[pcs] mizuki

[ritualization]

(i don't have a shitpost yet we'll add that later)

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week 1, friday

[ritualization]

[hanging around the courtyard squad... ishikirimaru has been near the coffin in either meditation or prayer, though it's difficult to say which when he's been silent the entire time. once he's finished, though, he stays a bit longer--

and instead of leaving right away, he joins mizuki at the foot of one of the statues, giving them a slight nod of acknowledgment.]

Looking for anything in particular?

[digestif]

Ishikirimaru-san. Good afternoon.

[ they nod at him, offering a polite smile. ]

I'm looking for a clue. One of us did that to her.

[ritualization]

You get to work quickly, don't you, Mizuki-san.

[he doesn't sound disapproving, though, just-- noting that more than anything. ishi certainly can't fault them for it.]

And have you come across any so far?

w2, friday

[ritualization]

[after taking a little time to complete those prayers, ishikirimaru makes his way to the parlor-- it was this or the armory, honestly, but the latter doesn't seem as much mizuki's style, and he prefers not to have an audience if he's going to go and hit something very hard for a while.

so. he takes a seat silently, glancing up to them after a few moments.]

-I hope I didn't keep you waiting long.

[digestif]

[ if they go to the armory, the chances of running into an angry sasuke with knives are much higher, so Mizuki does indeed prefer the parlor. ]

No, it's fine. I actually found some things out, so it might have been for the best.

[ they take a seat across from him, pushing a few locks of hair behind one ear. ]

How are you holding up?

[ritualization]

... I will be fine. It was simply more than expected.

[what is talking about your feelings, he does not know it. ishi is quick enough to move on.]

What were you able to find out, if you don't mind sharing?

w3, thursday

[ritualization]

[so probably at some point after the whole group meeting thing happens, ishikirimaru goes to track down mizuki and pull them aside, wherever they happen to be.]

Mizuki-san. Do you have a moment? I'd like to ask about your plans for the night, if you don't mind.

[we're out here tracking people down and hoping they're not all spread the heck out, tbh.]

[digestif]

[ they're in their usual spot!! AKA the parlor. Their little sleeping spot in the booth is even all decked out with new blankets taken from the east wing, so now it's super comfy (?). Not that they're in it right now. They wave at him, then laugh gently under their breath at his question. ]

You're such a gentleman. [ if anyone else asked them that question, they'd think twice, but Ishikirimaru is a pure-hearted man (sword.) ] I don't have any, actually.

[ritualization]

[IT'S MY TURN TO GO 'I DIDN'T EVEN THINK ABOUT THAT'. lord.

ishi's just going to go ahead and take a seat, then, giving them a small smile in response.]

I'm glad you think so. [he is definitely a gentleman, thank you.] Ah, but I only meant to check whether you were sleeping here; I take it that answers my question.

[a gesture at the blankets in the booth, there.]

Though if you have no plans before then, I have no other pressing business. I'm already aware of the others I am trying to keep an eye on.

w3 saturday clusterfuck

[ritualization]

[when ishi shows up in the parlor, he is just

slumping into a seat with his tea, holding the cup with both hands while it's still warm. he is cold and he is exhausted and mizuki is basically the only person here he will allow to see him pretending a little less that he's not just tired in his damn soul.]

Is this truly going to get worse every time, Mizuki-san?

[digestif]

Hahaha. I don't think you want me to answer that.

[ they can't help chuckling a little over his miserable appearance, even if they're feeling tired and antsy all at the same time, themself - he usually has such a dignified carriage. ]

I've never seen such a sad, droopy Ishi-san. Are you going to be okay? I can lend you a blanket.

[ they'd offer their jacket but it definitely would not fit ]

[ritualization]

I will be all right. I'm not as cold as Nito or Shishimaru, at least.

[he has one blanket still draped around his shoulders, that should do for now-- but he still shivers slightly, as if the chill is determined to prove him wrong.]

Mm, but you may be right. I am not sure I truly want to consider how it would look, for things to be worse next time.

w4, tuesday

[ritualization]

[parlor time again... ishikirimaru is already here with a drink (though it doesn't look alcoholic), apparently waiting for mizuki to make their way back here; when they arrive, he gestures for them to join him.]

Mizuki-san. How has the week been, so far?

[he looks a bit tired, like maybe he hasn't slept much, but otherwise sounds pretty okay.]

[digestif]

Oh, Ishi-san! Hi there.

[ Mizuki seems to be in a pretty good mood, in spite of everything; they offer him a wave, and note that he... does not seem as perky. A faint look of concern crosses their face. ]

All things considered, it's been all right. I wish some people had defected to Beauty-kun's side, but... well, maybe it's better this way. [ considering the killer is hiding with the defectors, apparently. ] Are you okay? You look exhausted.

[ritualization]

Mm, I'll be fine. Just several things on my mind-- I will be better once I've finished making preparations for this week.

[that, and piety being at one... local sword is Stressed.

but he waves a hand, shrugging it off.]

Right now, I am trying to keep my mind off of all that.

[and with a hum of consideration, he adds:]

I actually meant to ask you something related to that, if it isn't a bad time.

w5, monday

[ritualization]

Mizuki-san-!

[whenever he spots them, ishikirimaru calls out with a wave of his good hand and a bright smile-- he's out and around the west wing, looking... perfectly fine, actually. his left arm is just in a sling now, he has no difficulty moving, and he's even updated his outfit to something that looks a little less Old, though he's still wearing gloves.]

Good afternoon. Have you already finished looking around, here?

[digestif]

[ the west wing is the place to be for sure. Mizuki's enjoying a little taste of the countryside; there's less and less of it in their time period, and they only see a fraction of it, besides, seeing as their job ties them to the big city. They wave back, meeting his smile easily. ]

Ishi-san! You fit right in! [ even with his slightly-updated wardrobe. They notice that - and that he's not limping. ] You look a lot better. I'm guessing the gods were merciful?

[ritualization]

So they were. I am glad to see you seem to be enjoying it here, as well.

[he hums pleasantly, gesturing for them to join him, offering out his good hand-- before he quickly realizes that no, maybe he shouldn't, and lets it drop back to his side a little awkwardly.]

Shall, ah. Shall we take a tour of the area? If you have yet to see the shrine, I've found it very comfortable to spend time in.

w5, saturday

[ritualization]

[it's probably no surprise that he goes looking for mizuki, wherever they may be. he still looks awful, but there is definitely a quiet focus about him, even if his usual soft aura is much thinner than it usually is.]

Mizuki-san. I need to know something-- how many people do you know to be followers of Ambition?

[digestif]

[ such a direct question. Mizuki blinks at him. ]

... None for certain. It's unfortunate, but not many people have shared their gods with me... I have a feeling I know someone who is, though. [ a beat. ] Why? Did something happen?

[ritualization]

I know Merriment and Sincerity must be innocent. Nonon-san's item said that Cunning or Justice was innocent; Cunning was guilty, so Justice should be clear. That leaves Ambition. Ray-kun's killer is with her, at least until tomorrow... and I only know three of five.

[he exhales a heavy sigh, there, rubbing at his face with his good hand.]

They will likely move to someone else, unless they are too confident. I still need to press the two I already have had some contact with, but if the other two can be identified before they defect... then I will know this person is among those five.

w6, friday

[ritualization]

[sometime later in the day, ishi's coming to find them, though he looks a little uncertain when he lays eyes on them-- and speaking of eyes, he's wearing a pair of what look like they might be reading glasses.]

Mizuki-san?

[the hair isn't easy to mistake for anyone else, at least, so he feels fairly confident in this.]

If you have a moment-- we need to speak.

[digestif]

[ that's hard not to notice. And, much like me OOCly, Mizuki's first reaction is "what did he do this time?"

Considering who died, they'd intended to speak with him, anyway. It's a little bit too coincidental for their liking. ]

Of course. [ they give him a dubious look. ] ... Did you get a new prescription, Ishikirimaru-san?

w7, friday

[ritualization]

[ishi is a little tired? he's kind of tired when he comes to find mizuki, but he's holding up.]

Mizuki-san. We finally managed it, didn't we?

[he manages a smile, there, before exhaling a long sigh.]

I meant to find you earlier, but I had... a situation to deal with.

[digestif]

Mm. Somehow... If only people could have managed this from the first week.

[ then they wouldn't have had this string of revenge murders - but there's nothing to be done. Mizuki doesn't look terribly stressed; they have their usual friendly smile on for him, though there's a shadow of something sadder on their face once in a while. ]

I'm glad you made it, Ishi-san. What "situation?"