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

[mayoninofukucho]

I'd like to spar with you one of these days. I wonder if our fighting styles are compatible enough.

[He imagines that they use vastly different techniques, but ultimately a sword is a sword... right? He doesn't address the worry he must have caused his loved ones here on Ellipsa - hell, he already worried Xingchen alone so much! -, but he shifts in his seat a little. Yeah, he isn't looking forward to the upset and probably angry messages, but he's got to face the music.]

[gentledawn]

We won't know unless we try. [Xingchen senses a dip in his friend's mood and he rests a hand on the other man's shoulder.] Worry is born from care. There might be anger too, but that too is born from care.

[mayoninofukucho]

[He can't hide anything from Xingchen, can he? He sighs, but it's a gentle sigh, accompanied by a tiny smile.]

You always know just what to say. It'll be fine, I know.

[He puts a hand on Xingchen's, appreciative of his continuous support.]

If any of my friends who should know better got themselves killed I'd chew them out, too.

[gentledawn]

[Emotions are something he is very sensitive to. His desire to help isn't always logical, however.]

It will. You'll find your way.

[Xingchen squeezes Hijikata's hand softly.]

As they deserve! They should know their lives are important.

[mayoninofukucho]

[Once more Hijikata is grateful for Xingchen's presence. Who could ask for better emotional support? When the car eventually stops near their apartment complex he offers him a hand to help him out of his seat. As they stand there for a moment he rubs the back of his own head, suddenly at a loss for words to express his feelings.]

Thanks, Xingchen... for waiting for me, bringing food and water, and... well! For everything. I have no idea how long I'll be kept up telling everyone else that I'm back from the dead, but can I come over for a meal when I'm done at some point tomorrow? I'll give you a heads-up!

[He really just wants to spend some more time with him, just sit together, enjoy even the pauses in their conversation. Everything feels so serene with Xingchen, it never fails to put him at ease.]

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen slips out of the car with Hijikata's help. He keeps holding onto his friend's hand for perhaps a little too long. The truth is, Xingchen likes contact; it warms him and makes him feel...alive.]

You don't have to thank me. I have a feeling you would have done the same for me.

[He smiles shyly and bows, grateful for...so much!]

I would love to see you again. I remember your love of mayo.

[Xiao Xingchen just said mayo. Be proud, Hijikata.]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata doesn't mind some extra hand-holding either, not when it's with Xingchen. Xingchen never makes him feel embarrassed or insecure, after all. And the energy transfer that comes with it is a certain bonus!

Hearing him say mayo visibly delights him. How cute is this?!]

I'll look forward to tomorrow, then. The prospect will give me strength for answering any messages! As for doing the same for you... I hope you'll manage to avoid ending up in the Flower Yard.

[He wonders what kind of flower would sprout up for Xingchen, but not so much that he actually wants to find out!]

[gentledawn]

[The energy transfer helps warm him and settle his stomach. Then he tries his best to recall his friend's favorite...condiment? Him saying mayo does sound silly to his ears too and he flushes.]

I have no desire to be a flower. [He chuckles and gives his friend a softer look.] Don't be afraid to face your friends. I believe they will be more relieved than upset.

[A moonflower.]

[mayoninofukucho]

[A moonflower... of course. That is too suitable.]

I'll take your word for it!

[He'll bring Xingchen to his apartment, and then he'll sit down in his own and start trawling through all the text-, voice-, and video messages from people worrying for him, chiding or reprimanding him. The most important welcome back, though, was the one he received in person.]

[gentledawn]

Good luck, my friend. [Xingchen gives him a warm parting smile before he settles into his apartment again. A bath would be really good, so that's where he heads first. Though he never stops thinking about his poor friend facing his scared and frustrated friends.]