feathering | 🪶 golden peacock

Hey

I wanted to ask you something. It's a little personal, though.

What is it you wish to ask?

I don't think anything could be too personal at this point, no?

Your cough

Are you sick?

[ Somehow, Joshua didn't think the personal question would be this. He finds himself a little unsure how to answer when he hasn't had to do anything like this before.

Everyone around him knew, after all. ]

I am, yes. Since I was a child.

( He doesn't know how old Joshua is, but being sick since he was a kid? That's a long time. Too long. )

That sounds miserable, if I'm being honest

Is it something medicine can help? Dunno how all that works with your Phoenix friend

I suppose. My mother hated it when I was out of doors because I would catch a cold easily and then be bedridden for a few days.

I didn't like to listen.

[ :' ) ]

I'm afraid not. At least, medicine cannot cure me of the illness, but it can make the symptoms rest for a short while.

It is rather funny, isn't it? To be the Phoenix, one who heals and never dies, and yet, be someone who is shackled to a weak body.

Can't say I blame you, honestly. I wasn't the best at staying put when I was little, either.

( Not that he had to worry about getting sick or anything.

But no cure with medicine... )

It's not a curse or something, right? If you have stuff like that where you're from.

( He's leaning on fantasy knowledge from 90s movies and TV shows. How accurate those are to where Joshua is from? He has no idea. )

It sounds like a pretty shitty deal to me.

It was always exciting being outside. I got to watch my brother work and train. It didn't seem fair to the soldiers if I was always indoors and not with them, either.

It is not a curse, no. Although it certainly seems like it, doesn't it?

It is the least of my worries.

[ By which he means he cares very little about what happens to him JAJDJAJF ]

I can only hope that my body lasts long enough to see my brother's mission to the end. And that means enduring everything in this realm, as well.

That makes sense. I'd want to be with my soldiers, too.

Yeah, I'd say so.

If that's the least of your worries, I'm scared to ask what your major worry is.

( SIGHS JOSHUA )

It will. We'll make sure you get through this place.

Then you are a commander? Or a prince, perhaps?

Being unable to fulfill my duty is a "major" worry.

[ Speech to text added the quotation marks there, likely because Joshua had to pause and decide whether or not he was going to use the same term. ]

That's very kind of you. It is not your responsibility however. I would rather you focus your efforts on yourself. Unless of course you do not wish to leave this place?

It would seem there are others who do not.

Me? Nothing like that. I'm just a cop, nothing special.

( Maybe?? He's not even sure what'll happen to him or his career as a cop when he goes back. )

What is your duty?

We're friends, right? Helping you is part of that for me. Besides, the way I see it, if I can figure out a way to get myself out of this place, we can do it for you, too.

I want to get home just like most of the rest of us. I just don't know what'll be left when I get back or what I'll go back to.

( Considering the city was about to be nuked and he was trying to escape before the Nest self-destructed... )

A cop? What sort of work do you do?

[ Pardon him as this isn't a term that exists in Ye Olden Times just yet... ]

To protect the people of Valisthea. More importantly, to ensure that it does not crumble to the Blight. The lands are dying where I am from, and it is my duty, alongside my brother to stop it from spreading further.

A way out of this place that isn't what the House has laid out, you mean?

There is that too, isn't it... It is difficult to think how my brother is feeling at this time, when I've just gone missing all of a sudden. Let alone Jote and everyone in the Hideaway...

[ That last part was mumbled to himself but his microphone caught it and added it to the text. ]

Edited 2024-10-30 01:31 (UTC)

A cop? I'm a police officer. I'm supposed to do law enforcement. Maybe they're called a sheriff or something like that, where you're from?

( What's the old timey wimey word for cop... They need a shared dictionary. )

Jesus, talk about having the world on your shoulders.

Yeah. Dunno about you, but I'm still not sure I can get behind this game 52 crap.

( ~~Nevermind their last encounter, he's not counting that in the game stuff.~~

He understands Joshua's concerns, though. Even if all he's got left to worry about back home is Claire and her escape. )

I don't have anyone left to miss me, but I still had things I needed to do.

Law enforcement... It would differ from territory to territory, although in Rosaria from which I hail, they are referred to as Shields. In other nations, they may be referred to as knights, or some other term.

It is a highly commendable post you've got for yourself. I wish you all the best and that you remain safe always.

I hope the threats in these gilded halls are nothing that you can't handle?

[ Does Joshua have high expectations of Leon now when it comes to combat? Maybe. ]

I do not blame you. It is still so ridiculous to me, yet... the game is interesting, wouldn't you say?

[ Boy has sex once or twice and now his thirst's been activated... 💦 While he isn't going to jump just anyone, he can at least admit to having enjoyed the experiences he's had so far. ]

I am sorry to hear that. It would seem you have a strong sense of duty yourself though. I think that is something to be proud of.

Knights? That might be a little much for cops these days.

But thanks. I can use all the best wishes I can get once I get back.

( Because, you know... Zombies. )

So far it hasn't been too bad. Dunno how much of a fight I could put up against some of the people here like werewolves, but this place hasn't thrown anything I can't handle at me yet. Let's hope it stays that way.

( Is he gonna be a pervert if he admits that he's enjoyed the couple times he's had sex here? Probably, maybe, but is that enough to stop him from what he's about to say? Nope. )

I won't say I've hated the few things I've done, if that's what you mean.

Proud? That's a first. I usually get the annoyed 'you don't know when to quit'.

I can't really think of any other way to compare the two... You need not fret though. I at least understand what it is you do.

It has been dangerous these past weeks, no? It's good to know that you can fend forr yourself.

In case you've yet to experience it, I would be careful around the statues. They can come to life for one reason or another and may try to take your life.

[ It's not being a pervert to admit you enjoy the experiences so far!! At least, Joshua doesn't think so? He at least finds some comfort in Leon that he can honestly say that much. . . which makes it a good thing! ]

It is what I mean, yes.

Are you told that by those you work with? I hope it is said by criminals instead.

It. You haven't died on me yet, so I hope that means you're doing alright out there, too.

Yeah, those sons of bitches
we've met.

( Needless to say, they're not happy memories.

But at least, Joshua's not judging him for his honesty. He can appreciate that much. He's one of the few people he'd consider a 'friend' here so far, and he's not looking to ruin that just yet, if he can help it. )

You haven't been dragged into anything weird with this whole game right, I hope.

( And he has to stop and think if he wants to answer that question. It... makes him think of Ada. Of the people he was supposed to be working with when everything went down. The last thing he wants to do is bother Joshua with any of that nonsense. But after a moment, he does finally manage: )

Lotta people through the years. Some friends, some not, all probably tired of my shit anyway.

( He's self-aware enough to know he isn't the easiest person to manage sometimes. )

I am the Phoenix. There is something to be said about the Phoenix, no? Or does that story not exist where you are from?

[ About how a phoenix doesn't die... IN ANY CASE, ]

Not that I recall. The "weirdest" instances were when there were doppelgängers about, but these were all taken care of already.

Something tells me there's more to this story than what you're telling me. Do you want to do that over a pint, perhaps?

[ Beer, ale, whatever. That's what he means! ]

In a couple books, yeah. Don't think I've read one where they look like you, though.

( He's picking up what Joshua is putting down, at any rate. )

Honestly? Can't say I was expecting crazy paint people to be walking around. I'm not sure if I should be worried about what'll come next in this place.

( But ah... story. Yeah. There's more to it alright. But being here, he won't deny that he feels like what he's been through? It's hardly anything compared to what other people have to deal with in their own worlds. )

I won't say no to a drink.

I should be flattered that there would be books covering my tales. I don't think they are of any excitement. I'm glad you've yet to see anything related to it.

Indeed. It really is best to be on guard.

That is perfect, then. Shall we schedule this?

[ Not that there is much to do in this place... Joshua is still very formal about things, regardless. ]

I think I can fit you in somewhere.

( He's joking. He doesn't do much these days. )

Is that sarcasm?

Tone is difficult to read. I would much rather hear your voice.

( Joshua's greeted with a laugh once Leon switches. )

It might have been.

I don't have much to do these days, so whenever you wanna go. I'm all yours.

Ah - here you are.

[ He'll take that as a "yes". Joshua is amused. ]

Then how does tomorrow night sound? I've resigned myself to a nice evening of reading, so I'm afraid a spontaneous night out isn't for me at this time.

Yeah, I can do tomorrow.

( There's a soft huff, and Joshua can't see it, but he's shaking his head. )

Good luck with that. I haven't much luck finding stuff that's not, well...

( A bunch of sex. )

I find staying indoors most times to be... well.

[ Hah, he was trying to poke fun at Leon's words trailing off there. Joshua thinks Leon would get what he's pertaining to, but that isn't the end of it. ]

Until, of course, things become a little bit challenging.

[ By which he means keeping to himself hasn't worked out in the long run. ]

( There's a short little chuckle at the response. Real comedian, this guy. )

This place makes it pretty hard to stay away from people. But I'm always here if you need me, you know.

( For whatever that entails. )

🪶 golden peacock - inbox.

un: lskennedy

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can he get joshua some medicine......

he can get medicine for joshua but the problem is, will joshua take it...

:c accept his medicines, sir

gotta make him take it mouth to mouth— I MEAN GSADHG

LIIIIISTEN....... I'd write it 😔

ngl me too

let's do it

rubs hands like fly 👀

pucker up, joshua!!!!

ok 😌

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text > voice

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