View source for 2561/I'M FREE! FREE I SAY!

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/03/10
|Location=Mitakihara/Pikarigaoka - King Penguin Park
|Synopsis=Kukai and Nades find out about the Twin card. SURELY IT'LL BE GOOD NEWS, RIGHT?!
|Cast of Characters=41,141,134
|pretty=yes
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{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:41|Sakura Kinomoto| (41)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sakura Kinomoto was FREE! Finally, after so many months, she was finally free to go whereever she pleased. Running, walking, jogging. Sure, she was technically supposed to have a cane, but she was already roller blading through the park, so happy to be all better. Her dad was, of course, confused that she had recovered so fast. But was certainly happy for her.<br /><br /> She'd called Nades and Kukai to meet with her, since she said she might have a lead on the clowns. But she wanted Kukai's friend to be there(she may have accidentally said mom once during it). Namely because Kukai... well... she seemed a bit more scared of him lately. In a way only a child could be. Afraid to look him in the eye, shuffling around a bit when he came around, trying to inch away often...

:'''{{#var:141|Kukai Souma| (141)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kukai had been holed up for a day or two after his change back from being Norie, but today he was free as well! It's been an extended period of doing all the good things in life and trying to blast the last vestiges of the darkness out of his brain (even if he can't help but remember some of the worst bits of it) and so today Kukai was a little worn out, but in a happy sort of exhausted. <br /><br /> When Sakura had called and said she'd had a lead on the clowns, it was like a double dose of awesome. Kukai had practically dragged Nades out to the park, since Nagi was incommunicado again. Sakura calling Nades his mom was a bit weird, though but after a minute he realized what she meant, what with her name being the same as Sakura's mom's name. And he'd suggested to Nades to give the little girl a great big hug when she first met her. That should help. <br /><br /> The bit about being nervous and afraid around him didn't really parse over the phone though. So when they got into eyesight Kukai was a little confused. "...Sakura! Hey!"

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nagihiko is actually sleeping for once. It's a rare occurance lately, so maybe he'll get away with it!<br /><br />Nadeshiko, however, is happy to go along with Kukai. She's not exactly optimistic about the clowns, and has said as much, but she gets to be with Kukai which makes it worth it. And she's said as much.<br /><br />And when they reahc the park, she shrugs and gives Sakura a great big hug.<br /><br />And, well, she's not ''under'' dressed, but she's borderline so. Because if this is good news, it may be the last time or one of that she's able to wear shorts this short.

:'''{{#var:41|Sakura Kinomoto| (41)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sakura Kinomoto blined a few times when she saw the woman. Then yelped when she was hugged. But, well, Sakura. So within instants she was hugging back in the way only she could. That soft, eyes closed, arms tight around the person like she'd never, ever let go, even rubbing her face in her stomach a little. <br /><br /> However, when done... she... kepts Nades between her and Kukai. That... was new. "So... I... I talked with Kero-chan. And he has an idea what might be responsible for... well... all of this," she said sheepishly. Her eyes lowered, trying not to look him in the eye. "He says it's called the Twin card. Ummmm.... and there's good news and bad news." <br /><br /> She took a deep breath. "He says... the card shouldn't have done what it did. Frankly... it..." she chewed on her lower lip. "He said that... well... it..." She opened her mouth, closed it. "The twin card makes doubles. That's it. When it gets captured, the... twins disappear. As in... are gone."

:'''{{#var:141|Kukai Souma| (141)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kukai grins as Sakura snuggles into Nadeshiko, knowing he'd made the right call. She looked good - much less exhausted, too. And then she shifts, hiding behind Nades ... from him? Uh. Kukai blinks at her for a moment before realizing that she probably still thought he was bitchy Kukai-N or something. <br /><br /> She spoke, though, talking about the Twin card and the good news and bad news. There's a deep breath, and Kukai's brow furrows. Shouldn't have done what it did? What? And then the hammer falls. Kukai inadvertently looks at Nadeshiko after Sakura finishes talking. "....Disappear? ...Like gone, gone? What happens to their memories and things? What..." There's a chill going through him.

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The hug is sweet. Nadeshiko holds on for as long as Sakura does. Because, well, she likes hugs.<br /><br />But then the news-bomb is dropped. Nadeshiko blinks as well. Several times. "I'm sorry, excuse me. Are you basically telling me I'm gonna die?" She turns and looks at Kukai. "This doesn't exactly appeal to me."<br /><br />She turns back to Sakura. "What happens if I don't ''want'' to? I could basically just stay like this forever, right? If basically all of me just dissapears anyway, no change for Nagihiko."

:'''{{#var:41|Sakura Kinomoto| (41)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sakura Kinomoto shuffled. "Err... well. Ummmm..." She looked away. "I... don't... know. KEro-chan doesn't, either. He's only ever seen it make duplicates. I mean, there's a chance it wasn't even the twin card! He said like... well, they're two yellow clowns that move in unison, with pointy haits and sleeves. Does that describe them?" she asked, hopeful.<br /><br /> Once it was confirmed... she cringed. "Oh. I... ummmm..." She lowered her eyes. "He said he doesn't know what happens. It's possible you might go back to being... yourself. Maybe. Or... you might... the duplicate might... disappear. For good. He just doesn't... know. And he says the moment the card is... captured, the magic they did will end too." <br /><br /> She moved back a little more behind nades, away from kukai. "And... I asked if we could not capture them. He said if the cards aren't all eventually captured... it could be dangerous for the whole world, not just Tokyo..." she mumbled.

:'''{{#var:141|Kukai Souma| (141)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kukai winces and then reaches out, putting a hand gently on Sakura's shoulder, then looks over to Nadeshiko. "That's every description of them I've heard so far." His other arm goes around Nadeshiko, hugging her tighter to him and staring at Sakura. "Me either, angel..." He frowns at Sakura and then shakes his head. "That... look, that isn't good enough. Doesn't anybody know what the effect of these ...Twins.. are?" <br /><br /> Kukai nods. "Yeah. I mean... couldn't we put off the capture for a while? And if she vanishes, that doesn't help Nagihiko any, either. That can't be right." He looks back at Nadeshiko, then at Sakura. "...So you have to capture them. As fast as possible." One hand on Nadeshiko's back grips harder, holding her against him, the other one stroking Sakura's shoulder gently.

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nadeshiko thinks back and nods. "Yep. Creepy stereotypical twin behavior. Creepy clowns. Sounds like them."<br /><br />She's nestled against Kukai's side and perhaps the only outward indication that she's more scared than she's letting on is how tightly she's gripping the back of his shirt. After all, she's the mask.<br /><br />Which is clearly evident by her almost bored expression. "Look. Nagihiko's pretty much a wreck without me. If we can't figure out a way to sort of mush us back together so he has at least a miniscule chance of normalcy, I may just bill you for the therapy he's going to need."<br /><br />She leans up and whispers in Kukai's ear, very brief, before she returns her focus on Sakura again.

:'''{{#var:41|Sakura Kinomoto| (41)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sakura Kinomoto gulped. "I... I don't think that'll happen, though!" she said quickly. "I-I know the cards! I've felt them! None of them are mean or cruel! They're a bit playful, but they'd never, ever try to actually hurt anyone! or... or destroy them! I'm sure that once this is over, they'll just... put her back together. Probably. I don't see why they wouldn't. They..." She poked her hands together. "I'm sure they're not bad. So... everything will definitely be alright!" she said proudly. <br /><br /> ... But she couldn't promise it, could she?

:'''{{#var:141|Kukai Souma| (141)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kukai leans over and kisses Nadeshiko's forehead, trying to reassure her. She's not going to die, right? Right. Right... The front of his shirt is pretty tight against his chest at this point, though. <br /><br /> Kukai nods. "Yeah. If she just vanishes away you may be killing two people, her and Nagihiko. And..." He eyes Nadeshiko for a second. "...mush you back together?" <br /><br /> He arches an eyebrow at Sakura for a minute. "...Sorry, Sakura, but you haven't had an up close and personal with the Change card recently. I don't think the wild versions of the cards are exactly as sweet and light hearted as you think they are. And..." He sighs and shakes his head. "Not bad is not the same as good. I dunno. It's a lot to risk. She's a lot to risk. Both of them are too much to risk." <br /><br /> Nadeshiko leans up to him for a moment and he blinks, then leans down, kissing her cheek gently.

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>She manages to relax her deathgrip a little, because it's easier to do an all over mask when someone's on your side like this.<br /><br />She gives a little shrug at his question. "Well, you know. It's an apt description for what we ''want'' to happen."<br /><br />She smiles warmly at him as her fingers brush against his cheek.<br /><br />But still, it's more than they knew for...well, since this started. "At the very least, we have an idea of what we're up against, though. It's not ideal, but we're not flying blind anymore."<br /><br />At the cheek kiss, her look is one of complete smugness.

:'''{{#var:41|Sakura Kinomoto| (41)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sakura Kinomoto poked her fingers together and then coughed. "There, errr, is more, though," she mumbled gently. "He... uhhhh... he said..." She gave a sigh. "... the magic might have been what broguht you apart. One of the bodies isn't... real. Really." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Which might mean it might not be at all affected by twin being captured," she mumbled. "And be permanent." <br /><br /> There was something else, she looked away, chewing on her lip. "Or..." ... "No, that's all, eh heh. Ehhhh..." Oh she was the worst liar.

:'''{{#var:141|Kukai Souma| (141)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kukai nods a little. "I guess so? I mean I like having you both here but I get the whole 'neither of us are complete' thing, so.." That smile does a lot for him, though. <br /><br /> He sighs, "Yeah. I mean nobody else has seen them so I know now I'm at least not going crazy. And... more?" <br /><br /> Kukai blinks, then pokes Nadeshiko's side. "She feels really real. Isn't the whole thing about magic and illusion is that what you believe is real, is? And..." He rubs his face. "I dunno if that's better or not. but..." He watches Sakura turn away, pretending, just like a kid, then pokes her gently. "Hey, now. What? Don't make me sic Na-chan on you."

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>She tenses at the pause. And the evade. She knows this evade. She's done it more craftfully in the past.<br /><br />She's snug against Kukai's side because if she ''is'' fake she does feel real against him. Still, she levels Sakura with a Glare.<br /><br />"He would. Even if he didn't, I'd sic myself on you. Spit it out, then."

:'''{{#var:41|Sakura Kinomoto| (41)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sakura Kinomoto coughed and then... "There's a... small chance that... ummmm... if we don't capture Twin card..." She shuffled a bit. "A-a very small chance, I mean, Kero-chan said it was only like... five percent. At best. I mean, and even then it's probably not something you need to worry about. After all, why would it happen? It's not like there's any reason it should. He just said it was a possibility. A very small possibility, of course. Not something we should worry too much about. Just, you know, keep in mind. The thing is, well, errr... since her body is made of magic, there's a... small chance that... ummmmm..." Shuffle shuffle. <br /><br /> "If we take too long, she may disappear as Twin card likely can't keep the magic creating the body up indefinitely. Especially if she has her own magic that she can use like this. But he said it's just a possibility!"

:'''{{#var:141|Kukai Souma| (141)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kukai tries to hide a grin at Nadeshiko's mostly empty threat at the little girl - they wouldn't hurt her, really. But the follow up is... well, Kukai has a lump in his throat at this point. "But Nadeshiko hasn't even... she doesn't even combine with Temari or Rhythm! Why would it take more energy than it takes to split someone in half?! She is not going to just VANISH - that'd be the worst possible outcome!" <br /><br /> Kukai steels himself and then shakes his head, reaching out to pat Sakura on the shoulder. ".... look, I know this isn't your fault, and I'm sorry for yelling at you. I'm just... this is bad. Really bad." He looks at Nadeshiko, then back at Sakura. "....So about this mushing the two of them together."

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Nadeshiko works her jaw muscles. Her fingers are tight against Kukai's back again.<br /><br />His poor shirt...<br /><br />This is...<br /><br />Well.<br /><br />To put it mildly, immenint death tends to be rather annoying.<br /><br />Still. Mushing seems to be a goal they could work toward.<br /><br />Ideally she'd say let them stay apart and Nagihiko, Nadeshiko, and Kukai could have a polygymous deal going. She can share the smooches.<br /><br />But, well, Nagihiko's hopeless without her.<br /><br />"Yes. If they split us in two, there's got to be a way to smoosh."

:'''{{#var:41|Sakura Kinomoto| (41)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sakura Kinomoto nodded. "R-right. But that's just a... a possibility! Not a likelitity! Kero-chan said, most likely it was a one time expenditure. Basically, it made the body, then poof, no more magic being spent on it. You'd need to talk to someone who can, well, study magic. To find out. I... can't. Kero-chan just warned me in case..." She trailed off. "Just in case." <br /><br /> She crossed her arms and kept her head low. "I-I'm sorry. I'm not trying to scare you. I... I know this is horrible. I'm sure that won't happen! The cards aren't evil, I swear! They mess up, make mistakes, but they're not evil! They'd never kill someone!"

:'''{{#var:141|Kukai Souma| (141)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kukai winces and wiggles a little. And maybe that'd be best, but... part of Kukai knows how badly Nadeshiko and Nagihiko are doing right now. If she's on a timer... <br /><br /> "That's a hell of a thing to just drop on somebody, though, Sakura. If he's wrong, then things are even worse than we expected. And if he's right, well, there are a half a dozen other things to be afraid of." <br /><br /> Kukai sighs and then leans over, hugging Sakura with his other arm, pulling her in close from around Nadeshiko. "...Thank you. You're doing what you can. We'll figure this out somehow. And I believe you. We'll do what we can from this side, too." He hugs the both of them tightly, head bowing for a moment, trying to let his thoughts settle.

:'''{{#var:134|Nagihiko Fujisaki| (134)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>This is just...<br /><br />Well. It's a good thing she's had ''some'' practice without just blurting out the first thing that comes to mind.<br /><br />"Thanks, Sakura-chan. This sucks, but at least we know things now."<br /><br />She sighs and steps back, one hand reaching up to tug at Kukai's collar. "We should probably go patrol or something. There's all sorts of devious whatnots hiding in dark alleys these days."
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