Written to Friends

[damn_juicebox]

November 1st

Dear [Insert Your Name Here],

I hope this letter finds you well. If it does, I would appreciate a response at your earliest convenience, just to put my mind at ease regarding your well-being. Alert me at once should you have need of me.

As for myself, I am well, and rested. I wanted to write this before I resumed my duties to assist the civilians in the city. As I am certain I will be called to report to Esdham soon, now that the undead have been laid to rest, it is imperative that I find a chocobo of my own, so that I may travel freely between cities should the opportunity arise.

I plan to embark on a three-day expedition, from November 7th through the 9th, and you are welcome to accompany me during any number of those days. Be certain to bring warm clothes, fresh water, food that will not easily spoil, and a sleeping bag or tent. Until this time, I will likely be found assisting with the responsibilities of cleaning up and healing injuries.

Know that I will think well of you while I reside in Esdham, and I look forward to your letters. Do not hesitate to write should you ever feel the desire. If you wish to visit, you will be warmly welcomed. I will not be far, if you ever have need of me.

Sincerely,
Rukia Kuchiki



P.S. Now that I am not so busily engaged in the capture and detainment of rogue spirits, I would like to make good on our former agreement. Please notify me if you still wish to receive your date, and inform me when you would like to meet. If you have any preferred activities or meals, please notify me prior to our engagement, so that I can plan an appropriate evening.

Comments

[thegreatninja]

Rukia,

Why is it that you always sound as if the world would end if you weren't around? Seriously... ANYWAY! I hope you find a chocobo! I have Butterfly at the stables so I'm all set. Butterfly is the name of my yellow chocobo. She likes to eat my hair... Did you know chocobo's come in all colors! I like mine though. Hopefully you can bring him on the airship to Esdham too. It'd suck to catch one then leave it in Aqures.

Side note: What sort of letters are you expecting because I don't write often and when I do it's usually to leave at a crime scene.

[It's hard to tell if Yuffie's kidding.]

Another Note: Careful while you are out there. I don't really want to find more friends and we still need to talk! I'd rather not do it through letters but um... so something happened and I'm not really sure about it.

[Her writing for here on out is a little messy.]

I need to ask you about boys so please let me know when you are free!!!!!!!!

-Yuffie

[damn_juicebox]

[Rukia receives the letter when she arrives home, and she smiles when she sees who it's from. Entering her house, she tears open the envelope and reads. Do her letters really sound so morose? She hadn't noticed. But she continues reading, and pauses when she sees that Yuffie is in need of someone to talk with. Hm, well. She might be able to speak with her tonight, she supposes. It'll explain why she's so tired on the 2nd. Then she gets to the end and nearly chokes. Talk about boys? Why is she asking Rukia of all people! ...Nonetheless, she has to admit she's a little curious, and she's not completely stupid about the topic, so. Sitting at her desk, she writes a reply.]

Yuffie,

Are you asking a soul reaper why her letters sound grim and foreboding~?

[She grins to herself. It's really the only explanation she can think of. She can't help the way she speaks.]

I was not aware that chocobos had developed a taste for hair. I assume this is why yours is cut short? I had heard that different colors of chocobos exist in the wild. It is my fondest wish to find one that is white, as that is the color of the sword I owned as a shinigami.

As for letters, write whatever you wish, whether it is long or short. I like to know how my friends are doing, and I will endeavor to return the favor.

If you would like to meet tonight, you may visit here at house B-03, or I will come to you. I can always make time to speak with you whenever you need it.

~Rukia

[thegreatninja]

Rukia...

Yes, you might be a soul reaper but there is no reason to be so depressing. We also managed for over a year before now with only a few mishaps... You know... nevermind about that.

[Yuffie isn't one to talk.]

ALSO! I've been attempting to grow out my hair... it's only sort of been working. [It goes down to her shoulders now.] But yes white ones are rare so... I don't know prepare your soul reaper depressing mind to be disappointed? I'll wish you luck anyway.

-Yuffie

PS: I'll be there in 10. Gotta sneak away from Mr. Pork Roll here.

[damn_juicebox]

[Mr. Who? And she is not depressing, she just worries about her friends, gosh. Well, if Yuffie's on her way, there's no sense in dispatching Chappopo with another letter. She leaves her desk and heads into the bathroom to splash some water on her face, then heads to the kitchen to brew a fresh pot of tea.]

Friendly Letter

[whereishe]

Dear Rukia,

I'd really like to come with you during your expedition. I need to find a chocobo of my own and I haven't had the time to do so before now. Please let me know where to meet and I'll be there! I'm changing my jobs around too so hopefully I'll be able to help some more.

Let me know if there is anything that we need for the trip.

-Yunie

Re: Friendly Letter

[damn_juicebox]

[To this day, Rukia still thinks her name is 'Yunie' and not 'Yuna.']

Yunie,

I would be glad to have you with me. I plan on meeting at the town gates early, perhaps around eight o'clock in the morning on the 7th. What jobs did you choose for the month? I hope to maximize the Ghostbuster job as my first priority. Initially I wished to pursue the Scholar's job as well, but I would have no offensive capabilities except against ghosts. I would not prove to be of much use with such a combination. I elected to return to the Ninja job, as I wish to test this invisibility crystal that I was given.

~Rukia

P.S. I'm glad to know that you are safe and well.

Friendly Letter

[whereishe]

Dear Rukia,

Thank you, I'm glad that you are safe as well.

I'm planning to use BeastMaster and Dancer. Both are support rolls but I can send out my pet to fight or my moogle to heal while I dance. It's versatile to say the least. I can always change it to something else. I plan to switch back to ghostbuster once I have BeastMaster completed.

Invisibility sounds very useful as well.

-Yunie

[damn_juicebox]

Yunie,

Chappopo has asked me to undertake that job as well. She has a strong desire to participate in the battles to come, so I think I will honor her wishes. I must wait until I've mastered a job before I request the Beastmaster to be added to my crystal. Nonetheless, it seems very useful, and versatile as you've described.

The only portion that concerns me is the use of a whip. I have never handled a weapon like this before. I hope use of the job enables us with at least the knowledge of competency.

~Rukia

[makingfriends]

[He almost doesn't write back at first, but the sincerity in the letter makes Ven think twice (and feel a little guilty, because he clearly needs more of that) so he changes his mind -- but it's a few hours before he does, and it's uncharacteristically brief, to the point, and lacking in exclamation marks.]

Rukia,

I'm glad to hear you're OK. Me and Rae are all right.

Good luck on your hunting. I'm stuck with my current jobs for a while so I don't think I'd be much help, but I'm sure you'll do great.

Ventus

[damn_juicebox]

[Something about the letter does seem off, but she's not really sure how to distinguish what it is. It's his handwriting, but it seems almost rushed to the point of curtness. That isn't like him. Should she write back, or just go visit him directly? He may prefer to be alone right now. She debates for a long time before picking up her pen.]

Ventus,

It matters little how much aid you are able to render. If you wish to come, please do so. You know your presence is always welcome.

Is everything all right? Do you want me to come over?

~Rukia

[makingfriends]

[There's a short delay in the return of this one, too, because Ven's trying to decide just how he feels and what he wants -- two things that this kind of mood always confuses him about. He doesn't really want to be alone, but he doesn't necessarily want company, either.]

Rukia,

Thanks for the invite. I'll think about it. I just don't want to get in the way or anything.

I'm fine, just tired I guess. Last night was busy and all. [And that's probably the biggest euphemism in history.] Anyway, I'll be all right, so you don't have to.

Ventus

[And then, post-script, in Rae's much neater handwriting,]

Miss Rukia,

Ven was beaten up pretty badly when he came home this morning, kupo. The worst I've ever seen him. He hasn't talked about it much, and you can probably guess that being so quiet is unusual for him. I've seen him like this a few times after something big happened. He always bounces back from it all right with time, but what bothers me is that I haven't seen any of his housemates since yesterday, kupo. Of course, the city's been pretty crazy and the hospital's backed up so I could just be missing them...

Anyway, I'll keep an eye on him like always, so don't worry, kupo. I just wanted you to have an idea of what's going on with him, in case you do see him soon.

Thank you,
~Mograe

[neverfirstclass]

[The letter comes in Cloud's own handwriting. Mako offered to write it for him but Cloud insisted.]

Rukia,

[The next bit shows signs of a lot of starting and erasing and crossing out. Words like "sorry" and "About that other night", and things like it can be made out. The letter begins properly a few lines down.]

A camping trip sounds fun. Catching a chocobo doesn't take that much fun but it still sounds like a fun way to do it. I can get you any supplies you need from the farm and maybe I can convince the Old Man to let me go with you all "officially".

Good luck in Esdham. I'd be happy to keep in touch with you. Just also let me know if Sephiroth ever looks like he's overdoing it or hiding something. He's not much of a penpal and I don't trust Jade to take me seriously.

Sorry, I guess I'm rambling.

Cloud

[damn_juicebox]

[Rukia narrows her eyes at what looks to be an apology. She's glad he didn't carry it out, or she'd be marching right over to shout at him. He was put through hell, he has nothing to be sorry about. She writes back in her elegant penmanship.]

Cloud,

I can think of no one better to guide us on this kind of expedition. You would be most welcome to join us, and I would be deeply appreciative. If you need me to twist Old Man's arm, you have but to say the word.

As for Sephiroth, I will take your advice to heart. Is this something that should be discussed in person? Do not worry, you are not rambling.

I hope you are feeling better. Please call me should you need anything.

~Rukia

[neverfirstclass]

Rukia,

We can talk about Sephiroth if you want, but I'm not really sure what to say. We've both had our futures back home laid out for us. I don't like it, but he's probably right that there's nothing we can do about it. But still I think the fact we're here changes something. Maybe it gives us more of a choice.

I'm just worried that he'll chain himself to that future rather than trying to live for himself. It's the sort of thing I'd do if I was in his position I think. I'm just lucky that I've made so many friends here who cheer me on.

So...yeah, please just keep an eye on him.

Cloud

[iscursednomore]

Rukia,

Would it be okay for me to tag along? While I already have a Chocobo, I would much like to be able to find a mate for her.

Fai D. Flourite

[damn_juicebox]

Fai,

Certainly, it would be good to have a couple of experts on hand to guide the rest of us who have no chocobo-capturing experience. Thank you. I will see you on the 7th.

~Rukia

[iscursednomore]

Rukia,

Great. I'll actually bring Big Yellow along with me n that hipes that it might help in some way.

Fai.

[vindr]

[In typically slightly-messy teenager writing:]

Hello, Rukia-san!

Wow, you remembered me! That whole time stealing-the-ship thing feels like it wasn't all that long ago though, does it. It was fun! Too bad your drawing didn't come with me into the next loop though. I was disappointed.

Have fun catching a chocobo! Tia - my moogle - said it's not a good idea for someone like me to have a pet like that. (I can't tell if she's joking or not!)

Yes, let's get together sometime! My favourite thing to do is bike racing! Can you ride a bicycle? And one of my favourite foods is onigiri!
I really hope you know about bikes and onigiri! (It's amazing how many people here don't.)

Talk to you later!
-Manami Sangaku

[There- you get to see how his first name is written now, Rukia! And it's obvious from his stroke that he likes writing his name a lot.]

[damn_juicebox]

[What a cheerful letter! It has the power to perk her write up, and she responds with a smile. She's not even sure where to begin, really.]

Greetings, Manami

I'm glad you seem to be in good spirits. Have you owned many pets before? This will be my first, though it's difficult to think of a chocobo as a pet. A companion is, perhaps, a better word for it? You're welcome to come, regardless if you catch a chocobo or not, but I understand if you've already made other plans.

I confess that I have never tried riding a bicycle before. Do they have those here? I can safely say that I do know what an onigiri is. I don't know how to make it. Is there a special trick, or do you just mold cooked rice into a ball? My favorite foods are eggs and cucumbers, but I've enjoyed trying some new dishes here as well. Did you know they can make cheese into a dessert called cheesecake? I am consistently amazed at the wide range of culinary masterpieces available to us in this world.

~Rukia

[And because he's been so nice, she draws him another picture of their airship adventure, complete with Mercury standing on the deck and a smiling Sparks even though he's been tied up.]

[vindr]

Hello again, Rukia-san!

Thanks for the new picture! It's pretty great! I feel like I can really remember that time easily when I look at your drawing. I laughed at how you drew in the cowboy-guy too!

I haven't had any pets. My neighbor had a bird once. It seemed really hard to take care of. But she's the really responsible type, so I guess it was no problem for her.

If I can, I'll come on your trip! It could be fun!

Rukia-san, it's really important that you try riding a bike! They are really really rare here, but you should still try it sometime!

I'm glad you know what onigiri is, at least! It's really easy to make. There are totally special tricks to making a good onigiri! But they are really easy tricks. It's even easier with things like plastic wrap, but I guess that can't be helped in a place like this.

I know about cheesecake. Rukia-san, where do you come from that cheesecakes is unusual...? Maybe you eat really boring food there? Please eat lots while you're here!

See you!
-Manami Sangaku

[nobugs]

To Rukia

I would enjoy coming along with you for a small expedition. I suppose to make our challenge come true, I will need to find a chocobo myself.

From Kija

[damn_juicebox]

Kija,

Wonderful! I'm most pleased to hear this. You are absolutely welcome to join us, though I trust you knew this. I will see you then. Best of luck!

~Rukia

[no1]

[ He's still somewhat exhausted from the events of the day before, but the contents of the letter make him smile. ]

Rukia,

While I might not be able to afford spending another long period of time away from Aqures, I would be glad to assist you in your search on one of these days, at least. It all depends on my schedule that is yet to be established, so would it be all right if I contacted you once again on a later date?

I have Chocobo Knight equipped and I will, of course, bring Suzaku with me. He could benefit from spending some time with others of his kind, I believe he misses it.

I can see you are being serious about your mission and I wish you the best of luck.

-- Ace

[ There's a small note on the bottom, clearly written with the same hand, but seeming oddly... sneaky. ]

Forgive me for any comments my Moogle might make regarding the contents of this letter. She is not overly fond of Chocobos.

[ ... In fact, the fluffball in question, Hanafuda, does seem grumpier than usual while delivering the message. ]

[damn_juicebox]

[Oh, good! She likes Ace, and remembers him fondly from both the encounter with the cactuar as well as the expedition inside of the mansion. She pens a cheerful reply in her elegant and careful penmanship. ...which is ruined by a dorky drawing of a chocobo in the corner that looks like it was made by a six-year-old.]

Ace,

Certainly you are welcome to join us. Whatever time you wish to dedicate would be greatly appreciated, especially as you seem to have some measure of experience that many of us lack (including myself). The event is fairly informal in nature, I just want to make certain that I do not leave anyone behind when we initially set out. If you would wish to join us in progress, I believe a group of our size will be fairly easy to find, particularly for Moogles who can take to the air.

Perhaps, at some time in the future, you would not mind telling me more about how you find your Chocobo Knight job? I have considered taking this myself once I've managed to successfully master the jobs I have now.

~Rukia

[She'll sneak Hanafuda a bag of kupo nuts in thanks for putting up with the two of them.]

[no1]

[ What ultimately can't mend a poor Moogle's heart is at least able to fill her stomach, and that's a perfectly valid temporary solution. Expect lots of happy kupo-ing when she's back. ]

Rukia,

It is decided, then. I believe the 8th is the most likely of the three, although it could also be fun to spend the following night outside, if time allows, so I will look into getting the necessary equipment just in case.

[ Fun, he says, which is a word he doesn't toss around often, mind you - though since the birds are involved, it's also hardly surprising. ]

Absolutely, I will gladly share what I know. It was one of two Jobs I awoke in Crystallis with, so I can claim to have become fairly proficient in using it. Of course, I would not treat it as a shortcut to get the Chocobo's trust, because the process is far more complicated than that, but practicing its skills can certainly aid you in understanding these creatures.

--Ace

[ Fear not, the drawing does not go unnoticed by the cadet's watchful eyes, so the bottom of his letter reveals a follow-up to it, though the lines are so thin and careful that one can note he was quite... shy about it, if still paying enough attention to the details.

Basically, there's a Chocobo standing in the exact same way as in Rukia's letter, except now it's accompanied by its fellow feathered friend. From what it might seem, it's almost like... they're trying to high-five.

With their wings.

... Yeah. ]