thenearshore | In A Crowd of Thousands

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In A Crowd of Thousands

Who: Hitsugaya, Goten, and Alibaba
What: Goten’s upset. Hitsugaya feels it and decides to check on him with Alibaba tagging along.
Where: Somewhere
When: September 21

[It hasn’t escaped Toushirou’s notice that something happened with Goten. There’s a sting coming from the back of his neck; the suddenness enough to have his distraction falter briefly during a spar with Alibaba. He barely manages to deflect a swipe at him, his sword coming up just in time to block it.

This wouldn’t be the first time that he’s been stung - Goten has stung him briefly once before and he felt the same from Alibaba a couple of times. However, this seemed to be different, a bit stronger now that it’s caught his attention and there’s some worry now for Goten. It’s what makes him signal Alibaba to stop.]

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[He blinks at Alibaba, head tilting a bit. When the shinki introduces himself, his eyes widen a bit.]

Hi...um, it's nice to meet you. Hitsu talks about a lot. He's told me lots of good things. I'm Goten.

[Goten does smile, a little. It doesn't quite reach his eyes though. He is excited to meet the other shinki, finally, but with everything that's happened it's a little hard to be as bouncy as he usually is. Still he reaches out slowly and takes Alibaba's hand to return the greeting.]

I don't know what to do....

[Still holding onto Alibaba's hand, he squeezes it a bit as he looks up at Hitsugaya, frowning. Just looking at the god makes his eyes start to water again. Maybe Hitsu can help somehow.]

Everyone is staying Izumo is gone and I can't get Aymeric to wake up. It's been over a day. I donno what's wrong or what to do.

[Izumo? Toushirou recalls seeing the name on the network briefly, especially in explanation about seeing one of the temples blow up.

This explains a few things.

But Toushirou also knows he can't exactly give Goten false hope either, though he frowns at the mention of Aymeric as well.]

You can't sense your friend at all? What happened to Aymeric?

[It's not...unheard of for people to fall asleep for a strange amount of time.]

[ For the moment, Alibaba just stays quiet, letting Hitsugaya handle whatever's happening here, because he's not sure he understands. But he stays crouched by Goten, letting the shinki answer, hoping there was some way they could help him. ]

[Goten shakes his head quickly]

Uh-uh. I've flown all around the Far Shore since yesterday...

[It wasn't until yesterday afternoon he noticed he couldn't sense Izumo. Mikoto's sudden explosive-burst was a good hint to what happened too.]

I donno what's wrong with A-Aymeric. He usually wakes up early and stuff. I thought he was just tired so I let him sleep but its been over a day. No matter what I do, I can't wake him up. I splashed water, made loud noise. I even hit him...sorta hard in the side and he didn't move..

[Just talking about it makes his voice strain. He was running out of ideas and saying all out loud is making him feel more anxious. Izumo is gone. Aymeric isn't waking up--maybe he's dead but not-dead, Goten doesn't know!

He hiccups, rubbing his face again and sniffling.

There's probably another strong sting from just that. It's that sadness and worry that keeps building and building. The only things keeping his world from completely crashing down are the fact that Shizuo, Hitsu, Yona and a few other friends all are still around and he knows they are. But he loves Aymeric and Izumo so they have to be there too.]

Aymeric will be fine. If it's only been over for a day, then there's no cause for alarm, but I can check on him to make sure if you'd like. It wouldn't be the first time someone's slept for so long.

[Botan comes to mind, but he moves on.

If this Izumo person, however, is gone, then there's nothing Toushirou can really say to make Goten feel better. He glances at Alibaba briefly, a hint of a frown on his face before he returns his attention to Goten. He can feel the sting get stronger from the sadness and worry the god can feel from Goten.]

As for your other friend, perhaps take a day's break. It won't be good if you exhaust yourself trying to find your friend without taking some breaks in between.

[ Alibaba can't tell what Hitsugaya feels from the little shinki, but it's pretty obvious that Goten is barely keeping a handle on his emotions and Alibaba reaches out, resting his hand on top the kid's head as Goten rubs his hands against his face, trying to hold back tears. ]

Hey, kiddo, it's gonna be okay. Maybe... maybe your friend just had something really important he needed to do for a little bit, okay? [ He knows people vanish from here a lot, but that's harder to accept when you're someone like Goten's age, he bets. ] If he knew you were so upset, he'd probably worry about you, too, right?

When was the last time you took a break? Are you hungry? Or tired? [ Even if he suspected Goten might get prickly over a suggestion for a nap, but maybe after he ate? ] Why don't we go find something to eat while Hitsugaya goes to check on your god. Sometimes people just take really long naps here, right? [ He hasn't seen it yet, but he's heard. ]

Can you, Hitsu?

[Shizuo said something similar to that. Hearing Hitsugaya practically repeat that sleeping more then a day isn't to strange does ease those worries. But Izumo is still missing. He opens his mouth to protest taking a break and insist he's fine but the hand on top his head makes him stop and look to Alibaba.]

.....B-but I can't sense him even a little bit.. I should be able to do that...

[Izumo doesn't know how to hide his energy, at least, Goten doesn't think he can. He's never done it before. But the young shinki quickly shakes his head at the mention of food. He'll he just ask Izumo to make something when he finds him! He can hold out until then!]

Not-uh. I'm not hung-

[His stomach lets out a loud rumble, making him stop mid sentence. Averting his eyes, Goten pats his stomach. Whoops. He actually can't remember when he last ate. Between everything going on with Izumo and Aymeric....he was more focused on them then his stomach, for once. Of course he can't ignore it as well when it's pointed out.]

...Maybe a little.

I can.

[Upon hearing the initial growl of Goten's stomach, he nearly smiles, even if he is surprised that Goten has been holding back his hunger for so long to search for his friend and keep an eye on Aymeric.

He gives a nod to Alibaba.]

....Go take him to get something to eat. I'll check on his god. [He looks over at Goten.] And eat until you're full, Goten. [Especially considering how much Goten eats already--

He just hopes that the young shinki can actually still eat that much.]

[ Alibaba just waits until Goten's stomach betrays him and then gives the kid a warm smile before holding out his hand to him, patient. ]

We can handle that part, right, Goten? Why don't you show me where the kitchen is and we can see what we can come up with, huh?

[Goten looks between the shinki-god pair thoughtfully. He feels like he's slacking instead of looking for Izumo like he should be. But, maybe it would be okay to eat something quick. He won't be able to focus if his stomach keeps growling. Hitsugaya probably knows that...though he makes a face at the full comment.]

That'd take all day though...

[He's running on empty here. Still, Goten reaches out and takes Alibaba's hand, his smaller hand gripping it lightly. Even though Hitsugaya and Alibaba haven't done much other then show up...he feels better just having them there with him. Eventhough Maddragonra is around, he's felt alone with Aymeric practically dead to the world. But thats okay, Hitsugaya will know if something is wrong because he's super smart and strong. Telling himself that, he does manage a weak smile to Alibaba.]

It's this way.

[He starts gently pulling Alibaba into the house.]

Can you cook? If we're gonna make food, we gotta make some for Hitsu too 'cause I dont think he ever eats.

[....The god makes a small face at the words Goten's said, but he doesn't say anything.

Instead, he'll simply goes to where he senses Aymeric to be to check on the other god, allowing the two shinki some time to themselves in the meantime.]

I can cook a little. [ Alibaba gives Goten's hand a squeeze as he lets the kid lead him away, although he casts a glance over his shoulder at Hitsugaya as they part ways, giving him a wink in reassurance.

Turning his attention back to the kid at his side, Alibaba grins down at him. ] Don't worry, I'm sure Hitsugaya will figure out some way to help. He might not talk a whole lot, but he's really smart. In the meantime, are you hungry for anything in particular, or should we see if we can just grab a little of everything?

[If it wasn't for Alibaba holding his hand, he'd be tempted to follow after Hitsugaya. He watches the god dissappear down the hall leading to Aymeric's room with a small frown but his attention is taken by Alibaba once more as he speaks. Goten blinks and stares up at him. Hitsugaya has a really friendly shinki...]

Y-yeah. Hitsu is really good.

[He hopes Hitsugaya can figure out whats wrong or wake Aymeric up. He can't think of anyone else that would be a bigger help then him.]

Uhm....anything is fine. The kitchen has lots of stuff. Is there anything you like to eat?

[ Alibaba hums at the question, looking thoughtful as he lets Goten lead the way. ]

Hmm. That's a hard question, actually. So far I haven't found anything I don't like to eat. So... everything, I guess? What about you? What do you like to eat?

[That is a hard question. Goten has to think about it but his answer is similar to Alibaba's]

I like almost everything. Sweets are the best.... like cookies, cakes and candy. But vegetables are gross.

[He smiles a little as they enter the kitchen. It's a decent size and stocked with various foods. Aymeric had taken up cooking since Goten got paired up with him.]

I know how to cook a little too. I've been trying to learn so I can make tasty stuff and share it with my friends.

Mmm, some vegetables can be good, you just gotta make them the right way, I think. But we can avoid the gross tasting things for today. [ He looks around the kitchen, impressed, although not entirely certain where to start. he heads for the fridge first, since that seems to be where most food is kept in this world, tugging the door open to peer inside. ] That's a good reason to learn. Everyone likes food, I'm pretty sure. Let's see. Anything in here look good, Goten?

[Just looking at everything in the fridge makes his stomach let out another low growl. when was the last time he ate? It feels really weird to be running on empty. He glances around the fridge.]

We can make a little bit of everything. Like mix it in a big pot, maybe?

[He smiles a bit, not sure how good that would turn out but he's not picky at all at the moment.]

Onigiri is easy to make. I can sorta make curry. What do you usually eat?

Mmm, let's make some onigiri then. Or maybe some stew? Or we can just make a lot of things and then there can be leftovers of anything we don't eat, hmm? [ Alibaba just starts pulling fresh ingredients out of the fridge. ] Do you have a big pot, Goten?

[Goten smiles a bit more at the suggestions.]

How about onigiri and stew? Both sound good...

[The thought is just making him more hungry, though his eyes do drift thoughtfully to the window. He still wants to look for Izumo but....food sounds amazing and he's been wanting to meet alibaba for awhile. Maybe....maybe a little break won't hurt. Then it's back to looking! Maybe the smell of food will wake Aymeric up!]

Huh? O-Oh, yeah! I'll get it.

[He jogs over to the cabnets, opening them up. A bit of digging around and he holds up the big pot proudly]

Will this work?

That'll be perfect. [ Alibaba grins down at him and takes the giant pot to sit on the stove. ] now we just have to cut up some of these vegetables and this meat to go in the stew and let it cook for a bit.

[ He goes to browse the shelves in the kitchen, taking down a can of broth as well after finding it tucked away in the stores. He's been experimenting with these back at Hitsugaya's temple, since it's always cold, so soups and stews had been perfect. ]

Wanna help me get it ready? Or should I put you in charge of the rice? [ Was Goten old enough to use knives without hurting himself? It was hard to tell.... ]

I can start the rice and then help you with the other stuff.

[Rice take a little while to cook anyway. It's actually thanks to Yoon and Izumo he knows how to cook at all. With Alibaba set with the pot, Goten goes to get some rice started. He knows his way around the kitchen fairly well, or at least where Aymeric puts everything. Though when it comes to using the counter to make stuff he does have to float a few inches off the ground to be tall enough to reach.

Rice is basic enough that it isn't taking Goten long to set up. He actually is cheering up a little bit with something other then worry taking his attention.]

Hey Ali, I'm glad you know how to cook and stuff since I don't ever really see Hitsu eat. [Because, really, he never sees the god eat or drink really without shoving and insisting things on him. Even though he told Goten he didn't need to eat all that much, it still was weird.]

I think he really needed a friend and shinki like you.

[ Alibaba keeps an eye on Goten as they fall into their seperate tasks, quickly working through cutting up the vegetables to dump into the large pot for the stew.

When Goten speaks up after several moments, he listens to the kid before grinning. ]

I dunno, he has you, too, right? I think you'd make a pretty good friend, Goten. Especially when you're looking after him enough to notice that. But you're right, I'm not sure he'd remember to do it much if it was just him all on his own.

You're right but I think he needed you too. I asked for Hitsu to name me 'cause I was worried about him not having a shinki when he first showed up. He's super strong and stuff but gods need a shinki to help them with ayakashi and be there for them. Sorta like a best friend.

[He floats over to the sink with a pot and the rice. Washing his hands quickly, he then starts to rinse the starch off the rice so it'll stick better.]

I'm really happy he has you and I bet he is too.

[He looks over to Alibaba, giving a warm smile as he sets up the rice to cook.]

If-- After Aymeric wakes up and I find Izumo, if you want we should hang out more too. I can even show you some shinki stuff I learned. I know some spells and stuff.

Edited 2017-12-16 19:43 (UTC)

[ Alibaba can't help but grin at that, nodding, because it's not like he can argue that logic, either. And somehow knowing he shares a god with Goten, who offers in this way, rankles much less than when Yoon had offered something similar. ]

I'd like that. I have a lot to catch up on, so anything you could show me would be great. And... I'm really glad you were looking out for Hitsugaya, even before I got here. I'm glad someone was making sure he took care of himself, anyway. And keeping him safe. Even if he's pretty good at doing that himself, but even gods can't do everything on their own, right?

Right!

[Goten nods quickly to that. Hitsugaya needs them because he can't do everything on his own no matter how strong he is.]

Yeah, you don't have to worry about catching up though 'cause I'll show you everything I know. I've been here for....a long time, I don't really remember how long...April-ish...maybe?

[He pauses for a moment, thoughtfully, before shaking his head and shrugging his shoulders. It doesn't matter that much. Point is, he wants to help Alibaba the best he can.]

Borderlines come with practice but spells take some work...most of them only work on other shinki though I think.

[His attention shifts to the rice as it's ready. He moves it to a cutting board, turning the pot upside down so the rice spills out onto cut-board...hopefully it will cool faster so he can start shaping the rice and stuff. That encourages another loud grumble from his stomach too.]

In A Crowd of Thousands

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