maskormenace | 02 ♥ Voice (posted in the morning)

[After his epic fail from the other week, Manolo isn't in a hurry to try using the video function. Instead, he sticks to the audio (and triple-checks that it's really just the audio), although it seems to take him a moment to realize his device is actually on, and people are treated to the sound of his communicator shifting in his hands.]

Um, hi there. Hahah…

[Okay, not the best start. Let’s try that again…]

So! For anyone who doesn’t know, today is the Day of the Dead. Back home, it's a time to remember those who’ve passed on before us, to make sure the dead aren’t forgotten.

I may not be in my village anymore, but today is still important to me, and it’s probably important for some of you too.

That’s why, if anyone wants to talk about dead friends or family, I’d love to hear about them. You know…what kind of person were they? What are your favorite memories of them? That kind of thing.

...Oh, and if some of you have died back home, you’re welcome to share stories about your life here too. Not the traditional way of doing things, but that only seems fair.

[There’s an awkward pause here, since he’s unsure how he ought to end this message. It’s not like a letter, but it’s not like talking with someone face-to-face either.]

Ah, right! Maybe I should properly introduce myself this time. My name is Manolo Sanchez, and I'm…looking forward to hearing from you?

[Then there's an awkward pause before the feed finally shuts off.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Manolo is quiet for a moment. Something painful twists in his heart when he hears Kaneda's voice waver like that.

In many ways, being the one left behind is a much crueler fate than dying. He knows because he's experienced death from both sides of the fence.

When he speaks, his voice is gentle.]

You're better at it than you think. Anyone would be honored to hear their good friend say such things about them.

...Heh, yeah, he'd probably want me to tell everyone what he was like. He's that kind of guy.

...

[There's a thought.]

Hey, did you guys make anything...physical to remember people by?

Of course! Most people build altars with different offerings, like the deceased's favorite foods and drinks, candles, incense, flowers, and other things like that. It's common to include a picture, but I obviously couldn't do that this year.

...That seems like more my style.

I mean...not an altar, but something to keep their memory alive. Easier than words sometimes, you know?

Exactly. Plus, if their spirit is out there, they know you've got a welcome-home present waiting for them.

You believe in that stuff?

[It's not really accusing or mocking, more amused. Because from what he's gathered about Manolo, of course he'd believe that spirits were out there, waiting for you to return home just as much as those alive. He can't really fault it, not with what he's been through. If multiple dimensions can exist, so can spirits, possibly. His voice picks up, having that same amount of joy and tone that Manolo had.

Everyone grieves differently, guess the same can go for celebrating one's life...]

Then I better make it a good one. He'd never let me live it down otherwise.

Well, yes. [He doesn't sound offended or annoyed by the question. In fact, he's pleased to hear Kaneda's next response, and the smile comes through in his voice.]

Exactly! You've got to go all out for this kind of thing! Back home, it's not unusual for people to spend at least two month's wages on offerings for the deceased.

...Manolo, was it?

[Don't mind that slight accent on your name, he's trying to get that 'l' sound. The smirk seems to be heard on his end, too. He hadn't really talked about Yamagata since it happened, for quite a few reasons.

But maybe this was a healthier way of dealing with it. A little piece of stress off his shoulders.]

You just gave me the best idea.

That's right! [The accent doesn't bother him. If anything, he finds it quite charming.

On the other end of the line, Manolo can't help but lean forward in his seat. Well, now he has to ask to hear more! Intrigued, he says,] Really? What are you gonna do?

[It takes a lot to hide the wide smile in his voice. The sound behind the feed does resemble the scratching of a pen/pencil, though. As if he were sketching something out.]

Warriors carry swords into battle with 'em, right?

Swords are your battle partners.

That is true! [His own swords were made for bullfighting, back when he actually had his weapons, but he still used them to defend the people he cared about.]

Are you going to do something with a sword, then?

Not exactly a sword, but a weapon. That way, you've got your friends by your side when you need them.

...

Right? That way they never left.

[Oh! It's sort of like his guitar and how it lets him keep Maria's memory close to his heart as long as he's playing his music.

Manolo's tone brightens at this.]

That's great! Something like that...I think it will give you strength when you need it most.

[And his own brightens in turn.]

You think so?

I wouldn't say no to more strength.

I am sure of it. It's a very good way to honor your friend's memory. He seems like the type of person who would want to go into battle with you.

[A laugh sounds over the feed, finally matching the same enthusiasm that Manolo had given for his own family.

Maybe this day had something to it. Day of the Dead, huh?]

Damn right he would! What's that you said? Something-something 'is for cowards!'

[Yes, that is a Japanese boy trying to imitate your accent, Manolo. It's as bad as you think it is.]

[The imitation still tickles him, and on the other end of the feed, Manolo clutches his stomach with laughter.]

Yes! Exactly! That's the spirit!

02 ♥ Voice (posted in the morning)

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked

voice; locked