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

[faithfulflame]

[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!]

Comments

[Action]

[blessingone]

[Fenimore nearly replies to volunteer Walter without even bothering to ask him, but she thinks better of it. She's come to think twice about trying to order him around after she...kind of blackmailed him into staying at the house to provide some stability to Sophie after her mother disappeared. She does make a mental note to mention Walter's skill in carpentry to Rei at some time if she doesn't find anyone. She's seen him be coerced into rather large carpentry projects, after all.

In the meantime, she makes her way to the shrine. Fortune telling kind of seems a little odd to her -- she believes in prophecy, but she's not used to the idea of it being so...personal -- but she's willing to give Rei the benefit of the doubt on it. She's been meaning to check it out, anyway, so today seems like a good opportunity.

She waves and smiles as she catches sight of Rei, picking up her pace a little.]

Good afternoon, Rei-san. Have you had many visitors yet, or am I the first?

[Action]

[faithfulflame]

[When Fenimore came up, Rei hopped up from her seat and waved, striding over quickly to give her friend a little hug. She'd sort of hoped Fenimore would turn up, given how the visions had gone, but that was really only part of it. It was fun spending time with her.]

You're the first one, Fenimore-san. It's lovely to see you.

[action]

[sewdamncute]

[He'd nearly forgotten that Setsubun was a thing before Rei-san's video that morning, but he decided that it would be a good idea to head over to the shrine anyway.

Besides, Yukiko-senpai had been working there lately too and he could see both girls with one trip if he was lucky.

He bundles up warmly and heads over, actually kinda happy and not stressed out over anything for once.

Grey eyes take in some of the damage that she was talking about, but he's no carpenter. He could think of a million different ways to cover it up, but that wasn't what she wanted.

He lifts a hand in greeting when he sees the dark-haired girl in her priestess outfit, trying his best not to stare.]

Hey there, Rei-san. Thought I'd come over to check out the shrine finally.

[action]

[faithfulflame]

[Rei spots Kanji almost immediately and waves in kind. He wasn't really someone she'd spent much time with, but if Yukiko and Yu could deal with him, then she could. And he was sweet, in his own way.]

Hello there, Kanji-san. It's a good day for a visit. Is there something special I can do for you?

[action]

[geniustheveil]

[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.

[action]

[faithfulflame]

[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.

[video]

[isgorgeous]

Huh, you can tell fortunes? Like real ones?

[video]

[faithfulflame]

I can, yes. [She smiles at the camera.]

If you'd like one, I'd be happy to read yours.

[Action]

[folklorist]

[ After hearing said announcement Helios can't help but drop by. He'll be carrying a few bags filled with some goodies from the cafe that he made. He'll give the young girl a happy wave when he finally reaches the shrine's entrance. ]

Rei! It's certainly been awhile. How have you been?

[Action]

[faithfulflame]

[She immediately stops what she's doing and walks over to give Helios a hug.]

I've been quite well...Papa. [She can't help but smirk up at him.]

I'm sorry I haven't been around lately, I decided to do a little bit of self-study and a couple of research missions. But I have been well. How about you?

video

[aerialassault]

What kind of festival's supposed to be happening today, Rei?

[He didn't really care too much about his future, but he was interested in other cultures-- especially if there was possibly a holiday, festival, or tradition from Earth that remained sacred from the Malnosso.]

video

[faithfulflame]

It's called Setsubun, a festival for getting rid of bad luck and welcoming good luck. If you like I can show you the ritual, and maybe we could even hold a small one just for some friends.

[written, camera obscured]

[readytobe]

So you are the priestess of the shrine. It is a beautiful area.

I know something of carpentry, if you have not received other offers.

[written]

[faithfulflame]

I am, and thank you, whoever you are.

I have not received other offers right now, and I would welcome the help as well.

[Though anonymous messages alone will receive a rather frosty reception]

[Action]

[magicalesbian]

[Kari's only just arrived back in the village and hasn't had too much time for looking back on the journals. But Rei's little message about a "traditional holiday" is enough to make her realize what day it is -- she lost track a little amid all the books she was cross-referencing on her mission. And seeing as she's feeling a little restless after being cooped up in a library for a few weeks, she decides to do something about it! After all, it's just not Setsubun without an Oni, right?]

[So at some point during the day, she'll be sneaking her way up to the shrine, wielding an "Oni" mask made from somewhat poorly-cut construction paper and wearing a yukata loosely thrown on over her clothes. But she won't actually slip on the mask until she gets close enough, waiting for the opportune moment to strike! The opportune moment being, of course, at any point where Rei has her back turned. At which point Rei can expect to hear a sudden and very loud:]

Gyaaaar!!!

[That's totally the sound an Oni makes, okay.]

[Action]

[faithfulflame]

[Well, the sudden sound and the mask do make Rei jump back with a gasp. And she's immediately reaching for an ofuda on reflex. Maybe it's not the most convincing oni, but if someone's trying to spook her then they probably need to learn a lesson!]

Yah!

[And she drives it into the mask with a shout!]

[action]

[ignitethestars]

[Anakin wasn't sure if this was a good idea, but part of him was curious enough to check it out anyway.

If this woman could give him readings of the future perhaps he could find out a bit more about what happened between his present time and Luke's time. However it was that simple curiosity that brought about the biggest inner conflict.

He wasn't sure if he wanted to know, but at the same time he had to.

So ... he makes his way to the Shrine, which was actually rather interesting to see up close. As soon as he spotted Rei he headed directly towards her because there because he was like a man on a mission.]

You can really see the future?

[Yep. Straight to the point.]

[action]

[faithfulflame]

[Rei turned to look at the young man and for a moment was a little taken aback. He was so serious looking, and the sheer psychic presence of him was more than a little intriguing, like a sort of heat in the air around him. When he asked the question, something about his posture told her that there was something very troubling on his mind, and that more than anything compelled her to answer.]

Yes, I can. I take it you're interested in a reading?

[ action ]

[capsulepresident]

[Trunks heard Rei's video feed earlier, one of the few feeds he checked before going to the shrine. He was interested in having his fortune told and looks around for Rei.]

Um hello? Miss Hino? I saw your video and was interested in having my fortune told.

[ action ]

[faithfulflame]

[She greets Trunks with a wave and a little bow, gesturing towards the shrine building.]

Of course. Please, come inside.

[Action]

[of_sablier]

[It will be about an hour or so after Rei's message that a familiar blond figure makes its way to the shrine, a small basket beneath one arm. She'll likely hear him before she sees him-- he's whistling a jaunty tune as he walks up the stairs, long braid swinging back and forth behind him like a pendulum.

He may not be carrying beans with him, but perhaps she'll like what he's brought anyway?]

[Action]

[faithfulflame]

[Perhaps she will, perhaps not. Either way, she's glad to see Jack, greeting him with a wave and a nod when she spots him.]

Good afternoon, Jack-san. I hope you're doing well.

[Video]

[abjurer]

So, I have to wonder how much the reading had changed in a year, yeah? I'm not sure how much about the future I want to know still though.

[Video]

[faithfulflame]

Well, that's up to you, Max-san. Generally, a year's time is quite enough to alter one's fortune.

[Action]

[whiskytraitorfirefight]

[It's curiosity that gets the better of Ginia. She's never had any faith in fortune telling or good luck charms or anything of the sort, but it's a different sort of setting and if there's magic in the village, then maybe Ginia can spare a bit of faith.

Still, when she finds herself in front of the shrine, Ginia stops. Fire makes her uneasy as always and it'll take her a bit to pull herself together and enter.]

[Action]

[faithfulflame]

[Ginia will find Rei outside the little building, sweeping up snow from the path, trying to keep it all clear. A pair of crows skitter around her feet, squawking merrily as she works, clearly playing some sort of bird game and only bothering to move when they're directly in the way.]