[ ... that face being a green-haired sword, but not the one prompto probably wanted to see. sorry he's not your boyfriend, buddy. when prompto materializes, nikkari stands in the center of a rundown community center with a reassuring smile. ]
Welcome back, Argentum-san. I apologize that I didn't get to know you better before... well. You know. [ he laughs softly before giving a little shake of his head. ] I realize you may have several questions, but I'm afraid you won't be able to ask them with words. As far as I'm aware, you're limited only to actions. Please bear with me for our short time together?
[ he honestly had no expectations of anyone wanting to see him so he's just looking surprised.
he does try to say something and finds that yup. nothing is coming out. his shoulders slump for a moment before he gives a nod. then a thumbs up just to be sure he knows he'll do his best. okay what's up ]
[ nikkari nods understandingly at prompto's confusion... he's at least happy to see him in good spirits, though.
haha. spirits. ]
Truthfully, it was hardly a difficult decision to make. We can contact Carlos-san and Polly-san through other means, and... hm. Things are a bit complicated for Monika, aren't they? I didn't want to risk overwhelming her with an unexpected return to this realm, especially since my ability to communicate with those of you on the other side only lasts so long.
[ ... with that explanation out of the way, he relaxes visibly, letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding back. ]
... I suppose, first off, you can rest easy knowing Hizamaru-san has been taken care of in your absence. The other sword spirits and I are doing everything in our power to bring an end to the demon's rampage before it can claim anyone else. [ he smiles. ] Again, I know you aren't the most well-equipped to deliver a message, but... is there anything you'd like me to pass on to him? Or anyone else, for that matter—I just assumed he would hold the highest priority for you.
[ Nodding in agreement at the part with Monika. He taps the corner of his eye before dragging it down to try to indicate she cried. It feels bad, man.
He fidgets a bit as he listens to his words, his eyes lifting up immediately at Hizamaru. There's something like a smile there for a moment and he'll give a nod. He's glad he's being taken care of.
A message to him though... is a bit more complicated. Pointing to himself before he tries to mouth the word sorry. There's another pause... and then he'll point to himself and then do the okay sign. He's okay. And then finally... he'll look away, embarrassed for a moment as he makes a heart shape with his hands. Hizamaru won't understand, but... it's something that was left unsaid. ]
[ THAT'S SO FUCKING CUTE... WHAT THE HELL... while nikkari reacts as necessary to prompto's other gestures (a wistfully fond sigh for monika, a small laugh when prompto's eyes light up upon hearing hizamaru's name), he starts to laugh so very sincerely when prompto relays his love letter to hizamaru through charades. he can't help it; it's just so... pure and innocent? and for it to have happened here, of all places... ]
Of course, Argentum-san. I'll make sure he knows and understands. Haha... I may not be as close to him, but he is still a comrade of mine nonetheless. Thank you for looking after him, as well.
[ he crosses his arm and places his hand over his chest as he bows; a definitive vow he will surely uphold. once he straightens back up, though, his smile fades a bit, because he knows this next line of conversation won't be nearly as cute to talk about. ]
That being said... I know it's only been a few days, but have you learned anything about our circumstances in the other realm? I know Chuuya-san and Carlos-san have been actively trying to piece together information... and they implied anyone who ends up over there with Carlos-san and Polly-san may be able to help. [ he pauses for a bit, looking off to the side... ] And, of course... if you would rather not relive the night of your murder, I understand, and I apologize for asking so brusquely. But... any sort of information we could glean from your experience may help, while we still have a bit of time before the week is over.
He grows even redder for a moment and then he'll give a smile. Raising his arm to give a fist bump in the air to basically go heck yes at him passing on the message.
He's going to think about it before shaking his head at the first thing.
Just going to start wiggling his hand up and down to make waves. Then pointing at Nikkari before making a triangle with his finger and the thumb. Making the waves again and then doing the triangle over them.
After that he points to himself. Making a fist that's stationary, while making the triangle again to zoom by the fist. It might not be the info he's seeking, but it's something if he can even understand.
Then about the night of the murder he makes horns on his head to try to indicate the demon. And then he'll flex his arms and do poses. ]
Are you... referring to the distortion that occurs when the exorcism is performed? [ aka the headache-inducing spinny disco gif?? ] And... the demonic chain that Monika passed to me—[ he's assuming that's why prompto pointed to him ]—and ultimately ended with your death? [ similarly, assuming that's why prompto pointed to himself ]
He'll make a big "X" with his hands as he shakes his head. Let's try one thing at a time then.
Pointing to himself again and then doing the slashing motion across his throat. Then he'll hold up four fingers. Again doing the slashing motion across his throat.
Then he'll point to his eye and then he'll make a "L" with his finger and his thumb. Then an "A" with both of his hands. Then "N" and finally a straight line and a curve, pausing to try to look at it and adjust it to try to make a "D" ] v
... haha. My apologies. I realize how frustrating this must be for you to convey to me. [ he pauses, tilting his head. ] May I call you Prompto-san, from here? If nothing else, I feel as though we're becoming more familiar with each other trying to piece this puzzle together.
[ but ok!! concentrate!! why did the mods give me this role. i am stupid. ]
... "Island"? Is that where you and Monika currently are? [ PROMPTO YOU COULD'VE SPELLED THE WHOLE THING OUT I'M CRYING ] And what is the significance of the four...?
[ Waves his hands to say it's okay it's okay! He'll also give a thumbs up at being called Prompto-san.
AND LOOK HE IS DUMB. He'll give an excited nod at the island. Yes, that's it. But he'll wave his hand dismissively at the four part cause he was just saying there's four of them there. its cool he got it with just the island and death part.
Now going back to the other part. Hmm... making horns on his head again and at first he starts to think about posing, but decides to just...
spell it out since that worked better. So again making a "D" with his fingers. Then curling his hand to make an "e" and making sure it's the right way to face him. Now it's two arches to make an "M", "O", and "N". "S" takes two hands. Then he crosses a finger to make a "t". There's a pause as he tries to figure it out to himself. Looking at his hands and trying various things. Huh. Hmm...
Okay. Let's have a finger up and another curving against it? To make a "r" and then another "o", "n", and "g". ]
[ OH. OK. BOTH NIKKARI AND I NOW GET WHAT PROMPTO WAS INITIALLY TRYING TO SAY. LORD. ]
Ah... we, the living—[ points to himself ]—are on the boat, which is circling the island that the deceased—[ points to prompto ]—now reside upon. [ he laughs at himself a little. ] Forgive me, Prompto-san... I understand now. Thank you for being patient with me.
[ moving on... this part about the buff demon, he doesn't really need prompto to pantomime out, because he kind of figured it out from the previous round of charades. he was just a little focused on the island part of the message... this time, he responds with a slightly more serious and curt nod of acknowledgement, his brow furrowed. ]
That part, we were certainly aware of. It endured Hizamaru-san's attacks long enough to escape before it could be exorcised... [ here he looks up at prompto, then makes an assuaging "calm down" motion with his hands. even though he has no trouble speaking, he still feels it's more fair to prompto if he gestures, too. ] Ah, don't be alarmed—as I said earlier, Hizamaru-san is safe. He was not physically injured during the ritual. [ here his smile falters just a bit. ] His sense of duty and responsibility for avenging your death, however... may have taken a hit.
He nods along, up until they get to the Hiza fought it. His eyes do widen and there is a moment of oh shit, but he sees the motion with his hands. He puts his hand over his chest to pat it as he looks relieved that he's safe.
Then there's a frown at the whole responsibility for avenging his death. He knew he would blame himself, even if Prompto was the one who walked out the door that night. There's not a good enough response he can say here without words, so he'll just shake his head. ]
Haha... I have been personally making sure he doesn't blame himself for what happened. I was in his same position not too long ago, after all. We will take care of him, and we will see an end to this.
[ though he ends that statement on a firm note, he can't help but shrink a little when he tries to think of anything else... ]
Mm... while I thank you for everything you've shared thus far, I'm not sure if there is anything else I would like to ask of you. I suppose if there's anything else you'd like me to pass on...? Or if you'd just like to talk and delay your return to the other side, if your arms and hands haven't gotten tired yet. [ he laughs as a sort of reassurance; whether it's more for himself or prompto is a tossup. ] Whatever you'd like, Prompto-san. Even if it was not my duty in this place, I am still dedicated to making sure the souls of the departed are at some sort of ease.
[ He'll give a fist bump in the air and a nod at that. He got it o/
Then he'll point to himself and make the "ok" sign. Then he'll think a moment to try to figure out how to use as little words as possible for this.
Pointing to himself. Now it's time to spell things out. Connecting two peace signs to make a "W", a single finger for "I", "L", and "L".
Then he makes the "r" again, pausing to make sure it looks right. Then he will make a "E", three fingers pointed downward to make "M", "E", "M". He first makes what looks like a lower case "d" but then realizes whoops and flips it the other way to make it a "b". Giving a sheepish smile and then continuing with "E" and another "r".
[ even though he knows prompto isn't tangible, he still holds up his own closed fist for prompto to sorta kinda bump. it's the thought that counts? as for the message... that one is easy enough to put together, even if there is a teasing little laugh when prompto messes up the b. cute... ]
Hahaha... because you had spoken to him about your feelings. Of course. I'll let him know your gratitude.
[ with the hand he hadn't offered to fistbump, he mimics the hand puppet motion with another chuckle. ]
[ pan i'm sobbing you have literally one more tag after this and you've left me with this absolutely incomprehensible message? hewwo? ]
I... smell...?
[ it's very hard to render nikkari completely speechless, but. he's done it. ]
. . . Prompto-san, please do your best to explain that as concisely as you can. I can feel our connection beginning to fade, and I am not sure if my own soul will be able to rest if I don't learn what you're trying to say.
[ Shaking his head at the smell, and almost snickering. Then he'll hold his hands together close to his face and look sorry.
Let's start over. Pointing to him again and then just putting one finger up and then two fingers out to make a "k", but it's not that clear of one. Then there is a "N", "O", and a "W". ]
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Welcome back, Argentum-san. I apologize that I didn't get to know you better before... well. You know. [ he laughs softly before giving a little shake of his head. ] I realize you may have several questions, but I'm afraid you won't be able to ask them with words. As far as I'm aware, you're limited only to actions. Please bear with me for our short time together?
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he does try to say something and finds that yup. nothing is coming out. his shoulders slump for a moment before he gives a nod. then a thumbs up just to be sure he knows he'll do his best. okay what's up ]
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haha. spirits. ]
Truthfully, it was hardly a difficult decision to make. We can contact Carlos-san and Polly-san through other means, and... hm. Things are a bit complicated for Monika, aren't they? I didn't want to risk overwhelming her with an unexpected return to this realm, especially since my ability to communicate with those of you on the other side only lasts so long.
[ ... with that explanation out of the way, he relaxes visibly, letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding back. ]
... I suppose, first off, you can rest easy knowing Hizamaru-san has been taken care of in your absence. The other sword spirits and I are doing everything in our power to bring an end to the demon's rampage before it can claim anyone else. [ he smiles. ] Again, I know you aren't the most well-equipped to deliver a message, but... is there anything you'd like me to pass on to him? Or anyone else, for that matter—I just assumed he would hold the highest priority for you.
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He fidgets a bit as he listens to his words, his eyes lifting up immediately at Hizamaru. There's something like a smile there for a moment and he'll give a nod. He's glad he's being taken care of.
A message to him though... is a bit more complicated. Pointing to himself before he tries to mouth the word sorry. There's another pause... and then he'll point to himself and then do the okay sign. He's okay. And then finally... he'll look away, embarrassed for a moment as he makes a heart shape with his hands. Hizamaru won't understand, but... it's something that was left unsaid. ]
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Of course, Argentum-san. I'll make sure he knows and understands. Haha... I may not be as close to him, but he is still a comrade of mine nonetheless. Thank you for looking after him, as well.
[ he crosses his arm and places his hand over his chest as he bows; a definitive vow he will surely uphold. once he straightens back up, though, his smile fades a bit, because he knows this next line of conversation won't be nearly as cute to talk about. ]
That being said... I know it's only been a few days, but have you learned anything about our circumstances in the other realm? I know Chuuya-san and Carlos-san have been actively trying to piece together information... and they implied anyone who ends up over there with Carlos-san and Polly-san may be able to help. [ he pauses for a bit, looking off to the side... ] And, of course... if you would rather not relive the night of your murder, I understand, and I apologize for asking so brusquely. But... any sort of information we could glean from your experience may help, while we still have a bit of time before the week is over.
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He grows even redder for a moment and then he'll give a smile. Raising his arm to give a fist bump in the air to basically go heck yes at him passing on the message.
He's going to think about it before shaking his head at the first thing.
Just going to start wiggling his hand up and down to make waves. Then pointing at Nikkari before making a triangle with his finger and the thumb. Making the waves again and then doing the triangle over them.
After that he points to himself. Making a fist that's stationary, while making the triangle again to zoom by the fist. It might not be the info he's seeking, but it's something if he can even understand.
Then about the night of the murder he makes horns on his head to try to indicate the demon. And then he'll flex his arms and do poses. ]
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Are you... referring to the distortion that occurs when the exorcism is performed? [ aka the headache-inducing spinny disco gif?? ] And... the demonic chain that Monika passed to me—[ he's assuming that's why prompto pointed to him ]—and ultimately ended with your death? [ similarly, assuming that's why prompto pointed to himself ]
[ ???????????? ]
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He'll make a big "X" with his hands as he shakes his head. Let's try one thing at a time then.
Pointing to himself again and then doing the slashing motion across his throat. Then he'll hold up four fingers. Again doing the slashing motion across his throat.
Then he'll point to his eye and then he'll make a "L" with his finger and his thumb. Then an "A" with both of his hands. Then "N" and finally a straight line and a curve, pausing to try to look at it and adjust it to try to make a "D" ] v
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[ but ok!! concentrate!! why did the mods give me this role. i am stupid. ]
... "Island"? Is that where you and Monika currently are? [ PROMPTO YOU COULD'VE SPELLED THE WHOLE THING OUT I'M CRYING ] And what is the significance of the four...?
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AND LOOK HE IS DUMB. He'll give an excited nod at the island. Yes, that's it. But he'll wave his hand dismissively at the four part cause he was just saying there's four of them there. its cool he got it with just the island and death part.
Now going back to the other part. Hmm... making horns on his head again and at first he starts to think about posing, but decides to just...
spell it out since that worked better. So again making a "D" with his fingers. Then curling his hand to make an "e" and making sure it's the right way to face him. Now it's two arches to make an "M", "O", and "N". "S" takes two hands. Then he crosses a finger to make a "t". There's a pause as he tries to figure it out to himself. Looking at his hands and trying various things. Huh. Hmm...
Okay. Let's have a finger up and another curving against it? To make a "r" and then another "o", "n", and "g". ]
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Ah... we, the living—[ points to himself ]—are on the boat, which is circling the island that the deceased—[ points to prompto ]—now reside upon. [ he laughs at himself a little. ] Forgive me, Prompto-san... I understand now. Thank you for being patient with me.
[ moving on... this part about the buff demon, he doesn't really need prompto to pantomime out, because he kind of figured it out from the previous round of charades. he was just a little focused on the island part of the message... this time, he responds with a slightly more serious and curt nod of acknowledgement, his brow furrowed. ]
That part, we were certainly aware of. It endured Hizamaru-san's attacks long enough to escape before it could be exorcised... [ here he looks up at prompto, then makes an assuaging "calm down" motion with his hands. even though he has no trouble speaking, he still feels it's more fair to prompto if he gestures, too. ] Ah, don't be alarmed—as I said earlier, Hizamaru-san is safe. He was not physically injured during the ritual. [ here his smile falters just a bit. ] His sense of duty and responsibility for avenging your death, however... may have taken a hit.
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He nods along, up until they get to the Hiza fought it. His eyes do widen and there is a moment of oh shit, but he sees the motion with his hands. He puts his hand over his chest to pat it as he looks relieved that he's safe.
Then there's a frown at the whole responsibility for avenging his death. He knew he would blame himself, even if Prompto was the one who walked out the door that night. There's not a good enough response he can say here without words, so he'll just shake his head. ]
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[ though he ends that statement on a firm note, he can't help but shrink a little when he tries to think of anything else... ]
Mm... while I thank you for everything you've shared thus far, I'm not sure if there is anything else I would like to ask of you. I suppose if there's anything else you'd like me to pass on...? Or if you'd just like to talk and delay your return to the other side, if your arms and hands haven't gotten tired yet. [ he laughs as a sort of reassurance; whether it's more for himself or prompto is a tossup. ] Whatever you'd like, Prompto-san. Even if it was not my duty in this place, I am still dedicated to making sure the souls of the departed are at some sort of ease.
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At the next part, he'll cross his arms as he thinks about it. Tilting his head for a moment or two before he holds up a finger.
Just going to jump in place and then make a plus sign and then make a letter "E" and a "I" with a single finger. ]
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[ that one was way easier... that's for the legit laugh, prompto. ]
What would you like me to say to him?
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Then he'll point to himself and make the "ok" sign. Then he'll think a moment to try to figure out how to use as little words as possible for this.
Pointing to himself. Now it's time to spell things out. Connecting two peace signs to make a "W", a single finger for "I", "L", and "L".
Then he makes the "r" again, pausing to make sure it looks right. Then he will make a "E", three fingers pointed downward to make "M", "E", "M". He first makes what looks like a lower case "d" but then realizes whoops and flips it the other way to make it a "b". Giving a sheepish smile and then continuing with "E" and another "r".
At the end, he does a talking gesture with his hand. Like a hand puppet talking kind. ]
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Hahaha... because you had spoken to him about your feelings. Of course. I'll let him know your gratitude.
[ with the hand he hadn't offered to fistbump, he mimics the hand puppet motion with another chuckle. ]
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Wait. Pausing as he does something like a double take.
Then he'll point to Nikkari Minaj and then tap his own nose and then giving questioning look. ]
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I... smell...?
[ it's very hard to render nikkari completely speechless, but. he's done it. ]
. . . Prompto-san, please do your best to explain that as concisely as you can. I can feel our connection beginning to fade, and I am not sure if my own soul will be able to rest if I don't learn what you're trying to say.
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Let's start over. Pointing to him again and then just putting one finger up and then two fingers out to make a "k", but it's not that clear of one. Then there is a "N", "O", and a "W". ]