mogmelodies | Written to Santa's Roommates, Duster, Ed, The Police, and Santa himself just in case

Ms. Kurashiki,

I haven't seen him, and I didn't want to worry but if you're worried...

I'm one of his housemates, Lydia Deetz. He likes to refer to me as the "creepy-child", if he actually talks about his housemates. I don't think the others have seen him either, although I would ask Yuusuke since he and Santa share a room.

I certainly don't know him well, but you said this is unlikely for him?

Sincerely
Lydia

Dear Lydia,

I apologize on my brother's behalf for calling you that. He can be very blunt and prickly, but he's honestly very kind. Thank you for being his housemate.

If you see Yuusuke, would you please pass the message along? I appreciate it very much.

Sincerely,
Akane

Dear Ms. Akane,

You don't owe me an apology. He really doesn't either, as I'm kind of used to it. I picked up on his being blunt and prickly, so I'm a bit skeptical of the kindess, but then again--it might be a defense mechanism. I've been bullied enough before to understand wanting to keep people at a distance.

He's not a very difficult housemate, aside from some of his ideas. I'll definitely pass the message along to Yuusuke, and BP and I will keep our eyes open. If we can help otherwise, please let us know. Both for this, and in helping you in Crystallis. I've been here at least a year, and been through...a lot of things I never thought I'd go through before.

Sincerely,
Lydia

Dear Ms. Lydia,

As far as I know, Aoi wasn't bullied, but he was forced to grow up very fast when our parents died. So in a sense, you're right, it's a sort of defense mechanism. He has to be tough to survive, and I don't know if he can turn that part of himself off without feeling very vulnerable. But I promise there's no malice or ill will there.

Thank you both very much. There's still a lot I need to learn about this place, I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions that arise! Maybe I'll come visit all of you, when Aoi is home safe and sound. I'd like to meet his housemates in person. Until then, be safe, and thank you.

Sincerely,
Akane

Dear Ms. Akane,

I didn't get any ideas about malice or ill-will. I got the sense if he was mad or angry at me, he'd act much the same but the intensity would be different. I'm used to being around a lot of different types of people, even when they're not bullies.

Why does he go by Santa? I'd be happy to meet you sometime.

Sincerely,
Lydia

[Akane has to think about this one. It's not like she thinks people would react poorly if they knew it was the name he adopted when tossed into the Nonary Game, but that whole situation was so personal and so stressful that it might be an invasion of Santa's privacy. So how should she respond? Tapping the pen to her lip, Akane finally decides to answer it the way her brother has.]

Dear Miss Lydia,

It's because he grants wishes! It's a little bit of a long story, but if you ask him, he might be persuaded to tell you.

Sincerely,
Akane

["Brother"? Well that's news.]

Akane -

I've been expecting him to stop by the shop, but I haven't seen him. Not sure whether or not I'm surprised, really.

Should we organize a search party? Any ideas where he might have gone off to?

- Ed Grayson

[Akane's heart sinks. She thought for sure Ed would be one of the best leads. She kind of wants to hope that this is just Santa's way of luring her out to a surprise birthday party, but she doesn't think he'd do it like this. He goes out of her way not to make her worry about him.]

Mr. Grayson,

Maybe we should have a search party. I really have no idea where he could be. He hasn't been at the bank, and I don't think any of his roommates have seen him. I'm still waiting for some replies, though, so maybe he just went out with a friend and lost track of time. I'm not sure.

Thank you for answering me.

~Akane Kurashiki

Akane -

I'll see what I can do. Moogles are great helps with this sort of thing, since they do a lot of travelling around. I'll see if Mogrissa will help in looking. If word comes up of anyone spotting him, I'll let you know.

- Ed

Thank you very much, Mr. Grayson. That's kind of you. Please keep in touch.

~Akane

[NO ONE TOLD HIM ONE OF THE VICTIMS HAD A SISTER. He needs to whip his subordinates into order for this oversight.

Thanks to that, and the fact that this is pretty heavy news, he'll deliver it in person. There's bound to be more questions from Akane anyway, so he should be there for that. So, not long after her letter is sent, there's a knock on her door.]

[It's a big lonely house for one young lady to live in by herself. It's also very quiet. But once Sparks knocks, he can hear the scrape of a chair from an open window upstairs, followed by the rapid muffled thump of footsteps running down the stairs.]

[Akane throws open the door, her violet eyes wide with hope, a smile forming on her face. But it's not her brother who greets her at the door. She's pretty sure this is the first time she's met this man.]

Can I help you?

[She holds the door open a little wider and steps forward, holding her hands together in front of her chest as her heart starts thumping. The grim look on his face is setting off all kinds of alarms, but she forces herself to stay calm.]

[Having friends in Crystallis was rough enough, when things got bad. Sparks could only imagine what it was like having family here too. He'll identify himself and his position, and once he confirms that she's indeed Akane, he gets her to step inside. Sparks lets out a little sigh to clear his head and get out what he needs to say. At least there's a happy ending with this, when it came to Heroes - not that dying was any fun, but after a week, he should snap out of it.]

Two days ago, Santa had been found dead alongside Jack Harkness. We're still investigating what happened, and it might be related to an earlier incident as well. Had I known Santa had a sister here, I would have alerted you much sooner.

If there's any good news in all of this, it's that he's shown up in the crystal ward in the hospital - meaning by the 24th he should be good as new. I'll make sure myself that you're altered as soon as he's awake again.

Wh-what...?

[The news looks as if it visibly hits her, and she rocks back on her heels as she flinches with one arm raised defensively.]

What?! No...no, that can't be true...!

[All of the color drains from Akane's face, leaving her pale and trembling as tears swim to the brink of her lashes. Her breathing quickens as her eyes grow larger.]

He can't be d... He can't be!!!

[Akane is rapidly becoming hysterical, one hand pushing into her hair and clutching it tight. Her brother... The one who's always been so kind to her, who struggled so hard all of their lives trying to keep her alive and happy... Someone took his life? Who? Why?!?!]

Aaaaaaah....AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH..........!!!!

[Okay, Sparks was expecting a bad reaction, but not quite this bad. It's awful, but the knowledge of them coming back within a week is at least to take the worst edges off.

He reaches out to put a hand on her shoulder, but stops, not sure if that would help or not. Emotions are tough enough for him to deal with when they're not boiling over like this. Instead, he'll try to get her to focus on him.]

Hey, hey! Listen to me, okay? I know it sounds like the worst thing ever, but let's all thank our lucky stars that we're Heroes and this doesn't mean it's the end. It's gonna be a long week, but I know for a fact that he's in the ward, 'n you can check up on him any time. So-- So just. Um. Just stay safe in the meanwhile. While we try to find out who did this and put 'em behind bars.

No! No!

[He doesn't understand. She looks up at him with watery eyes, her lip trembling. There's fear and anger shining brightly through her tears.]

He didn't just die from an accident or a monster! Someone did this on p-purpose! He was murdered!

[Even if he comes back, what's to stop the murderer from doing it to him again and again? What if he doesn't come back? Lots of people enter into crystal stasis and don't open their eyes again.]

[At the very least, her poor reaction isn't nearly as awful as other people from her canon, as evidenced by the lack of ax sticking out of Sparks's back.]

Why would they do this?! Why?!?!?!

Yeah.

[Sparks is very good at staying professional, but his shoulders slump at Akane's assessment.]

Once we know why, we can figure out who did this. In the meanwhile, I need all Heroes on their toes and at their best. We gotta keep it together, or we might as well give in to the murderers. Especially if their reason is to cause us all this grief 'n stress. So, so just...

[He finally does put a hand on Akane's shoulder, trying to steady her.]

Just know I ain't gonna rest til I figure out who's doin' this and make 'em pay. That's a promise.

[Beneath his hand he's sure to feel her trembling with the intensity of the strong emotions running through her small body. She doesn't stiffen up at his offer of comfort, or knock his wrist away. Akane isn't that kind of person. Instead she puts her hand over his and gives it a light, tremulous squeeze to indicate her silent gratitude. He's being gentle and considerate with her, and Akane appreciates that. He could have delivered the news in a letter, but he was willing to weather the discomfort of another person's sorrow so she doesn't have to learn her brother died while she's all alone.]

I... I...

[She takes another gulping sob as her tear-filled gaze rises to meet his determined face.]

I want to help. I just need a little...a little time to compose myself.

[Akane brushes at her cheeks with her other hand, sniffling.]

Please?

[It's obvious that he's uncomfortable at all of this emotion all up in his face, but he's glad to see he's actually said the right thing for a chance. What a refreshing change of pace that it.]

Oh, uh. Yeah. 'Course. Take all the time ya need. Heroes are all definitely welcome to help us police out with this.

Ya just can't go out there alone, though. I'm institutin' a curfew 'n patrol. No one's to go out alone til all this is over.

I understand.

...Um...

[She's not sure she should say it, because she doesn't want to look like she's questioning his decision. But she does want to point it out.]

Maybe...it might be best if people had to move in groups of three, instead of two. If it's true that Heroes are killing each other, then going in a pair just. Kind of makes it easier for a murder to happen.

[She's still very shaken, but she's trying hard to think clearly. Easier said than done.]

[This had crossed his mind. Sparks scratches the back of his head, looking dismayed.]

Yeah, no, we should, but it's a matter of how many officers we can spare for this. Gonna see about gettin' the military to help out with it.

Just, y'know, in the meanwhile, stay inside, keep the lights on, and don't be alone. If'n yer alone in this house, find some friends to stay with.

[Says the guy whose roommate is one of the main suspects.]

Um...y-yeah...I'll be okay.

[What friends? It just sounds so pathetic to say it. Her brother was the only person she was really close to, close enough that she could feel comfortable asking him for help. There's Hisui too, but...well...he's a boy. She probably shouldn't just show up at his doorstep asking to spend the night, especially with tears running down her face.]

[She stays on the floor with her legs in front of her, staring down at her knees.]

Thank you for telling me in person.

[Sparks is a hypocrite anyway, since his roommate will be voluntarily turning himself in for the crimes soon, and he'll be alone in his house.]

Yeah, sure. Ain't exactly the sorta thing ya wanna deliver by mail. 'Sides, if I made my moogle deliver that kinda news, she'd never forgive me.

[He shrugs lightly. Just a little joke.]

If ya need anythin', just let the station know, or stop by. Me 'r any of the officers around'll help ya out. And if ya find anythin' out, don't tell anyone else. Heroes are the most likely culprit at this point, so just let the police know. Okay?

[They really think a Hero of Light did it? That's so scary! They're supposed to be the ones she trusts, that other people can look up to. Akane shivers as a nasty chill runs through her body, and she nods glumly.]

Okay. I'll do that. Thank you, sir.

Miss Akane,

I have not seen Santa lately either, kupo! I am very worried, and the people at the bank do not know what to do, kupo! I have been there trying to keep them working, but they are afraid their new boss disappeared like the old one.

If you find him before I do, please tell him to come to work and calm everyone down, kupo.

-Crash Kupo

Thank you, Crash Kupo. I'm worried too. Is there anything I can help with at the bank that you know of? My brother isn't an irresponsible person, he wouldn't just leave his job like that without telling anybody. And I don't want him to lose his job if something bad happened to him.

~Akane

I don't know, kupo. I can try to keep things running for a day or so, but if Santa is taking a vacation, we really need to let them know. They are too scared of him to fire him, but they might not work as hard for him if he leaves all the time, kupo! Their last boss was mean to them!

-Crash Kupo

[There's a significant delay between Akane's last reply at this one. When she writes, her handwriting is a little shaky, and there are a few spots on the paper where her tears dried. That is one sad little sister.]

Crash,

I'll stop by the bank later this afternoon. Someone murdered my brother. He'll be gone for a while longer. So I'll tell the employees to expect him to return as soon as he's capable.

~Akane

[There's no written response, but Crash Kupo will be at the bank when Akane arrives, trying to keep the panicked workers calm and under control. He's wearing a little tie, but also the arm warmers Santa bought for him. Occasionally, when he thinks no one is looking, he wipes his eyes on the black fabric, and then fixes his expression back into stoicism.]

[The first thing Akane does is make a beeline for her Moogle's twin, and wrap her arms around him to embrace him tightly against her shoulder. She nuzzles her face against his soft white fur, holding him for a little while to convey her sympathy, and the pain they both share.]

[She steps back after several moments, giving him one firm nod. She's still heartbroken, but there's work to be done. She can't keep crying and feeling miserable and alone, leaving Aoi with a knot of problems plopped onto his plate when he comes back. Clearing her throat, she steps into the middle of the bank. There aren't any customers yet, so she can address the employees as a whole.]

My name is Akane Kurashiki. I'm Aoi's younger sister. I regret to inform you that Aoi is unable to come to work for the next week. He was found...murdered.

[In spite of her resolve, there's still a tightening in her throat when she says it. She grips her small hands into fists at her sides, gathering her resolve.]

He's a Hero of Light, so he will be back in less than a week. It's still shocking, and unsettling, and I apologize that we weren't able to tell any of you this until just now. But...but it would mean a lot to me, and to him, if we prove that we can carry on until he returns. I know something about the banking business too, so if there are any pressing matters I can help you with, I'll stop by twice a day to help in any way I can.

[Akane clasps her hands tightly in front of her and bows.]

If we can do this, I would be so grateful.

havent seen the guy

[ Very helpful. Clearly.]

[She wants to write a reply, but she has no idea who sent this. She has to ask the Moogle who delivered it. Yusuke? Oh, that's her brother's roommate! But he hasn't seen Aoi, so...that's not good news.]

Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. Thank you for telling me, though.

~Akane

Dear Akane,

We were training together on the 16th at the Hero Training Facility, but I didn't see him after he left. I thought he went home right after because he didn't mention anything about going on a trip.

I wonder if there was something he had to do for your birthday.

I'll keep an eye out for him. He has to be around.

- Duster

Dear Duster,

Thank you for letting me know. I think you might have been the last person who saw him. Our letters stopped around that time.

I really hope my birthday wasn't the cause for this. Please let me know right away if you hear from him. I'm very worried.

~Akane

Akane,

If he did leave the city, I don't think he would have gotten hurt. He was a strong ally during our battle with a hamster, and he did receive basic training in self-defense.

[It wasn't much, and Santa insisted that he didn't need to learn physical combat, but Duster writes it mostly to comfort Akane.]

When he gets back, we're going to make sure he doesn't go anywhere along again.

- Duster

[There's a significant delay between Akane's last reply at this one. When she writes, her handwriting is a little shaky, and there are a few spots on the paper where her tears dried. That is one sad little sister.]

Duster,

Marshal Sparks told me this morning that he was murdered. He's currently in crystal stasis. You two are friends, so please be careful. I don't want you to be targeted too.

~Akane

[Oh no.

Oh no no no. He heard about Heroes being targeted, but it takes him a moment to realize that Santa was another victim.]

Akane,

Don't worry about me. Aoi should be back in several days, but I'll be careful until then. Take care of yourself.

-Duster

[There's just a brief note, written on a torn scrap of paper. If he's particularly observant, he'll see that it bears part of the logo and information of the bank Santa was working at. The note has only this to say:]

You too.

~Akane

Written to Santa's Roommates, Duster, Ed, The Police, and Santa himself just in case

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