IC Inbox [Victory Road]

[forsaintcecilia]

Please leave any mail for Kazuki here, whether of the electronic or physical variety! He'll get back to you ASAP!

Comments

Video;

[schachmeister]

Ah, Kazuki. When you've got the time, would you mind calling me back? There is something I'd like to ask.

Video;

[forsaintcecilia]

Hi Armin! I got your call, what's up?

video; probably backdated a bit to the end of last month?

[schachmeister]

[Music is something that has firmly become linked to Kazuki in Armin's mind. Which means that when he finds something related to music, one of his first thoughts is to let his friend know, in the same way, he'd let Shiro know about something space-related, would tell Dipper about any weird mystery he might hear about, and he definitely sends any coupons for all you can eat restaurants to Sasha.

And thus, after his visit to the Music Man, Armin knows exactly who he's gonna call.]

Kazuki, look. Isn't it incredible?

[The video shows Armin holding out his hand. A small, intricately carved music box sits on his palm, and when he opens it, a bright little tune starts playing.]

video; sounds good!

[forsaintcecilia]

Hi Armin! [Kazuki leans into the video to get a better look at Armin's music box. Behind him is Xylo, who looks equally interested, clacking his mustache parts together.] That's a really beautiful music box! Where'd you get it?

Delivery! - October 13th

[unwantedgirl]

[Late in the evening of the 13th, in the midst of the Pumpkaboo swarm that had taken over everything, Kazuki will find himself with a visitor--Luna the Noibat!

She's exhausted but refused to give up until she reached her destination, letting out a long sigh-like noise as she lands near Kazuki before scooting around to show her back to him--

and the package attached to it.

It's small and carefully wrapped and inside Kazuki will find three things: a bundle of an herb that is similar to sage with a note that reads "To help cleanse your new home", some homemade Pokemon-safe cupcakes, and a handmade wind-chime that's made from sea-shells, different sized bells, small pieces of metal and other trinkets that were most likely swiped by certain members of Chise's team.

There's also a second note:]

Dear Kazuki,

I hope Luna makes it alright and that the cupcakes still taste alright once she gets there. The sage will help make sure your house is safe from any malevolent spirits that may still be lurking around, since you're so close to Lavender Town. It should help calm them and keep them from causing too much trouble. I hope the wind chime works alright. My Pokemon and I collected everything and made it together for you.

Congratulations again on your new home!

Sincerely,
Chise

[forsaintcecilia]

[Oh, Luna! Kazuki quickly takes the packages from the hardworking Noibat, and offers her refreshments in the form of berries that grow in the bushes in his backyard and some fresh water, and encourages her to rest while he pens a thank-you note for her to return wtih.]

[Sticky the Slurpuff only gets to two of the cupcakes before Kazuki notices and puts them in the Sticky-proof snack cabinet.]

Hi Chise-chan!

Thank you so much for your gifts! Sticky-- my Slurpuff-- has already helped himself to a few of the cupcakes and they definitely meet his approval. The handmade chime is really beautiful! And I'm sure Puff-- my Ribombee-- will know just what to do with the sage.

Good luck on your travels! I can't wait until you get to Lavender Town and I can show you my hospitality!

Be safe, and happy,
Kazuki

[Once finished with the note, Kazuki lets Luna finish her nap, and then gives it to her along with another berry for the road.]

[Later, Puff uses the sage to cleanse the household, and Kazuki hangs the chime up on the back porch, far enough away from Tin Tin the Chimechos favorite spot on the front porch that he would not be jealous. Then everyone who wants a cupcake gets one, and Sticky gets his third.]

Listen, it is the twelfth here.

[schachmeister]

[On the twelfth, Kazuki will find himself visited by a large Noctowl carrying a package. Inside, he'll find two neatly wrapped packages with two small cards.

The first package will reveal itself to be a small statue of driftwood and seaglass. It is purposely a little rough, but it depicts a Primarina, the piece of driftwood serving as a base. Different pieces of seaglass have been carefully selected to show its various colours.

The card tucked with it reads: 'There is a young woman on the islands who makes all sorts of statues and works of art from things she finds washed up on the beach. She even manages to turn discarded trash into something beautiful. I thought Honky Tonk might appreciate this one. When you come to visit us again, I'd love to introduce you to her. I think you'd appreciate her artistic skills.'

The second package contains a book. Not one of those intimidating thick pills Armin reads at times, but a nice, reasonably sized book, containing many lovely illustrations. The title reads The Lapras, a guide to care and breeding.

This too comes with a card which reads: 'I went over the various books on Lapras I've read since I took over Mr Newt's pod, and I felt this one might be a good one for you. It goes into all the basic things you need to know when owning a Lapras. Of course, I'm always glad to answer any questions you have, but I think it can also be reassuring to have a guide yourself.'

The third card is a simple card, covered with various dancing Oricorios of all the different styles. The back contains a simple but heartfelt message: 'Happy Birthday']

Christmas 2018

[schachmeister]

A tiny little pidgey will come to deliver this gift. It's not a very heavy one, after all.


To Kazuki,

With your birthday and Christmas so close together, it took me a while to think of something. I hope you'll like this though. She doesn't have a name yet, but I have been told she loves ukelele music.

Yours sincerely,
Armin


Kazuki's gift comes in a small box. No wonder, as all it has to contain is one luxury ball. Once released, Kazuki will find a female Chatot, level 15, blinking up at him a little shyly, before letting out a 'Merry Christmas' in Armin's tone of voice.

Christmas delivery

[icecastlemadonna]

[On December 25th, Kazuki will get a package by Pidgey Post from Yuuko. Inside is a bag of homemade mochi, along with an omamori that's in a cute little pink bag with a Luvdisc imprinted on it.]

Merry Christmas, Kazuki! I hope you enjoy the mochi, and I also made sure not to forget about that charm you asked for. I hope it brings you plenty of the luck you want this coming year!

Yours truly,

Yuuko Nishigori

Christmas 2018

[notvaljean]

[Is Jean a hot sauce kind of guy? Guess he'll find out this year! Which brings up another question: is Kazuki a banjo kind of guy? Because that's his Christmas gift from Jean: an extremely awkwardly wrapped banjo with a note attached.]

Hey! I finally found a banjo supplier so now FCAB really IS Coffees and Banjos. As the resident musical guy, you get the first one. Maybe we can have a duet sometime.

Video;

[schachmeister]

Do you mind calling me back when you've got some time? There is something I'd like your input on.

Video;

[forsaintcecilia]

Hi Armin! I got your message-- what's the sitch?

text

[lyingheart]

Is your offer for hearing you play still on the table for, say, anytime particular in the next two weeks?

[ Wake up, find you're twenty and have been in a coma (so to speak) for the last four years, and you still look sixteen. And you have two years left to live, if you're lucky.

She's lining up distractions for herself. ]

And could drinking be involved after.

[ She could have started with hello??? ]

text

[forsaintcecilia]

Sure! I can make time whenever's best for you; is there a day you'd like to drop by?

It can, if you want! Unless you're making a bad habit now that you're 18.

[He means to be joking. But this is text, and a lot of the context is lost. That goes both ways -- he has no idea she's in any distress.]

[schachmeister]

Kazuki!

[Oh hey, it is your good coconut friend.]

I wanted to ask you - you have a Sensu Oricorio, right?

[forsaintcecilia]

[Good coconut friend that takes up 7/8ths of his inbox.]

Hey Armin! Yeah, I do! I've had Azuma for a pretty long time; do you need him for something?

Text;

[schachmeister]

Kazuki, look!

[Aww look, it is a selfie. Not, perhaps, the best sort because Armin is only half pictured, but then, it is also pretty obvious that he is not the most important thing in this picture. He's sitting in the sand, near what is basically a sand-nest, angling the gear in such a way that it captures the massive pile of eggs in the nest. Behind him, part of the grey shell of a Lapras can be seen.]

Text;

[forsaintcecilia]

Aww, cute! Are those Lapras eggs? I think I see a Lapras in the background there!

text; after the news broadcast

[schachmeister]

Kazuki, could I pick your brain about something?

text;

[forsaintcecilia]

Sure Armin, what's up?

text; november 1st

[quizzak]

Kazuki? It's Romelle.
Are you doing alright?

[forsaintcecilia]

Romelle? I'm okay now. I got roughed up by a guard Pokemon at the Foundation, but they fixed me up at the Pokemon Center. Now I'm couch surfing at Shiro's place.

What's up?

[quizzak]

[ on christmas day, kazuki will find a small box when he wakes up. when he opens it, he'll find a pair of mittens with little vulpixes knitted on them! there's also a card that reads:

Merry Christmas, Kazuki! I hope you'll find these useful, especially since it's winter. Thank you for being a good friend, and I hope to see you soon!

Love, Romelle ]

» voice

[lordofthefries]

[It feels like calling a stranger even though Sasha's spoken to Kazuki many times before. All it is that some time's passed since their last conversation and what if he forgot who she is?

But the important part of why she's still calling him out of the blue is that if there's one thing Sasha knows about this place is how Pokemon suffer when trainers leave. The humans too. She's inherited so many that she wondered if her experience in being left behind would be of use to Kazuki at his inn.]

I WANT TO HELP!

[Great job there, Sasha. Not even a hello, how are ya. You'll ace any job interview you get.]

[forsaintcecilia]

"Hey, Kazuki here--"

He didn't recognize the number right away, so he went into polite-greeting-mode, but he was quickly interrupted. Loudly. Kazuki had to hold the phone away from his ear for a second to stop the ringing. Someone was excited about something!

"Um... That's great! I think. I'm sorry, who am I speaking to?"

12/14

[cometkin]

Happy Birthday, Kazuki! Sorry that this is a little late!

[Along with the note is a portable trumpet care kit. How useful!]

[ohmylord]

[A few days after Christmas, Claudia realized she forgot to send something to someone who'd been helpful to her, so Kazuki will receive a tiny paper-mache Primarina statue and an 'egg vowtcher' just like everyone else on her Christmas list.]

Sory this is late! Mery Crissmass!

-Claudia

2/15 - Text

[gautsome]

[Sylvain only takes a second after Claude informs them all of Kazuki's situation. He knows a thing or two about feeling impossibly lonely, after all.]

heya cutie
... i hope that's ok to call u but if not im sorry
ok let me start over
kazuki!
can i tell u a secret? u can't tell any1 ok????

[forsaintcecilia]

[Oh no! Not that the conversation was private at all, but Kazuki would probably be kinda embarrassed to know it was spread around. He was a little... Desperate.]

Sure? It's okay, Sylvain, I'm not bothered.

[Although he wasn't sure if Sylvain was drunk or something, or just types like that.]

3/4

[nastyboy]

[Dimitri has been having such an End Of February. So much has happened. It kind of keeps happening? He'd like for it to stop. Ecruteak was supposed to be nice.]

[As it is, it's been full of secrets, and comas, and a small child suddenly running away because depression. It's been So Much that Dimitri almost forgets something that he wanted to do... but, as they're on the road and he's riding in the rat sleigh, it hits him again.]

[Right. He should start making some calls.]

[So after waking up from one of his twenty minute naps, Dimitri stays inside so that he can start hitting up people. Just... ignore the fact that it doesn't look like he's been sleeping at all. He has! Just, you know. Not great!]

Hello, Kazuki. I hope you liked the sweets I sent you from Ecruteak. I would have liked to send more, but some things happen. I promise that I will send you some more things from Olivine, when we arrive.

I have looked into the weather reports and similar things, and it seems as though the 26th may be a good time for, ah... hanami? [He is doing his Very Best to pronounce it right. It's just a little off.]

[forsaintcecilia]

[Dimitri normally looks rough, but today he's looking extra unkempt.]

I liked them a lot. Thanks, Dimitri. [He tries to keep it toned down. It looks like the prince needs a moment of peace.] The 26th sounds like a great day for a hanami. A lot of the berry bushes should be blooming around that time. You'll be in Olivine, you said?

March 8 - Post

[nastyboy]

[Elshot, Dimitri's Pidgeot, arrives sometime in the afternoon bearing gifts! Mostly those gifts are a postcard depicting an idyllic outdoor marketplace, a letter, and what... looks like Unagi Pie? Except it doesn't call itself that, and the wrapping's picture depicts a Huntail... Well, it's not the first time that Johto and the rest of the world have held bewildering secrets.]

[What's more important is the letter. Elshot has one more letter he's carrying, and so he takes off to deliver it, returning a very short while later in case Kazuki has a return letter he wants to pass along.]

[The letter reads as follows.]

Dear Kazuki,

I am so sorry that it took so long to send you a proper letter. As you might have guessed, quite a lot has happened recently with our traveling group ever since we left Azalea. As I write this to you, we have just arrived in Olivine City, somewhat ahead of schedule.

Goldenrod and Ecruteak were both lovely places, in their own right, but I am afraid that we had our fair share of troubles in both places. There was a great deal of convenience to be found in the former, and I can see why people might like such a city. However, I think I like places that are a bit quieter.

Still, I imagine that we will return there one day, if only to take advantage of the train system there. We do not have trains in Fodlan, so it will be a unique experience for us when we finish up our business in Johto and move onto Kanto. Still, that is something for us to deal with in the future, not the present.

In contrast, Ecruteak on its own was initially rather pleasant. I appreciate the history overflowing from such an old town, and how much respect its inhabitants pay to it. It was an enjoyable place to spend our first Valentines, and we all were quite busy in the days leading up to it. The street markets there are incredible; have you ever visited them? It reminded me a little bit of home, so perhaps that is why I like them so much. Grant enjoyed them too, as I took him for a brief outing.

Additionally, I managed to hold two jobs while I was in town. The first, of course, was yet another maintenance job where I was apprenticed to the Gardevoir who was partnered with the inn owners. I am learning more and more with every stop. While I cannot say I am a professional of any sort, it is coming easier to me. If your own inn ever needs assistance in such areas, please let me know and I will do my best.

The other job I took on was that of art modeling. I apparently have quite the admirable physique for such a thing, and the teacher who hired me was quite interested in using my armor from Fodlan in a few of the studies. The structure and shading of armor is apparently good practice. All of the students were rather polite, and it paid incredibly well.

Still, I cannot say that I was fond of the Ghost type favor that the Ecruteak Gym possesses, through no fault of its leader Morty or any of his Paliens. Additionally, quite a number of things happened in Ecruteak that rather soured it for me, although I cannot speak for any of my companions.

An old friend from home, Dedue Molinaro, had just joined us in Goldenrod, and yet he had to return home shortly afterwards. The exchange of secrets by the sudden surge of Indeedee also made things somewhat tense for a short while, although one has stayed behind to be my companion, and she is rather lovely. After that, Sylvain fell into one of those strange sleeps where his body stayed here and yet he experienced things that had happened in our homeland... and finally, Chip ran away on the day he awoke.

So you can see that a great deal has happened in a very short amount of time.

You do not have to worry about Chip. We found them at Moomoo Farms, and things are going as well as can be expected. Still, I hope that our stay in Olivine proves to be of a calmer sort. Some in our number are considering the possibility of getting an apartment or rental property, so perhaps that is something we will have here in Olivine if all goes well. I know some of us wish to stay in one place instead of travel, and others want a place to return to. I am afraid I do not know how one does such things, especially in Johto, but I imagine we will see.

The only way to learn is to do, after all.

I hope you enjoy the snack that I have sent along with Elshot. I got it somewhat hastily, upon recommendation from some of the people in town. I have been told it is good, although I do not think it is on the level of sweetness of what I sent you before.

I hope you are doing well,

Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd

Video;

[schachmeister]

Kazuki, do you have a moment? I think I need your help.

Video;

[forsaintcecilia]

I can talk, what's up?

5/6 - Pidgeot Post

[nastyboy]

[As usual, Elshot is here with a delivery of postcard, letter, and some souvenir snacks! Plus an additional set that he'll be taking over to New Bark, but he'll come back in a short while. Azalea isn't really that far from the tiny little town, not compared to a bird that can fly.]

[Inside the package, there's a bottle opener that can clearly be attached to a wall, shaped like a Dewgong's head bursting out of some ice. It's accompanied by some castella filled with a white bean paste - not too unlike kinman from Japan's own Akita prefecture. It's sealed up tight, of course, so that it should be fresh when Kazuki gets it.]

[The postcard depicts an enormous Mamoswine emerging from an icy cave out onto the snowy forest, surrounded by (and in one case, on top of his head) a bunch of Snorunt.]

Dear Kazuki,

I apologize for not contacting you sooner. All of us were so shaken up from what occurred at prom that we were rather wrapped up in ourselves. Checking in on you simply did not occur to me. I hope you have been doing all right since then, and that you were not robbed of anything.

After the party, we returned to Olivine, and finished up some business of renting a property there. It will be good to have a place to return to, and it also lightens up our load when it comes to traveling. There were many gifts that I received, or clothes for colder weather, that I can now store there. Sylvain has decided he would rather take a break from traveling, so he is staying there for the time being. If you ever have any spare time, I am certain that he would be glad to have company if you ever decided you wanted to visit Olivine.

The rest of us have just recently started up our gym challenge again. We arrived in Mahogany Town a couple of days ago, as a matter of fact. The trip was possibly one of the shortest we've ever taken, thanks to the use of the warp pads that we've all made sure our Pokegears register to. I've heard that the trip is traditionally made on land through a series of caves, but we decided to take a shorter way by cutting through some small lakes and through the air.

Mahogany Town is extremely pleasant. Despite the clear cultural differences and advanced technology, a good deal of it reminds me of many villages and towns that I knew of in my homeland. I suppose towns in the mountain will always feel somewhat similar, due to needing similar things. I hope to visit again during the autumn or winter, if I am honest. I think this is a good town to visit after the events of prom.

The smell of food is here helps to ignite one's appetite. If I were able, I would send you an entire dinner. The pies here are nothing to scoff at either. However, both would be difficult to send along with Elshot, so I hope you do not mind the treats that I have sent instead. I was told that they are perfect for people to try, and I must agree that they have a pleasant and soft texture.

Apparently the true food representative of the town is something called a Rage Candy Bar, although it does not look like candy I have seen in towns like Goldenrod. People here were quite insistent that I give it a try, or send some back to those who are interested in it. However, the name rather put me off, if I am frank. That may just be my own personal biases at play, I suppose. After all, from what I understand, there is an attack called Rage, and it may simply be a play on that sort of thing. It is hard to go through the town without hearing about the nearby lake, and its Gyarados inhabitants. Still, I went with this for you, so I hope it does not disappoint.

I will be going up against Pryce, the leader of the gym here, rather soon. Still, there are plenty of places to visit in this area. Felix and Chip seem interested in Mount Mortar, and so we will no doubt be taking a visit there. Apparently the mountain is famous for its fire types, and I know they want to expand their team for that particular area. Dean is a fine partner for me, but even I admit that I should probably get him a teammate who can help him as well. We will see what happens when we go visit. I do not prefer to make companions based only one what they can do for me.

May you be in good health and may your business bring good fortune,

Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd

Late June - Pidgeot Post

[nastyboy]

[Soon enough, a familiar winged shape lands near the Silver Horn - Elshot again, carrying a letter, a postcard, and a package of snacks!]

[The snacks are actually a few different varieties of what look like Kamome no Tamago. They've been kept nice and fresh! The postcard accompanying it is a photograph to the entrance of the Dragon's Den, with the brilliant scales of a Dratini just visible as it pokes its head out from the waves.]

[and, of course, there's a letter from Dimitri.]

Dear Kazuki,

Back in Faerghus, welcoming a new home into the town would normally involve bringing over firewood, or sacks of flour. As such a cold country, they were the most important and practical gifts and would help people survive the colder seasons ahead. I doubt we will need firewood in such a comfortable seaside city, although the property we are renting does have a fireplace. Still, we would never turn down any gift from you.

The battle against Pryce went well! It was a good opportunity to try out new TMs with some of my companions, although Dean finished things up against Pryce's strongest team member. We've been in Blackthorn for a short while, now, although we have yet to challenge the gym. We have been taking trips back to Olivine, especially with the auction that was approaching.

Now that it's over with, we will be challenging the gym once we are all confident enough in our abilities. It is the last one we will face here in Johto, and then we have some decisions on how we should approach everything else.

I can't help feel somewhat behind, as Chip and Felix both have teams that have reached the height of their natural ability, so they can challenge elite teams. However, Gremlin and Dean are the only ones who could qualify with my team. I suppose that was only inevitable, however. I do not like to ignore too many of my Paliens for long, and so my time is spread out between many of them. It is unbelievable, how many of them one can befriend even after being in this land for only a short while.

At any rate, I am looking forward to battling up against Clair. I've actually extended an invitation to a new trainer who has arrived here in Johto by the name of Ochako. She's recently found victory in her first gym battle, but she was quite concerned about being a good battler when she arrived. I hope that my own challenge will give her some inspiration if I win, or reassurance if I lose. It will be an exciting battle either way.

Also, in regards to the tea that you sent over last time, I thought it was wonderful. Fragrant teas like that are my favorite, so thank you for your consideration.

You put up a voucher for the Silver Horn in the Olivine Auction, didn't you? I hope it draws more attention to your business. I heard that Steven won it. He is a friend of ours, and quite polite. I am sure he will be a wonderful guest.

I hope that the summer passes by calmly but fruitfully for you. Enjoy these sweets from Blackthorn. They are apparently called "Dragon Eggs" in the city, but every store seems to call them by a different name. Sometimes it is Dragonite Egg, and other times it is Druddigon... I suppose because of the close proximity to the Dragon's Den, and Clair's gym. Regardless, may you enjoy it.

Stay well,

Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd

December 12th | Delivery

[rollstoseduce]

[Yes, it's a delivery service, not Pidgey-mail. You see, the package is rather large. But it's a good thing, promise! It was either this or sending it without the assembling done, and really, is Kazuki in the mood to put together furniture? Of course not.

Anyway, enjoy your new chair. Bench? Who knows.

And as always, there is a card, and a message on the back from Jaskier written on green ink this time!]

You wonder what's coming, what life has in store;
Will it be just the same? Will there be a new door?
Remember this, as you blow out the last candle:
Life holds no challenge that you cannot handle.

Best birthday wishes,
🏵 Jaskier

[voicemail]

[pennyloafer]

Hey, this is Louie Duck. We haven't talked in a while, [Have they ever talked? Louie's too distracted by the presence of new Pokemon in his PC box to try and remember for certain.] but I wanted to check something with you. It's about Rei, I just--

[He is sure Rei's gone, as much as he'd rather believe she sent him Pokemon unannounced. But no, he can't get a hold of her now, so clearly... But he has to check. This song and dance never gets easier, but it hasn't hit him this hard since Huey was sent home over a year ago.]

Well, call me back? Thanks.

[returned call]

[forsaintcecilia]

Hey, Louie? This is Kazuki, at the Silver Horn. How're you doing?

[It was only polite to open with a little bit of empathy, considering the conversation Kazuki was fairly sure was about to happen.]