dreamcrystals | open 💀 second recording

Entry tags:

open 💀 second recording | passive dream + extra

Sender: Beat
To: Everyone
Subject: Passive Dream Recording
Warnings: Some spoilers for the OG The World Ends With You. Will update as needed.

A smartphone is shoved in front of your face, and confusion takes over, not sure what exactly you're looking at. Then you realize that it's an innocuous advertisement for a piece of jewelry that had shown right before the video played. You turn to the owner, and it takes you a moment to recognize her, your sister Rhyme. She's young, with short, blonde hair framing either side of her face. Her usual beanie is absent from atop her head.

"It's cute, right?" she asks. She's never really had any interest in jewelry before, which only further added to your confusion.

She smiles back at you, noticing the look on your face. "Don't worry. I don't plan on buying it. I probably wouldn't be able to afford it anyway."

A sigh escapes her mouth before she withdraws her arm, turning to lie back on the bed as she proceeds to watch the following video that starts to play.

For a moment you wonder what that was all about before you turn your attention back to the skateboard you'd been working on.

- - -

It's morning and you've been in line since the crack of dawn. You're not a morning person and you let out the biggest yawn, not even bothering to cover your mouth.

A few hours have passed since you got here, able to get a spot in line toward the front of the pack, only beaten by those who camped out the night before. You decided to come out this early only because you learned that the item was limited. Seeing all the people in line before you makes you realize just how coveted this might actually be. For a while, you wonder if you even have a chance of purchasing it.

There are a few whispers from further back in line, and they don't make an effort in keeping their voices down.

"What is he doing here anyway? He looks completely lost."

"Stop that. Maybe he's buying it for his girlfriend or something."

A rush of heat color your cheeks, but you're quick to shoot a glare their way, baring your teeth just to drive the point further. They see you and all of a sudden they have nothing more to say.

- - -

The box in your hand is wrapped messily, the bow atop it leaning off one of the corners. Maybe you should've let someone else do it instead. But it's too late for that now. You rap your knuckles against the door.

It opens to reveal Rhyme. A large smile adorns her face as she greets you but she quickly sees the box in your hand. "Huh? What's this?"

You hand it over to her.

"For me?" She examines it for a while before looking back up to hold your gaze. "Can I open it?" You nod and she immediately begins tearing through the wrapper. When she opens the box within, her face immediately lights up, and whatever anxiety you had felt coming into this washes away.

"Oh gosh! You actually got it." She holds up a cord with a large, brass bell pendant hanging at the end. It's the very same one as the piece featured in the video ad.

Before you can even get a word out, she throws herself at you, jumping to curl her arms around your neck. "Thank you so much, Beat!" A warmth spreads throughout you and you smile, bringing your arms around her to return the embrace, hugging her tight enough to make her giggle in your ear.

And then you wake.

Sender: Beat
To: Close CR (except for Gina and Futaba)
Subject: a little help?
Warnings: Cursing. Will update as needed.

[Forward dated to the 23rd.]

yo i kinda got myself in a predicktament
and i aint sure how im supposed to

[There's a long pause before he continues writing this next part.]

deal with this one
so imma need some advice
any of ya got some time to help a brother out?

[If you're unsure if your character counts for this second part, feel free to poke me at

riyuji or at Riyuji#9693 on discord.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Adjusting himself in his seat, he stands a little straighter as he listens to Susato. He doesn't know much about her past or her boyfriend, so he needed to be sure to listen. His brows furrow, trying to understand what she had meant.]

So you saying that before here... you had the hots for someone else?

[It's strange how matter-of-factly he says that.]

[ opens mouth

closes mouth. kids today and their new-fangled slang. ]

Had the... what? [ something something fire dreamotion ]

Had the hots? You know, like, a crush or someone ya liked?

[Most times he can't stop himself. Sorry, Susato.]

Oh. But, why would...?

[ At least she knows what a crush is. She learned. But why modern terminology would phrase such things this way is beyond her. Nothing is being crushed, though she supposes you could argue the feeling evokes a form of "heat."

Especially here.

...SHE'S GETTING DISTRACTED. ]

A, Anyway... I suppose I was no more sure of my feelings than you are. But then it didn't matter, because... I woke up here.

So, it was what-their-name then and the guy you with now?

[Thinking had never really been Beat's strong suit, but it really felt like there was more on the line here. And, although he felt a little guilty that the thought crossed his mind, hearing that he wasn't the only one dealing with it put him at ease.

His shoulders seem to relax a bit more as the conversation between them continued.]

How you feelin' about the two a' them now?

Edited (The repeated word bothered me) 2023-01-25 16:53 (UTC)

[ The true answer is: she's not quite as torn up about it as Beat, but if it makes him feel better... If it helps in some way, that she is glad she mentioned it. ]

They both mean the world to me. But I will always love Kazuma-sama.

[ That's that. Until Ryunosuke starts displaying feelings towards one of them or the other (if ever), that's probably how it will stay. It seems like the three of them are entirely content with that, for now. ]

We shared a paopu fruit on my birthday that deemed it so.

Heh, I heard 'bout that. Supposed to keep the two of ya together forever or somethin' cheesy like that.

[It wasn't as if he really meant it, but he was glad that Susato had someone like that, and that she was able to figure out her own dilemma. Which was also why he couldn't help but let out a sigh afterward.]

[ Yeah, no, the comment is deserved. It's very cheesy (though once again, she is left wondering what any of it has to do with cheese and how that turn of phrase came about. Another time--) ]

Perhaps one of them would be willing to share one with you.

[ Hell, even the two of them could. They should. It's not about romance, but maybe Beat isn't aware of the nuance.

It's all a very nice trip down memory lane for her for sure, but she knows it's not really what Beat is looking for. ]

Or... Hmm. You know, there is something else that helped me.

[And just like that he straightens up again. Or at the very least you have his attention.]

Yeah? Whatchu got, Loops. I'm all ears.

[ Are you ready to be sad about another friend who is gone, Beat? Probably not. Still, Susato wears a bittersweet smile and resolves to press forward anyway. ]

It is something Aerith showed me. Or gave me, rather.

The new grove in the Wildlands where Ori left her letters for us... Do you remember how to get there?

[It definitely feels bittersweet hearing about both the grove and recalling Ori's departure. He still had his letter at his treehouse, crumpled but spread open again after his initial bout of anger. The list of chores that was left with him was tacked onto a wall in his room.]

Yeah, I know how to get there. There something I can use from there?

I'm hoping so...

[ Susato trails off slightly, like she's not quite sure. Nevertheless, perhaps it would be better shown than explained. If Beat is interested, of course. ]

Would you like to find out with me?

[It's a curious request and he wonders what it is she wants to look for. But he doesn't say no to the invitation. At this point, anything felt like a welcome distraction.]

Yeah, sure.

But I'mma get ya a drink before we go. An' I ain't takin' no for an answer.

[As thanks. It was the least he could do considering Susato's already come to see him. She was doing so much more than he expected already.]

...... [ Ah, he did offer a drink, didn't he? She said it wasn't necessary, but she'd rather not waste time arguing. ]

If you insist... But just water for me then, please.

You should get the same for yourself. We must stay hydrated for the journey, Beat. [ It's probably not terribly far, but it's still the Wildlands. ]

[In a blink of an eye, he's gone before Susato even finishes her sentence, dashing off to get what she asked for. Returning with two bottles of water, the two depart to head towards the grove their friend had left behind. But before stepping out, Beat quickly backtracked to get his barely-touched milk coffee from earlier to-go.

Compared to the ice and snow that dotted the village and the surrounding wildlands in patches of white, the grove's greenery remained untouched by some unexplained magical force. The smell of the flowers and earth permeated the air as they made their way into the clearing, grass tickling their legs as they pushed further.

It's only Beat's second time here, and though he isn't used to the rural outdoors, there was something about the place that made him feel safe and at home. Though the bittersweet feeling of their now awoken friend lingered at that edge of his thoughts, he was determined to stay on track.]

What's it we supposed to be lookin' for?

[ When they arrive, that magical force almost feels like a bubble. Passing through it, she can almost hear Venti's voice, singing sweetly. She looks about, taking in the surroundings with a soft, nostalgic smile, and the feeling is almost enough that she forgets why they've come for a moment.

But it all comes back to her in an instant when he asks. ]

Ah... Something yellow. [ Susato scans the area, eyes falling on the tree hollow where she first found Ori's note. Pinks, purples, and even blues dot the grass... ]

A yellow lily.

[There were numerous flowers that peppered the field surrounding them, many of which were yellow. As much as Beat wanted to help keep a lookout for this specific one, he didn't even know where to begin. Reaching for one, he picks the flower from its stalk and holding it up to Susato.]

Is this it?

[In his hand is a yellow daffodil, having gone only by the color, his knowledge of flowers near-nonexistent.]

Edited 2023-01-28 04:56 (UTC)

No, I believe that's a daffodil.

[ Susato spares him a glance, interrupting her search for the moment. She is hardly a flower expert either, but she's learned more about them in her research, taking care of the greenhouse. She's also a poster child for random obscure facts. ]

[ A short while later, they appear to spread out during their search, but there's an excited call from Susato suddenly, breaking the peaceful buzzing of insects and the chirping of birds. ]

Ah, here!

[ There's a rustling of grass and she beckons him over as she closes the distance on a bed of flowers nearby, protected under the shade of a tree. ]

[Careful not to crush any flowers are he makes his way over, he beelines towards Susato to the supposed bed of lilies. There were more than just yellow ones among these, so he continues to keep his eye out among the lighter colors.]

You still ain't told me what's up with these, yo. What makes them so special? Ah—

[Spotting one towards the fringes in the back, he reaches down to pluck it from its stalk then holds it up for her to see.]

This it?

[ The lily gifted by Aerith has been such a staple in their room by now that she likely wouldn't notice if the one Beat's chosen is a slightly different shade. At the same time, Susato has also chosen one that is a slightly paler yellow, presenting it at the same time Beat does so they're both holding one.

She gives a nod. ]

Where Aerith is from... There is an abandoned church where she used to play. They grew there, by the sunlight that flooded in through a hole in the ceiling.

[ She looks up, and she can almost see it. Just a small flicker of an image based on what she saw on Aerith's petal. ]

She told me that lovers used to gift them to each other when they reunite.

[He laughs a little, seeing the two of them mirroring one another as they held up the flower.]

That's kinda cool that Ori got them to grow here too. Ribbons probably woulda liked that.

[Though he wasn't able to spend a lot of time with Aerith, he did enjoy being around her and talking to her. She even helped him get past a bit of the trauma left behind by their encounter with Eustace. And now, it felt like she was helping him again. Together with Ori and Susato in their own ways.

His gaze moves from Susato to the flower in his hand as he twirls it in his hand, its petals spinning and settling from the movement. Suddenly he lets out a sigh and gets down to a squat, the grass tickling his haunches. His elbows rested on his thighs, flower still held in his hand.]

Lovers, huh?

[ Ribbons?

Everything about her face seems to look at him questioningly, but with the way he seems to twirl the flower in his hand in though, she doesn't want to interrupt. She gives him a moment before offering the second flower to him outright. Her smile seems to brighten the area as she nods. ]

Yes... Nowadays, she grows and cares for them herself. I remember her saying that she makes sure they all find a good home.

[ ......Another pause. Is this Susato's way of helping in her absence? ]

Perhaps you could do the same.

[Beat looks back up at Susato as she offers the flower to him, taking it from her. The way she tells him the story makes him feel the weight of what he's been thinking about these past few days. The sentiment of the gesture is new to him, but he wasn't against the idea either.]

Find them a new home.

[He stares at the both flowers. One home for each of them.]

I dunno the first thing 'bout keepin' flowers alive, yo.

[ Susato sees him staring at both of the flowers, thinking for sure that she had made it clear. She blinks, however, her expression softening as she holds back a chuckle. She has forgotten how many times she has had to spell things out plainly for him in the past. ]

That's not what I meant. I mean...

[ She can feel the words get caught in her throat then. ]

When she gave mine to me, I gave it to Kazuma as a symbol of my love. [ Funnily enough, it's still alive, and she often wonders how that's so, but she thinks she understands. ] ...Now you have two.

You can either choose, or...

[ Be bold and give one to each of them. ]

open 💀 second recording | passive dream + extra

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