Video | Isekai Veteran Tips #1 (Blue Flash Quest)

[mayoninofukucho]

[CW: Death on Livestream (but he'll be OK!)]


[While Ellipsa has been good to the otherworlders so far, it's still been a rough adjustment for Hijikata, and for one reason only: Nobody got power-nerfed!! Back in Edo, Lunatia, and Camelot he was considered a fearsome powerhouse of a swordsman, but here in Nightwake City... not so much.

He decides, however, to not let this break his stride, all the less once he takes notice of the 'Blue Flash' quest. At first the situation doesn't really ring a bell, but some research brings up previous similar incidents that saw people disappear in the same area, and the few blurry photos of the mysterious blue lights make a lightbulb go on in his head. He knows what these are!!

And so, a few days later, a stream goes live on the network. Despite the late hour and the creepy location (why does the airship station have to be in between the border to the cold Winter Segment, the Abandoned Mansion, and the Great Tree of Death?!) he looks confident as his phone floats in front of him (he got better at levitating things recently, and this way he'll have his hands free!).]

This is Hijikata, reporting in from the Autumn Segment. Some of you may have seen the 'Blue Flash' quest on the quest board. I'm here to confirm what happened.

[He wanders towards the dark forest behind him, still talking into the phone.]

I'm a bit of a veteran at being sent to other worlds, so I'm familiar with some creatures most of you may not have encountered before. When I looked into the case I noticed that the "blue flashes" can really only be one thing: will'o'wisps.

[As if on cue a couple of pale blue, flame-like wisps come into view, playfully circling around each other, and he makes the phone float past him to properly capture them.]

They're harmless fae beings that lead lost people out of the forest... ideally. I have an inkling that these might be spectral will'o'wisps. They're the corrupted version, if you will, and can create illusions to lure people to their doom. That's probably what happened to the missing individuals.

[The two wisps suddenly chase away into the distance, truly looking like mere blurs in the darkness. Another one, though, floats out from between the trees, so Hijikata heads towards it while keeping on talking into the phone.]

I'll confirm what kind they are! Even if it does throw an illusion at me, I'll be fine. I've seen it all by now.

[In the background the wisp moves towards him... and then a much larger thing made of the same pale blue flames bursts out from between the bushes, comes at him like a massive cannonball, opens enormous flaming maws before Hijikata even manages to turn towards it, and-- there's a tumble of night sky, trees, and then darkness as the phone lands on its face on the ground. A few moments later there'll be some clatter as the wisp spits out his swords and the other non-organic stuff, and then silence.

He sure got to the bottom of this!]


1) Who Can Do This Better?

[Hijikata can't take any calls right now, but he'll respond to messages and comments in 3 day's (in-game) time... and since that's a long while to wait, please feel free to tag out! Maybe based on this super professional research some better-prepared teams can assemble (Hijikata won't want to join, thank you very much)!]

2) Summer Flower Yard

[Anyone who knows that Hijikata is a summer power holder and wants to either congratulate him on solving the case (really?!) or is simply curious to see if the Flower Yards work as designed can of course stop by there. A blue iris will have popped up in the yard, emitting a strong cigarette smell. It'll spend a while budding, but on the 3rd day it'll bloom!]

Comments

[corpsewarblade]

Huh-...Yeah, I am.

[A coldness came into her tone as she studied this person, an unspoken warning that she wouldn't hesitate if he proved himself a threat to her brother.]

...You're a friend of his?

[corpsewarblade]

Negative. I'm not engaging without more information. You both shouldn't either, it's done.

[Perhaps she sounded too harsh, as she often did. Unlike Shoto who was clearly distressed, she'd gone numb.]

...Three days at the Summer Flower yard? Right.

[mayoninofukucho]

[Her text message looks like a little letter... cute! Her nagging, though, is less cute.]

That's right, fire didn't help at all. My belongings were at the lost-and-found in the city.

[Apparently teleporting faeries gather anything left behind in the Segments and bring it there, which he finds really hard to believe!!]

Thanks for the offer, but I'm more of a coffee person.

[And, more importantly, she should save her government-allocated pocket money!]

Do keep safe.

[erschlagen]

[At first, Rosen was a bit hesitant to pick up since he was busy washing his hair. That is until he sees the name attached to this message. Suddenly the video turns on and there’s very damp old gentleman staring into the screen in shock. There’s rumors going around that people can be reincarnated and all but to see it first hand is still pretty wild, especially since Hijikata isn’t a fellow arkana.]

I’ll be damned! This was just some crazy little scheme of yours?

[He questions with an incredulous gleam within his green eye.]

Bullshit! There’s no way you knew you would come back! Absolutely impossible, you little shit!

[Excuse him as he rolls his eye. Rosen can’t believe just how SIMPLE this guy truly is. He’s about to go find him and smack him around a little.]

You bloody bastard! The only rematch you’re gonna get is my fist when you buy me a drink!

[itsmypower]

[He's had enough of being numb.]

If that's the case, then I'll go right now. [Barely listening... Restless youth with no stillness. But—] I'll just stay as long as it takes him.

[Three days, three weeks; no matter.] What about you two? [Worried.]

[rustyhonesty]

[Meanwhile Jean is upset, but he's the kind of person who can hide his feelings to try and take command of a situation. Much better than breaking down, but also not the healthiest ways of dealing with things.

Plus he's also pretty incapable of crying so that's out.]

Summer Segment is very warm, so at least bring sunscreen, enough fluids and something you can set up as a shelter for the time you're camping.

[He knows they're too stubborn to listen so he might as well try making sure they'll be fine.]

I'm not joining you. Better not overwhelm him the moment he wakes up.

[totallycalledit]

[Sun definitely can't blame her. He's just a stranger to her and anyone could have seen the network post.]

I like to think so? We've trained for quite a few times since coming here and we share memories of Prismatica.

[He does keep his hands and tail where she can see them as a sign of peace.]

I just wanted to see for myself that he really does have a flower.

[scattershot]

[No, no, himbo is good. We will absolutely take 'himbo' over 'hungry'... and all the more so over 'really, really into decorative topiary'.]

Nor can I fairly say he isn't Autumn. But the assumption that he isn't it does at least make it a little easier, to work out where to begin. If we have to double back, so be it.

Now... where on earth do I even find a coin in this place...?

[This would have been so much simpler if this place just used coins like normal places. What is she supposed to do now, throw the tomestone?

[Actually, it mayhap looks a little breakable for that.]

Oh, for the love of-- let's just start with Winter.

[mayoninofukucho]

[Oh... yeah, this is why one shouldn't just call people out of the blue!! But then again Rosen could have called him back later! Hijikata grins as he chews him out. Being called a little shit is new to him; usually he is the one who has to deal with those!]

Sure I knew I'd come back. Another guy told me not long after we all got here, when I visited one of the Flower Yards.

[And Hijikata found that questionable and dubious, but details!]

Shouldn't you buy me a drink? After all it's my re-birthday.

[Something about Rosen seems to bring out his rarely seen cheeky side. Maybe it's his refreshing energy and frankness.]

[erschlagen]

[At least Hijikata can't tell he's naked from the neck down. That's a plus, right? Besides, Rosen would've been angry at himself for missing the man's call. After all, Hijikata is officially one of his newest comrades.]

Someone else told you about that? Really?

[Forgive him if he looks a bit skeptical. Then again, he does remember there being some strange anonymous post a few days ago regarding such a topic. The poster there was asking for someone to join their...bizarre experiment.]

You better not be planning on killing yourself a second time! Spitting in Death's face will only summon the Morrigan upon ya.

[He lets out a huff about footing the drinking bill. While he needs to be careful with his earnings, Rosen simply can’t say “No” at the chance of hitting the local bar with Hijikata. He wonders if this guy can hold his liquor.]

Yeah, yeah! I guess I COULD be nice to you and get you a few shots of whisky. I mean, I GUESS I could.

[Ignore him. He's totally going to buy him a drink.]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Oh, he's seen tons of naked men. The Shinsengumi is an all-male organisation with a shared bath, so he doesn't really bat an eye anymore. But as it is he really can't tell!

He keeps grinning his way through Rosen's admonishments (he definitely won't get himself killed a second time if he can help it!) and pseudo-huffiness over the drinks.]

Have you already found a good pub around here? We can meet up there.

[Despite his fondness for sake he actually hasn't gone drinking since he arrived on Ellipsa... probably because he had no one to go with. Way too many of his friends are teenagers!]

[gentledawn]

[He is transfixed by the sight, his lips parting in wonder as the flower...opens. Hijikata will find his fall somewhat cushioned by Xingchen - he won't let his friend hit the ground directly, at least. His arms stay around him even when he is clearly in one piece.]

I believe...you died.

[His voice shakes, anxious, and he makes himself let go, reaching for the basket.]

This is where we go when we are...reborn. I heard about the flower-field and I saw your transmission. I didn't want you to wake alone.

[erschlagen]

Oh, how did you I was looking~? [Hear that dramatic gasp? It's all just a silly act.] There's a pub not too far away from my humble den.

I have no idea where the hell you are, so you're coming here.

[He marks "here" on the little map feature. It's a miracle Rosen knows how to do that since he honestly isn't good with technology. Nevertheless, this little bar is none other than a popular bar lounge in Nightwake City proper. It's a place Rosen visited before and the backdrop of most of his shenanigans as of late, including his blood feud with fellow bard, Venti. It's a nice spot and Rosen is on the first name basis with the cyborg bartender there.]

Try not to expire before trying the whisky.

[And he’s off to dry his hair and find something decent to wear.]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Okay, being caught and momentarily held feels nice (especially due to the brief energy flow between them). Looking at Xingchen, though, makes Hijikata feel guilty immediately. He's shaken up! This is his fault! Hearing the reason he came here gives him a pang of deeply felt gratitude. This man is seriously too good for this world.]

I hope you didn't wait for long.

[Please say you didn't camp out here for 3 days, Xingchen!]

I'm... I'm sorry for the trouble.

[He just wanted to prove himself among all these immortal or ancient, superpowered or super knowledgeable people, but instead he charged into danger recklessly and stupidly, like a total beginner, and stressed out his friend!]

[scattershot]

That is probably the wisest course for now.

We really could have benefited from some more concrete information before we were sent haring off after the things. Whatever guildsman took the initial report could have done with being considerably more thorough in their questioning. It wasn't until I was well on the way myself I realized they had neglected to ask the petitioner what their friend looked like.

[mayoninofukucho]

[If only Hijikata knew that Rosen took up a drinking challenge with Venti... back on Avalon he saw that tiny bard put away unbelievable amounts of beer (and honestly, that was about the only thing that convinced him that he's actually an adult, because alcohol there was enchanted to turn into juice if drunken by the underage).

He snorts at that last remark. As if he died all the time!! It only happened this once! (We don't talk about how he also got himself killed on Prismatica a mere month before the final battle and purification of the planet.)]

I'll see you there!

[Clearly Rosen isn't going to wait around, so he likewise sets out to the bar right away. Honestly, he's really looking forward to drinking with a fellow warrior.]

[gentledawn]

[No, he just...can't resist helping. Without Hijikata, this world would still be overwhelmingly confusing to him. He considers the other man a friend and Xingchen won't let a friend suffer if he can help it. He is only sorry he couldn't prevent Hijikata's death.]

It wasn't too long.

[Just a few days!]

You're not trouble. How do you feel? [He opens the basket and offers Hijikata a water bottle (they are so convenient!) and some food.] Are you completely healed?

[mayoninofukucho]

[He takes the offered provisions and drinks and eats, though he isn't feeling extremely parched or hungry. It's always hot in the Summer Segment, even this (relatively) close to the city, so they should stay hydrated and energised as much as they can.]

Yeah, I think so. I'm not in pain or anything.

[He moves his limbs a little, just to be sure, but everything really seems to be in good order.]

We should head home. I don't think there's anything left to do here.

[He looks at the tall blue flower once more... it's a surreal sight, all the more because it's the only one around. He'll try to not think about that too much right now.]

[erschlagen]

[For better or for worse, Rosen lives right near the bar in question. So by the time Hijikata arrives, Rosen is already leaning against a nearby lamppost smoking a cigarette. He dressed rather casually unlike during their battle at the colosseum. He has a black blazer on, a pair of matching slacks and black pointed-toe boots. Surprisingly, he’s shirtless. It’s a common trend as of late since Rosen seems to be the type to show off the goods. Nevertheless, he looks rather different outside of his usual battle outfit, especially with his hair down.]

Took you long enough to find your way!

[He greets Hijikata with his trademark grin before taking another pull on his cig. The possibility of lung cancer isn’t much of a threat for an immortal like him. That’s why he can haphazardly smoke to his heart’s desire. It’s still a terrible habit to have but for some reason, he doubts Hijikata will mind.]

I was worried you already expired again like spoiled milk.

[mayoninofukucho]

[Rosen sure is dressed for night out, meanwhile Hijikata is in his uniform from home again. It makes him feel grounded, so since his arrival he simply bought a few close matches in terms of black slacks and white shirts to swap around under the vest and jacket. He's already smoking too, otherwise the sight of Rosen's cigarette would make him want to light up immediately.]

Give me a break! I told you already, it was a secret mission to check out the local underworld!

[With Rosen's white hair cascading down freely he looks even more otherworldly, but Hijikata is ready to drink with him like with any mortal man.]

So this is the place, huh? What drink would you recommend we start with?

[erschlagen]

[It seems the two of them are addicted to nicotine. That’s a good thing since Rosen plans on smoking for most of the night. The bar they’re going to has an old world speakeasy vibe about them rather than the strange ass techno-shit everywhere else has. It’s a nice little den for the two of them, the perfect place for two mad lads to kick back and relax without the fear of bumping into any overzealous pricks. Besides, Hijikata definitely needs a nice and relaxing evening.]

I would recommend the whisky but that’s just my addiction talking.

[He states before leading Hijikata inside. The ornate interior looks like something out of an old school noir flick. The furniture here is high quality black leather with a hint of red. It’s a nice place but definitely a bit fancier than some of the other bars and lounges nearby. Thankfully, the drinks here aren’t too overpriced. Not that Hijikata needs to worry about that since Rosen plans on buying all the drinks.]

However, the cognac here is damn good.

[Rosen gestures for Hijikata to take a seat at the bar alongside him. There’s a couple of patrons lingering there but they don’t seem to mind or notice the two newcomers. Everyone pretty much keeps to themselves outside of the latest gossip. It’s a speakeasy, so people are going to keep it easy.]

What’s your poison of choice, eh? Want to try the cognac with me?

[corpsewarblade]

[Oh, that sounded familiar. Prismatica... Prismatica... oh, that was the name of the world Hijikata had been in before Avalon, wasn't it? And that was enough to get her to lower her guard a little. If he knew about that, that gave credit to his story.]

...He mentioned Prismatica before, when we were in Avalon.

[She turned her glance back to the flower, then.]

It's definitely his. It's got the smell of his cigarettes.

[corpsewarblade]

...Right, I'll pick up shelter supplies and sunscreen. Shoto, could you bring water and rations? I'll be there soon.

[She appreciated Jean's advice. She'd be glad for Shoto's company whilst camping out as well.]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata has gotten to used to all kinds of establishments, from Edo's izakayas over Lunatia's neon bars to Camelot's cosy creaky pubs, but he still prefers the more homely establishments over the sleek postmodern kind. Rosen's choice is posh but not cold in atmosphere, so he's happy - he wants to get to know his taste in things anyway; he's an interesting guy.]

Yeah, let's go with the cognac.

[Now that he's here at the bar he feels downright parched for some alcohol. He takes off his jacket as they get situated, clearly intending to get comfortable for a long evening.]

How's it been going for you over the last days? Did you get to battle any more people, or are they all out questing?

[Hopefully someone else dies soon so he isn't the only one-- wait, this is a very law-and-orderly thing to wish for.]

Apologies, I missed the notification!

[mayoninofukucho]

Now that you mention it that person really half-assed the quest description.

[In fairness, he simply would have assumed the first ragged-looking person he encountered out there to be the abductee, after all there aren't many people in the Seasonal Segments.]

Did you end up abandoning your quest?

[It's a far way to go out there, so that'd be a pain... but still better than for her to go all the way and end up in danger.]