(open.) valerian

[medicative]

Who ⬤ Emily and open!
What ⬤ Monthly catchall - clinic work, music club, etc.
When ⬤ Over May.
Where ⬤ Across the city.
Content Warnings ⬤ TBA if needed.

Comments

[everblooms]

[ It's cute that Emily thinks that's what she means. Turning around to look at her over her shoulder, Aerith smiles lightly. ]

The Department wanting them is what sounded weird to me. [ She's being a little cheeky. Forgive her. ]

They're cursed. But... it's hard to tell with what. And I heard some interesting stuff about it. Do you know anything about the Wastelands?

[medicative]

A little. I know they're where those without a clan go. That it's harsh to survive there, that it is a great punishment to be sentences to die there. And I'm not sure if you know her, but there's a particular medicine maker who's getting her more specialized ingredients from out there.

[the rabbit who was so eager to have people try her products.]

I'm not sure of her connections, but it says that there's something there, though likely not meant for us.

[everblooms]

[ A lightbulb goes off overhead. Aerith realizes something as Emily mentions her— the gyokuto. ]

She's selling mochi, now, isn't she? [ In other words, she does know. ] Hey... Emily. The Haniwa... they're from the Wastelands.

[medicative]

Do you think they could be connected somehow? Or that she'll have any insight?

[if they understand the problem, they can treat the illness, or at least alleviate it.]

[everblooms]

[ An earnest answer is what she gets after a moment of deliberation. ]

I don't know, but so what? It's worth it to ask, don't you think so? Besides, if she does know... [ Something shifts in Aerith's expression— through the exhaustion, all the hard word, the talking, the trying... she feels something like determination. ] I want to know.

[medicative]

And so do I. First thing in the morning, I'll look for her, I remember where she is. I'll do what she likes if it helps her trust us with the information - take her medicines, or perform some task for her, but I want to know the same as you.

[she nods once, firmly, adding it to her mental checklist.]

If whatever she asks of me requires someone else, can I count on you to assist?

[everblooms]

[ This is a plan of action that will surely not terrify them down the road. ]

You know it. We got this! [ Sounds like a plan, Emily. Pumping her fists once, Aerith then raises her hands, palms out, to wait.

For what?

A double high five, of course. ]

[medicative]

[oh! oh, okay! slowly, Emily puts her own hands out, and then gently high fives Aerith. it's a solid mission plan!

...except, of course, the next day, when Emily comes into the clinic, her face looking a little pinched. clearly, something didn't exactly go right.]

[everblooms]

[ Their hands meet, and Aerith sleeps sooner than later. By the morning light, she's missed Emily, but there's enough to keep her busy in the clinic. Work makes the day go along faster, and when Emily comes through with her pained expression, Aerith is deep in conversation with a youkai that seems to be entirely made up of hair. It's whispering to her animatedly about a sashimi place hidden in one of Enma's official looking buildings. It's arm is wrapped tightly. A sprain, maybe?

Excusing herself, she rushes over to Emily. Concern is written into every corner of her face. ]

You don't look so good. Sit down. What happened?

[medicative]

[she makes herself take a deep breath, smoothing her skirt down. it's not that bad, she'd only gotten a little spooked, but her mind had taken it as something else entirely.]

I found our...friend, and asked her about what we spoke of. And she made it very clear to me that it's something we should be leaving utterly and truly alone.

[whatever it is, it's dangerous. and she doesn't need dangerous near this place - not by a very long shot. it'll only survive if she stays above reproach, as well as most of the other healers. they need to keep a reputation intact.]

[everblooms]

[ To Aerith, that sounds like both a business move... and a threat. While Emily gathers up the remnants of her shattered nerves, Aerith thinks. Her gaze falls to the floor, focusing on the sterile tiling. Puzzle pieces begin to connect.

Finally, she speaks. ]

So, she knows something... Probably the black market. [ A short beat before she continues, brows raising and knitting with the thought patterns she's picking out. ] The Wastelands might be where the black market gets everything. Wonder if she knows who is bringing the haniwa in...? [ Oh, but— not to be one-track minded. Sorry, Emily. ]

You look really spooked, Emily. You want some water or something?

[medicative]

I'll be fine, if you give me a moment. My point is, she's not going to talk to us anymore, even if she does know. Her words and actions were utterly clear on that point.

[a breath, and she folds her hands on her lap where she sits.]

Please, Aerith - whatever you do, be careful.