A Forecast of Wonders

Mission details:

The sky twinkled as the insects lit up the heavy blanket of night, casting illuminating glows that were brilliant shades of color. Powder followed down the stone steps, leading herself towards the open garden that spread through the backyard of the elders. Many different blossom buds and vegetable sprouts adored the earth, green vines creeping through the vegetation.

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The Miss had mentioned that someone or something had been disturbing the garden of late. During the middle of the night, there were mellow noises and hushed bays that could be heard coming from behind the hut. So the elderly woman couldn't help but be a bit worried about something being ruckus within her beloved garden.

“If you wouldn't mind checking it out for me, I would greatly appreciate it. Whatever it is, it would be helpful to know whether it's something that could ruin my flowers.” The Miss had given Powder the request that night before, right before sending her home with some late porridge and fruit. “And please make sure to take your new friend with you. Just in case it may be dangerous.” Miss had quickly added in, before the young woman had disappeared outside.

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So now here she was, wandering quietly through the garden in search of the culprit. Her attention not only focused on the mission, but also on Aizen, who stayed close by her side.

As they quietly tread through the garden, Aizen’s stature lowers. Although he ate bits of green vegetables and a fruit, both are low in protein and fat. He’s hungry. Trying to remain quiet, Aizen lets out a faint grunt and groan. Without any warning, a near silent growl escapes into the air. Quiet even for only the two to hear, loud enough to know that next time would alert anyone nearby. They draw near the hut the miss spoke of. A noise, behind the hut, follows directly after his whisper. As rattling dies down, it's clear their cover wasn't blown. Aizen glances at Powder, looking to see what their next move is.

Powder would gently nudge the dark haired Aizen, as the unhappy grumbles of his stomach finally decided to die down. She was careful to make sure that her action didn't knock him unbalanced, or attack any unwanted attention. Making a mental note to herself that they'd need to go hunting before the two of them retired for the night.

The young lass wasn't necessarily used to taking care of others, and her appetite was satisfied with the exotic fruits that the island provided and the seafish gifted from the waters that surrounded them. But it looked like Aizen required a little more.

But back on to what they were doing, Powder would spot one of the fruit bushes that the Miss tended to on a weekly basis. The bush was adorned with many blossoms that would soon turn into one of the sweetest star fruits that the island had to offer.

Powder would silently signal for Aizen to follow closely, before she ducked beneath the branches of the star fruit bush. Using the forage of its leaves as heavy camouflage as she peered through the branches, scanning around the garden at anything that didn't belong.

At the moment, nothing seemed to be harmed or out of place. The garden was quite peaceful beneath the moon above, to the point that Powder was almost certain that they weren't going to be able to find anything.

But right before she was about to turn back, a glimmer suddenly caught her eye. Powder softly moved some of the leaves aside, giving herself a better visual at what was laying within the bed of cat grass towards the corner of the garden.

The moonlight perfectly shimmered along the soft pelt of the animal that laid within the grass. Its fur was speckled with different colors, almost like gemstones beneath the hushed light. Powder exhaled softly as she realized what was curled up within the corner. Breathing out a sigh of relief. It was only a small opaline deer, who had been taking shelter in the far corner of the garden.

Aizen crouched behind the thick foliage, his eyes fixed on the opaline deer nestled in the bed of cat grass. The moonlight danced on its speckled fur, creating an ethereal glow around the creature. Aizen's heart swelled with a mixture of curiosity and wonder as he watched the gentle rise and fall of the deer's chest.

His stomach grumbled softly, a reminder of the hunger that gnawed at him. Despite the pangs of emptiness, Aizen found himself entranced by the sight before him. The baby deer exuded a sense of peace and innocence, its presence a stark contrast to the turmoil that often plagued his world.

As he observed the opaline deer, Aizen's mind raced with conflicting thoughts. Should he approach the creature, offering trust in order to return it to its home,, or would it be wiser to wait and see what it would do next? Could a creature this small really make as much noise as the miss entails? The delicate balance of nature played out before him, each option carrying its own risks and rewards.

Aizen weighed his options carefully, his gaze never leaving the deer. It seemed content in its corner of the garden, its eyes closed in serene slumber. The rustling of leaves and the soft hum of insects filled the air, creating a symphony of sound that surrounded them.

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery sheen over the garden. Aizen felt a sense of peace settle over him as he watched the opaline deer, its presence a balm to his restless soul. Being a part of a team is new, he knew it was unwise to act alone and without communication.

As he lingered in the shadows of the star fruit bush, Aizen made his decision of awaiting Powder’s next move. With a silent resolve, he chose to wait and observe, allowing the deer to continue its rest undisturbed. The beauty of the moment filled him with a sense of awe and reverence, a reminder of the simple joys that could be found in the stillness of the night.

And so, Aizen remained hidden in the shadows, his eyes never leaving the opaline deer as he waited to see what the garden would bring.

Powder observed a sense of hesitation in Aizen as he silently studied the deer, prompting her to divert her gaze towards him. His demeanor betrayed a hint of uncertainty as he assessed the situation at hand.

Fortunately, it appeared that Aizen was not inclined to act impulsively.

After carefully examining the garden once more to ensure that there was no imminent danger, Powder gestured toward the direction of the hut and gently pulled on Aizen's sleeve, signaling for him to follow her back. She quietly emphasized the importance of leaving the fawn undisturbed, “It’s best to leave it where it is at. No doubt the mother left it there knowing that the garden was secluded and safe. Moving the fawn will only increase the likelihood of it getting lost.”

With that, Powder guided Aizen back towards the hut where Gramps, the Miss, and their son Zeal resided. Before the mission Powder had been able to introduce Aizen to the family of three, and the Miss had promised them a meal upon their return.

"Surely you are hungry. Shall we see what the Miss has prepared for us?" Powder inquired the obvious, curious to hear Aizen's thoughts on the family. Despite her independent lifestyle, Powder acknowledged that the family had shown her kindness and companionship when needed.

Aizen followed Powder's lead, his gaze lingering on the fawn for a moment longer before turning away. He trusted in Powder's wisdom and experience, understanding the importance of respecting the natural order of things. As they made their way back towards the hut, Aizen couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Powder's compassion and connection to the world around her.

Most people he’s come across don't understand the value of animal life, each creature holds its own story with its journey unfulfilled. Although Aizen’s impulse was to remove the fawn from its resting spot, an empty stomach led him to a lousy solution. Thankfully Powder stays focused on the best outcomes.The thought of reunion for the fawn and its mother brought a grin to Aizen’s face.

Hearing Powder’s obvious question made Aizen laugh, ”Whatever it is, I’m hoping to get seconds” he says as his laughter continues. Despite his words, a bit of his appetite diminished. Such a beautiful animal drove his mind away from food and onto something more.

As they walked towards the hut, Aizen couldn't shake the sense of warmth and camaraderie that emanated from the family. From what Aizen remembers, the Gramps's weathered face bore the marks of a life well-lived, his eyes twinkling with a quiet wisdom that spoke of years of experience. The Miss's gentle smile and nurturing presence created an atmosphere of home and hearth, while Zeal's youthful energy and curiosity added a touch of liveliness to the group.

Aizen found himself drawn to the family's easy rapport and genuine affection for each other. Despite his solitary nature and the shadows of his past that lingered in his heart, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of longing for the kind of connection and unity that the family shared, but he knows someday he’ll be able to provide that to someone.

The smell of savory fowl, roasted till tender and potatoes fragrances the air as the two approached the hut's entrance. When Powder walked through the front entry, the Miss welcomed them with a kind smile. The lady stood by the cauldron that hung above the blazing fireplace, tending to the dinner that she so kindly offered for them. 


“We didn't find anything that should cause concern in the garden. But if you end up hearing any more disturbing noises or louder rustling, just let us know.” Powder reassured the family, while offering her assistance once more if it was needed in the future. With that she took a seat at the table, and offered Aizen a spot as well. 


The Miss thanked them again for their help and offered some of the fowl stew with rice. Powder eagerly accepted and was ready to dive in, when the sound of rain started to pelt the roof. Since it had been dark out, the clouds that must have been brewing above were hidden by the black veil of night. While the two had made it within the hut in time before the downpour, the sounds of trickling water weren't only heard from outside. But also from the corner back of the hut. 


The Miss's expression shifted to one of worry, as she glanced at the roof at the corner across from where they sat. Water started to drip through the roof, at the spot where it was exceptionally worn and a bit shabby. “What a shame. .” The Miss became as she shook her head in disappointment. “Gramps had the intention of fixing that portion of the roof before the next rain, but it seems like the weather changed sooner than he expected. He even already had the spare wood ready to be used.” The lady gestured towards the pile of wood by the doorway. 


Powder quickly prepped up, “No worries. We can easily take care of that real quick for you.” She quickly nudged Aizen with her elbow. “It shouldn't take the two of us long at all.” And with that, Powder went to work on the roof. Hoping that Aixen would chip in since his height would make the job much more convenient. Allowing them to have a successful day of work and delicious warm food to fill their bellies. The Miss even offered for them to spend the night there to avoid getting wet from the rain outside. -exit- 

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Mission Rewards:

 

Claims:

 

Powder Iburi wrote:

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Mission Rewards:

 

Claims:

 

Approved

Aizen, feeling grateful for the warm hospitality and delicious meal to look forward to, decided to assist Powder with fixing the roof without hesitation. As he joined her in gathering the necessary tools and spare wood, a sense of camaraderie developed between them. Despite the rain intensifying outside, the cozy atmosphere inside the hut filled with the aroma of the stew made the task of repairing the roof feel almost pleasant.

Aizen couldn't help but notice the way Powder moved with practiced ease, her hands deftly handling the tools as she assessed the damaged area of the roof. He admired her determination and skill, finding himself drawn to her strong yet gentle demeanor. Working alongside her, he felt a sense of purpose and contentment that he hadn't experienced in a long time.

As they worked together, exchanging tools and sharing stories, Aizen learned more about Powder's past adventures and the challenges she had faced. Her resilience and courage inspired him, igniting a spark of curiosity within him to explore beyond the familiar boundaries of his own world. The rain continued to drum against the roof, but inside the hut, a sense of companionship and shared purpose blossomed between them.

With each nail hammered and each plank of wood secured, Aizen felt a sense of accomplishment that transcended the simple act of repairing a roof. It was as if they were not just patching up a leak, but building a bridge between their two worlds - one of duty and honor, and one of freedom and adventure. As the storm raged outside, a bond formed between them that was as strong as the sturdy roof they were fixing.

When they finally finished the repairs, the Miss expressed her gratitude with tears of relief in her eyes. She insisted on preparing a warm bed for Aizen and Powder, grateful for their kindness and generosity. Aizen found himself touched by her sincerity, realizing that sometimes, a simple act of kindness could make a world of difference to those in need.

As the rain continued to pour outside, Aizen and Powder, rid their stained hands of dirt and sweat, eagerly joined the Miss at the table. The aroma of the fowl stew with rice wafted through the cozy hut, enticing their appetites. The crackling fire in the hearth cast a warm glow over the room, creating a sense of comfort and companionship.

The Miss served generous portions of the steaming stew, the tender fowl and savory potatoes blending beautifully with the fragrant rice. Each mouthful was a symphony of flavors, a testament to the Miss's culinary skills. Aizen savored every bite, the warmth of the meal spreading through him and driving away the chill of the rainy evening.


Between bites, conversation flowed easily among all of them. The family shared tales of their past. Their voice animated with each recounting. Aizen listened intently, captivated by each of  their stories of bravery, daring, and silly adventures. The Miss chimed in with anecdotes of her own, adding a touch of wisdom and humor to the conversation.

As they ate, the sound of rain drumming against the roof provided a soothing backdrop to their meal. The hut was filled with a sense of peace and gratitude, a shared moment of respite from the storm outside. Aizen felt a warmth in his chest, a feeling of belonging and camaraderie that he had longed for without realizing it.

After the last spoonful of stew had been savored and the plates cleared away, the Miss prepared comfortable beds for Aizen and Powder. The soft flickering light of the fire danced across the walls, casting shadows that seemed to whisper tales of past and future adventures.


With grateful hearts and full bellies, Aizen and Powder settled into the cozy beds, the warmth of the blankets cocooning them in a sense of security. As they drifted off to sleep, the rain outside gradually softened into a gentle patter, lulling them into a peaceful slumber.-exit-