kaisou inbox.

[greatlydares]

"random play! you're speaking to belle. i'm not available for the moment, so leave a message after the beep."

"this is phaethon. leave a message. i'll get to it as soon as i can."

[ voice | video | text | action ]

[ooc: assume all Phaethon voicemails are under a voice changer.]

gif from belobogindustries.

Comments

video: UN:idontcare Forward dated to Feb 28

[jaxoff]

[Jax finally got thrown out of the train- not from some grand emotional breakthrough, but from time simply running out on him. He doesn't like the feeling of failure hanging in the back of his head, but he's headed home where he can at least sleep in his own bed again. Except his apartment isn't empty anymore.

So this is how Belle gets a video being sent to her late at night. It's of Jax's eclectic apartment, but it's focused on a Bangboo, which is currently tottering around the place- watched from the couch by a Russian Blue cat. Neither of these things were in Jax's apartment before he was on the train. And now they are. This cannot stand.]

Okay, so I know for a fact you've got one of these things, I've seen it in your store.

[ Hi Belle, how are you today? ]

What do I do with it and why does it keep letting off electric shocks? SMALL words, I've just got off that nightmare train and my head hurts.

[greatlydares]

Hm.

[Belle is a very helpful person, at heart. Jax might annoy her like nothing else, but he clearly needs help, so she's willing enough to give it.

She is, however, pragmatic enough to use it as leverage.]

I do know what that is, yeah! But you're going to have to return Titanic to the store before I can tell you. [In the background of her video feed, Eous can be seen sitting on a high chair behind the counter, cheerily chattering to a customer in rapid ehn-nas.] It's actually practical too, you can see Eous at work and I can see if there's anything up with your little guy.

I can say that it's not too out of character for them to let off electric shocks sometimes.

Action | Post Train!

[wilder]

[Well, that was an unwanted and frustrating delay to his return home. It took longer than he'd like to finally get off the train, but eventually he does get let off. He doesn't immediately to the mansion, instead opting to go somewhere to get himself cleaned up and pick up an apology present for Belle. Something to help soothe the time apart.

Then, he makes his way to the mansion. He actually hasn't been here before, since Belle got it while he was in El Nido. In truth... he's not sure how he feels living in a mansion again, needing a moment to collect himself outside when it comes into view. He would've preferred to stay at the old place... but he's sure he'll get used to it.

He can't run away from every aspect of his past.

Once he's ready though, he'll walk up to the door. He'll give a knock or two of warning before he uses the security key to let himself in. Into the foyer, he'll call out]

Belle! Your no-good older brother is home!

[It's words he's been wanting to say for a long time now. Tiny apartment, mansion- it doesn't matter in the end. As long as his sister's there, that's home enough for him]

[greatlydares]

[What greets him are the Bangboo first, running around doing their jobs and picking up after what looks like an ungodly amount of cats. Then Belle calls from upstairs:]

Zelos! I'm coming!

[She all but flies downstairs, covered in a fine layer of dust, her hair kept out of her face with a bandana, her hands in gloves. She's clearly been doing some cleaning, and she hugs Zelos the second she can get close enough.]

I missed you. [How could she not? He's her brother. Then she pulls away, and smiles, a little embarrassed.] Sorry about all the dust. The house is huge, Bunbastion can't cover everything.

[Though bless its heart for trying anyway.]

Your room's totally soundproofed, by the way, you're welcome. Security system's up and running, but I do have some bad news for you—for some reason we started getting a lot of cats coming around, and Her Majesty the ghost kitty threw a whole tantrum about that, and your vase became a casualty.

[Actually it was shot by a surprised Bangboo but shhhh.]

Oh, yeah! We've got a ghost cat.

Text from phone; not long after HIS conversation with Luke

[life_ethereal]

[He's glad to have called out today, but after this... he's exhausted emotionally. And physically. Harumasa didn't have much hope for that to have ended positively, but at least it didn't end worse than he thought. So, he sends a text to Belle with the understanding that she's probably going to still be busy with customers.]

Hey, Manager~ I got caught up in some family issues and drama, and can't make it in tomorrow! I'm far too frail to handle all this stress. It's bad for my heart.

[It's true he's needs the time off to recover and decompress, but.]

[wilder]

[Even if it's technically the work line, it becomes pretty clear it's Not Belle texting]

Uh we're the ones with the family issues and drama, Bandana boy?? Are you using OUR family's drama for your sick leave???

I thought it'd be hard to top your claim last week to contracting dengue fever, but this sure is up there

Gemini Text | UN: DelicatelyFrail; During Lighter's arrival

[life_ethereal]

Belle, you better have hidden that conspiracy mood board of yours REAL GOOD.

voice; un: belleoftheboulevard

[greatlydares]

Don't tell him! Eous and I are stuffing it behind the desk in the staff room, he will never know.

[Pause.]

Oh no there's so much red string.

late april. text; un: fuego

[fuegor]

[Can't hide that he's possessed for too long. That's just gonna end in tears.

And Lorenzo didn't want to do that to Belle. Sure, he didn't really know her. But the inescapable feeling of attachment he had towards her wouldn't budge. As much as he expected some kind of catch to trusting her.

There was none. He could trust Belle with anything. So, he had to make himself worthy of earning her trust. And part of that was coming clean.]

Hey, you busy? There's something I need to talk to you about.

text; un: belleoftheboulevard

[greatlydares]

[Her response is immediate, though a bit difficult to parse:]

fhhirt utyy in hhgggavve tyyiuijmnnmne

[Give her a moment to fix that as she tries to turn back from bunny form into something with fingers. Once she does:]

sorry! I might've gotten cursed, I'm not sure—I woke up a rabbit today and had to figure out how to change back.

But for you, I've got time. What do you need to talk about?

action | mid may

[replicannot]

[At some point in Mid May, Luke bursts into Random Play, new object in hand.]

[It's a bangboo! It's blue and white! And looking at it doesn't make Luke feel weird at all.]

Look! It's one of the...things! You have.

[He pauses on the word "thing." It makes him uncomfortable, but he can't put his finger on why.]

I got it from the weird shop.

action;

[greatlydares]

[Belle, rearranging some DVDs, waves hello at Luke, then blinks at the blue and white Bangboo in surprise. Eous also perks up on sight of another Bangboo, and hops off its stool to waddle up to it and say hello.]

You mean a Bangboo. Yeah, the Goodwill's been handing them out. [Leaning down a little to greet the Bangboo eye-to-eye:] Hi, little guy! I'm Belle, this is Eous. ['Ehn!'] You have a name or do you need a new one?

[To Luke:] It's not acting weird, is it? Like bumping into things or repeating certain phrases? I can repair it if it is.

un: fuego

[fuegor]

[So, Lighter poked his little head into the Zodiac post for kicks and saw two people he... vaguely recognized. But a certain proxy knew everyone, surely she'd figure it out!]

Say, Manager. There're a couple people on the Zodiac post I think I remember from Lumina Square? One's named Lycaon and the other's Hugo. Did you know them?

[Oh Lighter.]

1/2

[greatlydares]

[✓ Read.]

Action; July 4th

[life_ethereal]

[Belle is going to have a delivery today! The most immediately noticable thing is that there's a bouquet of flowers in a porcelain vase with a card hidden in the blooms. All of them are in season and beautifully arranged. Taking center stage are purple and orange dahlias to symbolize her inner strength despite her hardships. Supporting the dahlias are marigolds that celebrate her warm personality, and peonies with their stems twisted around the purple irises to symbolize hope for her continued good fortune. Hidden among them is a lone, yellow zinnia that acknowledges the absence of Belle's missing brother. How the giver knows that Wise isn't far from Belle's thoughts.

As for the card, something will slip out of it if she's not careful. Well, four somethings: VIP tickets to a concert for her favorite singer next month. The card itself reads as follows in neat handwriting:]

Happy birthday, Belle!

Time really flies, doesn't it? I still remember the day that I asked you for help from a university's computer lab. I was really lucky that day, and I'm grateful that we've continued being friends since then. You saved my life back then. There's no real way for me to repay that, and I think that you would refuse being owed anything, too. So, instead, I just want to say this:

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I hope your birthday is full of joyous memories! Oh, and if you'd like to have the flowers pressed/preserved, let me know! I picked up the skill as part of my scrapbooking hobby.

Sincerely,
Harumasa Asaba

PS: I hope that the gift makes up for all the birthdays where I could only give you well wishes instead of anything concrete!

text; un: belleoftheboulevard

[greatlydares]

you don't owe me anything, and you don't have to make up for it. Just being able to know you were alive all these years was enough for me.

Thank you for the flowers. I'm gonna bully my brothers into concert tickets. Well, two of them, Zelos doesn't like loud noises so I'll see if anyone we know feels like a fun weekend.

BIRTHDAY GIFT - Backdated to the 4th

[wilder]

[On Belle's birthday, delivered to her room (by Bunbastion) will be a small bouquet of bell flowers that are wrapped in a silk pink bow. Along with that will be two presents that have also been carefully wrapped. The first one, the bigger one, is a Nintendo Switch 2 with a few new games for her to play that seems like they'd be the kind of games she'd be into (he may have asked a video game clerk for help because what is gaming).

The second is a smaller package, with a compass locket inside. The photos have already been placed in. On one side, is a group photo of Zelos, Belle, Luke, and Asch dressed up for masquerade. On the other side, is an old photo of Belle and Wise that Zelos managed to dig up.

Attached to all this is a birthday card. It's a pretty one, very elegantly chosen:]

Happy Birthday little sister!

Listen, before you raise any protests about the gifts and how much they cost, it's your birthday- ergo I'm allowed to spoil you. What's the point of selling my gorgeous body the internet if I can't flash the cash sometimes!

But seriously, I know I'm not really the type to get sentimental much but... I wanted to show my thanks. You finding me and insisting we be a family was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me. I'm not really the type people want around... so thanks. What you've done these past couple years has meant a lot to me.

And don't worry, I'm not planning to give up the search until we find Wise. But hopefully that locket will remind you that even if we aren't with you physically, we're still with you.

Anyway- enough sap out of me! It's really not my style. If you try to acknowledge ANY of this letter in front of the twins, I'm going to deny it. Just tell them I got you the switch! Do you think Asch even knows how to game?

Love ya!
Zelos

delivered by eous to his door

[greatlydares]

I love you too.

Even if you think you're not the type people like to hang around, I don't think so. I think you're a really good brother, and I'm glad to be your younger sister, and everyone who knows you is truly, deeply lucky to know you. I know I am. Thank you for everything. You gave me back a family, and for that you will always be in my heart.

If he doesn't I'm gonna teach him. Who hits nineteen without knowing how to game? Clearly it's my duty as an older sister.

BIRTHDAY GIFT - July 4th

[paraselenic]

[Lycaon may have newly awoken to Kaisou's hidden side, but he'd known Belle for some time now, and with the magic of social media he was able to find her birthday (and everyone's, really) on her profile.

He didn't have as much time as he would've liked, but he was steadfast in pulling something together he thinks she'd like. As he didn't want to disturb her, he gave the gift bag to Eous to deliver in his stead.

When she opens it, she will find two VHS tape cases wrapped in tulle fabric, tied at the top with a bow and a little crescent moon charm dangling from it. They look to be VHS tapes inside too, except its just a cardstock made to look like one. Once pulled out, it'll actually be two boxes of different treats.

In one, they will be homemade marshmallow rabbits but colored with chocolate and orange zest to look like a familiar special boy.

In the other, gingerbread cookies in the shape of stars and bells.

Underneath is a small tin that looks like a film reel, and when opened up, has fresh loose leaf tea that smells of lavender and blueberry.

The card is quite simple with delicate handwriting.]

Miss Belle,

My apologies that this comes at the last minute, but I wanted to congratulate you on another year since your birth. It's been a blessing to get to know you, and I look forward to celebrating many more.

Please enjoy the treats. I made one with sugar and one with spice, as you have a gentle heart and a fiery spirit, but if neither are to your taste, please do not feel as if you must eat them on my account.

The lavender tea is my own personal wish for you to take a moment for yourself and relax. You may be a manager, but your health should be prioritized as well.

Thank you for everything.

-Lycaon 🌙

[greatlydares]

aww, you shouldn't have! This is so nice, thank you, Lycaon, seriously. I don't know if I can eat the marshmallow rabbits when they look so much like Eous, (that's a lie I still will they look really good,) you did well in making all these foods for me.

And thank you for giving them directly to Eous, it valiantly kept them secret from Inky and teenage boys. I'll brew up some lavender tea for myself later.

DELIVERY, July 4th

[burgersplease]

[An envelope is delivered to Belle's place on her birthday. Inside is a birthday card of a bunny- which she tried to find one with Eous's coloring. Inside the card there's a couple sheets of paper and a $50 dollar bill. The message reads:]

Happy Birthday Belle.

Nicole told me the best gift someone can give is money. At least, she really likes it when she gets it for her birthday. So I hope you like it too. Try to treat yourself to something nice and not put it all to your electric bill.

I wanted to get you something film related, but I don't know what movies you've seen in this lifetime. So I've included my list of the 50 top Earth movies that I've watched. Let me know which ones you haven't seen yet, maybe we can watch it together.

- Anby

[And sure enough the sheets of paper? Is a list of fifty movies that definitely line up to Anby's taste, carefully thought out and written down with care. ]

[greatlydares]

[From anyone else, Belle would be disappointed about getting fifty dollars in cash for a birthday gift. But this is Anby, who learned from Nicole, so instead she laughs a little to herself, holding the money close to her heart. If she wipes away a tear while reading the letter, well. No one else but Eous can see.

Oh, Anby. She's missed you.]

thank you! I'm gonna get boba tea with this money.

We can watch this weekend? Make it a marathon.

Backdated gift - july 4th

[myriadeclipse]

[ This box is delivered by a normal enough delivery man just doing his job. When the box is opened, there are two distinct boxes inside the bigger one. The orange one features Belle's name and the words 'happy birthday' in extravagant cursive on a white tag attached to a ribbon tied in a bow. The other box is navy blow and smaller. Where the ribbon on Belle's is thick and flowy, the one on the smaller was thin and elegant, adorned with a tag that says "For Wise's eyes only".

Within the orange box... there are more boxes! The larger of the two boxes contains another box containing an espresso maker. The smaller box contains the box for a quaint drink service.

What she won't find in any of the boxes is evidence of who sent it, nor a note of endearment. The delivery company doesn't have a delivery on file being made. ]

[greatlydares]

[The espresso maker and drinks service are going on the kitchen counter in a place of pride and also bemusement at just how fancy it is. The box for Wise...

Belle sits down and stares at it for a long moment. Then, without opening it, she picks it up and carefully tucks it away somewhere, with a slowly-accumulating pile of birthday gifts for Wise.]

delivery; backdated to july 4th

[sacredashes]

[On the morning of Belle's birthday, he leaves an elegantly-wrapped small, long box on the table. Inside is a gold hair stick made with blue stones and garnet beads. There is a card printed in the flowiest handwriting known to man, thanks to his past life as a future viscount.

The card reads as follows:]

Belle,

I found this in an antique store. I thought maybe it would add a 'retro' touch to your outfit.

[is that his version of a joke.....]

I also ordered an old film projector to be delivered this week. I was told by a contact that there are some movies that only exist as those huge reels, and might be otherwise lost to time. It sounded like a project we could work on together, if you want.

Enjoy the day. It's yours, after all.

Happy birthday.

Asch

[greatlydares]

this is the fanciest hair accessory I have ever had. Thank you! It does fit the retro aesthetic lol.

yeah!! Oh my god? I always wanted to get one of them myself, but even the modern ones can get really expensive so I figured it was a pipe dream. Lil bro, you're bringing a tear to your big sister's eye! Of course we can work on it together.

backdated to 7/4

[fuegor]

[A very thin box is left on Random Play's counter on the morning of the 4th! Lighter sure stayed rather late during his shift helping the day before. Maybe Eous helped him to set this the day before. The scoundrel!

But it is addressed to Belle and opening she will find two vinyl records that she hadn't owned before of some of her favorite music artists. Interestingly, they're ones incredibly hard to find for a good price! He remembered Belle not just being an avid listener but also owning a guitar, so he tried extra hard.

A card is attached as well.]

Happy Birthday, Belle.

I noticed you were missing some discographies you said you really liked. I made a couple calls to people I know to see if they could track them down for you. Maybe we could give them both a listen sometime together.

If nothing else, you've gotta let me take you for a ride outside of town as part of your gift too. I know you won't mind if I go a little faster than normal.

Thanks for being the best Manager. And for being someone I can always trust, no matter what life it is.

- Lighter

[greatlydares]

[Belle smiles down at the records, having to sit down for a moment at the sheer thoughtfulness of the gift. God. She really has missed Lighter. She thinks suddenly of her guitar, lying forgotten in a closet somewhere—maybe she ought to dig it back out sometime soon.]

Lighter! Thank you so much, I've been looking for these records for ages and I'd nearly given up. I'm so glad you found them. One of them was my mom's favorite in this life—she used to hum it to me and Wise when we were kids. I'd be happy to listen to them together with you.

Oh, definitely! It's been ages since I got to just ride along with someone and feel the wind on my face. I'm free any day after work.

You're welcome. Hey: if you need any help, you know you can call on me anytime. I'll do my best.

while luke is Going Through It. voice; un:kesitakame

[hoshikiri]

[This is a strange and unfamiliar name to see on Belle's contacts. But this Belle was someone Luke put as an emergency contact.]

This is Takame Kesi, instructor at Cygnus Academy. Something has happened with Luke. He suddenly appeared to be in immense pain while we were conversing and has fallen unconscious. He is not injured, nor is his life in danger but nevertheless I have taken him to the Academy's infirmary to convalesce.

Please make your way here as soon as possible.

[greatlydares]

Shit. I'm on my way!

Has he got a concussion? A migraine? What did he complain about before he passed out?

Text | UN: DelicatelyFrail

[life_ethereal]

[Jun has given Harumasa a great idea and he's going to run with it, especially since it's been pointed out to him that Belle's terrible excuses are because she wants to spend more time with him. Plus, he also wants to check in on her health after the fainting episode at the party. So, he sends a text to her.]

Hey, Belle! Are you doing okay? I meant to check in earlier after the party, but, well. The Library came in and all.

[Along with a shameful display of fear after Anby confronted him.]

[greatlydares]

I'm doing all right! it turns out I really did just need to sleep more. I'm more worried about you, are you all right after the library?

[She'd wanted to check on him, but when she'd gotten back from the library she'd immediately been swamped with her less-than-legal sideline. But now she's got time, so she deflects the concern with her own.]

Special Delivery for Christmas Day!

[life_ethereal]

[A package arrives in the mail for Belle from Harumasa! As well as a beautiful bouquet full of seasonal flowers resting on top. Each flower has been lovingly picked out to symbolize his feelings of love and gratitude for her presence in his life. When she opens up the package, there'll be three perfectly wrapped gifts inside. All of them are the same shape and weight, so it's probably the same gift in three parts.

Unwrapping the first will reveal a scrapbook with a cover that's decorated in movie themed stickers and black cat stickers, and lovingly hand painted Trifectas and phoenixes. The cover is also embossed with gold ink in calligraphic numbers: 2017-2019. When she opens the front cover, there will be a note in Harumasa's handwriting on the front page. As the pages are flipped through, they're all photos mostly taken by him. It starts off very amateur and it's clear that when Harumasa's the subject, he's not quite comfortable in front of the camera. His smiles are awkward and don't really reach his eyes, looking more nervous or skittish than how he is now. Some are also very amateur landscapes and photos of the sky. However, as it progresses through his life, Belle can see how Harumasa becomes more comfortable being photographed, how much more easily his smiles come to him and reach his eyes, and how his skill evolves. Every photo is dated and has a location underneath it, and every page is decorated to complement the photos on them.

The other two gifts are the same, but the numbers increase as they go through the years. 2020-2022, and finally 2023-2025. The final two pages of the 2025 book are dedicated to only two photos, one on each page. The one on the left is a Christmas photo of Harumasa with the siblings, their significant others, and Ragna. The one on the right is of the New Eridu crew. It's a candid photo that somehow captures all of them at the height of their joy during the Christmas party. Handwritten neatly at the top are the words: "I couldn't have found my way without you."

As for the note at the beginning of the book, it says:]

Merry Christmas, Bells!

Man, it's been a wild eight years, huh? It feels like it was yesterday that I was learning about how to use a computer from you, asking what memes and gifs were, and all the movie and pop culture references you made. I remember the times you would talk to me about how much you missed Wise, and how I really wished I could be there to offer more than just words of comfort to you. Those first two years were really rough, but I'm forever grateful for the patience you showed me as I bettered myself and grew into a real person.

It's kinda funny. Even in my past life, you are and have been a very important person to me. Maybe that's just fate, or maybe my heart will just always recognize you in every life.

Every photo you see here is all thanks to your friendship guiding my path.

Let's make the next year even more memorable together, shall we?

Forever yours,
Harumasa

Christmas Delivery 12/25;

[paraselenic]

[They'd exchanged gifts at the party, naturally. But Lycaon of course never did things halfway. There was something just a little more personal he wanted to give to her, something that he was probably too embarrassed to give in front of everyone.

When Belle notices the gift, she'll see its a reusable popcorn bucket, with a few goodies inside. The first and probably the most predictable is a bag of treats. This time, it's a bag of Christmas themed Puppy Chow, with a little hand drawn pawprint and his best attempt at a wolf. His name, though, is lovingly signed along with its ingredients and how to make it.

Next are two candles. One with the scent of Citrus and Oakmoss while the other is Bergamot and Oakmoss. A bit..standard for a gift from Lycaon.

Next is a handwritten list of movies. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to them, ranging from Action to Adventure...well, they are categorized alphabetically by genre, so I guess there IS rhyme and reason.

Finally, there is a little bottle about the size of half an index finger. Inside is a little tuft of white wolf fur. It's strung along a small chain, and underneath that is a note.]

Miss Belle.

I hope you had a wonderful time at the Christmas party. I know my home may seem daunting to you and the others, but it truly made me happy that you all could spend it with us this year. I've had a lot of changes to my life in the past six months, and you were the catalyst for it. Had I not stopped by Random Play all those months ago to borrow a movie, I very well may not be where I am now.

The treats are from a magazine I read recently, when I was waiting in line for something. Apparently, this is a very simple, but very popular treat. The name is quite amusing, isn't it? I've heard it's also called Reindeer Food, but my pride rejects that name, personally. The recipe is also quite simple, so I included it in a card for you.

The candles...This is quite embarrassing. Hugo and I recently spoke of my sense of smell, and how for wolfmen, there is a scent to people that is innate to your existence. No amount of perfume or cologne can change this, and it is how we track those we care about. The one labeled with Oakmoss and citrus is yours. It's a rather refreshing scent, like the period after rainfall. The other candle I had to think long and hard about, as my memory of my past life is still quite sporadic.

But I am almost positive this is Wise's scent. Close to yours with the Oakmoss, but Bergamot as his defining note. I've included the business card where I received this candle from. Should you have a night where you miss him terribly, light this candle. I swear on my honour as a wolf that this is quintessentially him.

The list of movies...I suppose I did not know what I was choosing at the time. Hugo says I need to let loose more, so I chose whatever looked interesting from the title. Could these be possible movie night recommendations? I'll leave it to you, Proxy.

The final item is a piece of fur from the tufts of my ears. It has been conditioned and smells of mahogany, though I'm not sure if you'll be able to pick up on that. Please note I do not expect you to actually wear this. It just felt incomplete without something to attach it to. I hope you appreciate it.

Thank you for everything, Manager. I apologize for the stress I've put you through, whether it was rearranging your store or causing you the utmost worry a few months ago. I will try to do better...but I do have the worst influence close by, so I can't necessarily guarantee. Apologies in advance.

Merry Christmas, Miss Belle. May the moon shine favourably down on you always.

-Lycaon 🌕

P.S. Your moon Phase for 2026 is the Thunder Moon, Waning Gibbous. It symbolizes looking inwards at yourself and being grateful for the things you have and who you are. I agree--you deserve nothing more than to recognize your own worth.

P.P.S. I wish Harumasa the best of luck in the future. I have no intentions of showing leniency simply because he is a close friend.

[What...does he mean by that.]