039 -- [Voice]

[endgames]

((backdated to October 29th, before the people accompanying Tyr leave))

[Filtered to Rock Lee, Jim Kirk, and Ami Mizuno | Private]

Temari's gone. I don't know two of you that well, but she seemed to get along with you. Thought you should know.

[/end filter]

[The voice that addresses the journal is crisp, albeit a little tired sounding. To those who know him, however, Shikamaru might actually sound like he's in surprisingly good spirits.]

I don't know how many of you have chosen to explore the world out there; think I might've missed a few who left already. If there's anyone in the village thinking about it, I encourage you to go. You'll have to watch out for Natural Shifts, but it's a great opportunity, and if you can help Romaeus while you're at it, that'd be ideal.

To anyone who'll be staying, however, I got a favor to ask. When we left our current time, I brought along some non-perishables that can be added to the food supplies available from hunting and the harvests. I'd like to gather some reliable volunteers to ration it between the village and those leaving to explore. Either hit me up on the journals, or come find me at House 12 if you're interested.

[Sorry to Masaomi and Hilda if anyone takes him up on that while you're around, the house is just easy okay. For him.]

Comments

[geniustheveil]

[Filtered Reply | Private]

I'm sorry to hear that. You knew her well, didn't you? You must be missing her, too.

[/end filter]

Do you trust Romaeus, then? [Because she's been trying to decide whether, and how much, she does. Though exploring does sound like a logical move right now...]

[endgames]

[Filtered]

She's an important ally. [Formal. He doesn't delve into anything more than straight facts.] I'll see her again. We're from the same world.

[/end filter]

He's the one who sent us back here. It'd probably put a wrench in his plans if we didn't return to the future.

[geniustheveil]

[There's not much she can say to that. It sounds like her own excuses reasoning when friends or loved ones leave. Shikamaru's been here a long time, too. Maybe it's just after so long, after so many times, it gets a little harder to deal with it correctly.

As for Romaeus, though...]

I wasn't thinking of trying to stay. But are we sure his plans are for our good, too?

[endgames]

[Ahahaha excuses... It's becoming second nature to him to focus on a present problem than consider any personal blows that've been dealt to him.

As for her question, it seems obvious to him, and several initial responses pop to mind. Rather than default to that however, out of curiosity he decides to turn the question back on her first.]

What makes you think they wouldn't be?

[geniustheveil]

[To her, it's this answer that's all too obvious. She knows where her mistrust can lead - has led her - and she knows it's somewhere she doesn't want to revisit; but she also can't believe in someone easily. Especially someone of the Malnosso.]

We have no reason to trust in him from the start. His real goal in this time could be anything at all, something we don't even know about yet. [Especially given the secrecy surrounding a lot of it.]

[wise_maiden]

[Who talks over journals when one can just stop by the house.

Have a knock at the door, Shikamaru. Although, whenever he opens it... or if he's somewhere outside the house, whichever the situation may be:]

I understand you were in need of assistance.

[endgames]

[When he answers the door, from a glance it might look as if he hasn't been sleeping well. If it's so, he doesn't look hampered by it as he opens the door wider with a grin to invite Raine inside.]

Thanks for coming. [He lightly shoves the door closed behind them. As they step into the living room three scrolls can be spotted: two large ones half rolled out on the floor, and a smaller one draped over a coffee table. Shikamaru proceeds to approach the latter, picking it up by one end to roll it up.] I was just getting organized.

[wise_maiden]

It's not any trouble.

[It's something to do, here, now that she's decided to remain behind and observe.] For someone always saying how things are troublesome, you've certainly gone out of your way to prepare.

[May be a little light teasing. Something rare but perhaps needed in the environment.]

So what have you got here?

[Something to start out the conversation. She's sure that there are other things to pick his brain about after. Not that he's the only one looking a little tired.]

[endgames]

[From under the small scroll is a sheet of paper, visible as the parchment is rolled up. It's a list, and he leans forward to pluck it from off the table to hand to Raine.]

That should be everything the two scrolls on the floor have in them. [He nods to their feet.] I haven't had to break anything out since we arrived, so that list should be accurate.

[Voice]

[feistytrader]

...Could you spare some of those rations?

[Hook him up, Shikamaru. He'd live off the land, but uh. He doesn't know where he's going and he's not completely sure what will and won't be okay to eat.]

[Voice]

[endgames]

You going somewhere?

[Voice]

[feistytrader]

Of course. Gyarados hasn't had a good meal in almost a month. Even if I didn't want to go exploring, I'd have to anyway. [And he absolutely wants to go explore. If he runs into stuff for Romaeus, that's fine. If not, that's fine too.]

[Voice]

[endgames]

[Shikamaru makes an exaggerated groaning sound that cuts off with a sigh, like he's being put upon.]

Fine, come on over. [If Silver were staying in the village, buds though they may be Shikamaru would probably just tell him to rely on one of the others who he'll be passing this off to. But if he's going soon, eh. Might as well.] Bring something to carry it in.

[Written]

[whiskytraitorfirefight]

Thanks for the heads up. Anything else people should know about?

[endgames]

[Best to assume Shikamaru/Voice, Ginia/Written from here, right?

Anything else though...]

...this is just a hunch, but it might be worthwhile to make a map.

[whiskytraitorfirefight]

[Assumption correct!]

That goes without saying. I have my phone here too. Barely used it so the battery is still good, I'm hoping to get good pictures.

[And maybe a selfie or two. Because reasons.]

Think there's any maps around we could get copies of?

[Or borrow and make copies of. Either or.]

[endgames]

There was a crude one at that meeting [which is why he's asking, something about that one struck a chord in him], but I haven't been able to find one asking around. Not sure how much they've surveyed for themselves.

[stilldontgotit]

Hmm... Well, I doubt I'm going anywhere fast. Kinda promised Mickey I'd investigate, so if you need an extra hand for those rations, I'm game.

Then again, I guess a little exploring wouldn't hurt. I just don't want to go too far, just in case it all goes south.

[endgames]

[Investigate, huh.]

Yeah, I feel you. Call it a hunch, but I don't think things will remain quiet here for long.

[Even if Romaeus hadn't said the same, as long as they've been in this world you come to expect a pattern with these things. The village never gets a reprieve for long; stands to reason the same holds true in the past.]

[stilldontgotit]

Especially if the barrier's down. Right now, there's nothing stopping a potential invasion or protecting us from natural shifts.

[Which is probably why he's got a bit of an edge as he speaks. He was around for the previous invasions and the spirit possession.]

I don't know. I want to keep my hopes up for this mission, but something tells me that even if you guys do work things out, it won't be the end.

[Because there's always something else.]

[endgames]

If it means we'll have one less enemy, it may be worth it. [But he's not disagreeing with you. If anything, he's convinced there will only be another problem waiting for them too.] Especially when it's this one.

[tea_lover64]

I would be most happy to help out in that regard. I will be sticking around, hopefully convincing people of the value of tea.

[endgames]

Heh. You've been able to make much of that?

[tea_lover64]

It is slow going, but I am confident that it will catch on eventually.

[endgames]

Well, whatever you have has gotta be better than the instant stuff I brought along.