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

[sesenta]

Dear XXX,

I haven't been able to reach my brother Santa for the past two days. We usually talk all the time, so for him to be silent this long is more than just unusual, it's alarming. Have any of you seen him, or know where he was going? I'm getting really worried.

Aoi, if you get this, please let me know you're okay.

Sincerely,
Akane Kurashiki

Comments

[red_planet_blues]

[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.

[sesenta]

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?!?!?!

[red_planet_blues]

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.

[sesenta]

[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?

[red_planet_blues]

[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.

[sesenta]

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.]

[red_planet_blues]

[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.]

[sesenta]

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.

[red_planet_blues]

[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?

[sesenta]

[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.