows Wadanohara cares for him, she just… could never love him like she does for Samekichi.
Gazing down at their still linked hands, his thumb idly runs over her knuckles as he ponders what to do. He doesn’t want to lose this. He wants a chance, his chance, to be happy. But he’s always been the clear-headed type, the one to sacrifice himself if it makes other’s happy. Why did he ever lose himself for the moment there and get happy over it? So unbecoming… Ahh, but whether this is his Wadanohara or not… He’s always believed that in every world, Samekichi is her love. So this is like a dream. A happy dream you only can have as a dream. And all dreams come to an end so… That’s why…
❝ Ah…? ❞
He raises his free hand to his eyes, fingertips lightly touching cheeks that have begun to stain with tears. He’s normally not one to cry…
❝ Haha… Look at me, crying over nonsense. Sorry, sorry… ❞ He releases her hand to bring his other hand up to help wipe away the tears. No more crying. All smiles, all happiness. That’s Syake. ❝ Anyway… you… What happened to you and my brother? ❞
There's a stabbing feeling in her chest as he says those words, and for a moment, she can't place it. But when she finally does, a smile filled with genuine sadness crosses her face -- because what he's describing right now sounds like a perfect world. To put a name to the emotions welling up in her heart right now, it would probably be something along the lines of longing, which scares her. She isn't supposed to feel like that, isn't supposed to want something like that world --
(But she does, so much that it hurts.)
A tentative laugh. "That sounds like a really happy place, Sal." Her expression has taken on a distant look, and there's a hint of something resembling her past self that flickers briefly in her eyes. "I'd like to go there, if it were possible."
And then it's gone again, in mere seconds, and the mask is back. She is gone, only to be replaced by the sly, smiling red witch who was painstakingly crafted to fit Sal's exact mold. His words are warm, though, just like everything else about the person before her is -- and so, maybe it isn't as much of a struggle to sound jovial as she laughs again. "My feelings won't change," comes her bright response, and some part of her genuinely means those words.
Because Sal is her everything. Without him beside her, anchoring her down and keeping her whole, she'd be utterly and completely lost in this sea without a doubt.
If she hadn't been completely convinced at that point that there was something different about Sal today, his reaction to her words about his brother would have cleared whatever remaining doubts that may have been lingering in her mind. That's why, for a moment, she's at a loss as to what she should say. She's made him unhappy, she can tell, and seeing him like that hurts her as well. "Sal." Her voice is quiet, and she draws closer to the other without a second thought. All she can think about is what to do now; what words to offer him. "I'm sorry, did I say something... wrong?" She has, she can tell without question, and her expression falls as well.
And then comes a question she hasn't heard in a long, long time, let alone thought about. She remains silent for a long moment before finally nodding slightly. "I... do. Love. Samekichi." The words sound disjointed as they leave her mouth, almost like she herself isn't quite sure what she's saying. It's been so long since she's acknowledged that fact, that --
In startling clarity, she remembers the last time they spoke, and a pained look flashes across her face. She doesn't know what's happened, whether Sal has become lost in a dream of a perfect world, but what he's seen doesn't line up with the reality she knows. "I tried," she whispers, biting her lip as red hues shift in the direction of the ground. "I tried to help him... !"
Tried and failed, just like with every other endeavor she'd begun.
But then, she feels the sudden absence of his hand on hers, followed by something that sounds like... crying? Alarmed to see the tears running down his cheeks, she acts on instinct, raising her hand to his face as well with a stunned look. "Sal? Sal... what's wrong, all of a sudden?" She takes another step closer until they're nearly touching, and on a whim (it's what he's always done for her whenever she breaks down, is her reasoning), stretches up on her toes to wrap her arms around him in a gentle embrace.
"I'm sorry," she repeats, shaking her head quickly. Although she doesn't know the exact reason for his sudden change in mood, the one thing that is clear is that her words played some part in that. She's never seen him cry before, and it scares her -- it makes her feel completely rotten from the core that she was the cause of that sudden display of weakness. "I'm sorry... forget what I said. It was just me being silly, that's all."
Pulling away slightly, she offers him a hesitant smile. She doesn't expect his forgiveness, not so soon, but she wants to see him smile for real again, just like the two of them were mere moments ago. "Let's go see him now, okay?" The 'him' in question being a certain ex-familiar of hers.
If it's for Sal's sake, she'll endure it.
… Definitely not any Wadanohara that she knows. Sure, she’s seen a few female versions, but this one was—
At the mention of hair length, Samemi instinctively goes up to touch her long locks. Her hand lowers after a moment, head shaking and gaze returning to Wadanohara.
"No, it’s… the same length as usual."
The other's words are met with a puzzled frown and a questioning head tilt. "Is it really?"
Lips purse into a thoughtful expression as she surveys the other more carefully this time. "No, it's definitely longer!" Without thinking, she takes a step forward and reaches a hand towards Samemi's hair, aiming to confirm her suspicions with a closer look.
` seeking solace. || ( @cxrcharias )
Straight and tall, the Ambassador waves his index finger across the expanse of the shelves standing before him, a pensive moue rested ‘pon an ivory complexion shifting quickly to surprise when he senses a familiar presence sounded by the faint creaking of the crimson door. He calms, noting the look of anguish upon the young witch’s countenance as she nears toward him, his arms already welcome to embrace her and provide guardianship from whatever nightmares might ail her; ironic, it is, given that he is the sole reason for her nightmares and yet, despite this, it is only he who can divvy protection from those very horror-terrors. A smirk forms against the rim of the girl’s hat.
He wraps his arms around the girl, gently, tenderly—careful not to crush her fragile form—as though he wasn’t the monster who destroyed everything and everyone she came to love, leaving only shattered pieces of her former familiar (his lesser half) to rot and fester in the dungeons below.
“Shhhh, here’s nothing to fear anymore, Love. You’re safe with me now.”
A gloved hand caresses her braided hair, sinking to rub her back with calm, even strokes so as to pacify the female’s spirits with careful touches of his own design. He allows her to remain against him, permitting her to find solace in him and only him, and sink further within his grasp; the spirit is a frightfully fragile thing, he has learned: like pure porcelain he can immediately destroy her should enough pressure be sought—were he to make the wrong move. But Sal doesn’t make wrong moves, he calculates each step with precision and accuracy, capturing the heart of Wadanohara here is no different an endeavor. Dulcet art his timbres whilst continuing the comfort Wadanohara: the words he whispers compassionate and velveteen, dripping from snow-white tiers like honey and into her ears a euphonious choir:
“Just focus on me and I’ll make all your nightmares go away. I promise.”
Safe. Such a foreign concept to the trembling girl (it's laughable, really; the word itself is a direct contradiction to the existence of this red-stained sea), but she lets herself believe what he's saying, his sickly sweet reassurances, despite that. It's only through constant self-deception and an unwavering trust in the illusions of peace and a false utopia which Sal has been so insistent in forcing upon her, that she can stay sane in this living hell.
At the same time, there's no denying the warmth of his arms around her. That's all she knows, all she will let herself know right now in this twisted, upside-down world. Escape is intangible; so is rescue. They're hazy, fuzzy, too distant, unlike Sal's embrace which is all too real.
If it's just for now, what's the harm in it? The thought wraps around her mind like a noose, and she knows that she's already given in. Tomorrow, tomorrow she can return to putting up fronts and keeping herself whole. But right now, she no longer has the strength to continue struggling. "I'm so tired," she chokes out mid-sob, and it's true. What began as a waking nightmare has spread into her sleep as well, to the point where it's only moments like this where she can find even some semblance of solace. "S - Sal, I... please stay with me." She's still shaking despite her best attempts to calm down -- calm down and breathe -- and it only makes her cling to him even tighter.
And so she does as he says, focusing solely on the sound of his voice and the rhythmic motions that are strangely comforting. Everything about him is asking her to forget, to stop thinking for a while and just feel instead -- and she's very willing to give herself up to that desire for the time being. It's so very gentle, after all, the whispered sound that curls through the air, weaving its way towards her and entering her ears. She can feel herself beginning to relax slightly. (It's alright. She'll be alright, because he's there with her.) Sobs are replaced with hiccups as she pulls away slowly to suck in a weak breath. She's ruined his shirt, she realizes in a sudden moment of clarity, and red optics shift towards the ground at the thought. "I'm sorry," comes her soft apology after a beat, tone bordering on meekness. Although it isn't clear just what the witch is talking about, a small tug on his sleeve does the trick as she leans against him again, thankful more than anything else simply to be able to feel the warmth of another living being.
It's always so cold in this sea.
He wishes she’d speak, he wishes she’d show some kind of emotion besides forced happiness. He just wants to know that she has a voice of her own, that she… isn’t a puppet — because all her actions imply that to be so. As if she’s empty and just agreeing because she knows nothing else. But maybe he’s just overreacting. Maybe she really has… changed?
The thought of her changing so drastically is odd, however. Wadanohara, even though she grows and matures, has never changed at her core. She has always been the kind, gentle, and pure Witch of the Sea. And he feels that she still is this way, deep down and buried, but still there. So there must be some reason behind this, behind why she’s aligned with Red so suddenly.
❝ Ah… become? I’ve always been this way… ❞ He’s curious as to why she’d say that. Isn’t it she the one who’s changed? Her childish way of thinking makes him relax, for it’s the simple and cute Wadanohara he remembers.
❝ I suppose… that’s true. It does match what I said. ❞
She may be saying odd things, but he right then decides it’s alright. It’s Wadanohara, maybe a little different, but still Wadanohara. She believes in Red, he believes in Blue. And with these thoughts… they make one whole. Just like the sea should be — red and blue together, whole. A bright grin breaks it’s way onto his lips as he nods. They’ve come to an agreement! That’s what Uomi and Mikotsu should’ve done all those years ago. ❝ A bit off — but in it’s entirety, yes, it’s correct. ❞
It feels odd when he says it, but he does truly feel it so he vocalizes his thoughts, despite the nagging feeling in the back of his mind telling him to reconsider. That silly voice should be quiet. This is Wadanohara and… ❝ Yes, I’m happy. ❞
He pauses though, that small voice making him hesitate just a bit, for he still longs to know why Wadanohara suddenly changed her mind. He does think blue is best after all, but he doesn’t want to push her — it’s okay because they agree in working together as Red and Blue… isn’t it? ❝ Ah, but, we should discuss this more later. So we can understand each other better and be happier with this. ❞ And when she places his hand in his, squeezing it lightly, his heart skips a beat. Yes… this makes him happiest. And he doesn’t truly understand why in the Sea he’s suddenly so happy. But he is! Whether it’s his love for the witch or his joy for being able to accept each other, he can’t tell. But he’s really, really… happy! Light and bubbly, like an excited child getting something they’ve always wanted. Perhaps that’s what love does to you — it makes you feel such wondrous feelings without ever knowing why they happen.
❝ Red or blue, I love you, Wadanohara. ❞ He tells her, and his overwhelming affection for her is clear on his face — from his eyes, shimmering with warmth, to his lips, curved up in a shameless smile. And with that, he’s entwining their fingers, swinging their hands lightly as he walks along with her at his side, a happy hum coming from his lips. ❝ Do you think Samekichi will see things this way too? I hope so! ❞
Just when it’s all beginning to make sense, yet another bombshell is dropped. It’s nothing as large as its metaphorical counterpart – no, it’s just the way he says something, such a subtle note that it could be easily passed over in their conversation. And for a moment, she’s tempted to do just that; pretend she didn’t hear a thing, and let the rest of his words do the covering up.
Her mouth moves almost of its own volition, though – because this is something she has to know. It could make all the difference and contain all the answers to the countless questions she’s had since first encountering this person. “But, you haven’t.” In the back of her mind, a theory is already starting to take root: what if this isn’t the same Sal she knows? That train of thought threatens to continue even further, but she forcefully brings it to a halt. Right now, she just needs to get the question out. The rest will follow. “You haven’t always been like this,” she repeats slowly, unsure if the misunderstanding was a matter of poor phrasing on her part, or… something more. She has to be sure before jumping to conclusions. “Up until just now… you were the one who told me that Blue needed to be crushed and replaced by the Sea of Death. Everything was always, always… red when it came to you, Sal.” Who are you, she wants to ask more than anything else. Because, there’s no way that you’re actually…
Him.
But instead, she continues to walk beside him, suddenly unable to continue after hearing his next words. “Yes, I’m happy.” Those three, simple words are enough to keep her quiet for the time being, and she finds herself nodding again – this time, genuinely meaning her agreement. She wants to continue talking about this, to find out more about the new Sal walking beside her. Right now, she can’t say that she dislikes this particularly (if anything, he might even be… better than the Sal she knew before? But those traitorous thoughts need to remain sealed in her heart for fear of earning the other Sal’s ire), and the smile that comes to her face holds a bit more truth than her earlier expressions. His hand is warm in hers, and that somehow fills her with more warmth than she’s felt in a long time.
And of course, then comes a spontaneous confession from him. For a moment, she’s caught off guard – because although she’s heard him say those words countless times before, the tenderness with which he’s speaking now, and the pure feeling of love behind those words is something new to her.
Has he ever sounded like this… ?
It’s the second time that day that his words have earned a display of honest emotion from her; the laugh that falls from her lips is almost completely natural, if not tinged with the slightest bit of sadness for reasons that she herself can’t understand. (Is it regret? For what could have been?) “Ehehe. I love you too, Sal! Lots and lots,” she vows, cheeks flushed just the slightest shade of pink as she beams up at him and the cheery peal falls from her lips.
But then, the moment is shattered.
“Samekichi?” The name catches in her throat – it leaves a bitter aftertaste in her mouth, for some reason, and her hand tightens in his unconsciously. “Hey, Sal… do we have to go and see him right now? It can’t… wait?” Something about her seems reluctant, as if she wants to forget about what was just brought up and go back to how she and Sal had been in their own little world mere moments before.
(When she’d felt almost like things were back then.)
“I mean, he probably won’t have much to say anyways!” she adds hastily. She doesn’t want to think about that dungeon right now, especially not about the defeated expression that never seems to leave Samekichi’s face. “He’s not really… happy, after all. You know? Not like we are right now.”
` seeking solace. || ( @cxrcharias )
No matter how hard she tries, how much she pushes herself, the distance between them refuses to close. But nevertheless, Wadanohara runs. Lungs burning and muscles shrieking in protest, she’s running after his retreating form, both hands outstretched – and she’s crying, she realizes with a jolt, she’s crying. Because it’s too late and they both know that, and it feels like her heart is being ripped out of her chest as he’s swallowed up by a cloud of red and black, mouthing her name –
“Samekichi, wait -- !” Her eyes flash open instantly, and her breath is coming in short, rapid bursts. Struggling to orientate herself, it takes the red witch several long moments to return to her senses in the unfamiliar location. And when she does, realizing that she’s shaking all over, the reality of the situation hits her and there’s a prickling sensation behind her eyes as tears come unbidden once again.
She doesn’t stop to think. All she knows is that she wants someone, anyone, to be with her right now; because she’s scared. If she closes her eyes again, she knows that those same, gruesome images will still be there, and she doesn’t want that, doesn’t want to lose him again.
Within moments, she’s standing before his door – because who else is left for her to turn to? – and she enters without knocking, bare feet padding against the cold ground. “ … Sal.” She says his name plaintively, voice trembling (she’s so vulnerable, almost as if she’s a child again), and buries her face in his chest without waiting for a reply. And then, for a moment, she can pretend that everything is alright. That he’s the same, kind Sal who used to take her for rides on his back through that dazzling azure sea, and that she doesn’t need to pretend to be strong anymore.
“Sal… I’m scared.”
Samekichi, Fukami, Sal
This time, there’s a long silence before she finally speaks. " ... I don’t want to kill any of them, so I’ll marry both Samekichi and Fukami. And then obviously, I’ll do Sal!”
No, Wadanohara, that’s not how you play the game.
blue sal, red sal, and female sal
"I have to choose? Well, in that case… I’ll make love (lots! ♪) to Red Sal, marry Blue Sal, and kill Female Sal! I'd do her too, but then Red Sal would probably get jealous.”
Ver, Laurentia, Vendetto
"Marry Ver, kill Vendetto, and xxx with Laurentia! ♪ It was a tough choice between the last two, but Ver's definitely the most reliable as a wife."
Fuck, Marry, Kill
Put three names in my inbox.
` the road to happiness. || ( @akataishi )
"I'm happy. I'm happy." The words fall from her lips as though they're a mantra -- as though they're the only thing that can hold her together just for a little bit longer. "I'm so, so... happy," she states firmly, but it's too late. Her body has started to betray her (her hands have been trembling for a while now, but she's refused to acknowledge that) and salty tears are already welling up behind her eyes.
One more time, she tells herself, but her lips refuse to obey. A traitorous sentence laden with the truth has escaped before she can stop herself: "I'm not happy at all -- !" And then the floodgates are thrown open, tears flowing freely down her cheeks at last as she buries her face in her hands.
She notices the footsteps behind her much too late. Tensing automatically, she's afraid to turn -- he was the last person she wanted to see, especially right now -- and merely pulls her knees close to her chest, as if doing so will somehow save her from the inevitable anger she'll have to face in a matter of seconds. "Sal... " He'll want to see a smile, she knows, and he'll punish her again for not doing so; but she can't muster one, not now.
Not when the agony of losing her sea is welling up as it is, and not when she's filled with this seemingly endless feeling of emptiness.
Tired eyes trail across the ground as she tries to blink the tears away. "When will you let me leave... ?" Her voice is weak, hoarse from struggling, shouting, and screaming -- so much screaming -- in what was a futile resistance against the other, and there's an undeniably pained sound to it. "When... will you have had enough of this... ?"
Her actions confuse him. The way she laughs and smiles, walks and blinks, every gesture her hands make — it’s all unfamiliar. And he comes to believe that this is no act to match the costume. This is, truly and without any doubt, wrong. Wadanohara loves the deep blue sea, loves the people within it. She would never… suggest that red is true. For she knows what those meaningful words entail — they hold such weight that they’d make anyone worry, especially since they came from her.
But he prefers to trust in her. Maybe he’ll come to see why she’s thinking in such a way and they can talk it out. Because that’s what’s best. No fighting, just talking. Peace. Happiness. Serenity.
❝ Red is… Ahhh, Wadanohara, think of it this way. Red is a wonderful colour, for it’s beauty is truly incomparable to blue. But red alone is not good. Blue is a wondrous hue of it’s own as well. Red and blue coexist. Blue will always be the sea, and blue is… right. But that is to say, I don’t mean red is wrong, but more so that… that we should hear what those of red have to say. So blue and red can always be together. Alone… is not good. It’s rather sad and lonely that way, see? ❞ He explains carefully. He then holds both his hands out at equal level and smiles, hoping to reassure her as best as possible.
❝ One alone is not enough, you need both together. ❞
The way she acts in such fear shocks him enough to express it on his features. His eyes reflect his inner pain, for hurting or scaring any Wadanohara is simply out the question for him. He wishes to take her into his arms and assure her everything is fine, as he always does. But the way she moves away makes him hold his feelings back. He doesn’t want to cause her discomfort. He just wants her to be happy. If she’s happy, he’s happy. ❝ I apologize. Have I frightened you…? ❞
When she comes back, he’s clearly relieved — a smile coming back to his lips. Though he’s still feeling a swirling of emotions within, he’s just happy knowing she isn’t afraid. He doesn’t want her to ever fear him. He’d never lie to her, never hurt her. Because he loves her so much. ❝ Yes… ❞
❝ I very much agree. I, myself, will be happy to see him. ❞ He stands beside her — tall and regal, perhaps more of a “knight” than a “prince” but still at her side nonetheless. Perhaps this small adventure will provide him with answers to explain the witch’s behaviour. ❝ Let’s go! ❞
It's the same voice that she's come to trust above all; the same voice that painstakingly but patiently explained to her just why the sea should have been this way from the very start. He's speaking in that same gentle tone now, but the words aren't adding up. She can see it in his eyes -- those shining, blue eyes that are a betrayal of everything he's taught her -- that this isn't a joke of some sort. But how she wishes that it was, because what he's saying now is almost blasphemy. A 'wonderful color,' but nothing more than that?
That isn't right.
Red is the rightful color of the sea. Red is the color that everything was stained in on that fateful day when her world was turned upside-down. Red is the color that Sal himself instilled in her until it became a very part of her essence, her core.
There are so many things she wants to say, so many protests on the tip of her tongue, but they refuse to come out. Instead, she merely nods mutely as he continues to speak, knowing that the person before her is also trying his best to show her that what he believes is true.
(And, in a strange way, what he's saying makes sense.)
"Then... is that why you've become like this?" Raising a hand to gesture at him as a whole, her face is still guarded; but at the same time, the red witch seems to be considering his words carefully. "If you're blue, and I'm red, then... that makes it perfect, right? We can stay together, and nobody has to be alone. We'll be happy!" The earlier, strange look of cheerfulness has returned to her face as she nods -- because despite how she's technically speaking to him right now, she's also sorting out her own thoughts in the process. After a beat, she graces him with an easy smile. "That's what you're saying, isn't it? ... Sal."
At some point, she's begun to doubt that he's the same Sal that she knew before today. Something has changed about him -- something deeper than just the color of his eyes, or the choice of his attire. But at the same time, everything else about him from the familiar lilt of his voice to the tender expression on his face as he gazes at her are undeniably Sal's mannerisms.
Maybe that's why she gives up on thinking (she'll listen to him, like she always has; she'll leave it all up to him, she decides in that moment) and gives his hand a quick squeeze in her own. They'll go on this walk, hand in hand and side by side, and he'll explain more things to her like he did earlier until everything becomes clear.
"I'm alright!" And judging from her expression, it's almost believable. Any traces of her earlier hesitation have vanished as she swings their interlaced hands back together slightly, meeting his eyes with a light giggle. "Eheh. There's no way that I'd be scared of you, Sal. I was just... a bit confused earlier, that's all. But everything's alright now, I promise." They're all reassurances, the words pouring from her mouth -- but somehow, she feels as though she means them honestly. There will never be any lies between them, which is why she believes in him unconditionally. "Lead the way!"
He's her knight in shining armor, after all.
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She stares at the faces she once saw as friendly —and still would if not for the absence of blue— taking small steps back. Of course it’s only her luck that during these past few days only the villains have bothered to seek her out.
Turning away from the faces of Uomi’s former aide and their sea’s beloved witch, she prepares to collapse into the sand at her feet.
Ruby hues alight on the retreating form -- and after a brief pause, recognition hits. "Minero?" Her voice is soft as she steps forward, reaching out a single hand to stop the other from leaving. "Hey... it's Minero, isn't it? I've missed you! ♪ " She catches hold of the other female's sleeve, a strange smile playing across her features.
Minero probably didn't recognize her at first; which is understandable, since the red witch herself knows how much she must have changed in the eyes of her friend. Still, she doesn't want the copper-haired girl to go, not when it's been so long since they last spoke. "Is everything alright? You don't need to be so quick to leave."
It wounds him — the way she smiles. It isn’t genuine, it isn’t kind. It’s empty. It feels so wrong. Wadanohara always smiles with true feeling. She always shows how she feels on her face. Never does she ever mask how she feels. She’s honest, pure. And this… this just wasn’t her.
❝ Ah, yes… Samekichi and I are as close as can be. ❞ He says, recalling how, even through childhood, they were always at each other’s side. Partners in crime, equals, rivals — even after they met Wadanohara. Nothing could change their care for each other.
His ever present smile falters, lips turning down in a confused and worried frown. Red has never been and never should be the colour of the sea. ❝ No… the sea has always been and always will be blue. Red… does not suit the sea. Red is the evening sky that compliments the blue and sparkling sea. ❞
He wonders why she says such things, for blue has always been beautiful on her. Everything he gets her — dresses to trinkets — has always had some blue on it. Because blue is Wadanohara’s colour. ❝ I don’t… ever remember telling you such a thing. While I do believe you look cute like this, I think blue looks best… Ahh, I’m quite confused myself. ❞
But, after letting out a sigh, Syake smiles again and holds his hand out to Wadanohara. ❝ However, it’s best not to dwell on such things. Why don’t we go out for a walk? We can look for Samekichi together and then decide where to go from there. It’s always best to go with all three of us together! ❞
Every word that falls from his lips is a direct contradiction to what she's come to believe, and her discomfort at this is evident. Red optics watch the other in a manner that could almost be called wary (he's acting so strangely, and she has no idea what to make of it). The sincerity behind his words as he speaks of his brother is undeniable. Samekichi, the brother whose life he had only spared after Wadanohara had begged and pleaded with him so, so many times --
Stop. Don't. The thought is erased from her mind almost as soon as it takes shape, and the red witch shakes her head quickly to clear it, raising a hand to her temples. A light laugh escapes her lips as she forces a smile, deciding not to pursue that particular matter any further -- because there are other things she needs to make sense of, other things that aren't adding up.
There's a strange throbbing in her chest at the mention of a blue sea, and she takes a step back unconsciously, a murmured denial slipping out as she does so. "No, that isn't... " She can see it. She can see it so clearly in her mind, those familiar sapphire waves that she once treasured above all else and that she has longed to return to since the moment they vanished --
"That isn't the way it was meant to be. Red is the right way. Blue is... blue is wrong." The words tumble out as she shakes her head again, more forcefully this time. She doesn't know why Sal is saying these things all of a sudden, things that are only confusing her. After he'd done so much to show her the right way, the glorious madder hues with which the sea should have been dyed all along, why would he suddenly... ? "This isn't right. None of this is," she says suddenly. Two more steps take her further back and safely out of the other's reach, at least for the time being. He shoudn't be saying these kinds of things, especially not in such a carefree manner.
But she knows better than to deny him. Wadanohara's gaze is nervous, frightened even, as she stares at the outstretched hand for a moment.
(She has to take it. There's no way that she can refuse.)
One foot in front of the other, and she's back. Back and nodding her agreement to his suggestion -- such a lovely idea! -- as her mouth opens to reply. " -- Yes. Let's... let's do that, shall we?" Cue a smile and a cheery, albeit nervous, giggle to top it all off. She's fine. She's back in control. "I'm sure that he'll be glad to see us! Don't you agree... Sal? ♪ "
