faithfulflame | Thirteenth Prayer: A Flash of the Future [Video/Action]

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Thirteenth Prayer: A Flash of the Future [Video/Action]

[It's been nearly two years in Luceti, and Rei's come to realize that things are very different for her than they were initially. Then, she'd been so focused on getting home, getting back to the fight, and finishing what she'd started. But everything that'd happened since that time had given her other things to focus on, other people to care about besides just the Senshi, and a semblance of happiness she'd not had at home. People to trust, a shrine to call her own, and a way to grow stronger without having to rely in the power of Mars and that link to the past. It was nice, having that life, even the experiments and friends randomly disappearing were better than being dead.

Haruhi's departure had been a little shocking, but then...every time someone left it meant they were just going back to the life they'd been stolen from. Even as much as she'd grown attached to the place, going home still felt right, like it was the way things should go. After all, destiny could only be put off for so long. Which she knew all to well applied to her, that she shouldn't wish too hard to delay the inevitable, but all the same she couldn't quite bring herself to hope for that. Even if you knew you'd come back, and everything would be alright in the end, there was something oddly morbid about wishing for death.

Rather than dwell on it, though, Rei does what she does best: she moves on with her life with a sigh. Today is Setsubun after all, so inevitably, she finds herself in the shrine. After a while she decides to perform a flame reading of her own future, something she's been putting off for a while. Unsurprisingly the results are too much of a jumble to make much sense, though Fenimore is beginning to feature more prominently in them. Disappointed that she couldn't get more, she decides to set up a broadcast because even if she can't get a proper Setsubun ceremony going this year, Rei feels she should at least do something.]

Video

Good afternoon, Luceti, and welcome to any New Feathers that have just arrived. For those of you that do not know me, my name is Rei Hino and I run Tsukino Shrine, across the river from the Flame building. It's a peaceful place and it's open to visitors at any time, regardless of spiritual beliefs.

As today is a sort of traditional festival day in my world, I'll be offering fortune telling and flame readings to anyone who visits today. If you have an interest in knowing a bit more about your future, your luck, or other things, feel free to come by and I will be happy to help you.

Also, I was wondering if anyone knows much about carpentry. There are some parts of the shrine that are beginning to get a little worn and some improvements I'd like to make, though I need some help with that. Any assistance or advice would be appreciated. I'm more than happy to offer what services I can in return. Baking, limited enchanting, exorcisms, omamori and other charms, or even just help with yardwork.

[And she bows to the camera before turning off the feed.]

[As promised, Rei is at the shrine, and while she'll be replying to journals she'd prefer in person visits!]

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[Ami gives Rei a chance to visit with others before she comes by the shrine in the late afternoon, bordering on evening.]

Good afternoon, Rei-chan. Have you been very busy today? [She'd caught the message, of course, and she imagines quite a few of the inhabitants of Luceti would want to accept Rei's fortunetelling offer, just as people had always come to the shrine back home. She had been there once or twice herself, though usually to see Rei or talk about senshi business.

Ami holds up a small wrapped bundle, which she had decided on as her best contribution today.] I brought some food, if you'd like to take a rest for dinner in a little while, maybe.

[Rei had expected the older Senshi to come on towards evening, as she usually did. Clinic work, of course, took priority and that was totally understandable.]

Ah, hello Ami-chan. [She nods in acknowledgement as she keeps sweeping up some mess] It was, actually, but things are winding down.

[Spying the bundle, she beams and leans on her broom]

And that would be perfect. I'm starving.

[Ami holds out the budle to Rei. Trade for the broom?]

Why don't you go put it inside? I can finish here to give you a minute to relax. [She knows very well that a constant stream of people in need is... gratifying, to be able to help them, but also tiring at times. She may as well give Rei a minute.]

[Trade indeed. Rei takes the parcel and nods in agreement.]

Thank you, it's a big help. I'll be right back.

[She heads inside and takes a minute to peek inside the bundle before coming back outside. What could be inside?!]

[Well, it's nothing like what Mako would have managed to cook for them all, but it's a passable meal anyway, mostly finger foods so they won't create a lot of dishes - fruits, cold sandwiches, and the like.

It takes Ami a bit of time before she comes inside to join Rei, but not too long; she works quickly and she has motivation.]

It's all finished now. Shall we eat?

[Well Mako is special. Rei happily sets it up and starts preparing hot tea while Ami works, because teamwork!]

Of course, thank you for making it. It all looks so good.

[She claps her hands together and murmurs the traditional itadakimasu before pushing over a cup of green tea and picking up a bit of fruit.]

[Ami echoes Rei quietly, before taking a sip of green tea herself. She thinks there's always something about the way Rei prepares it that she hasn't been able to match, but that she definitely appreciates.]

I wanted to be able to do something to help, even if it was just this.

[Traditional methods probably make the difference. Rei is not so quick to use modern things as Ami is.]

Well, I appreciate it. It's been one of those days, with lots of people coming and going. Amagi-san can do tarot just fine, but I have to do the flame readings myself, after all.

[Ami's food and drink preparation generally stops at something nutritious and good enough, with a side of quick and easy so she can get back to whatever she's working on at the time.]

In a way, you've realized your dream, becoming the head of this shrine. [Even with others she's training, now.]

I'd say so, though I'd prefer to have one with a proper spirit.

[She gestures at the little altar]

This is nice, dedicated to the people here, but it's not quite the same.

Mm. But I think the people here need something like this, too. [She's not sure how to describe what she means exactly... it's a sort of security, a peace of mind from knowing there's protection and help somewhere.]

I think so too. It's good just having a quiet, peaceful place. Even if town isn't busy there's something about having a shrine, you know?

It's somewhere you can get away from everything else. I understand. [For her, it's the library.]

And it's good to share it, even if it's not a proper shrine, in the traditional sense, yes. [She bites a bit of fruit and nods]

But it's sometimes offputting, with how few people believe in my fortunes until they happen.

[The modern mind is rather bred towards skepticism, not to say cynicism.]

I might not have believed it myself, if I didn't know yours come true.

Oh? [That gets a questioning look]

You wouldn't?

It's hard to believe, if you haven't had any experience with it. [And if you're the by-the-textbook scientific type, no matter how many flights of fancy your mental airspace holds.]

Even after everything with the Senshi? [She's clearly teasing you, brainy!]

[Well, yes, that was part of her point; so Ami answers seriously.]

I think that helped me to understand.

Was it? [Rei can't help but laugh slightly, covering her mouth with a hand.]

You never thought it was possible before?

[Awkward explanation is awkward.]

Science doesn't allow much room for the supernatural. [On the other hand, Ami had, once she'd seen it for herself.]

[Rei snorts softly and wiggle a finger.]

I don't know how you coped with suddenly becoming a magical heroine then.

It was hard to deny it, when I'd just used magic myself. [And anyway, despite all of what she just said, she wanted to believe. That helps.]

Well, I'd hope so.

[She's definitely sipping tea]

I never really thought how hard it must've been to accept such things.

[You grew up at a temple, Rei. She grew up in a science classroom.]

But... [She almost sounds as though she's thinking this through as she says it.] I think people need things to believe in, too.

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