expiationnet | early july, video

[ Wait, that kid. It can't be --

Nope. Kid opens his mouth and announces his name. Ah. ]

Sha-Ming, wait -- where are you?

[ This is a nine-year-old kid, and if Minato knows anything about kids... it's that the more rambunctious ones are too antsy to stay put when asked

He hasn't given the kid a real reason to listen to him either, so he tries this: ]

Sha-Ming? I'm Minato. I can answer your questions, but I won't know if you're listening or not... Let's sit and I can introduce myself to you, if you're okay with that?

[ Bro does NOT want that kid wandering around alone. ]

[ who's this guy? well, he seems pretty cool! maybe it's the blue hair and bangs, but the kid takes a moment to listen to what he says, clearly contemplating. ]

Ok! But I wanna go out before it gets too dark. 'Cause then the creepy critters come out!

[ ????? ]

Where are you? I'm at the uh, the lady here said it was an...in? Innnnn? It's a big place where people stay...they gave me breakfast!

[ He's not going to ask. Maybe he'll ask later though, after Sha-Ming's not running around as a small child. ]

Okay. That's a good idea.

[ A slight nod. ]

It's not safe to walk around when it gets dark. Sounds like you knew that already though.

[ If he's at the inn, that makes things a lot easier. Minato's not too far away. He just needs to persuade Sha-Ming to sit tight until he gets there. Koromaru should be napping in his room. Unfortunately, Minato doesn't have any way of alerting him.

Maybe if he's lucky, Koromaru will wake up and smell something amiss then go looking... ]

What did they give you for breakfast?

[ He's walking a little faster than before. ]

[ A? A child?? A very precocious child by the sound of it, not unlike the adult who shares his name and face. Oh no.

This has to be one of Aldrip's many tricks. It's not his job to keep stray children out of trouble, no matter how likely they are to get into it, but part of his job is knowing what strange effects could be thrown at everyone ahead of time. So, this is study. Study with a curious child.

Heaven help him. ]

I haven't seen any monkeys recently, no, but they are clever creatures. Tell me, where have you looked for them thus far?

Yeah. Once, I went um, too far out when it was really dark, and one of the big guys tried to eat me! But my friends swooped in and were like, whoosh whoosh bam, hyah! And got me back home. They're soooooo cool...I wanna be like 'em when I grow up.

[ his legs are clearly swinging against his bed. he rocks back and forth, waiting patiently. ]

Eggs! And cakes-- no...pan, cakes! I covered them in this sticky sauce... they were fluffy in my mouth. Fluffy, yummy, fluffy... [ he sings. ]

Hey! You never told me where you are.

[ what a serious human! the cool and composed nature reminds him of his parents. but something about this human feels softer-- gentler. kinder. sha-ming leans in closer to his camera with interest. ]

Ummm... I walked around, where all of the grey stuff is...someone told me they're called streets! So I just, walked around in circles, and I started looking for places where they could hide... behind buildings and signs and stuff. And then I climbed the trees, but they weren't there either.

So! I'm gonna try again. 'Cause if I was out there, they'd go looking for me! That's the kind of guys they are.

Do you know a lot about this place, Mister?

[ He is beginning to understand what Sha-Ming was up to instead of going to school. His parents are apparently alive which makes this all the more bizarre. Maybe "school" just didn't exist wherever Sha-Ming grew up? ]

It sounds like you had syrup with them. They make pancakes taste pretty good.

[ Oh. That's right, this is supposed to be question-and-answer. ]

I'm... near a place called the City Center. I live at the inn though, so I'm heading there right now.

[ Sha-Ming seems like a pretty well-behaved kid? He doesn't look like he's having any issues with sitting and waiting. Asking him to get up and walk around could be risky, but... ]

Do you like dogs, Sha-Ming?

I do. I came here unexpectedly one day, much like you, but have since made it my business to know each street and corner like the back of my hand.

[ Or, well enough to get around without any trouble. Which is fine for what he has in mind. ]

Perhaps I could help you search, then? There are a number of places someone so small could hurt themselves, and I doubt your friends want to find you like that.

[ you don't wanna know, man. ]

I never had that before! It makes my mouth all tingly. I want a bowl of it... Does it come from a plant?

[ he visibly brightens at what minato says next. ]

You live here too? Yay! You're my friend now. Ok, Minato? [ but then... ] I dunno what a dog is... is it like, a food? Uhm, I think dad said something about it once...

[ suddenly, minato will notice that he's rustling around, playing with whatever might be on the desk. ]

Hey! [ he raises a pair of goggles to the camera. ] These are my best friend's! Is this his room? Is he here? Is he here, is he here? I can't wait to see 'im!!

[ unexpectedly, he grows bashful-- ]

Oops! I'm not s'pposed to call 'im my best friend... I don't want the others to feel bad! They're all my friends. But he's the one I tell my secrets to. I could tell him anything in the whole wide world and he'd listen. He's like, really smart, and nice to everyone, and when I'm sad he always knows how to cheer me up. I'm gonna bring you to him, so you can be friends too!

[ Do NOT eat a bowl of maple syrup, Sha-Ming!! That's bad for your teeth. ]

Yeah. It comes from a tree.

[ There's a small sigh of relief as Sha-Ming holds up a pair of goggles to the camera. Okay good. He's in his own room. It means Minato doesn't have to go knocking on every single door at the inn.

On the other hand... damn. How is he supposed to handle this question? He has to fight to keep the smile on his face. It's a little unnerving; kids can sniff out dishonesty like bloodhounds. ]

Maybe?

[ It's a half-lie. He knows that none of Sha-Ming's friends are here. Minato now knows what happened to Sha-Ming's best friend, and he doesn't have the heart to tell the kid. ]

I'd like to say hello if you find him here. Can you his goggles safe for now?

[ He's... not really sure whether he should hear more about Sha-Ming's friends. Not like this. It doesn't feel right, given that Sha-Ming currently has little control over what information his glitched self gives out. He doesn't think he should be hearing it either. ]

My best friend is a dog. I think he should be in the room next to the one you're in now. Can you knock on the door and let him know I'll be there soon? He likes saying hello to new people.

[ Koromaru save him... ]

Are there big animals that can eat you here, too? It's easier to move around when there isn't all of this stuff in the way! There should be a map. A big map!

[ his legs swing back and forth, the bed creaking as he bounces up and down. what a rambunctious kid. but then the stranger offers to help-- and he brightens, visibly, before turning shy. ]

Really? You'll do that!? [ a beat. ] But um, it's... okay if you're busy! Adults got lots of things to do... that's what my mom and dad always say. And I gotta learn how to be strong, so I can keep up with my friends. So... don't worry! I'm big! [ he puffs out his chest. ] Big!!

[ Maybe it's a good thing that this young Sha-Ming decided to go all twenty questions in his video. It gave the people who knew him time to react to what they were seeing before sending a response.

Of course, Miller doesn't know him too well, but the fact that this happened is highly disturbing...

He's holding the phone at a somewhat awkward angle as though he's not used to doing this, but his tone is gentle, concerned. ]

Now, hold on, Sha-Ming. Why don't you stay close to an adult until you find your parents? It isn't safe to go exploring by yourself. My name is Miller. I can answer your questions as long as you promise you won't go wandering outside the city.

[ wow! he's never seen a human look so powerful before. even from the awkward angle, the kid looks at him with utmost curiosity, head canting. ]

My parents lemme go exploring all the time. It's okay! I can handle myself. [ this is because his parents are not good parents, as one can figure out. ] But you look really cool for a human, so I'm gonna listen to you. How'd you get so strong? I bet you could climb the biggest tree on Arsla! I wanna get strong like that too, so I can help all of my friends when they're in trouble.

Indeed there are. Fierce things with deadly claws and teeth, much bigger than even you. [ If there's a little fondness in his smile at that, it's completely Sha-Ming's imagination. Totally. It's not like that earnest attitude is endearing or anything. ] So I'm afraid I can't leave you be.

But you're in luck, I do happen to have a map of the area.

[ He'd been in his room when all this started, and kept safe in a bedside drawer is in fact a map he's been studying since the whole organ trail incident. He'll casually retrieve it and flash it at the camera, mountain of notes scribbled across it and all, though Sha-Ming won't have time to see any specifics with how quickly it's being folded up to fit in a pocket. ]

Now, where are you, Sha-Ming? Do you know?

[ A familiar sight to another part of her brain floods the view of the camera. She's seen this child before, in another world, another life. Even falsehoods can find footing as truth if you wish for it enough— Aerith smiles like she has the secret to the core of the universe on her mind, teasing but soft. ]

My name? It's Aerith, of course. I like to play at a lot of different jobs around here. Everyone needs help sometimes, you know. And my age, huh? It's not very nice to ask a girl her age, Sha-Ming, so try not to do it again, okay? Now... as for your mom and dad, no one's seen them yet. Maybe they will eventually, but not right now. You can stay up as late as you want.

[ There's a short pause then, as she claps her hands together. Monkeys, he says. She thinks of sitting in a tree with him, timber of the branches cutting into her thighs as they traded stories. ] I think you're the only little monkey around here, mister. Awfully big responsibility representing them, don't you think?

[ That should be enough to keep him busy for now, she thinks. ]

[There's little kids here?? 9-year olds are being accused of crimes and put in this farce of a jail now??? What the hell? Oh, he is going to kick Jerry's face in whenever he gets his first chance.

Pretty much the only thing keeping him from attempting to storm city hall right now is the fact that this kid is apparently just, going to be running around unattended and for some reason Yusuke couldn't explain to himself if he tried, he can't just let that stand. Ugh.]

I'm Yusuke, sixteen. It kind of sucks here honestly, since none of us came on purpose, so your parents or...monkey friends might not be around. But buildings can be pretty fun to play in, you know. You ever been to an arcade?

[ Oh. Huh, that's interesting. ]

My name's Rosie. I'm happy here so far, but I do wish there was more nature.

I'm in my 20s! [ Physically, it counts. ] No humans in white coats yet, no, but I'll keep a look out for them for you. [ Especially since that one... hits a little close to home. ]

They're probably monkeying around somewhere but I hope you find them soon. My favorite food is mochi myself, but custard buns are good too.

You have someone to explore with you? I'm an adventurer so let me know if you need any help.

[Sha-Ming... isn't that Minato's friend or something? He's sure that the other teen brought up his name before, but he's pretty damn sure that he wasn't a kid. So uh, what the hell Aldrip??]

Hey. I'm Scott, 17 years old.

[What a weird way to meet someone for the first time, especially when he's pretty sure this isn't his actual age. But. Be cool, Summers. Help out the wandering kid that's only 9 years old.] I haven't seen monkeys or your parents, but I have seen my favorite food around. Sandwiches.

[It's not really his favorite, but whatever. Point is to maybe feed the kid??]

[ They certainly don't sound like good parents... but he'll accept this compromise for now because so long as Sha-Ming is talking to him, at least he knows he is fine. ]

Well, that is how I became strong. By helping my friends. We have faced many battles together. If you concentrate on that and don't let yourself lose sight of what is important, you will become strong, too.

[ Though one question about said friends. ]

How is it you became friends with monkeys?

[It was Naoto? Maybe? She had the hat.

Except the face on the screen was smiling a bit too much for Naoto. Her eyes glowing yellow as she clapped her hands together. The overly long sleeves slapping together.]

I have a white coat! [a beat] ....and I'm small.

[S Noot, you are not a mom.]

My name is Aigis.

What does it mean to be "happy here"? I do not understand.

I am less than one year old. Do you require the exact number of days that I have been operational?

I have seen two humans in lab coats before. I do not think I have seen "dad" or "mom".

I have not seen any monkeys here.

I am not capable of eating.

Edited (she has seen monkeys before) 2024-07-13 04:22 (UTC)

[ a woman -- she's pretty too, he thinks immediately. sha-ming cants his head, staring head at the screen silently. ]

You're a girl? [ he asks, ignoring practically everything else-- ] I never met a girl that wasn't my mom before! That's so cool!

[ but then she draws his attention back to the monkeys. for a moment, he frowns. ]

Umm... I've never been away from 'em before. [ a beat. ] But... I'll try my best! So that when they show up, they'll be SUPER proud of me!

Sixteen? What the heck... you're so big!

[ he looks-- positively awestruck by this. 16. what a cool age to be! ]

Yeah, I got no idea how I got here. This bed is reaalllyyy nice though. [ he says, bouncing on it a little. ] I needa get back to my friends, so if you guys figure out how to do that, tell me, ok?

[ the word arcade tumbles around in his head. hm. ]

Ar...cade? I think I read about 'em once. Humans go there to have... fun, right? Whaddya do there?

It's sooooo weird. There's like, no dang trees or grass here. It's all grey! The heck am I s'pposed to do with that?

[ he's practically bouncing on the bed, rife with energy. ]

Wow! You're big! [ he remarks, astounded. ] I never met a girl that wasn't my mom before. Or I guess yer a woman. A lady! Yeah.

[ mochi. sha-ming visibly deliberates on that. ]

Mooo...chi? What's that like? Do they got any here? [ and then he grins. ] I don't, but I'm tryin' to learn how to be ind-ee-pend-ant! We can travel together, but you don't gotta take care of me, ok? I'm big too!

17? [ he speaks the number like he's a little shocked. ] Everyone's here so old! That's kinda cool. Does that mean you get to do like, grown up things? Like climb the really big trees you're not s'pposed to touch?

[ these are the REAL questions. listen, there are weirder ways to meet people here. it's aldrip. ]

Sand...wich?

[ a long, drawn out pause. ]

Uh. The heck is that? Is it sand? That sounds gross!

Edited 2024-07-15 01:48 (UTC)

[ a long, drawn out pause. he stares hard. ]

Yer not my mom!

It means like, do you got a warm feelin' in your chest? Do you smile lots? Are you glad yer alive? That kinda thing.

Wooooooow. Yer a baby! Ok, I'm older than you, so I gotta protect you now.

Aww. Ok. You can't eat? How do you live then? Does that mean you don't take a dump either?

I am an Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon. I am not "alive" and do not produce waste in the way a human being does.

[Old.........

Scott resists the urge to pinch his nose. Remember, Summers, you're dealing with a literal kid.]

Oh yeah, I do that all the time.

[Scott has not climbed a lot of trees but sure, he can do that if he wanted to.] Seriously? Never had a sandwich before? It's just meat and cheese between two slices of bread, but you can add more. It's pretty great, because you get to customize it with whatever fillings you want-- especially since I'm grown up and everything.

[What kid hasn't had a PB&J in their life though????]

I am, in fact, a lady. [ By the loosest definition, she is aware. ]

Mochi is a kind of sticky but sweet treat! Sometimes, it's even used to cover balls of ice cream. [ Mochi is delicious and, wow, she absolutely does want some now. Thanks, self. ] We can probably find some here! Or, I can make it. It's one of the only things I actually know how to make.

And I got ya'! It's important to be independent. Still, don't think that means you can't ask for help if you need it.

[She tilted her head, blinking those wide yellow eyes. Hm? The smile gradually slipping from her face.]

It'd be bad if someone thought I was... I don't know what a mother really does.

[She didn't remember what her own was like.

Now she was curious.]

[ sha-ming examines the goggles a little closely before putting them aside again. there's a nod of the head. ]

Yeah. I can do that! [ he slots them right onto his head, letting them snag behind his ears. ] How do I look?

[ sha-ming bounces onto his feet before marching out of the room. the camera shakes all the while; koromaru begins to bark happily, and the phone clatters to the floor as the door opens and sha-ming wraps his arms around to give the dog a big hug. he reaches for the phone and gets a good shot of the two of them together for minato. ]

Is this your pal? What's his name! [ sha-ming scritches his head. ] Look, buddy! Your best friend's gonna be here soon!

[ sha-ming cants his head -- looks at him with big eyes, wide and curious. then a smile tugs at the corners of his lips, and he breaks out into a grin. ]

So you're like... a guy who protects people! A... knight? With a map? I read books about 'em. [ a PRETTY knight, but he doesn't say that. then comes a beat. ] Okay! I'll go with you!

[ and lo and behold, he leaps off of the bed, right onto his feet. there's a faint thud. ]

I'm at the inn! The big place where humans sleep. Where they got pan-cakes, and food. I'm gonna run outside and wave so you see me!

Really? [ a beat. ] I try to help my friends as much as I can, but-- my body's so squishy and human. There are a lot of stronger and cooler and wiser than me, sometimes... mmm... I can't keep up.

But! I wanna be like you. A big guy who can make sure his friends are okay! They must reaallyyy like you. Do you have a best friend?

[ ah. what an interesting question. he's never thought about it before. ]

My parents-- they're re-search-ers. They study monkeys! Really smart ones that can talk and stuff. So uh, we live on this planet called Arsla...there aren't any other people there, and it's kinda like, a big jungle with lots of scary animals, but that's where all my friends live. It's just us! I've known 'em since I was a baby.

Not quite a knight, no. But I am in the business of keeping people safe from such creatures, should the need arise.

[ Speaking of which, he'll be grabbing a few extra talismans to also have ready in his pocket before he's out the door. Just in case. ]

Ah yes, I know where that is. Keep this device running until I've found you, alright? It shouldn't take very long at all.

[ Children are capricious, easily distracted buggers by nature. The last thing Seimei needs is the boy getting bored and running off to find something more interesting and potentially more dangerous before he actually gets there and can do something about it. ]

I confess I've never heard of a pan-cake. What sort of food is it?

Okay! I'm gonna remember you as the second lady I ever met.

[ a great way to classify people, but his joy and interest are earnestly pure, like he's discovered some secret of the universe. ]

You know how to make it!? I wanna learn too. Then I can make lots when I get back home. Does it have sugar? I loooove sugar. I had some today and it was awesome.

[ operation: get to this woman's residence and make mochi with her immediately. ]

It's just... my friends are always helpin' me, yanno? I wanna do something for 'em now. It's my turn! So I gotta become stronger and smarter.

[ Whatever's turned the clock backwards on Sha-Ming, Minato hopes it fixes itself soon. He can only lie to this kid for so long. ]

It's good. Now they'll stay safe for your friend.

[ Minato watches the camera feed intently, even as it wobbles and clatters to the floor. He's not too concerned about the lack of good video, given that he can hear Koromaru barking in the background. ]

Yeah. That's Koromaru.

[ Koromaru's thrilled to get some headscritches. It's plenty good compensation for babysitting. He doesn't have to distract Sha-Ming for very long either. Just a few minutes later, Minato's pushing the doors to the inn open and heading straight for his room. It's unlocked already, so he'll nudge it ajar and peer into the room.

He offers nine-year-old Sha-Ming a small wave. ]

...hey.

[ 17 is practically adult sized. to a child surrounded by monkeys, a 17 year old teenager is basically like, word of god. ]

Wow! What's the biggest tree you ever climbed?

[ putting you on the spot, mister. ]

Nope! I don't eat bread a lot. I had it maybe once or twice. It was a little fluffy? [ he folds his arms, like he's thinking really hard about this. ] What's cheese? And can only grown ups pick what they want between the bread? I'm gonna ask my friends to make the sandwich for me. Then we can share it! Can you teach me how to make one? Please, please, pleaaaaaase?

I'll give you...

[ give it a second. he pulls out... ]

This rock I found! How 'bout that?

[ 'Lady' is as good a name to her as Rosie, to be honest. It makes her sound dignified and graceful (and all the things she actually isn't). ]

It does have sugar! And it's pretty easy to learn, you might just need some help to start you off. [ Which she doesn't mind providing. Especially if it means getting to have mochi at the end of it all. ]

Mmm, yeah, I get that! And that's sweet of you, too. I think you'll be able to do just that if you really want.

[Well, since he's full of shit.]

Probably like two hundred feet tall.

[Don't ask him to prove it-- and seriously?? This kid hasn't had cheese before? What sort of cruel and unusual childhood did he have?? Okay, this is like his duty now, to tell Sha-Ming how to make the best sandwich. He is the self-proclaimed Sandwich King and all. The rock tribute will... do just fine.]

You drive a hard bargain, kid. [He pretends to think about it for a moment, before nodding.] But alright, I'll teach you.

Hi.

[ a vigorous wave of the hand. he hops on up and over to minato, eager to get a proper look at him. he's so tall! ]

I like your headphones. [ he points at the headphones in question. ] Can we take Koromaru with us too? Pleaaaase? We can be like adventurers!

[ koromaru barks happily in response. sounds like he's game! ]

Awww! Does that mean you don't get to feel happy? Or like, the feeling you get when you really, really like something?

That would suck. Do you wanna have pancakes with me?

Hmmm. Well, you're pretty like a prince! So you're like, a prince-knight!

[ look at this kid, coming up with all kinds of new concepts. ]

Okayyyyy. I'll wait. I'm good at waiting. I do it for my friends all the time.

[ he just happens to be a bouncing ball of energy. sha-ming idly fiddles with the desk next to him. ]

I never had it 'till today. But it's like, this sweet fluffy little cake. A baby cake. And it's a circle. And you eat it with this sticky sap. When you come, we can have some together! It's my new favorite food.

[ he rifles through papers, squinting so he can read them. ]

Do you know whose room I'm in? [ he shoves a report to the camera lens; it outlines behaviors and mannerisms of aldrip's bestiary in fine ink. ] Reminds me of my mom and dad... this is the kinda stuff they write.

[ It's strange seeing this upbeat, bubbly nine-year-old version of Sha-Ming. In a few years, maybe less, this nine-year-old child will lose all of his closest friends.

None of those sentiments are reflected on Minato's face. He says nothing other than offering a nod to acknowledge the kid's compliment. ]

Thanks. ...I like them too. We can listen to something later.

[ He opens the door a bit wider and gestures for Sha-Ming and Koromaru to follow. He'll wait for Sha-Ming to lead the way though, given that he has the best idea where his friends could be hiding.

Hopefully, Sha-Ming will revert to his regular self soon. Minato can only keep this charade up for so long.

He's never been particularly good at lying. ]

[ sha-ming's head perks up, face beaming and brightening even moreso than it already had. ]

Really!? [ he holds his arms up. ] Yahooooo! I've never seen ones like that. And I, I only know a few songs, so I wanna hear more.

[ but alright, he'll lead the way, even in all of his excitement. ] I'll wait for you guys, so it's okay if you walk slow. But we gotta find my friends before the sun sets. Or else it'll get scary!

[ and there he is, striding down the hallway, wiggling his hands. ]

Do you like bein' here? In this place? Is it fun? Do ya got lots of friends here? [ it's a flurry of questions, but he turns around, looking up at minato with big 'ol eyes. ]

What!

[ 200 feet tall? can his little child brain even think of something that tall? the answer is no. that's basically high in the sky at that point. ]

What are you, some kinda superhero!? [ if only he knew. ] How do I do that too?

Yay! Sandwich, sandwich, sandwich, [ he starts singing, in that way kids do when they're particularly excited and have discovered something new. ] what do I gotta bring? You're the Sandwich Scientist. My parents study things, so you're like them, but with sandwiches now. I'm gonna make 20 and give them out to my new friends here.

That's true, but working together is how we overcome our limitations. If someone can't keep up, the rest of us need to carry them until they can stand on their own feet again. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. I'm no different. That's just what being part of a team is all about.

[ Though how funny it would be for any member of said team to hear him talk about it like this... No matter. ]

..."A best friend," huh? I don't. Not exactly. But I have a team of those who I trust the most... and I have my daughter. If there's anyone I need to protect, it's her.

[ As a result, it's hard to imagine why Sha-Ming's parents would let him wander around with their research subjects unattended... but given his past indiscretions as a father, he will assume for now(?) that they might have their reasons. ]

That sounds like an exciting time! Well then, it's no wonder that you're all set to take to the streets. Did you encounter a lot of danger in Arsla?

You wanna know a secret? I'm not even the biggest guy I know.

[And that's not even counting some of the demons he's fought. Not that it makes him less tough, though!! He is small but fierce ok.]

I gotta get back home myself, so how about I make you a deal? We can look around together, yeah? And when we're done for the day, I'll show you the arcade and we can play some games together.

[Yusuke will not be winning Sha-ming any prizes because he sucks at said games, actually, but it's the...thought that counts...?]

Edited 2024-08-06 11:51 (UTC)

early july, video

video, i put away gnosia (real) for this

too true

it's ok i won only to get freaking shigemichi and comet as gnosia with me

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PLEASE IJBOL

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they iced me before comet i hate them

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GET GOOD !!!!!!

:////

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video

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video

video;

video. @wild.flower.

video;

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video un:N.SHIROGANE

video; un: aigis

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so glad shes seen monkeys before

it's very important

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too true

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july was truly cursed pls forgive the Crustiness