isleofavalon | Winter is here, weather you like it or not

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Winter is here, weather you like it or not

🧙 WHO: Ken Amada and you!
⚔️️ WHAT: February catch all
🕒 WHEN: All of February
🗺️ WHERE: Here there and everywhere
⚠️ WARNINGS: None at the moment, I'll add more should they come up!

A. The Libryrinth (Closed to Harry)

[All things considered, Ken wasn't sure how well this quest will turn out for the both of them. However, after how well the last quest turned out, this one shouldn't be too difficult. It wasn't all that different from the last one they did. The only thing they needed to do was to look around for some symbols and report back, right?

With a sigh, Ken was hiding under a table in a library. As he looked at Harry and his familiar, Jack Frost, he wondered how much longer he had hide in the shadows.]

You doing okay, Harry-san? You don't see the librarian nearby, do you?

B. A Tall Order

[How did Ken end up in this mess? He didn't know but that didn't stop him from looking at the 3 foot elf before crossing his arms. This quest was simple enough but at the same time? It seemed a little too simple as he wondered if there was something he didn't quite understand.

As he looked back at the chair, he mumbled to himself.]

You know, you guys are making a big deal out of nothing. Why do you feel the need to prove yourself to the South Beach Elves?

[He said before said 3 foot elves started bickering at him.]

C. Hugs all around!

[Was it just Ken's imagination or did everyone seem to be a much happier mood lately? He wasn't sure but Ken was no different. As he was out and around with his dog, Koromaru, he decided to do a couple of things to keep this positive mood up. Ever since he got shot with a Cupid's arrow, he was feeling absolutely optimistic and feeling the need to make everyone around him just as equally happy.

Should you see him around, he might either try to tempt you with free food that he made (spoilers: It's fried rice that is just decent at best), going out for a run (and he might bump into you!), or see him randomly talking to Koromaru about why dogs are better than cats.

Pick your poison.]

D. Network

UN: Koromaru

Quick question, how do you handle being homesick? I've been here for almost 2 months and I am starting to miss a couple of my friends.

What do you do when that happens?

E. Wildcard

[Surprise me! If you want to do something, feel free to ping me at

rosemotifs

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You can help out in many ways aside from fighting. Trust me, I've been fighting a lot, and you can be great at your magic and still not have to go on the offense or defense. There's a lot you can find out just by being open to everything around you.

[Just observing is in it's own way a very useful strategy.]

[With that, Ken just crossed his arms as he pondered what Gokudera was saying to him.]

Like what? I know I could probably just listen and provide moral support to others but it feels like I could do more? [Pause]M/small> Especially when it doesn't feel like I'm doing enough?

We've spoken about our worlds before, and they both seem very violent. Dark, even. There is no life for me back home where I will not fight. Here on Avalon, just using magic is enough. I don't have to use it in any combative way to help with the multiverse. I just have to use it.

I don't think I'm trying to become nobility, but there are other quests to take on aside from aiming for knighthood.

[Gokudera takes a breath, frowns, then looks down at the boy and his dog.]

You are doing enough.

I see, I just hope that being here in Avalon has made things a little easier for you. I'm sorry that life was difficult for you back home.

[He said with a frown. He didn't want to think about it but maybe Ken was being a little selfish. Here he was trying to tell others how difficult it was that he wanted to be a kid and yet there were others who came from worlds much more terrifying than his.]

You know, hearing you say that is a little odd. I know a lot of my friends back home would agree that I am doing enough but...

[Pause] It's kind of difficult relaxing when I spent a good portion of my life just fighting? I'm not even sure how to take it easy.

[Hearing the way Ken speaks, that the topic has made them somewhat somber just makes Gokudera want to put another arrow on his bow and shoot the boy again. Enough of this attitude!]

No! Don’t be! I just mean that this world should be a break from that! That the use doesn’t have to be a fight! It can just be in learning and exploration!

[He hums agreement and nods.]

Have you thought about going to school? I hear that they pay you to go to school in this world, and you can learn more about your magic. No fighting involved.

I am and it feels like it isn't enough?

[He said before giving a small pout. He didn't want to sound childish but it was frustrating! He knows he should take it easy and be a kid here but at the same time?

It just wasn't fair how everyone else was doing something and he wasn't!

Screw it, it'll allow himself to act childish. He'll give himself some grace here.]

I don't know, maybe I'm thinking too much about this. Maybe I am still just a kid after all.

Maybe it just feels that way because you're comparing it to what you used to do.

Yeah don't think about it so much. Have fun with what you learn and try out new ways to use your magic. You won't be a kid forever. Enjoy it while you can... before everything gets too heavy and hard.

[Or until he goes back home, time resumes, and so do the pressures of life in his world. Gokudera is going to enjoy this break, wonders if maybe he should go to school, and advise the Tenth and baseball idiot to do the same. They were all students before coming to Camelot, anyways.]

People won't judge you too harshly! You're in the perfect position to explore.

[It was difficult, wasn't it? He knew he had to take things slow after spending a couple of years wanting to be grown up. And yet, it felt like he was rushing things again. He knew he didn't have to fight and he could just do other side quests here.

And yet, he was running in circles as he was in a position to do something with his magic here. He really didn't want it go to waste.]

You know, you're reminding me a lot of what Junpei-san and Yukari-san would say to me. They are all saying that I should be a kid while I have the chance.

[Suddenly, there was a chuckle or two coming from him.]

I guess this is their way of scolding me, isn't it?

I don't know who they are, but they're right. I'm already fifteen, I guess? It's hard to tell with time passing... But I didn't really get to have a normal childhood. I chose that, and I regret it. It's something I'll never get. Anyone who thinks you should be a kid while you have the chance only says so because they want you to have the best time now. Not everyone gets the chance to become an adult, and some adults will never get the chance to be old people.

[Wow he did not mean to get so carried away talking about something like this, but he's being honest. He appreciates all that he has in his life now. He has regrets and knows he shouldn't. There's nothing he can go back and change, and so he knows he needs to spend every day moving forward and doing better.]

You should take the time to focus on what you can do now to make yourself happy. If you think you need to fight, you don't need to. Honestly... in a world like this, I can understand how it feels different. But do what you can and take it day by day. Don't think about what you will be or what you could have been.

[He lights up a new cigarette and smokes, sighing on his exhale and visibly relaxing. Then, Gokudera takes an enchanted arrow from his quiver and pokes Ken gently with it.]

I'm not scolding you. I'm just trying to encourage you to have fun. Lighten up. [Poke poke.]

[The more that Ken listened, the more he was being reminded of what his friends would say back home. This only reinforced what Ken already knew and perhaps he really should take his advice. That was why he couldn't help but give a chuckle as he felt the slight poking his way. With that, he had to give a light punch in return.]

Jeez, you really are sounding like them. I can't tell if that's a good thing or not that there's someone hovering over me.

[Not that he was one to talk when he had been hovering over Alice and making sure she was safe.]

But I know, maybe I should take it easy for a bit. I will admit, I have been doing a lot of combat quests lately and while I can handle it, I'm only doing it because I want to.

[Back home, he didn't have a choice as he wanted to protect his friends and saved the world. While he still made up his mind to stay a kid, maybe that's why it was hard to accept he could do the same here when there was so much happening his way.]

But honestly, I think I am having fun for the first time in a long while.

I'm not hovering over you! [He exclaims, a little offended by the thought.]

I don't even care! Just do what you want!

[Gokudera's tone is insincere. Obviously he cares a great deal. But... he doesn't want it to seem like he does. He pulls the arrow back and looks down at Ken's dog.]

You have someone to be responsible for. That's already more than most kids can say.

[See that? It only made Ken laugh even more! He knew it was probably a rude thing to do say to someone just just met but he couldn't help it!]

Maybe I will! And if I get myself into trouble, I know just who to blame!

[He said before shaking his head a little.]

I suppose I do but I kind of have to be responsible for someone else too. You ever taken care of someone who is younger than you before?

Yourself! You blame yourself because that's what adults do! It's a bigger sign of responsibility to own up to your own faults!

[He could learn a lot if he followed his own advice.]

Who? Uh... like as a babysitter? No, not really.

[Then there was a long pause on his end. Huh, he wasn't expecting an answer like that.]

You really think so? I'm surprised you even said that.

[...]

No as in kind of being like a big brother? I do want to take care of a younger person but I never have before?

[Because he's use to being the youngest in his group of friends here! He didn't know how to be a big brother figure to someone, okay??]

Why? I know how to be responsible!

[He's been taking care of himself long enough!]

Huh... In a way I have, but not directly. He had a father, and since I live alone and I have an older sister... I keep to myself.

No, I meant...

[He said before trailing off. He was talking more about himself but he'll just leave it as it is for now.]

No, nevermind. Anyway, any ideas of how? I must admit, I am use to being the youngest so I'm not sure how it's suppose to go?

Meant what, huh?

[Ah he's so good at taking everything the wrong way.]

Of how to what, take care of someone younger than me? I don't like children, so I've never bothered to learn anything like that. If the young person isn't too much of a hassle, though, I'd probably be okay with them for a bit.

[He has no idea how responsible he really is. Gokudera would probably make an excellent caretaker despite his rough attitude.]

How young is this person you're helping look after?

[Does Ken want to say it? At first, he didn't say anything but he give a small sigh.]

I mean myself. [Although, he was wondering if Gokudera was going to leave at that as he was trying to shift the conversation.]

But she's 7 and she isn't too much trouble, it's mostly me having no idea how to talk to her. [Because he's the child here!]

It's more of how to help her get use to new her surroundings but also helping her become independent too.

Does she have any adults she can look up to as Guardians?

[Gokudera wonders why Ken might be feeling pressured. Is it out of sympathy, since he also feels like he should embrace being a child?]

I'm not very good at talking to anyone, so you probably shouldn't take my advice. But... see what she likes, or just ask her questions. Sometimes it's easy to get people to open up if you let them talk about things they like. Like... favorite colors or animals?

As far as independence goes... maybe ask her for her help or opinions on something so she feels like whatever she says plays a contribution?

I suppose it would be Nero-san and probably a few others?

[Granted, he doesn't spend a lot of time with her so he has no idea who else she might look up to. With that, he gave a small shrug.]

I've been asking a lot of those things lately and I like to think it's working? Because I do want get to know her better as I don't want her to feel like she's alone here.

I think she is the youngest person I've seen so far here.

Why not try talking to one of them? You shouldn't feel responsible for another child when you are one, even if you're older. It's important that you look out for her, as it does seem like you care, Ken.

[The only problem Gokudera sees is that maybe the other boy is viewing this like something it shouldn't be. It's an opportunity for friendship, not a burden of responsibility.]

Who are we talking about?

[He's met a few girls. Maybe he knows of her?]

[It wasn't only that, it was more about trying to figure out how to stay mature and responsible while he was still trying to be a kid at the same time. Transition from an adult to a child sure was difficult...]

Alice-san? The girl with blond hair and wears a black hairband? She also has a cat with her all the time too.

[He said hoping that Gokudera wouldn't notice his slight hesitation from his answer.]

I haven't met her.

[He shakes his head and wonders if she's as concerned about Ken being responsible as he seems to be.]

But her well-being is not your responsibility. Instead, just focus on how you can be a good friend to her. Any more than that is unnecessary stress.

I suppose so...

[He trailed off before mumbling a little to himself.] I'm not really sure what else I can do to make herself feel more at ease here.

[Although, as he continued to mumble, he wondered if he was projecting a little of his own issues onto her.]

Focus on yourself instead, Ken.

[No excuses.]

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Winter is here, weather you like it or not

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