AUDIENCE FOR: kumon hyodo

[saturations]

Comments

[saturations]

Maybe that's the problem.

[they have big stone hands covered in moss and vines. it's fine, probably.]

Can't get the hang of it. Like talking in person anyway.

[9mon]

[If they don't think it's a problem, it's fine!]

There's a whole different feel talking in person instead of talking over the phone. I prefer in person too.

[saturations]

[they nod, slowly.]

You wanted to help out?

[9mon]

I'd like to. How do I help?

[saturations]

Hmm, let's see.

[they rub their stone hand against the moss growing around their chin.]

All of the areas you can get to are a little, uh, much right now. Hopefully nobody would drink weird potions they found in a lab, but ... we might try to whip up an antidote?

[9mon]

[Several people have drunk some potions.]

Like alchemy! I dunno much about plants. Do we have all the ingredients here?

[saturations]

Old fashioned herbal remedies. A little tincture.

[they wander into the garden, looking at a couple plants here and there and pick a few leaves, some flowers.]

Grab some of those over there, why don't you? [pointing at a bush with some bright pink flowers growing on it]

[9mon]

The flowers or the leaves?

[But he does obediently go over.]

[saturations]

Flowers. Just the ones that are open.

[9mon]

'Kay!

[He'll grab one or two.]

How many do you need?

[saturations]

Oh, about a handful. Maybe a couple more than you have.

[they just go on vibes. hmming and plucking a rose-looking flower.]

[9mon]

Gotcha.

[Picks out some more of these flowers.]

You do a lot of gardening?

[saturations]

Sure. It's something to do, passes the time, and it helps in situations like this. It feels good to be useful, doesn't it?

[considering again, very slowly.]

Yeah, that'll do it.

[9mon]

It beats not being able to do anything.

Do you need something like a cauldron?

[They have to be combined somehow, right?]

[saturations]

Yup. Got just the thing inside. Wait here for a minute? I don't think it'll let you in.

[they start to head in the direction of the cottage.]

[9mon]

'kay.

[He sits and waits like a well trained dog.]

[saturations]

[cute.

they go inside, disappear for a minute or two. the cottage has big windows, but he can't see through them, nor can he see through the door when the statue opens it. but after a few minutes, they come out with a big ceramic pot, chipped on the side, with cheerful little birds painted on it, as well as a mortar and pestle.]

So, here's where you come in. You're going to grind all of that up into a paste and then we'll let it steep.

[9mon]

[That's... super weird? He's pretty sure he should be able to see into a building, but maybe it's like... protected by something? That's possible.]

Gotcha!

[He'll take up the pestle and start grinding.]

That's a really cute pot.

[saturations]

This old thing? Just what I have in the cupboard.

[it looks like something a grandma might own.]

So, while you're here, might as well tell me where you're from.

[9mon]

I'm from Japan. I think you talked to my friend? His name's Kazunari. We're from the same place!

[saturations]

Oh, yeah? [they seem politely curious.] Never heard of it. What's it like?

[9mon]

It's a big country so I haven't seen all of it, but we live on Veludo Way. Our theater troupe has a dorm there! I've only started acting for a little while, but Kazu's been doing it for about a year.

I got into acting 'cause my big bro was working there. I made irreplacable friends in the troupe, and I'm so grateful I could join.

[saturations]

Your big bro, huh?

[the vibe of a smile.]

What's he like?

[9mon]

He's the coolest, nicest, more reliable person I know. No matter what I can always depend on him. He's super good at taking care of people too.

[saturations]

[that's very sweet.]

You tell him that, or is he the kind of brother you pretend not to get along with?