seasonsrpg | hange, yes: vol. 1 (burning the midnight oil)

[It is late into the night, perhaps even the early hours of morning when Hange can still be found in one of the libraries connected to the research center, energetically scouring the shelves for tomes of interest.]

[This world and its 'magic' has created far too many possibilities! Conjuring up fire? Resurrecting the dead?? But the thing about magic is that people rarely go into detail about how it works, which is what led Hange to here.]

[On tiptoes and head sideways as they attempt to read the spines of various books, one eventually catches Hange's interest and so they reach up for it, though instead of fingers wrapping around the book's cover they are instead met with warmth as the end up grabbing the hand of someone else who was also reaching for the same book. Oops!]

Ah, sorry! I didn't know anybody else was still here.

[Still going to reach for that book though..]

[A sleepy yawn escapes Lahabrea as he reaches for the book. He’s been scouring the library for hours searching for anything referencing the previous seasonal power holders prior to the Tragedy of Greed. It’s been a source of intrigue for him, especially after speaking briefly with others more knowledgeable about that incident. While it’s not uncommon for him to burn the midnight oil researching his passions, Lahabrea just couldn’t shake off the theory that Kamisato shared with him during their brief conversation over the network. It’s a theory he’s very interested in, one that might be worth looking into as a new powerholder himself.

He was just about to reach for another book until he accidentally feels something warm instead of the cold leathery spine of the tome in question. Lahabrea glances toward his left to find a curious individual with dark brown hair wearing a pair of spectacles reaching for the same book as him. He blinks his eyes in muted alarm, his carmine gaze filled with skepticism.

Just why didn’t he notice them until now? Was he truly that engrossed in his literature that he didn’t hear them? Lahabrea lets out a sigh as he pinches the bridge of his nose. He must be losing his touch or something.]

Nor did I. [He answers with a bit of a huff.] Then again, I suppose I should get used to expecting the unexpected.

Hah! That's the nature of this world isn't it? Sometimes you cannot even expect the unexpected, because it's so unexpected you hadn't even thought of the possibility.

[Hange retrieves the book from its shelf, though rather than simply turn away they glance at the title curiously, reading it out loud before turning their attentions back to the rather tall fellow beside them.]

Are you also researching the history and origins of the 'magics' in this world? This particular volume seemed like it could give some viable clues..

[The mission seemed simple enough. Those tasked with potion making were able to offer up a fairly detailed description of the plant they were looking for, even providing real samples of the flowering cactus, which Hange naturally took photographs of in order to help them on their quest.]

[They had been informed that it only bloomed during a sandstorm, likely to do with the pressure placed on the plant or something similar, Hange would guess, but debating the semantics can wait for a later time.]

When they said sandstorm, I wasn't expecting anything like this!

[Hange was equipped in the same way they would be for any mission outside of the ~~walls~~ city; in full survey corps gear, the hood of their cloak and goggles providing some necessary protection against the winds. The weather wasn't too bad yet, but it was certainly a little irritating with how they were constantly being assaulted by grains of sand.]

Are you ready, Jean?

[After spending a suitable amount of time traversing the segments for various ingredients, Hange had returned to the city proper in order to assist in mixing up potions for their fellow, freezing citizens.]

[One they learned the appropriate process however, it was a little tedious to share space in the official science labs. It was far too crowded, and they were too slow to hand out supplies! Hange already had a nice haul of foraged items waiting at home, so after a little persuasion (and short-term thievery) they decided it was far more efficient to simply turn their apartment into a make-shift lab until the current predicament was over.]

[And of course, these plans also included the assistance of their partner-in-crime, who was on his way and about to get a hands-on demonstration in potion-making 101.]

The door's open! Just come in!

[The apartment is a mess by the way. Books and papers all over the place can be expected, but now there seems to be random piles of flowers everywhere, or huge chunks of coral just sitting on the floor, or dirt-covered mushrooms and giant eggs just hanging out on the dinner table. You get the idea.]

[Jean is also dressed up in his Survey Corps gear, with the additional floating cape under his Survey Corps one (he was lucky and the additional item fit there perfectly without being uncomfortable) along with some gogggles - something he really regretted not having last time he was here. He learns from his mistakes, at least.

It wasn't Jean's first time seeing a sandstorm either, but it still felt like a completely different thing from the ones he had seen. They're going to be cleaning sand out of his clothes for a while.]

Yeah, I am. Be careful of any cactibirds that might be stuck in the storm.

[It would be rather uncomfortable, getting a bird made of cactus in your face. There would also be scorpions, but those are likely burrowed deep enough into the ground.]

[ Levi lowers the hand he's been knocking with and pushes at the door, which indeed gives easily. He walks in, holding a basket of mushrooms or whatever, for a fleeting moment unaware of the explosion-like mess around him before it finally sets in. ]

You said you needed more-- what happened here?

[ He's not really expecting an answer, though. It's not like this is the first time he sees something like this -- though he absolutely intends to do something about it of course. Just tell him where to put the stuff! ]

[Looking good, Jean! isn't this nostalgic, being out with the ~~commander~~ fourth squad leader? Hange certainly seems to be in a chipper mood, despite the seriousness related to why they are gathering items to begin with.]

The goggles are a nice touch! Efficient while also existing as a fetching fashion statement!

[Jean mentions cactibirds and in that moment of silence you can see the wheels turning inside Hange's mind.]

...I'm picturing a giant cactus plant with wings, right now. Or perhaps a smaller one would cause more trouble? At least with a large one you'd see it with plenty of warning, but a smaller one perhaps.. Hah! It may end up taking out my other eye!

[Good thing these goggles offer double protection then!]

Last time I was here I had red eyes for a few days thanks to all the sand. Never doing that again.

[Back then the sandstorms weren't even that bad, so imagine what this would have done! Other than cactibird to face.]

They're more cacti shaped like... birds. They come in different sizes, just like birds. Normally they don't attack people, but if they're caught in the storm I don't think they have a choice.

I'm making my own potions, those people in the tower and the research center take too long.

[That's what happened, obviously!]

[Hange does appear from the kitchen though, to quickly inspect what Levi carries in his arms.]

Oh, just throw those on to a table for now! Or the floor, that's fine, they need to be washed anyway.

Is it because they're following proper safety protocols?

[ He makes his way through the hazardous mess anyway, because he imagines Hange can use help with... whatever this is. At least he knows how to wash stuff! ]

...I can do that.

[ He'll just make his way toward the kitchen sink, then, stepping over piles of stuff... and also open a window on the way to let in some fresh air. ]

How long have you been at this?

Everyone should have goggles for missions, just in case they end up in a situation such as this. It was hard to justify in the past when every expense item had to be evaluated and signed-off on, but everybody here owns plenty of funds, right?

[Shouldn't be any problem with them getting a pair to have on hand, even if their eyesight is perfect!]

[Bird-shaped cacti.. they certainly sound interesting, and Hange wouldn't mind seeing one, but Jean is right in the sense that having one slammed into you because it can't find its way in the storm sounds like an uncomfortable time for everyone involved.]

Mmm.. I suppose we'll have to be as mindful as we can. The hoods give us some protection at least.. but maybe we'll get lucky and the winds die down. 'Sandstorm' doesn't mean it has to be absolutely raging, after all!

Those aren't safety protocols, it's the bureaucrats going mad with power!

[Look, Hange understands the immportance of lab safety and all that, but the way they were doing things there was simply ridiculous! It took far too long and they were being overly cautious over things that simply shouldn't matter (in their opinion)]

Well, I had mostly been assisting in gathering materials with a few different people, but then I figured I could be of more use if I helped to mix up the potions.

[Hange pauses as they rummage around some drawer or cupboard for a better knife to chop up mushroom into smaller pieces. Chop chop chop~]

And I stayed there for a couple hours yesterday, but they really were taking too long. Levi, I was going to lose my mind in there! They wanted me to brew them one by one to ensure the dosage was correct! I already know the correct distribution of ingredients by now, if I wanted to do multiple at a time it really is the most basic of calculations!

So now I'm doing it my way, which is the more efficient and therefore superior way.

Maybe we should make a list of equipment that would be useful for everyone to have and see to it that everyone gets them? To be prepared for anything out here.

[They may not be able to force anyone to buy them all, but you know. They could recommend.]

I'm pretty sure as long as there's enough sand in the air, the flowers will be blooming. But if it does require the wind aspect to it, we can probably anchor ourselves onto the ground to get closer.

[ Levi might not have too much faith in Hange's adherence to safety, but he also despises bureaucrats, so guess what, they get the pass there. ]

[ He listens as he turns the water on and starts washing the stuff in the sink so he can move it over and make some room for the mushrooms. ]

[ ...but as unenthused as he may look about this whole thing, the truth is, he does think Hange is right. If they say it's a basic calculation, it must be. They're not exactly the type to toot their own horn without backing it up, and there just might be the world's biggest brain under that greasy hair. If they say they can do something, with such conviction at that... it must be true. ]

...Fine. I trust your judgement.

[ They're not the first Commander he utters those words to. They may or may not be the last. But he does mean it, and it's important to him that he can. ]

That wouldn't be a bad idea, especially since so many of us are here. Hah! So much for you and Mikasa having your quiet life here in Ellipsa, hmm?

[Though he probably likes seeing so many familiar people, at least Hange hopes so. Procuring some supplies is a good idea though. Guess a commander's work is never done.. ]

Have you explored this area of the world before? If not, let's keep going forward until we find anything notable. As long as we stick together, it will be fine! It's just sand.

[Hange didn't expect Levi to put up much of a fight on the issue, and if he did Hange wouldn't have listened anyway because they know what they're doing, but it's nice to hear the voice of support anyway.]

[After chopping up a few more mushrooms, Hange moves to another countertop in order to weigh them. Looks like some of those impulse purchases from the department store are coming in handy!]

...The priority should be those who are showing symptoms and need to take a potion, but as far as I can tell there doesn't seem to be any negative effects if you take one without the illness. If I make enough, perhaps it would be a good idea to have everyone take at least one as a precaution?

[Because of course Hange drank one.]

[ He may or may not listen to the end of that, because as soon as they mention priority, he's thinking of Gabi collapsing in the cave and replying perhaps a tad too quickly; ]

...Yeah. I agree.

[Jean chuckles a little at that.]

We've had a quiet enough life for years now. What's a little action when you get to see friends again?

[He's pretty much confirming what Hange suspects there, but he is glad to see them all again.]

I have been in this desert once, but we didn't explore it a lot. We just did the quest and headed back as soon as possible. Though there are quite a few ruins we can take shelter in whenever the sandstorms gets too bad.

[That was far too quick! They had barely gotten that last word out!]

...Have you heard from any of our people? I gathered the flowers with Jean, he seems fine, but I haven't seen anybody else other than you..

Gabi caught the disease. We were on a mission when her symptoms started.

[ And it was bad. He carried her home, but with how busy Hange is, they may not have seen it happen. ]

How... long does it take to make a dose?

[ He's not asking them to expedite it (yet) but he might as well be. He's worried. ]

[Between running all over the place with gathering ingredients, being in the potions tower and then pilfering supplies, it's likely that Hange only messaged him to see if he was back in town and if he'd come over to help, not even asking how the mission went. Surely he remembers what they are like once they get too focused on something, to the detriment of everything else...]

...Gabi is sick? How bad is it?

[Hange was already working pretty hard, but with news that someone they know, someone they like is suffering from this illness, perhaps they can work a little faster.]

...I would have started up a single dose for her since it's quicker when boiling up fewer ingredients, but this batch I have going is already half-done so it won't be saving any time..

But with the boiling, then straining, then re-simmering.. it's likely going to take an hour if we include the time it takes to cool it to a drinkable temperature.

[ He starts washing the mushrooms, maybe scrubbing a little more insistently than strictly necessary. At least they will definitely be free of dirt. ]

She collapsed while we were out in the segments. I carried her back.

[ So she's not freezing over yet, per se, but it seems to be taking a heavy toll on her otherwise. ]

[ But an hour is... honestly less than he expected. He would have thought days. ]

Right. How many are you making?..

[ Perhaps somebody should suggest calling over everyone they know so this can lead into the group log... ]

How was her temperature? Can she still move okay?

[The disease seems to go through various stages, before the person freezes up entirely. Levi says he carried her home but maybe she is feeling a bit better now? Hopefully? Though Hange can understand if he's worried about her.]

If you want to go check on her instead of being here, that's fine. Although, I guess Reiner's probably doing that, huh.

[Better get cracking on this potion making then- Hange adds a pre-measured jug of water to the pot before stirring it in a uniform manner.]

I don't know.. I have enough ingredients here to make around two-dozen in total, though it will take some time. It seems to be a city-wide problem so I figured I'd keep making them until it settles down..

[Perhaps it is time to check in with everyone..]

..We should call everyone over so they can take a potion or two. Just incase they need them..

Well, I'm glad you're enjoying it here as much as I am! I'll just stay here, thanks!

[Not that they have anything to go back to!! H-haha!]

Since we're both summer power holders, we can manipulate flames if we want for some extra light. At the very least, it should stop us from losing each other..

[Hands on hips and taking in a big breath to psych themselves up, Hange then reaches out with a hand, finger pointing east.. no north... now north-east..]

That way! I have a good feeling about it!

[Jean's already made it clear he's not going anywhere either, so he just nods with a smile.

Though the smile does falter a little at the seemingly random path choosing. Would they be alright? Probably.]

Then let's go that way. I'll watch our backs as we go.

[It leads them in the general direction they want to go, but so they aren't walking into the winds so much. Hange could argue that it is a decade of scouting experience that leads to such decisions, but it's also equally likely that they simply picked a random direction and went with it.]

Alright! Let's head out then~

[And so the pair set off on their trek, further out into the windy desert.]

[And for a while it seems like there's only a whole lot of nothing out here, but eventually in the distance is what seems to be a giant sand dune?]

...Let's see what's on the other side.

Cold. She can move but seems to be in pain when she does.

[ Reiner wasn't home when they got there but Gabi insisted he was on his way and she'd be fine, so he'd just wrapped her in blankets the best he could before coming over. Assuming Reiner did come home -- maybe he'll shoot off a quick text to ask -- it's probably best that Levi doesn't show up there right now. He's still uneasy around him. ]

...that's not a terrible idea.

[ Someone like Eren could probably get half frozen over and not tell them anything, so they might as well give him a pre-emptive cure. Historia is better about this like this, but if she got caught up helping somebody else she might end up ignoring herself in the meantime. At least he has faith that Jean would have said something if he felt off. ~~Truly, the only kid that turned out fine~~. Mikasa would not, but she'd probably share with Jean, so they'd still find out eventually. ]

[ Speaking of Mikasa (and Reiner)... ]

...you should probably be the one talking in that case.

[Hange has no complains about getting in touch with everyone. Even for the ones they get along fine with, such as Jean and Historia, Levi's always been more awkward when it came to this kind of thing.]

[The potion mixture is fine to simmer for a moment, so Hange reaches for their phone on the kitchen table and begins typing out a message.]

...It's fine if I tell them to come to your place, right? My living room's full of coral and lab supplies right now so I don't have anywhere for people to sit. [And the kitchen is out, considering all the potion cooking that is going on.]

I can finish them up and bring them over there easily. It's not as though people need to stay long..

[ "It's fine if I tell them to come to your place, right?" ]

[ Yeah, sorry, he can't help but wince when he hears that. A crowd of people in his personal space, stomping on his pristine floors with dirty shoes. ]

[ But it's for the greater good. Some of them could die. And if it means not letting that happen, Levi would happily lie down in mud and roll around for good measure, even if he'd have to take six showers later to make his skin stop feeling itchy. ]

...Yeah. Of course.

[Hange saw the wince, but won't mention it if Levi doesn't. It may be encroaching upon his personal space, but this is on behalf of the greater good and he is in a much better position to play host so he's just going to have to try and make do. Technically it is Eren's apartment too, but he isn't going to get a say in it either. Sorry!]

Then it's settled. I'm sending it out now to the whole group, including Gabi and Reiner. I'm telling them to come over in an hour. The first potions should be ready for use by then.

[ He nods slightly, once, and returns to washing the rest of the mushrooms. ]

...I doubt he'll come.

[ Reiner doesn't seem to want to get anywhere near him -- not that Levi is particularly complaining about it -- but maybe Gabi can convince him? He'd probably do it for her, right? ]

[It's definitely windier here than it was last time. An ideal weather for finding the flowers, at least. It's not a full sandstorm yet, but he has no doubt they could end up in one soon enough.

A whole lot of nothing meant, at least, that there are not cactibirds flying at their faces.]

It's worth a try. Hopefully there's more than just sand over there.

[Up the dune they go. Good thing they're used to hiking. Jean's slightly taller so he can see something a little before Hange does.]

I see some cacti in the distance. At least something that could be.

He will if it's for Gabi's benefit. I'm certain of it.

[It's been slow progress with Reiner, but the fact that he cares a lot for his cousin is obvious. If she is sick and Hange offers a cure, they don't see any reason why he wouldn't bring her over.]

[Messages sent, Hange sets the phone down on the kitchen counter and turns their attention back to the task at hand.]

I suppose we'll find out the answer soon enough. Once these mushrooms are added, I can let the liquid cool for a while so that will give us time to figure out if we need to convince anybody to show up or not.

[Adding the mushrooms is more important right now though, so as Levi cleans them Hange chops them up, adding half to the simmer pot as the remainder gets stored in a bowl for now. By the time the phone is checked, it seems like most people have already announced their intention to visit..]

...you may be right.

[ As much as Levi's not a huge fan of Reiner, he can acknowledge his good points, not to mention his contribution to saving the world. If anything, his love for Gabi seems to be a pretty solid redeeming feature. ]

[ Once all the mushrooms and, if needed, other ingredients are meticulously washed, he dries his hands on the kitchen towel. ]

...I'll go get ready.

[ There's not exactly much to do to get ready for guests, considering he keeps his apartment clean at all times, but maybe he needs to prepare himself mentally or something. (He really wants to put on some tea water to boil so he can hand it out to everyone, hoping it will make the wait a little easier.) ]

[ (Okay, and maybe slide his favorite rug somewhere out of the way of potentially muddy shoes.) ]

Alright. I'll come over as soon as I have something to offer.

[After Levi leaves, Hange focuses on brewing the potion ingredients until the first batch are ready, after which they will walk down the hallway to the other apartment for a prompt delivery, handing potions to those who need it the most.]

hange, yes: vol. 1 (burning the midnight oil)

[closed to lahabrea] burning the midnight oil;

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[closed to jean] daytrip with the favoured child;

[closed to levi] the apothecary's apprentice;

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oops this might have technically happened before their mission but /waves hands

/waves off time continuity

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1/2

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we can probs wrap this one up soon,

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begins to wrap it up neatly

yesss it can indeed be wrapped up with a bow on top,,

/fin~