Animus Mailbox #7079

[vermicompost]

Kariya Matou

Comments

Letter - first thing in the morning February 7th

[nonacquiescent]

Please fill this out to the best of your ability. If there is anything you would truly prefer not to state or do not know, there is no worry, but the survey is for the benefit of us all, and therefore it would be best if you were forthcoming. We do not mean these questions to be invasive in any way and have taken great pains in ensuring such. Should you wish to give more detail than what is asked, please do, anything would be greatly appreciated.
Only fill out the section which applies to you.
You may choose to reply in person to either Waver Velvet (room 1-16) or Lancer - Diarmuid Ua Duibhne(room 4-16), in either of our mailboxes or on the network post which has already been made.


Masters

Name: Western order please - given name, surname

Age:

Servant: No need to give their true name, just class

War: Simple, just the chronological number

Status: How far along the war was before you came to the tower, including your own status at the time. ie: had you lost your Servant, etc.

Current Status: Do you have specific goals in the tower, have you created a new contract, etc.

Other
1. Can you name the other Master and Servant groups from your war?
2. A rough timeline of events within your war.
3. How did you come to be a part of it? ie: how did you learn of it
4. Are you a magus?
5. Is there anyone among us you consider yourself to be at odds with?
6. Do you have any concerns or other notes you would like to address?



Servants

Class:

Master: Western order please - given name, surname

War: Simple, just the chronological number

Status: How far along the war was before you came to the tower, including your own status at the time. ie: had you lost your Master, etc.

Current Status: Do you have specific goals in the tower, have you created a new contract, etc.

Other
1. Can you name the other Master and Servant groups from your war?
2. A rough timeline of events within your war.
3. Is there anyone among us you consider yourself to be at odds with?
4. Do you have any concerns or other notes you would like to address?

Left a day or two after Kariya revives from his death...

[oathshackledbird]

[In Kariya's mailbox today sits a small note folded into the shape of a tulip. The outside 'petals' have actually been colored white since in the language of flowers white tulips are a request for forgiveness. Once unfolded, the letter reads as follows.]


I'm sorry... Are you doing okay now?

--Diarmuid

[vermicompost]

[The note that comes back isn't folded in any special way. It's written on Kariya's plain paper.]

Dear Diarmuid,

You don't have to apologize to me. What you did was a kindness, and I'm grateful. I would have suffered much longer if not for you.

I am feeling better now, thank you.

--Kariya.

[oathshackledbird]

[The note is just folded normally this time because even just seeing the words on paper has lifted a lot of guilt from Diarmuid's mind.]

I-I am glad to hear that. I don't know why, but I just needed to see/hear it from you. I would have check in sooner, but...

...Never mind. It's not important. I'm going to be spending some time to myself for a little while, but if you need anything at all, please let me know. I will be in my room or you can always send me another letter.

[No, there's no reason to worry the other man with news of his death. What good would it do?]

package ✉ february 11th

[angramaintsu]

[ It has been some time since they've last spoken and Rin herself really hasn't been in the best place mentally. She busies herself for a day and soon enough he'll find a package stuffed in his mailbox. In it is an assortment of herbs, spices, and primarily flowers from the meadow he spoke of dried out. Some kind of home made potpourri, of course. It's in a small knitted bag with bright green colors.

There's a note, of course: ]

I miss you too.

[ There's nothing to indicate it's from her however. Nope, too busy being paranoid. ]

left late on the 14th

[puppy_lancer]

[If Kariya's mailbox looks very, very odd, that's because it is. Someone had jammed an entire short orchid plant from floor 76 in there flower-first. Dirt from the uprooted plant had fallen on the floor around his mailbox. If the mailbox is opened, the flower will probably come tumbling out since it's barely being held inside by the door. Around its stem is wrapped a note.]

Happy Valentine's Day. You must miss Aoi. I ain't Aoi, but happy holidays.

given on the 25th

[puppy_lancer]

The photos are really beautiful.

Thanks, Kariya.

package ✉ march 2nd

[angramaintsu]

[ Rin's no expert photographer, nor does she know how to develop film herself. In his mailbox he'll find a camera with all of the film used up. Kind of worthless, isn't it? Should he be able to develop the photos himself though? He'll find within it several photos of different floors, dangerous ones primarily, but there are no monsters to be found. Only the beautiful atmosphere conjured by this place.

There's also a picture of her with what appears to be a partial smile. She tried, uncle. She really did. It isn't the best quality as it's self taken in a pool of water on one of the various floors, but it's still her face.

With it is a note with familiar writing: ]

The tower gave me a camera, but I really don't know what I'm doing with it. You should keep it as a spare.

argh, sorry, I didn't get notified for this!

[vermicompost]

[Kariya doesn't think it's useless at all, any of it.]

I developed the pictures. Thank you. I think you did a wonderful job. I'll treasure the pictures. Also the camera, but if you should ever want it back, you only have to ask me.

--Uncle Kariya

Late on the 7th

[no_longer_a_king]

[Kariya will find a large package of rabbit and chocobo meat, and even a few fish. There are also some vegetables and a packet of herbs she found in the wilderness levels she knows to be safe.]

Berserker should know how to cook this if you do not. There should be enough for both of you for a few days.

--Saber of White

[vermicompost]

Thank you for the food, Saber. It's much appreciated. You didn't have to do this. I'll ask Lancelot how to cook it. I'm not much of a cook, myself.

--Kariya

Delivered on the 8th

[oathshackledbird]

[A very large bundle will be in Kariya's mail today. Inside of it is a great deal of prepared food. All of the food is basic, but has been fixed in such a way that it will last without any kind of refrigeration. It is also obvious that whoever made it is keeping in mind that the person he is giving the food to is often ill and has a hard time keeping all but the most simple foods down.

There is a short note tucked into the bundle.]


I am more sorry than I can ever say.

--Diarmuid


(OOC: Shhhh.... He doesn't know everyone and their mother's is already leaving Kariya food...)

letter ✉ april 14

[angramaintsu]

[ Short, but to the point: ]

My Servant is missing.

If your's is as well, tell me.

-Rin

[vermicompost]

Lancelot is fine.

I've heard that others are missing, too. Is there anything I can do to help?

--Kariya

letter ✉ april 16

[angramaintsu]

No.

-Rin

[ A shame that she will always try to protect and downplay him. ]

Letter, May 30

[puppy_lancer]

Hey, Kariya.

This is Lancer. Just wanted to see how you were doing. And ask some questions that I'd like to keep private.

What do women from this modern era like? I'm talking about adult women your age or Aoi's age. And don't worry. This isn't for me. It's for Diarmuid. I want to help him with something.

[vermicompost]

[Kariya just stares at this letter for a while before formulating a reply. His face twists. His chest hurts.

Is Diarmuid going on a date with someone? He shouldn't feel upset about it. He knows Diarmuid doesn't like him that way. But still, he feels a hollowness in his stomach that he knows all too well. He remembers it from back home. He remembers swallowing back his sorrow and regret and forcing a smile. Is he going to have to go through that again?

At first, he's tempted to throw the letter away and not answer, but something--maybe a lack of self-respect or self-preservation--compels him to reply.]

Hello Lancer,

I'm fine. I'll be happy to answer your questions. Every woman likes something different. I'd have to know more about her.

Does Diarmuid like someone? [It's a stupid question, and he shouldn't ask it, but he's going to anyway.]

--Kariya

[puppy_lancer]

Well, her name is Claudia. She's an affiliate of the Church. She's a very nice woman. Very sweet. Pretty dignified and reserved too.

He doesn't like her yet. But he told me back in April that he wanted someone who he could love and truly loved him, with or without his curse. And I think he could come to like Claudia.

--Lancer

[vermicompost]

[Kariya looks at this new letter and heat washes over him. It's unfair.

He could love Diarmuid, he thinks, but of course, Diarmuid couldn't love him. Reading those words just drive the point home, and it's like a knife in his gut.

And Claudia... Why Claudia, of all people? Would she like Diarmuid? Well, of course she would. Who wouldn't like Diarmuid? But he'd thought Claudia-- He isn't sure what to think. He only knows that he feels that same sad hollowness when thinking of Claudia dating someone.

What does that mean?

For one thing, it means he doesn't like this at all. In response, he writes a terse note.]

Lancer,

I can't help you with your questions. I won't help. I don't want to hear anything else about this.

--Kariya

[puppy_lancer]

[He has to stare at the letter for a while. It almost didn't seem like something that Kariya would have written.]

Kariya? Is something wrong? Is someone peeping in your mailbox?

[Attached is Kariya's original letter.]

Is Rin playing a prank or something?

--Lancer

[vermicompost]

[He realizes by the time that he gets this letter back that he's being unfair to Lancer. It's not Lancer's fault. He's just trying to help his friend.

Since Lancer is his friend, he should be honest with him. It's hard to admit, but at least it's only in a letter. He doesn't have to tell him face to face, and if Lancer thinks it's strange, he doesn't have to deal with it.

It's better this way. He doesn't want to have to pretend, like he did with Aoi, to act like everything's fine and suffer inside.]

Lancer,

I'm sorry if I was rude before.

The truth is, I like Diarmuid. I don't want to hear about him dating someone else, and I don't want to help you, but I hope he'll be happy with whoever he loves. I know you're being a good friend.

--Kariya.

[And does he like Claudia, too? His heart beats faster. He does hate the thought of her with someone else. But how can he like two people? He's never liked anyone but Aoi. Is this something else the Tower is doing to him? It's confusing. Well, he'll keep the letter simple. Saying that he likes both of them might be too strange.]

[puppy_lancer]

[It takes him even longer reply this time. If only because he has a hard time processing this. Though, come to to think of it, it should have been obvious given Kariya's behavior at the party...]

Kariya,

I didn't know until now

So if this thing with Claudia doesn't work, do you want me to set you up with him?

--Lancer

[vermicompost]

[He's relieved when Lancer writes back. He hadn't been sure what he'd think.]

Lancer,

I know. I didn't tell you.

[To set Diarmuid up with him... Lancer would really do that? But it doesn't matter. Diarmuid doesn't like him that way.

He wishes Lancer would call off this date with Claudia, but he's not going to tell him to do that.]

I might like that, but I don't know if it's a good idea. I don't want to ruin our friendship.

--Kariya

[puppy_lancer]

Hey,

If anything goes wrong, tell him it was my idea. He's not gonna hate you because a date went bad.

[vermicompost]

I know. He's a kind person.

I don't know if he'd want to go on a date with me.

[He doesn't see what he has to offer someone like Diarmuid. But--even if Diarmuid doesn't like him, people can change their minds, can't they? No, it's foolish to think that way.

Even thinking about the prospect, Kariya feels nervous. He's spent a lot of time with Diarmuid, but a date is different. He's never really been on an official date before.]

[puppy_lancer]

You're a very nice person. And he's thought highly of you up to now. I think you could definitely be his type!

--Lancer

[vermicompost]

[Lancer, why are you so optimistic? Kariya can't join you in that. He just feels sad.]

I don't believe that's true. I'm not anyone's type.

[The notion seems laughable to him. Someone feels down on themselves.]

I'll be glad if he's happy, that's all.

[puppy_lancer]

And what about you? Even if he doesn't like you that way, would he be happy if he knew you were sad?

I'm happier when I know you're happy. And I'm just your friend.

--Lancer

[vermicompost]

I know he wants me to be happy, but that doesn't mean he wants to date me.

[Why does he feel like he's suddenly in high school again? Not that he ever had this much relationship drama in high school.]

Even if I'd like that, it doesn't matter, if he doesn't.

[Why is he even talking about dating Diarmuid? It's impossible. Ridiculous.]

Thank you, Lancer. I'm glad you're my friend.

letter

[puppy_lancer]

Hey, Kariya, I'm throwing that party on the meadow floor today. Make sure to come.

--Lancer

[vermicompost]

I'll be there. It's just an ordinary party, not for me and Claudia, right?

--Kariya

[puppy_lancer]

Pretty much.

Midsummer is a romantic time, after all.

Also, maybe you should give Claudia an invitation. I think she likes it better that way.

--Lancer

[looselips]

[Shinji still feels awkward and frustrated over their argument about Archer, but he stops by Kariya's room later, just as he said he would. He tries not to think about how he isn't sure what to say or do when he raises his hand and knocks on the door.]

[vermicompost]

[Kariya is sitting on his bed, resting his one remaining hand. He'd strained it with all that typing, which he belatedly realizes was a stupid thing to do...

...it's not that he can't see why people would call him stupid, but he doesn't appreciate it regardless.]

Come in.

[He's sitting here waiting for Shinji, but it could always be someone else.]

[looselips]

[Shinji opens the door a crack, peers into Kariya's room, and only then slips inside. Once he has shut the door behind himself, he doesn't come much closer.]

[...He still doesn't know what he should say to Kariya now, so he just folds his arms over his chest, his awkwardness apparent in his posture.]

[vermicompost]

Shinji. It's good to see you.

[Kariya feels awkward himself, but he truly is glad to see him. He gestures toward the end of the bed.]

Would you like to sit?

[looselips]

[Shinji's jaw clenches slightly as he follows Kariya's gesture with his eyes, and then he steps closer.]

...Yeah, I guess.

[For a moment, he stares at the foot of the bed when he reaches it. Then, he moves closer to Kariya, climbing up right beside him so that he can hug him instead.]

[With his face buried against Kariya's hoodie, he says:]

You're so stupid.

[He feels frustrated and guilty all at once, and he isn't sure what to do with that.]

[vermicompost]

[He's startled at Shinji's gesture at first, but it doesn't take him long to hug him back, tightly.

He isn't quite sure what to say. He's happy to be hugged, but being called stupid isn't his favorite thing, and he's already been called so a couple times today. Still, he isn't angry, and he can sense Shinji is angry with him.]

I'm sorry, Shinji.

[Maybe he's agreeing he's stupid, and maybe he isn't.]

[looselips]

I'll believe that when you stop acting like an idiot. [He grumbles, his aggravation clear in his voice.] But since I doubt that's going to happen any time soon, I have to make sure you don't get yourself killed in the meantime.

[...]

So, I'm not getting rid of Archer.

[And that's final!!]

[vermicompost]

I worry about people, and I want to protect them. I don't think that's acting like an idiot. I've only been killed twice...

[He pauses. It sounds bad, but for the Tower, it's a decent record.]

Lancelot takes good care of me. He can take care of you, too.

[He sighs, but he still doesn't get angry.]

I don't like it.

[looselips]

[For Shinji's part, he does a much poorer job of staying calm.]

Are you really that dense? I don't want to be taken care of! I know Lancelot can, but I don't want to just do nothing anymore!

I don't care if you don't like it! I like Archer, and he's already my Servant!

[vermicompost]

I know, but we all have to be taken care of sometimes here. You can still do things, I know you can. You can do a lot. You're very capable. But it's dangerous, for all of us. How is Archer taking care of you different from Lancelot doing it?

[He sighs again.]

But I understand. It's not as if I can stop you. I'm concerned, that's all. I don't mean to upset you.

[looselips]

Because it's a Servant that's mine. That's different than having to rely on someone else's. B— Besides, it's better if there are two Servants between us. If you don't want me to see you get hurt like that again, then just—just shut up and deal with it!

[So. So there!!]

package

[animusnpcs]

[A photo of Aoi, Rin, and himself. The poses are identical to the one already in his trunk, except Aoi and Rin are dead, torn to shreds and bleeding out; in the photo, there is blood around Kariya's mouth and on his fingertips.]

[All delivered on the 20th]

[sunflowerfairy]

[The next time Kariya looks in his mailbox, he'll find a flower crown, a picture, and a letter.]

Kariya!

I hope you and Lancelot are okay! Daddy and Jumbo came out, but the bad people hid them again. I'm sure we'll find them soon though! If you're ever sad, let Yotsuba know, okay? I'll give you a biiig hug!

From,

Yotsuba Koiwai!

[puppy_lancer]

Hey, Kariya. My nephew Ryoji's party is this weekend. Wanna come?

--Lancer

[myblueskies]

[this note is in lots of colourful crayons, in handwriting which is childish but neat.]

deer everyone

i am riting a book on all the heros of the tower so that no one gets forgotted. but i dont know everyone and i dont want anyone to be missed out

so if you would like to can you please say who you fink is the best hero you know and what makes them a hero

you can do more than one name if you want

please send yore answers to romeo

or to room number two on floor one

thank you

romeo

[There are pictures at the end of smiling faces]