intro ♚ december

[boardmaster]

WELCOME TO POLGAR

We’ve all had those dreams: you wake up on a table, to blurry, ominous images and the certainty that you are absolutely buck-naked in a room full of strangers. This is not quite it.

Instead, you come awake to the sun on your face. The soft burble of water nearby. The hustle and bustle of a busy street and the faint, fortifying smell of bread. You open your eyes and there’s no one there at your bedside, but there is what appears to be the end of the world happening just beyond your window.

There’s a crack in the world across the sky, the “sun” is the totally unnatural light spilling from that crack straight into your eyes, and someone’s left a neatly pressed and folded uniform at the foot of the bed that isn’t yours. Somewhere in the room, there’s a strange clatter like beads, the click of claws on the floor.

Something’s in here with you.

Also, you are naked.

ONE ♟ My Anaconda Don’t

Brace yourselves, Heroes, for Prime Minister Teddy has a special announcement for you today. It’ll be delivered either via carrier or mechanical pigeon.

	Woman? Hello, Heroes! Hmm? Who am I? If I don’t tell you who you are, you’re calling the police? Ahaha, no need to be so hasty!
	Thierry Toussaint It’s me, Teddy! The prime minister. This might be overwhelming for the new arrivals, but we need everyone’s help for this mission. Have you heard of the Alfersa? They’re a proud warrior race that live in Polgar. They’re said to be blessed by the goddess Gladia since they’re naturally strong, sensitive to mana, and skilled in combat. I guess they’re pretty much like our Knights? Without the magical talent, of course. We’re hoping they’ll lend us a hand in protecting Blanc. The Alfersa are distrustful of men, so negotiations have been difficult… Now that the Gladia Games are underway, I’m hoping to meet some beautiful women—I mean, recruits! It’s a recruitment drive, after all! Right, Alex?
	Alexandre Verdoni Prime Minister, I don’t know what possessed you to think your ridiculous ideas will actually work, but please refrain from making a scene at the Games.
	Thierry Toussaint Ah, ah. [ waves a finger at ] It’s not Prime Minister. It’s Zeed Stun, an enigmatic beauty from the East! Alex, come with us!
	Alexandre Verdoni No. Please refrain from making transparent aliases undercover. Heroes, the Alfersans have an extremely matriarchal society. The Prime Minister recommends that you follow his example to fall in their leader’s good graces, but I personally find it unnecessary. Stand tall, be proud, and may Gladia bless you on your journey. Oh, and… dress light. Get some sunscreen.

You’ll be given time to prepare before heading out. This is when you decide if you’ll follow after PM Teddy’s example or not. He has provided a generous number of colorful dresses to choose from. Unsure of how to pull off a good look? Ask your fellow Heroes or the maids and butlers of Hall of Glory for assistance.

Once you’ve made it safely to Polgar, you’ll be greeted with a feast for the eyes. A procession appears to be underway with several nubile women dancing to the beat of drums. For every pause in the drumming, anklets fill the air with a sweet, chiming sound. Leading the parade are scantily-clad shrine maidens. Should you happen to stumble too close, you will be greeted with an icy stare. Waiting at the end of the road is the matriarch of the Alfersans…

	Thierry Toussaint O Gracious One, I am Zeed Stun. Today, I am here to show you the dance of my people—
	??? You have a snake.
	Thierry Toussaint I’m sorry?
	??? You have [ grabs between his legs ] a snake.
	Thierry Toussaint Guh!
	??? [ in one fluid motion, the woman smears Teddy’s makeup off and makes him her personal footrest. for the first time since the Heroes’ arrival, she smiles. ] … Oh, praise Gladia. So these are the Heroes She said I would meet. I am Diana Serpente, Queen of the Alfersa, Lady of the Serpents, and head priestess of Gladia’s temple. Gladia has been telling me all about you. Ever since you put the soul of my ancestor to rest, I’ve been thinking of a way to repay you. After receiving this [ digs her heels into Teddy’s back ] pitiful man’s request, I should have known it all along… Lending you our strength was the answer.
	Thierry Toussaint Thank y—ugh!!
	Diana Serpente [ steps off Teddy… ] However, we don’t help just anyone. What’s friendship… [ lifts the chin of the nearest female Hero ] without a little intimacy? The Gladia Games are underway. I invite you all to join us in the festivities! Before we fight, let us make merry in the name of Gladia!

As you walk around Polgar, you’ll lay eyes on the various shops, with those specialized in weapons and armor the most renowned and high quality of them all. Female Heroes are in luck as they will receive discounts. Male Heroes will have to pay the regular price regardless of what they look like. However, those who didn’t decide to look pretty for the occasion will find a much increased price tag. If you’re in desperate need of colle, these shops will let you polish and arrange their merchandise for a decent wage.

TWO ♟ It’s a Jungle Out There

As per tradition, everyone participating in the Gladia Games must hunt down the monsters near the city. It is believed that Gladia herself sends them a different beast each year. This year, giant spiders crawl dangerously close to Polgar’s outskirts. Bring parts of the spider back to the city as proof of your skill and valor. Those who kill fifteen or more spiders win ONE of these fabulous prizes: one high quality weapon or armor, their very own pet anaconda or a night with Teddy!

In the Polgarian jungles, the humid air is thick with blood. Ferns and heavy branches covered in thick moss make the area difficult to navigate. Reedy sunlight filters in through the trees. You have a feeling that you are being watched… In fact, venomous snakes might jump out of the underbrush! Should you get bitten, have another Hero heal or help you suck out the venom. But don’t get distracted; danger looms from above as well. Like in the forests between Caissa and Petrosian, leafy vines are prone to descending and embracing Heroes rather intimately.

Heroes who have paid a visit to Salamanca Temple back in the day might recognize the spider nests once they’ve found them. These arachnids the size of a car will leap very high into the air and scuttle between branches to camouflage themselves during the battle. Some might even spin a cocoon for you until they come back to snack on you later. Avoid getting bitten—their venom can render you numb and unintelligible.

Kill the spiders and take down the nests, but remember: no one wants a forest fire. Safety first!

THREE ♟ Light and Sweet, Hot and Heavy

The Alfersans will welcome you back once you return to Polgar and are happy to take the spider parts off your hands. You didn’t forget to bring them with you, did you?

The festivities are now in full swing! Heroes, hit the streets for the citywide party! Large trays with food are being passed around as Alfersans view the close sharing of food as an act of camaraderie. It is customary for men to feed the women by hand. Yes, with their fingers. Alfersans will also encourage Heroes to join their dances, and some will keep dancing in front of you until you agree. As it turns out, dancing together actually only means holding hands and taking a jovial stroll around the shrines. You should be light on your feet and stay in rhythm, but the ritual isn’t too difficult.

Dancing may be good for the soul but your feet can only carry you so long until you are tired. Why not check into one of the many resorts? Or check out the far more numerous high-class brothels? Or perhaps you’d rather spend a relaxing day at the hot springs, spas or restaurants? The hot springs in particular are quite special here, as they are heated by the kiss of molten hot magma, blessed by Gladia herself. They possess healing properties, yes, but more curiously, if you happen to soak in the warmth for too long, you may start to feel a bit… virile.

INFO ♟ Welcome!

Welcome to Crosscheck's Month intro log! Please remember to read the Arrival Info! For any further questions, please see the FAQ or reach us at the Contact Us page. Have fun!

Comments

[encaging]

[ ...

As confusion and disbelief fight to gain the upper hand inside of Toma's chest, he brings a hand to his mouth to hide the downturn of his lips. Blanc? Caissa? He hasn't heard those names before and he should feel doubtful that he's being told the truth. This could just be a prank. Some bizarre dream.

But then his eyes meet Keaton's once more and he searches for the slightest hint that the other might be lying. And he sees eyes which are clear, bright and full of mischief. Déjà-vu hits Toma like a sledgehammer and he has to tear his gaze away to rid himself of the sensation. What in the world was that? ]

Pleased to meet you, too. I'm Toma. ...You don't really sound too sure about this nation's name. Why's that?

[ And there it is, Toma's usual smile. Friendly, polite. Calm. Distant. Something warns him that Keaton got too close once even through that should be impossible.

...?

There is a rhythmic sound coming from behind Keaton and Toma leans to the side to peer past Keaton. And sees the tail gently thwapping against the bed in tentative delight.

Huh. ]

[notwagging]

[ Toma? Not that Keaton's heard strange names before and honestly Toma's is a little bizarre, but why does it weigh on his mind so heavily? It's like he should recognize and remember things, stuff like happiness and fond memories, but instead all there is some unknown second-hand embarrassment. Some regret. Buried along with these things, a crumb of relief, knowing that whoever Toma is, that he's safe and secure with no harm having come to him. ]

Oh, it's still relatively new to me. [ A frown, as he moves around the room. It's just like his, only there's a lot of emptiness. Was this room new, or perhaps heroes have come and gone? The room smells fresh and clean sans the unmistakeably warm scent that emanates from... ]

Toma, huh. [ He turns back around, his tail having been doing its best to reveal his general confusion. Whatever wagging that had occurred before has stilled his ragged looking wagger, and he thoughtfully raises a hand to pass over his own hair. ]

You know, you're lucky. Kind of. Doesn't seem like you have any roommates. I thought I had two, but I guess it's now just me and one other.

[ He's not really jealous. If anything, it would've been nice if he was taken to their room. Who knows, it might have been a Real Adventure of some sort. ]

Right, I should let you know that any of your personal stuff didn't come with you. It took me a while to realize that no one was lying to me about that very significant detail.

[ BEASTSTONE, WE HARDLY KNEW YE... ]

[encaging]

[ It's a relief and a puzzle to see Keaton act just as confused. To watch him move around the room nervously, to see the tail slow and only occasionally wag. The hand brushing through his hair. A nervous habit? A way to get rid of the excess energy? Whatever it is, it's eating away at them both.

Keaton's body language is telling.

Toma knows he's never met Keaton before. Not once, couldn't have. But the way the ears move, the tone of his voice strikes a chord within him. Curious and curiouser still. Has his head been meddled with? Subtly, Toma checks his arms. Nothing. No injection marks. They could still be elsewhere though. Shouldn't Keaton be more worried about his disappeared roommate, too? Who knows what happened to them? ]

Really? It got lost on the way here? [ :| ] ...that sounds like a convenient excuse. [ Toma ain't buying it.

But Keaton. Keaton seems to have bought it so Toma sits up, blanket pooling around his hips as his eyes focus on Keaton once more. ]

How long have you been here? And why are we here in the first place?

[notwagging]

No, really. I even asked one of Blanc's leaders. He's some guy that can turn into a bat! His name is Verdoni, he's a little grumpy, but I think he's pretty trustworthy.

[ He's only that way once he received Keaton's Seal of Approval--- who cares that he's probably been the Prime Minister's secretary AND the Secretary of State? But he chides himself for rambling about someone that Toma's never met. After all, that doesn't really answer his questions or his skepticism, and Keaton tries to rebound with a toothy smile and a thoughtful hum. ]

Not long. Maybe a few weeks. I woke up in a room not too far from yours, just across the hall. [ A shrug, before he takes a seat on one of the empty and unmade beds and makes himself comfortable. ]

Something about fighting in a war as heroes. I don't know, it seems there are a lot of heroic figures around here already. Don't know how many started like that, but...

[ And Keaton was lucky he had been fighting in his own war before arriving. Not a fact that's easily forgotten, though he's definitely not as powerful as he was before. Still, the one sense he has that hasn't gone away is the one that marks Toma as a possible... threat? No, not a threat. An uncertainty. Unlike every other hero he's met, he's automatically thought of them as good and genuine.

This guy makes his fur stand on end. ]

[encaging]

[ Why does half of the things which come out of Keaton's mouth sound like something straight out of a manga? Some guy that can turn into a bat? Unbelievable. ...Though there is a dog... wolf person standing in front of him. Maybe this is still a dream. Maybe he's still asleep.

...No. Everything points towards Keaton's story being the truth. Keaton's toothy smile is real. If anything, he's convinced what he's telling is a fact. And until Toma obtains different information, he's going to believe him. ]

Fighting a war...? [ Toma's voice is low, words mostly muttered to himself. He is no soldier. Archery classes don't make anyone a soldier. Especially not in this day and age.

...

Abruptly, Toma smiles at Keaton once more. It's always fooled costumers, always fooled teachers and coworkers and even his own parents. (Not Shin. Never Shin.) For as much as the smile is supposed to convey something akin to confidence, it falls flat. Stained with warmth but hollow at the edges. ]

Thank you for telling me all of this. [ And then, abruptly, he changes tracks. ] Have you been handling all of this alright? Are other people not upset that they are now here?

[notwagging]

[ As unbelievable as his information may seem, he knows that that his own past experienced allowed him to digest and accept the little things he knows as fact. Perhaps his relationships with other heroes have also enabled him to fight alongside them, such as the stuffy man who said he'd take him clothes shopping and the skilled samurai who used a wooden sword for a weapon.

So, it must be up to Keaton to introduce Toma to all of this. Whether it was fate that led him to this room, or an undeniable feeling of déjà vu that makes every little fiber of his being still rather than frenetic... ]

You're welcome. [ Though his next question brings a slump of the shoulders and a generally displeased frown, his tail smacking the bed that he sits on and sends dust bunnies flying--- certainly not from the clean looking mattress! ]

Yeah. I guess. [ Snort. ] Even though I'm missing my Beaststone and I can't do what I do best anymore, things COULD be worse. [ Snort again. ]

Others? I don't know. [ At least he can be honest with Toma, he has nothing to hide, unlike that smile that seems oddly fake. There are plenty of humans who put on one but try to deceive. Is he like one of them? Aren't heroes supposed to be good? ]

I just want to take care of some of my friends. You know, if you need help getting your feet underneath you, I'll do what I can.

[ Another feeling, a need to protect a not-complete stranger. If he had been home and Toma stumbled upon him and his pack, Keaton would undoubtedly have sided with his Wolfskin family. Here, though?... ]

[encaging]

[ It's funny, how the little things manage to change everything. The way Keaton angrily thumps his tail against the bedding and sends dust bunnies scattering everywhere makes Toma's smile grow a little more genuine. As if filling a blank canvas with crayon strokes, Toma has to hide the quirk of his lips behind a hand. He can't have Keaton thinking that Toma is laughing at him. But it is difficult, that display of temper reminds him of his neighbour's sulky puppy.

It is the offer to help Toma find his footing that makes him drop his hand and brace it against the bed instead. The fleeting surprise showing on his face brings more color to the canvas and the laughter which bubbles past Toma's lips is genuine.

He can't help it. There is something to honest and eager about Keaton that makes Toma drop the act, if only for a short while. He can't place his finger on it because his instincts are telling him that Keaton is dangerous-- Something tells Toma that Keaton's teeth are sharp, too, and yet.

And yet he ignores the sliver of discomfort because Keaton makes that quite easy. ]

I'll be in your care. [ He stretches the words, drawls them out with good natured humor. ] Thanks for your kind offer, Keaton.

[ He tips his body forward to express his gratitude, a half formed bow which seems to freeze halfway through because that's when Toma realizes that he's naked. Really naked. Completely naked, in fact.

And colour rushes into his face as he quickly tucks the blanket more firmly around his hips. ] Are clothes free or do we have to work for them first?

[notwagging]

Good! [ The clouds that lingered in his eyes and around his mind dissipate. They scatter and all that's left is a sunny, happy Wolfskin sitting on that bed and watching Toma with lessening skepticism and a growing fondness. The man in the bed's laughter loosens taut nerves and his anxious tail, whose beating stops as soon as he finds that comfortable spot in his heart where he could settle and ground himself to Toma's room. A place that would look good with additional things in it, like assorted feathers and shiny shells, slightly tarnished crowns and weakly polished blades... ]

Clothes? Work for them? [ Oh right! Just like him, he must be naked too. That blush proves it and that perks up those ears as a smile flickers upon his lips. Standing up, he moves over to the base of the bed.

A set of uniforms. They look like they'd fit, but Toma's fortunate his don't need additional holes for a tail. Grabbing them, he slides them onto the bed while averting his eyes. The last thing he needs to do is see anything that would suddenly make him unwelcome or fluster his newfound ally. ]

Here. I guess if you want to think of it like that, you're basically working for them anyway. [ A shrug of indifference, but not toward Toma. More toward their situations, of being pulled away into a foreign place. ] Not like it'll stop me from doing what I like doing.

[ Then, he turns around and stares at other things in the room. Apparently Keaton still hasn't learned that people need ACTUAL privacy while changing. Blame Jumin for not enforcing this really interesting habit of Keaton's... ]

[encaging]

Thanks.

[ Clearly, Jumin needs to be more firm with Keaton's habits. At least Keaton is already house trained, who knows what kind of shenanigans would end up happening... And it is also fortunate for both Keaton and Toma that Toma is used to changing in the same room as other people. As long as they are not strangers anyway. Plus, Toma usually gets to leave his underwear on.

Which he is also without.

At least Keaton has the decency to turn around and pretend he's seeing something really interesting on the wall. Or the table. Or elsewhere, everything which isn't Toma. His helpfulness is appreciated and Toma's shoulders relax at the eagerness which Keaton is tackling the tasks before them now.

And it's not as if Toma takes his sweet time getting dressed. The uniform isn't complicated and he'd rather not remain naked for longer than he has to be so once he's standing near the foot of his bed, he's done quite quickly.

It is somewhat concerning how well the uniform fits. Did someone take his measurements while he was asleep? Not really a thought he wants to linger on. ]

This is surprisingly comfortable. [ Though he misses his headband. He should go out and buy one later. ] I guess if they are having us fight their war for them, they want to make sure we look good. What about weapons? Armor?

[notwagging]

[ Easy for Toma to be comfortable in a uniform, but once Keaton turns around and sees him... well, it's more than obvious how it is. He looks surprisingly good in it, fitting him in more than one way, and his tail starts to wag ferociously behind him as he shrugs and gives the other a slight, dismissive wave. ]

Eh, you look okay. Lucky for you that you don't have a tail, huh, but I guess this place is more suited for humans than anything else.

[ The tail keeps going. It's hard to contain something that emotionally charged, and his tone is far from cool and distant--- it's humbled and genial, the smile also betraying everything he is attempting to do. Damn his inability to be deceptive, to hide his feelings because of his animal-like extremities, and the fact that he still wants to be friends with everyone he meets. Though, with Toma, it almost feels like Keaton's only touched the surface of a kindness he wants to further imprint on him. ]

Armor... no, I don't think we need that. [ He's also never worn any, so why start now? ] Weapons though. There's an armory not too far from the rooms. You'll find something that suits you there, I'm sure. I mean, look at mine.

[ He pulls the collars out of his pockets, waving them around harmlessly. They don't seem like they fit around his neck, which is why he laces one around the flat area below the knuckle and above the joint. ]

Some of them are really weird. I saw a guy use a... [ and he takes a moment to recall one of the heroes he met defending the Prime Minister ] ... he called it a leaf-blower.

[encaging]

[ Okay, Keaton says but the tail is nothing if not a dead giveaway. It's moving so furiously that Toma has to wonder how Keaton is not flinging himself from side to side, all over the room to follow the movement. It definitely wouldn't surprise him and his eyebrows climb higher and higher the longer the tail wags.

Then stop when he sees the smile on Keaton's face, when he hears the genuine glee in his voice. It's hard not to return the smile and Toma doesn't see downsides to returning the smile, half tempted to reach out and pet Keaton's ears. Dogs like that, don't they? And Keaton is definitely like one, warm and eager and though he's not obedient, that has to be his wolf side. It only adds to his charm and makes Toma wonder which other qualities Keaton possesses. ]

And that is considered a weapon? [ Toma's tone is incredulous, half of a laugh stuck between the vowels. He can't see anyone using a leaf-blower in the midst of battle being useful in any way, shape or form. Even though Keaton's weapons look like collars rather than actual weapons, the way he's draped them over his knuckles makes sense. All the better to punch someone with.

Even if they are bright pink. ]

Do they have actual weapons in the armory? Guns, blades, bows? Anything that is more- [ Toma wants to say common but what is common in this country? ] ...More direct?

[notwagging]

It fired leaves out that cut up a giant walking piece of crystal! Definitely looked like a weapon after watching that. [ And he was very thankful at the time that he didn't become a Keaton Sandwich because otherwise how would he get to meet and greet a new hero if he was super flat? ]

Oh, certainly! I saw a lot of normal weapons, but who likes that kind of stuff? I guess those who've used them before found them interesting. I've never been a weapon user, so...

[ Which results in him gently wringing his hands. Not having his Beaststone required him to use a weapon that provided him a way to smash things, but it didn't let him turn into the beast that made him the most useful. The additional power, the mass, the overall invincibility that it made him feel could never return without it. ]

But as long as you're capable in a fight, I'm sure you can figure out something you can use, and as I offered earlier... if you aren't, then I'll have your back. At the very least, you can learn from me.

[ Keaton, the veritable and perfect example of a battle-tested fighter. ]

So, you don't have to worry in the slightest!

[encaging]

[ Why does everything sound more and more like an rpg. What's next, they all get assigned classes? There will be random NPCs handing out fetch quests or pay you for slaying monsters? Escorting princesses to their castles?

But Keaton's offer sounds genuine, sounds like a promise and not an empty promise made thoughtlessly. Despite his own circumstances, he's standing tall and proud and strong and Toma has to give him credit for that. Has to give him credit for taking this all in stride and answering all of Toma's questions.

It seems Toma has acquired a guard dog without even knowing about it.

He makes a thoughtful noise as he looks towards the window. The weather is nice. Cold, from what he can tell. It was August back home, way too cold for the time of year, however, so hopefully he'll be quick to adjust. The clear skies remind him of the time spend outside with the archery club and the memory bring a smile to his face. ]

I am capable of fighting, you know. Though I spent most of my practices aiming at stationary targets and not whatever I'll find here, I'm sure I'll be fine.

[ And then, more softly. ]

If not, I will count on you to have my back.

[notwagging]

I mean, being capable is different than having experience. I'm capable of doing many things too! [ Not to diminished Toma's abilities, but the last thing he'd want to see is the kind-of-archer testing himself against some aggressive fighters? Possibly some of those strange dancing trees with the fruits and pens? Or one of those strange fighters that screamed and had evil dragon balls? Maybe the giant phoenix that sang sad songs and made him and Jumin embrace?

The thought of Toma being injured sparks a tiny flame in the depths of his heart. He would knot be able to control himself, even if that someone who is barely a stranger now would be hurt under his care. ]

Well, of course. [ Because even softly, those keen ears pick up on Toma's words, and he flashes a thumbs up and a toothy grin. ] Archers aren't supposed to be in the open, anyway. You'll be surprised how good I am at defending someone like you!

[ As a Wolfskin, as a partner, as a... well, a growing friend. ]

So don't worry. I'll make sure you get some good practice!

[encaging]

You really aren't lacking in confidence, are you?

[ Though part of Toma is irritated, he must admit that Keaton has a point. Being capable of shooting something or someone in theory is different than doing it in practice. What if Toma finds himself facing some soldier and has to choose between defending himself or letting the other person get a shot in? Would he be able to take the shot? Would he be able to kill someone?

...

Again, Toma brings his hand to his mouth. The gesture is thoughtful as he looks to the side.

(Yes.)

But it would still be good for someone to keep an eye out for him. Though Toma doesn't necessarily appreciate having to be protected, dislikes it quite a lot, in fact, he can agree that it is much safer in the beginning. And Keaton, with his eager eyes and quick words and solid foundation seems like a reliable shield.

Or so Toma hopes. ]

I think I should try and find the right weapon for me first. [ For all Toma knows he'll end up with a pair of fancy glass slippers. ] So can you point me towards the armory?

[notwagging]

Better than the alternative, right?

[ A question for a question. Why go into a fight thinking you'll lose? That just breeds inadequacies and fears! Keaton is everything but those, including slightly annoying and naive but overly affectionate when it comes to finding new and exotic treasures--- and one simply can't find those stuck in a cage or stuck in a room somewhere. Hence his confidence! ]

Oh, yeah. I can do that. [ Out the door, into the hallway, with his tail beating against the wall a few times for good measure and sending some dust onto Toma's bed. He looks around to get his bearing (it's weird being on the opposite side of the hall). ]

Which way is it... I think it's... Uh. Hold on.

[ The door is now completely open, so that Toma can see which way Keaton is pointing, which is the one that is hopefully correct. ]

Yeah! I mean, if it's not the right direction, you can just turn around and go the other way.

[encaging]

Point taken.

[ It's not as if Toma hates people who are lacking in confidence. But feeling inadequate, for whatever reason, is sure to make your like difficult. You struggle and kick your feet while some weight is dragging you under. Confidence keeps you afloat, keeps your hopes from running through your fingers and your senses keen. Unmuddled. So you can find what is worth treasuring in your life.

Toma feels a sudden pang of loneliness in his chest though it doesn't show on his face. For the first time in his life, Shin and she are out of range. People he treasures. ]

If I end up in the washing room, I'll let you know. [ Toma's tone is dry when he brushes the dust off his bed before following Keaton and his eager tail. He follows the line of the hallway with his eyes and squares his shoulders. ] Thanks, Keaton. I'll see you around?

[notwagging]

[ Washing room. His ears fold back in irritation and leeriness. No way he's going to be tricked into a bath that he didn't choose to have. Those who have tried have lost limbs, eyes, even their life in the pursuit to cleaning a Wolfskin who didn't need to schedule such a silly ritualistic thing like bath time.

At least, in his imagination, he'd like to think he eviscerated those who put him in the water without any remorse. ]

If you do, you can keep that place a secret from me for the rest of my life. [ If he's joking, it's the best flat tone he's ever been able to create ever since finding his own voice.

The 'thanks' makes Keaton brighten, makes him feel a lot better. He did a Good, helping someone new. Even if he barged into an unfamiliar room and encountered someone he may have dreamt up, that's fine! In the end, he's made a good friend, right? Nothing bad about that.

He carefully takes Toma's hand into both of his, giving it a firm shake while his tail did the same. ]

Of course! We're basically neighbors, aren't we?

[ And unconsciously, he writes out Toma's name in his palm with a thumb. He doesn't even know he's doing it, it just... happens. Once, twice, three times before he lets go and heads back over to his door and opens it up. ]

Don't be a stranger, Toma.

[encaging]

[ The bitterness in Keaton's voice at the mention of the washing room makes Toma's eyebrows climb up. Seems as if someone is averse to having a wash and while Toma doesn't visibly react, he knows he is going to avoid physical contact as much as he can without appearing impolite.

It's the reason why he takes Keaton's hand and the words he was about to say die on his lips while his brows furrow. The movements against his palm seem like an odd coincidence, maybe a nervous habit Keaton has (not unlike the tail. Maybe Keaton can't control his thumbs either, who knows) but by the third time Keaton draws Toma's name into his palm, Toma is giving him an intense, scrutinizing look.

Vivid orange eyes follow Keaton as he walks back to his room.

Something isn't right. This shouldn't make Toma feel like he's missing two pieces of a puzzle he's been trying to put together ever since he woke up.

Still, he musters a smile to cover up his distrust. ]

No worries, Keaton. You'll be seeing me around from now on. We'll be something like coworkers, won't we?

[ ...There is no way Keaton is involved in a scheme, his instincts are telling him as much. He is too wide eyed, too willing, apparently from elsewhere, too. Something bigger? Is this a test? The hallway looks bright, the statues polished, too much pomp for strangers. Something else has to be going on here.

And if this country is trying to cheat them all, Toma won't stand by and watch. ]

...I'll be seeing you around.