011 | [voice/action]

[screwthegods]

[Once he had moved in, Homura asked Ayumu if she wished his assistance with certain chores; it hardly seemed fair to stay there without making such an offer. And the woman had agreed--provided she could supervise. Ayumu had her own particular way of doing things, as Homura discovered through her intense courses on both laundry and dishwashing. She was ultimately as devoted to doing her housework as skillfully and precisely as she threw knives on the battlefield.

There was a certain task that Ayumu wasn't so inclined to direct, however. No, with Okita's most recent disappearance, the daily care of his assortment of pets fell squarely on the demi-god's shoulders. None of the required duties were too hard to fulfill, but it did put a particular question in mind. So after he spends a fair time of the morning cleaning out cages, filling food dishes, and walking a giant chicken around the block, Homura addresses the journal.]

What exactly prompts mortals to take on animals as pets?

[But that's not the only thing Homura has on his mind, and moments later he adds a second question--this time filtered away from Ayumu]

I understand that acknowledging the anniversaries of certain events is important; even in the Heavens, certain birthdays were celebrated on a vast scale. [Pointlessly, given that the gods are immortal.]

How much time should pass between each celebration, from a mortal perspective? Given the limited history of Luceti itself, is a year too long? Or would it be more appreciated if the span were drawn out?

Comments

[Voice]

[geniustheveil]

[A girl once from Heaven herself, but living a mortal life this time, Sailor Mercury can't help being thoughtful.]

I think due to the nature of Luceti, where most things last an even shorter time, people have felt it's important to recognize smaller milestones.

[Voice; filtered from Ayumu]

[screwthegods]

But then the risk becomes trivializing the event being celebrated, does it not? Even sincere gestures lose their significance if repeated too frequently.

What would an appropriate length of time be?

[Voice; filtered from Ayumu]

[geniustheveil]

I think... maybe it's the sort of thing each person decides for themselves. There's no harm in honoring whatever events someone feels are important.

Re: [Voice; filtered from Ayumu]

[screwthegods]

Hmm.

The problem lies in that I wish to avoid questioning the person whom I would be celebrating the event with on the matter. I'd rather it be a surprise for her, but I also want her to appreciate the intent behind it.

[Voice; filtered from Ayumu]

[geniustheveil]

I think you should do it. I think it would be sadder if it wasn't remembered. If it seemed like you'd forgotten or weren't thinking about her.

voice;

[rabuends]

Companionship? Caring for creatures outside your own species? There are plenty of reasons to have a pet.

Re: voice;

[screwthegods]

Yet the former can be had by association with other mortals, can it not? As for the care, is it really so appealing to some?

voice; wow this is late my bad

[rabuends]

Some "mortals" prefer the company of animals to humans, for various reasons. It isn't as surprising as you are making it out to be. Caring for them is worth it as a reward for keeping the pet healthy and happy too.

[Voice]

[makeitquick]

Mortals?

Re: [Voice]

[screwthegods]

The general term for those with naturally limited lifespans. Though the one referenced in the second question is a human.

Is that more precise?

[Voice]

[makeitquick]

What, so you're never gonna die?

[Do demons die... you know she never thought to ask]

[Voice]

[screwthegods]

Technically, I've already died. But as a rule, it is an unusual occurrence for a god.

1/2

[makeitquick]

Huh. [God]

[Voice / Written]

[the_brightest_sun]

A-nni-ver-sa-ry. A-nnu-al.

[The slow vocalization is accompanied by written letters. He was in the middle of a study session, okay? Bear with it Homura, the kid will answer in both voice and writing what he says for practice.]

Doesn't annual mean yearly?

[He was under the impression that "anniversary" came from "annual", if that means yearly then... An anniversary should be once each year, right?]

[Voice / Written / Filtered From Ayumu]

[screwthegods]

[Someone is clearly hard at work. Homura grins, more than patient while Goku gets his bearings.]

It does. But in this instance I'm wondering if a certain occasion shouldn't be celebrated sooner.

[Although for Goku, Homura will hold back on his reasoning. Even with the return of Hakkai, he knows the boy must still feel the loss of the ones he knew in the Heavens.]

[Voice / Written / Filtered From Ayumu]

[the_brightest_sun]

But then it wouldn't be an anniversary??

[He writes the question marks bigger than the rest because he really doesn't understand it well.]

But everyone likes a party for any reason. Does it matter if it's a celebration of something or not?

Re: [Voice / Filtered From Ayumu]

[screwthegods]

Not in the strictest sense, I suppose. But regardless, the event in question is an important one to me.

This likely wouldn't be a party--certainly not of the type that often happens here. I am made a commitment with a very dear person just over half a year ago. I'm trying to decide if we should celebrate the current length of our relationship, or if it would be better to wait. In that respect, what is being celebrated is the reason for the effort put forth.

( voice )

[daisharin]

[ Asking about pets the day after he arrives? Such good timing, Homura. ]

It's usually because of companionship. Pets are usually treated as friends by their owners.

Humans celebrate anniversaries yearly most of the time. I am not aware of Luceti's standard, though.

( voice / filtered from Ayumu )

[screwthegods]

[Purely by coincidence. He's stuck petsitting, and it made him curious.]

That's right--you possess a small dragon, correct? [He grins.] I would have thought your traveling party more than enough for companionship, in that regard.

That is the problem. This place has a highly uncertain nature. [And Homura isn't keen on the idea of making the same mistake he did in the Heavens.]

( voice / filtered from Ayumu )

[daisharin]

[ I'd pay for someone to draw Homura walking a chicken across the park ]

Indeed. Hakuryuu's with me right now, actually. [ You might have heard that small cheep in the background. ]

And, well, he's also an important member of our travelling party. We would never reach India without him!

[ Ah, the horrible possibility of biking their way to the west. ]

In that case, it would be best to consult with the people you're celebrating the anniversary with, to determine what is an appropriate timeframe for them. Otherwise, I suppose a yearly celebration would do.

Re: ( voice / filtered from Ayumu )

[screwthegods]

[Giant chicken! It's actually a chocobo, but Homura doesn't know that word.]

Even with him, it will take considerable luck. Your bunch has a habit of getting--delayed.

[Said as if Homura himself hadn't been one such obstacle.]

Person. And that is part of the problem. [Homura lightly taps the table where he's sitting.] While it would be simpler to ask, I believe that would take away from the desired effect I wish to achieve.

[Voice]

[mythmaker]

Unconditional love. That's why we have pets.

Re: [Voice]

[screwthegods]

And such a love appeals to you? One that does not need to be earned, or is given as a matter of choice?

[Voice]

[mythmaker]

Mm, it's not like that. It is earned, I think, through care and affection.

Re: [Voice]

[screwthegods]

Then it doesn't quite qualify as unconditional.