Text | UN: Anonymous

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata was just having the time of his life on the Island of Dreams, playing with a whole bunch of cute mayonnaise mascots, when a little bird (literally or not... who knows) told him that back in Camelot his ghost subordinates are being hunted and trapped by dark web denizens. Shit!! Why does this happen the one time his burner phone is out of commission?!

After a quick panicked brainstorming session he decides to take to AOL, totally anonymous this time, just in case. He'll keep it short and sweet.]

How do you find ghosts that have been sealed in containers and hidden?

[If only there were something like a more specialised Wayfinder spell for this exact situation! Wait, didn't the traders sell a pendulum that can detect items? Ugh, why didn't he buy it?! But really, who could know that something like this would happen? Now he can only hope that Avalon's netizens have some good ideas for him.]

Comments

[emet_sulk]

[ For his part, he keeps quiet and lets Hijikata do the talking, only speaking when directly addressed. Although he had served his sentence for taking so many lives, he doesn't feel as though he belongs amongst these other principled men and women. He would have surrendered the title if the king let him.

Soon enough they are allowed to go on their way. Lost in his own thoughts, he almost doesn't catch Hijikata's question. ]

Working with...? Oh.

[ He hesitates. He is not one for being proactive in things. Not unless he deems it worthwhile. But hasn't he been searching for purpose during his stay? Would it be such a bad thing to involve himself in events? ]

I...suppose I could do more for them. But I have not the time to patrol the streets as you do.

[mayoninofukucho]

Yeah, I know. I wouldn't ask you for that. But if you wanted to be an affiliate, someone my subordinates can go to if they need someone and I'm indispensable... would you be willing to do that? Only on designated nights, of course, and with advance notice. I could introduce you to them.

[It's a pretty bold suggestion, but he knows that Emet-Selch is blunt enough to simply say no if he doesn't want to do it, so he doesn't feel bad for asking.]

[emet_sulk]

Indisposed, you mean?

[ He mentally runs through a typical week. The company could be nice. Even better if there is a schedule he can plan around. The shop is quiet enough during the day that he is able to manage all his other affairs in-between customers, leaving his evenings free to do as he pleases. ]

...I could do that much for them, yes. The shop can also provide them with safe haven if they fear something pursues them. I have been studying how to create wards of late, although they will not do much against living threats.

[mayoninofukucho]

Yeah, that.

[He tiredly runs a hand through his hair. The whole ordeal has been a lot to handle, and it's not even over yet! But Emet-Selch's agreement puts a small smile back on his face.]

I think they'd really appreciate that. It's a little hard sometimes to only have one living person in the group. And one hand washes the other, of course - if you need some of them for anything I'm sure they won't say no, and I'll do my part as well. The I pick up quests often take me all over the place, so I can keep an eye out for materials for you, for one.

[emet_sulk]

Then we have a mutually beneficial agreement, it seems.

[ If Hijikata and his ghosts can keep an eye out for material for his alchemy - or even jewellery - business then he won't have to head out on his own and can in turn spend those hours within Camelot assisting in other ways. He nods in satisfaction, extending a hand. ]

I look forward to working with you.

[ He is surprised to find that he means it. ]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata is visibly happy as he gives Emet-Selch a firm handshake. Much as he willingly dedicates himself to his patrol work, it does take its toll on him, like his beloved Shinsengumi does back home, and having such a capable fellow death mage as his partner puts new wind into his sails.]

Likewise. I know these two-- [He gently pats the bag holding the bottled ghosts.] -- will be happy to hear it. Let's see if we find any more who'll owe you right away.

[This is one way to keep themselves motivated, because they'll probably spend a good while longer tracking any death magic traces they find... if nothing else Hijikata will offer to treat Emet-Selch to dinner at the end of it (but he half expects the other man to decline; he really doesn't seem to be much of a socialiser).]