[open] Sleepless In Konoha

[ninjaindianajones]

[They send out a fairly vague, tersely written message. The words are almost illegible with how loopy the letters are written.]

I don't normally abuse the missive system but it's four in the morning, I'm tired but I can't sleep and everything feels gross and horrible. It's so stupid, there isn't any good reason for me to be like this but I do anyways. Maybe someone can talk me down a bit.

[No identifying signature, simply a "X" at the end.]

Comments

[vitalfunction]

[The written message in return is on a scroll that belonged to a Konoha-ninja who went missing and is currently presumed dead. And the handwriting is incredibly neat and precise and there is no name either.]

I would suggest washing. That should alleviate the uncomfortable feeling.

However, conversation is counter to attempts to sleep. I do not comprehend its use for this purpose.

[ninjaindianajones]

[Mika doesn't think about the sender, or really much about the words themselves. They just need to vent and someone is listening for the time being. Their reply is a little shakier than before.]

It's not my skin that feels gross. I can't really explain it. I feel it in my bones. I feel it when I'm looking at myself in the mirror.

I can't control it, this feeling just happens at random and I can't talk to anyone. I should sleep, I'd probably feel better after but sometimes I have weird dreams. I don't like them much more than what I'm feeling now. Doesn't help that someone's already in my bed, don't want to disturb them right now.

[vitalfunction]

[Gale isn't sure if he's made the right conclusion, but something about the words resonates so he continues conversation.]

As if what you feel and see is no longer right... or even you? Something so deep and intrinsic has changed and you neither have a name for it, or a way to return to what you were before?

I have no solution to offer for strange dreams, except that decoding them may help.

[There's a brief pause and then a second message a minute later.]

If your comrade is sleeping and you are the one on watch, why are you concerned about sleeping?

[ninjaindianajones]

[Mika has to pause and think about the conversation, they feel frustrated over the inability to truly articulate the unpleasantness of their being. The other person seems to get what they're going for which is a relief.]

Yes, I've felt like this for a long time honestly. I don't want to go into details but it's gotten to a point where I can't pretend it isn't happening. Wish I could go back to being a kid again.

[Decoding dreams? Mika wasn't versed in that particular area and they were hesitant to speak with anyone about the actual problem. They might reveal unpleasant things by accident. It was an interesting suggestion though. The next message made Mika chuckle a bit. Might be weird to mention that the "comrade" was in fact a bedmate of some months. They don't correct the other's assumption in their reply.]

I haven't slept well in weeks, it's starting to affect my work and I can't afford to make myself a burden right now.

[vitalfunction]

[Gale considers the response for a little while, and goes on a circuit of his watch, before replying. After all, he can't neglect his duties for this, even if watching the scrolls for news is one of them.]

Is there some attribute of children that would improve whatever afflicts you? Or is it more the reversal of time that you are seeking?

That is a concern. You should investigate the cause before your comrades are put into danger because of it. Is it based in emotion, or more thoughts that cannot rest? There are different things that can be done, depending on the cause. But there is something that might ease either... a comrade of mine has a song she sings that we all find very helpful and soothing. Perhaps one of your comrades can provide something similar to you.