#B91600

[heartsteals]

My companions in kidnapping,

I've yet to see anyone make note of it in this most public forum, so I will do it myself: I would recommend you don't undertake the Quest requiring you to steal color from others. Firstly I do not know how you would accomplish this. But that is not the problem - recall that some have lost color in the past, and it is most often the result of a grievous Injury or temporary Death or some other type of curse from the town. Based on this we should assume for the moment that losing color is a bad thing, and to be avoided.

This begs the question of why such a Quest would be given to us in the first place. Indeed when I look back I see little benefit we have gained from fulfilling even those quests that are harmless outside of food or clothing. I have been here since the Start, and was willing to play along with these little games, but it has been many months with little results. As it is Winter, we should focus simply on surviving for the moment, but I would also like us to brainstorm how to move forward with our escape.

I am considering a sturdier Boat in which a small amount of us could travel across the lake. If anyone has experience in building these things your assistance would be appreciated in the future.

I am also considering trying to contact whatever lives here or watches over us here directly.

Your thoughts?

PS: I am feeling as of late a terrible chill in my bones and think that there is perhaps a sickness spreading around town. Do be careful.

Yours,
Lupin

Comments

[heartsteals]

To tell you the truth I suspect that Nothing will happen - but even if something were to happen we would have at least gained a little bit of knowledge.

In any case, it seems that some of us have already completed it, so this month you have nothing to worry about.

[doublesharp]

I guess so... It just feels like a lose-lose situation. The people who had color taken might be in danger, and now we're all getting sick. > <

I don't want bad things to keep happening, but I don't think we can make them stop.

[heartsteals]

My friend, don't despair. Though the solution may not be clear to us right now that does not mean it doesn't exist. I ask only that you persevere, and hold onto hope until we find the way out of here.

[doublesharp]

Yeah... Yeah, you're right. Sorry for being negative. We all have to stay positive, just like that quest that one month!

We've been able to make it through all the hard times before by helping each other, after all! Thanks, Lupin-san!

Since everyone deals with this a different way, how do you stay positive and not be too afraid of your friends leaving or getting hurt?

[heartsteals]

Precisely so. We will handle this situation as we've handled all the rest.

As for the secret to my sunny disposition, I find that dwelling on negative possibilities is rarely helpful or efficient, nor is it charming. Happiness will not come to you - you must plan your attack, go forward and take it for yourself without fear. Though perhaps it is easy for me to look forward with a smile when I consider the difficulties I faced in the past.

[doublesharp]

["Happiness will not come to you"... Lupin may not be able to see it, but the words are enough to make Riku pause in thought, slightly taken aback at how deeply they resonate.]

...I didn't make the connection until now, but this is just like any other hardship with a goal, isn't it? We just have to make our way until we reach the finish line.

I'm usually pretty cheerful and optimistic, so I get scolded a lot for not thinking of all of the bad things out there and being "too naive." Ehehe. But it's been hard to keep smiling when my friends keep leaving... it's different from before, so I didn't know how to deal with it, and it brought me back to that bad place.

But you're right. Even if they're different from yours, I've gone through hard things before too, so this is just like that. Even if we have to make a path by ourselves, we've got to keep going together. Right?

Sorry, I guess I'm rambling! I didn't mean to write so much, especially when it's unhappy stuff like this!

But you helped me cheer up a little, so thanks, Lupin-san. We've got to keep working hard. And I'll try to keep smiling, too!

[heartsteals]

[ there's little more satisfying than knowing you've actually made a difference - thus, Lupin is very satisfied reading this long message. ]

There is no need to apologize - it is my great fortune to be able to lift your spirits through words alone. Yes: what you say is right: you understand my feelings well.

Still, I am sorry to hear that your friends have been disappearing. It is little consolation, but if you find yourself in need of a new friend, you know where to find me.

[doublesharp]

I guess it's because you're well spoken! And you're really nice, on top of that. Your texts are all professional and mature and stuff!

Ehehe, it's okay. Even though I want them here, I have to remember that they're happy at home and we'll be together again soon.

But thanks! I want to be your friend too! [It isn't quite what he said, but...]

[heartsteals]

You flatter me.

[ and he EATS IT UP!! he could mention that there's no way to know if they're really back home or not, but that would be depressing and a little mean. ]

In that case, I declare us already friends.

[doublesharp]

[Really, he means every word of it!!! Piling genuine compliments on people is something he often can't help but do. (Thanks for sparing him, Lupin.)]

Okay!!! That was so easy!

I'll talk to you later then, okay? About something more positive next time!

[doublesharp]

Oh, and one more thing! Feel better soon!!!

[heartsteals]

I will do my very best. Adieu!