In A Crowd of Thousands

[freezetheheavens]

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.]

Comments

[flamebearer]

[ 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. ]

[sonofson]

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.

[freezetheheavens]

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.]

[flamebearer]

[ 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?

[sonofson]

[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.

[freezetheheavens]

[....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.]

[flamebearer]

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?

[sonofson]

[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?

[flamebearer]

[ 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?

[sonofson]

[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.

[flamebearer]

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?

[sonofson]

[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?

[flamebearer]

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?

[sonofson]

[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?

[flamebearer]

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.... ]

[sonofson]

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.

[flamebearer]

[ 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.

[sonofson]

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.

[flamebearer]

[ 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?

[sonofson]

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.]

[flamebearer]

On other shinki?

[ Alibaba glances up in surprise, hands pausing in the process of cutting the vegetables as he blinks at the kid in alarm. ]

Wait, we fight other shinki?

[sonofson]

Sometimes. I've never fought anyone for real but I think it's more of a training thing or maybe there are some bad shinki? I've only met a bad god before though...borderlines work against gods.

[Goten gives a small shrug again. He's not too sure and hasn't really thought about why a spell that only works against shinki is useful. It was just fun to learn.]

I donno if it counts as fighting either. The spells I know, Umbra, Silence and Bind only turn me or a person invisible. Then Silence makes it so you can't talk and bind makes you stay still.

[flamebearer]

[ He listens as he goes back to cutting vegetables, dropping them in the pot and then carrying the pot to the stove to start to heat it. ]

Huh. Those do sound like they're pretty useful, in the right situation. I guess it makes sense that there could be bad shinki. But wait, you met a bad god? What happened?

[sonofson]

Uhm....

[Goten stops, frowning a bit nervously. He doesn't really want to share. It's something he's only told Izumo about but....maybe if he doesn't give Alibaba all the details, it would be fine. He doesn't know if Loki is still around or not and that makes him nervous.

Glancing around, Goten lowers his voice a bit. He's fine with Hitsugaya hearing but...its more out of his own worry. As if that one bad god will somehow hear him]

He was a really scary god. I was still pretty new so I didn't know borderlines or spells yet. But I was pretty strong 'cause I can pick up cars and stuff but none of that mattered 'cause that god made me stay still. He had a weird power and I couldn't move...at all no matter how much I tried.

[Goten frowns more, eyes narrowing down at the rice. He shivers a bit. Yeah, he doesn't like talking or remembering Loki. It makes him too nervous. Goten still feels so powerless about it and He doesn't want to jinx himself by talking about it. Especially now that he has two gods he really loves and adores along with lots of amazing important friends.]

... But I couldn't do anything against him. I was really scared. I don't wanna be scared of anyone 'cause now I got Aymeric, Hitsu and Izu--...

[Well, he hopes he still has Izumo. Shaking his head, he lifts his gaze to met Alibaba's eyes. He's nervous, shaking a little but he is determined.]

I don't want to lose any of my friends. I wanna be strong enough to protect them from anything.

[flamebearer]

[ Alibaba sets the pot on the stove and starts it cooking as he listens with a frown. When Goten finishes, he comes over to where he is, crouching down a little so he can be at eye level with the little shinki. ]

So do I. [ He agrees serious, understanding. ] That sounds really scary, so I'm glad you're okay now. And you have friends who want to protect you, too. I know Hitsugaya would. And I will, too. I might not be able to lift cars or anything, but... If there's anything I can do to help, when you're scared, I will. We've gotta keep our gods safe together, right? But we can also help keep each other safe, too. I don't have many friends here yet, but I don't want to lose anyone either.