#guys it's just sword dad and mori being sword dad and mori

[scalpel-mom-mori]

Writertober day 31: Halloween

Yukichi really doesn’t like Western clothes

Guys I took one look at that Mayoi card and kinda went “I want that one”

It was only after he was half-dressed already that Yukichi remembered why he didn’t usually bother with Western clothes. Well, half-dressed in the sense that he had about half the clothing piled on the bed on his body. Pants, two shirts (a plain shirt, and a button-down), socks and boots. “What’s taking so long?” Mori-sensei called from the other side of the door. “Is it the tie?”

Yukichi didn’t respond. He despised ties with a passion.

“It’s the tie,” Mori-sensei decided, and entered.

Mori-sensei, to be fair, wasn’t short. He wasn’t particularly tall, but he wasn’t short. But he was short enough that he came up to about Yukichi’s nose, which is to say, a very awkward height difference for Mori-sensei to be standing as close as he was.

It briefly crossed his mind that Mori-sensei might just try and strangle him, and that it probably wasn’t the best idea to let Mori-sensei adjust anything hanging from his neck, but if Mori-sensei truly meant to kill him, he’d wait at least till Yukichi was fully dressed.

That’s just the sort of petty, spiteful man Mori-sensei was.

But Mori-sensei didn’t try anything. He finished with the tie and stepped back. “You almost look normal.”

Yukichi frowned at him and began working at the belt, silently praying that Mori-sensei wouldn’t offer to help with that too. It was awkward enough to maneuver the sword without him.

Not for the first time, he silently cursed Mori-sensei and his practical jokes.

Mori-sensei sits on the bed, eyeing Yukichi like he was a slab of meat. Yukichi, however, refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing that he’s uncomfortable, and picked up the next piece. A vest, Victorian-style. He made a face and put it on. Then a jacket.

“Is all this really necessary if the jacket covers it all anyway?”

Mori-sensei’s face was a strange, indecisive mix of smug and offended. “Of course!”

Yukichi made a face and picked up the remaining jacket. A pair of gloves fell out of a pocket. He frowned at Mori-sensei, who only smiled smugly in return.

“The fur is atrocious.”

“And expensive,” Mori-sensei countered.

Yukichi shook his head, scowling, sticking an arm in. It was warm, he supposed. Heavy, though. “It feels like I can barely move,” he grumbled.

“I do it just fine,” Mori-sensei quipped as Yukichi tugged on the gloves.

“Your pants aren’t this tight,” Yukichi shot back, shaking a leg, half-testing his mobility. Somehow, he wouldn’t be surprised if this stupid stunt was another half-assed attempt to handicap him so an assassin might have half a chance.

Mori-sensei snickered. “Maybe not,” he allowed. “Don’t forget the hat.”

“Costume fetish,” Yukichi muttered under his breath, recalling how his counterpart would always be dressing Elise up.

“Hardly,” Mori-sensei replied, slightly miffed. “I just wanted to see you in an outfit that isn’t a crime against fashion.”

[365days365movies]

March 13, 2021: Ugetsu Monogatari (1953) (Part One)

Submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society...

Ghost stories are fantastic. They’re an old hallmark of cultures across the world, in our everlasting attempt to understand what happens beyond the grave. Every civilization has their ghost stories, and their ways of telling it. The United Kingdom had Charles Dickens reading his classic A Christmas Carol on stage every Christmas, and that tradition has exploded into essentially a genre of holiday films.

The United States had my personal favorite ghost story written in book form, then adapted into various media. That story, taking bits of European and early colonial folklore, was Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. 

Ohhhhhhh yeah, that’s the good stuff. By the way, I use @adventurelandia​’s GIFs A LOT, and I feel like I never credit them in tags or anything, so, uh...yeah, THANK YOU, you’re a goddamn legend and I wish you the best in your Disney GIF-making endeavors. Check out their pages, they’ve got a lot.

Anyway, we’re talking about Japan in this case, and DEAR SHIT, their “ghost stories” have transcended far beyond that into just being a part of everyday folklore and belief for many people. But today’s movie isn’t just about ghost stories; it’s also about how these stories are told.

Jidaigeki (時代劇) are essentially period dramas, set around the Edo period, before the Meiji Resotration. In other words, we’re talking samurai warriors - with and without masters - roaming the land, kicking ass and taking names. And in the case of this movie, the time of the samurai is about to be overlaid by a more fantastical setting.

Based on a 1776 book by Ueda Akinari, Ugetsu AKA Ugetsu Monogatari AKA Tales of Ugetsu AKA The Tales of the Wave after the Rain Moon AKA Yeah, really, that’s a legit alternate name for this movie AKA How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Ghost is a ghost story set within the Edo period, making is a jidageki as well. This’ll be the first jidaigeki I’ve ever seen, but not the last. Goddamn, I can’t wait for Western month.

With that, shall we? SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Recap (1/2)

The Criterion Collection logo brings us in, followed by your typical production logos, backed by the most Japanese music I’ve ever heard. That’s backed by that one guy that makes that one Japanese shouting noise, you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about, it’s a traditional stage kabuki thing.

We begin proper in a period of civil war, on the shores of Lake Biwa in the Omi Province in the late 1500s. A pottery maker, Genjūrō (Masayuki Mori) is set to leave his wife Miyagi (Kinuyo Tanaka) and their child Genichi (Ichisaburo Sawamura) to sell his wares in a nearby city, Ōmizo. He’s accompanied by Tōbei (Eitaro Ozawa), a dreamer and wannabe samurai who’s getting berated by his wife as he leaves.

While he’s gone, the Village Chief (Ryōsuke Kagawa ) comes to warn Miyagi about a possible attack on the village, and is upset about the fact that he’s left at such a turbulent time in order to seek profit. However, Genjūrō soon returns with a sizeable amount of money for his work, to his and his wife’s delight. They use the money to get food and new clothes, including a kimono for Miyagi. But Miyagi, ever in love with her husband, asks him not to be too greedy in seeking money, thinking of what the chief said.

Tōbei, in contrast, isn’t accepted as a samurai-in-training, and is mocked for lacking a sword and armor (which he doesn’t have the money to buy). He soon stumbles home to his wife, beaten and ashamed. He comes back to work with  Genjūrō, who ignores his wife’s wishes and goes fuckin’ HAM on the pottery. This upsets Miyagi, who claims that the hunger for money has changed her once calm and sweet husband, and turns him bitter and irritable.

However, this is about to stop mattering, as the men of the enemy general Shibata Katsuie has come to the village to take the belongings of the villagers, and to take their men for forced labor. Despite forcing his wife to hep save his pottery, the family escapes, along with Tōbei and his wife, Ohama (Mitsuko Mito). Tōbei is a bit held up, though, as he tries to steal armor from one of the soldiers. Nice.

Genjūrō, despite the ardent objection of his wife, goes back to his still running kiln to obtain more of his pottery. However, the fire’s gone out when he gets there, and he and his wife are forced to hide when the soldiers come to search their house for belongings. Once again, they escae detection from the soldiers, and Genjūrō discovers that his pottery has been fully baked in the process. With the help of Tōbei and Ohama, the group grab the pots and makes it to the shore of Lake Biwa, where they go to escape from Shibata’s army. They steer their boat along the foggy lake.

While rowing, the men speak of their soon to be gotten fortunes in the city But then, they encounter a seemingly abandoned boat, eerily breaking through the mists. It belongs to a Boatsman (Ichirō Amano), who warns them of pirates on the lake, who ambushed him as he was going to sell their wares. They give him water, but he dies immediately after giving his warning.

With this bad omen, the men decide to send their wives and Genichi back to shore, as they continue towards the city to sell the pottery. However, Ohama refuses to stay behind, and only Miyagi and Genichi remain behind on the shore, as the other three continue onwards to the city.

At the market, Genjūrō is indeed successful, as the trio sells all of their wares to passerby. One of these customers is a shrouded woman, Lady Wakasa (Machiko Kyō), attended by a handsmaiden, Ukon (Kikue Mōri). She buys a LOT of wares, and instructs them to bring the pots to a large manor later that day. He agrees, and this definitely won’t result in spooky happenings.

Tōbei, on the other hand, realizes that he can now use his shar of the money to buy armor for himself. While Ohama tries to stop him, he runs off and does just that, buying armor and a spear for himself. Ohama loses him in the crowd, and comes to sit on a beach. There, she’s found by a group of samurai, and...well...samurai aren’t necessarily good people. Afterwards, the broken Ohama rightfully curses her husband for his selfishness.

Genjūrō, successful after the day’s sales, goes to look at a kimono salesman, and daydreams about giving all of these kimonos to his wife. This daydream is interrupted by Ukon, who has come to take Genjūrō to the manor. Said manor is abandoned, run-down, and DEFINITELY NOT HAUNTED AT ALL. Genjūrō, lacks common ghost sense, accompanies them to the creepy-ass manor.

However, not all of the manor appears rundown, as Genjūrō is guided to Lady Wakasa, in an intact portion of the manor. As the sun sets, handmaidens at the manor light candles throughout the manor, suddenly making it brighter and less rundown in appearance. As Genjūrō looks on, Lady Wakasa comes in to give him further praise for his pottery.

Genjūrō is deeply honored by the lady’s praise, as they drink from his cups together. She continues to praise his talent, and tells him that he must deepen and enrich his gift...by marrying her at once. And it’s at this point that Genjūrō starts to realize that something is...off. See, Wakasa’s SUPER fuckin’ into him, and she looks at him with those DEFINITELY-NOT-A-GHOST-LADY-EYES

Genjūrō, absolutely not to his credit, doesn’t say FUCK NO to this, in order not to upset her, even as she literally collapses on top of him. He continues to be attended on by her handmaidens, and she performs a traditional dance for him. The song she sings states:

The finest silk of choicest hue May change and fade away As would my life beloved one If thou wouldst prove untrue Our vow to love for a thousand years Is sealed with this cup.

And then, after that song and dance, the voice of her dead dad starts moaning from a samurai mask in the corner. You know, NORMAL NON SCARY-AS-SHIT SCARY ASS SHIT

Um...halfway point? See you in Part Two!

[sparklerose222]

The Super Girls

Chapter 2

Word Count: 1,847

Characters: Moriah Heart, Noriah Heart, Julia Royal, Lara Lightwood, Vanessa Storm, Folmanus Evermore

Warnings: Minor violence, and I will edit if any more are found.

Parings: future platonic LAMPD

Summary: The Super Girls are formed.

Previous chapters: Prologue, Chapter 1

“You really think that I will accept this. She is a kid.”

“And so are Julia and you, I’m the only adult here. I mean, it is only a three-year difference between 12 and 15. She has been a hero for the same amount of time as us, fighting Folmanus alone when we are meant to be fighting him together.”

“It is not our fault that we were separated. We became heroes, we proved our worth, what has she done. I've heard nothing about Split other than the occasional robbery.”

“That is because Folmanus won't appear in any written history, none will ever be brave enough to write about him, and you know that. We thought that he will come in two more years and we were going to look for him then, but we were wrong. Because of our arrogance, we let the youngest of us fight him alone. Like it or not, she knows the most about him than any of us. You just need to talk to her like the equal she is and get to know her.”

“You guys need to quiet it down, I could hear muffled yelling from the main road, and that’s five miles away.”

“Oops.”

“Yeah, oops, by the way, my name is Moriah. I never told any of you my name last week.”

“Glad you found your way here, too bad I have to leave. My publisher wants my manuscript by tomorrow, and I still have 4 more chapters to write.”

“You’re a writer? How did I not know that? I’ve known you for seven years?”

“Even I knew that and I met her last week. I love your books, I was just too irritated that day to fangirl after you transformed back.”

“Well, good to know I have another fan. Tic, could you please portal me home. I would appreciate it.”

“Sure, even though I know that you are only doing this so that I am alone with Moriah. There you go.”

“Thanks, Tic, and you know I’m not that sneaky. I really do have to finish.”

That’s when a purple portal opened up, and Lara left me alone with TicTock. The very girl who still hasn’t told me her name.

“So, don’t you have school today.”

“I don’t know. Don’t you?”

“Smooth, real smooth. But I’m serious, I’m homeschooled, and my mom knows about me being a Super Girl.”

“Parent-teacher conference, and my mom thinks I have friends.”

“So, you don’t have friends. Maybe you should just stop being a Super Girl so you can have time to make some.”

“Thanks, I needed that, not. You’re never getting rid of me, I am a Super Girl like it or not, and there is nothing you can do about it. The reason why I don’t have friends is that I know I will be dead in two years, and I don’t need anything trying to distract me.”

“Okay, I think I struck a chord there.”

This girl gets me so angry; I don’t know how to handle it. Couple it with her irritation, and it only makes it worse. Sometimes I hate being an empath. 

“Hiya Split Yin, I’m Julia, by the way. Noriah and I were just catching up, what are you two talking about.”

“Nothing much, Nori, do you want to leave. I sure mom is going to be coming home soon.”

“So, that bad, usually my sister is very patient with people. After keeping her powers a secret since she was three, she is good at dealing with her emotions around others.”

“You’ve had your powers for that long and kept them a secret. From how many?”

“Everyone. The hardest part is keeping my powers hidden from my mom, dad, and older brother.”

Though it doesn’t help that my mom would prefer if people just didn’t use their powers at all and deny who they are. If she were to find out that I am a superhero, I don’t think she would ever let me out of the house again. I wonder if any more of these girl’s families know what they are doing or is it just TicTocks. Now an alarm is going off, which means Folmanus is back on earth. That was the best break I’ve had in six years.

“Great, why don’t you two stay here and hold down the fort? Come on, Juli, let’s go.”

With that, TicTock pulls Juli through the portal; she just open, and they were gone. Not even Noriah could run fast enough to get through before it closed. Leaving us behind.

I am going to blowout her eardrums.

Morie, come on, we need to get to the town's square before those girls get themselves killed, grab my hand we need to refuse.

Fine, how do you have a level head

With that, I grabbed Noriah’s hand and relinked our charms. Completing the symbol of balance, refusing us back together, and letting her take control so she can use her super speed. We were able to get the town's square in two minutes flat, cracking our charms along the way so we could transform. The jewelry we whare dampen our powers because they are too strong to handle on a day to day bases. I mean, I can feel the emotions of everyone in the city and pinpoint where they are. Though I’m glad that it doesn’t overwhelm me.

I am going to be giving a birds-eye view of this fight:

Just as Split ran in on the scene, Wonder was falling out of the sky unconscious.

“Yang, go check for civilians I’ll catch her.”

“Got it.”

With a sonic scream, Yin was able to slow Wonder’s fall enough that when she hit the concrete, it only left a few small scratches. Luckily, the low impact jolted her awake, albeit a little sore.

“Why are you just now getting here? TicTock said that you weren’t interested in fighting anymore. How can you think that’s okay? You are meant to be part of the team.”

Yin says nothing as she helps her up, and Yang runs up to them, not hearing what was just said.

“There were a few people trapped in their houses, but I got them out. Let’s get back to the fight and help the other two.”

With a nod, the two girls followed the other. When they got to TicTock and Storm, they were on the ground, struggling to get back up.

In front of them was the elven king, Folmanus. His skin was silver with his ears and teeth pointed. He was also wearing a Victorian like outfit that flattered him well. Almost every Super Girl thought that if he wasn’t trying to take over the world, they would try and date him, accept Morie, who was tired of fighting him. I mean, the guy even knew how strong women can be. He then saw the last three girls run-up.

“Finally, you get here Split Yin, I was getting bored with these weaklings who think they can win. Please tell me that you all together will make this fight fun again?”

“Sorry to bore you, Folmanus. We will do our best to fix that.”

Once Tic and Storm stood next to the others ready to fight alongside them as equals for the first time, not being aware of it, there was a spark that manifested into weapons. 

For Split, a double-edged katana that could break into two. Wonder received a staff that she could use to focus her energy into a blast of power. TicTock got a pendulum similar to one in old clocks that ticked to the time of the multiverse. Finally, Storm summoned a broad sword that can change its composition to whatever element that she wants.

“So you think little toys can help you defeat me? Bring it on.”

Without another word, the girls dove into attack as one. Folmanus was fast and agile, but with these five girls working better together than ever before, he felt himself being pushed back. They were far from perfect, and they almost hit each other a few times, but they were aware of each other this time, and they were winning. See, Folmanus realized there first fight with all of them together, he would have killed them without trying. Where’s the fun in that? So once they got a single nick on him, he retreated and took a break to see if they would get better. They did.

This time they pushed him back into his portal severely wounded. Storm slashing him along the length of his arm, TicTock hitting him in the head twice, Split Yin taking out his legs while Yang held him in place, and finally, Wonder using her staff to lift him and force him through the portal. It will take him a good bit to heal. But he’ll be back and was glad to have something that pushed him to his limit. Maybe he will get stronger without absorbing the Super Girls.

Once back in his house that he made centuries ago for if he needed to hide, Folmanus morphed into his human form that looked unharmed, but he was still in a lot of pain. He still got ready for the job he got six years ago, so he didn’t have to steal everything he needed. One day he will be king again.

“Did we do that?”

“Yes, Yin, we did that. We did some real damage to him.”

“Why is she so out of it? Is she really that surprised that we beat him?”

“We didn’t beat him. We just damaged him a great deal today. He is an eternal Elf that can not be killed so easily. I am surprised because the most damage Nori and I have ever done to him was a scratch. Today we hurt him as a team. That’s a big deal.”

“How do you think that we’re a team? A teammate wouldn’t just pick and choose when they help, and when they don’t.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about how she told Tic that she didn’t feel like fighting anymore and was going home.”

“No, Morie didn’t say that. Your friend TicTock told us to stay here and then left us behind. Some teammates. So TicTock does that mean that you are a liar and a sneak.”

“I’m sorry, I thought you would take the hint and go home, but I was wrong, and I am glad because I realized that we really do need you. I think you should know that I’m Vannessa. I hope you can forgive me.”

“You really did that? Nessa, that’s not okay. Why did you lie to me?”

“Because I thought that we didn’t need them, but we were getting pummeled until after they showed up. I'm thrilled you made it in time, I promise to never pull a stunt like that again.”

“I guess we can forgive you. As long as you finally see us as Super Girls.”

“Definitely”

“Yay, Best friends.”

“I don’t know about that one yet.”

“Agreed.”

————————————————–

Chapter 3 <3

Authors note: I tried to do a small fight scene, and I would really like some feedback on it. I hope you enjoyed chapter 2, thanks for reading.

[rhyaxxyn]

Lost Halos: An Introduction

“An ache shudders in my HEART, a fear like no other, an understanding deep in the back of my MIND. The woman looks up as if to speak to her GOD. My GOD too, I suppose, but I don’t feel him like I should. I feel a VOID. An abyss of despair and TERROR.

She will never understand. The woman is only a starry-eyed SHEEP in the eyes of hungry, bloody teethed WOLVES. But it is only BEASTS that can lead the FLOCK.

I close the door and descend into my COLD, STAGNANT world. A world the wolves will never LOVE. A WORLD THE WOLVES WILL EAT ALIVE.”

𝕊𝕐ℕ𝕆ℙ𝕊𝕀𝕊 In a world ruled by the Major Arcana, a powerful court which rises from new blood every few generations, seventeen-year-old Miykal is nothing. Despite being born into the Year of Power, a pool of people her age waiting for the Old Arcana's to die in order to replace them--she lives for no one but her father and brother. When the powerful High Priestess dies, the last of the Old Arcana, the pool is opened again, and Miykal begins the final test for her year. But it is then that--against her every belief--Miykal becomes a top choice for the title of the new High Priestess. Now, amidst a life of politics, intrigue, and secrecy which threatens to destroy all that she is, Miykal must find those to trust, and weed out those who threaten her. That is, if she is willing to take it. But the final trial ends with the greatest sacrifice an Arcana must make. She must fight the odds in order to save herself and get back to the family she abandoned. She'll toe a dozen blurry lines, fight like she never has, and seek the depths of her soul to escape her fate. The world is against her, her rulers are against her, her gods--but she will succeed. To Miykal, there is no other option.

ℂℍ𝔸ℝ𝔸ℂ𝕋𝔼ℝ𝕊 MIKAL SEHER | High Priestess | Scrappy, Smart, Quick, Secretive, Emotional, Witty, Intuitive, Strong Inner Voice. | The type of girl who will smile as she shoves your face into a wall. Shuts down to cope. Thinks of what could’ve been. Just wants to keep her family safe. |

XYNIC MORI | The Hierophant | Intelligent, Traditional, Compassionate, Honest, Dedicated, Spiritual, Righteous | Wants to help too much. Trying to fix past mistakes. Never trusts anyone but himself. Would rather read than talk to his friends. Misses something he never had or can’t remember. Looks a little weak but is ridiculously good with a sword. |

ADELAIDE ADARA | The Empress | Kind, Thoughtful, Empathetic, Enthusiastic, Stunning, Nurturing, Cautious | The mom friend of the group. Trusts people too much. Tries to make everyone happy and forgets about herself.  The type of girl who you think may actually be a goddess. Is very non-conflict, but will take zero shit. |

KEON ALLIARD | The Emperor | Strict, Intimidating, Traditional, Courageous, Wise, Structured, Logical. | The one who reigns in and calms down everyone else. Easily annoyed by anyone. Doesn’t like change. The king of dad jokes. Mind over heart constantly. |

𝕊𝔼𝕋𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾

Usmary: The nation which is ruled by the Major Arcana and the Minor Courts. Since the rise of Arc, a god around whom the Major Arcana is based,  a Year of Power has been selected to take on the role of his original protectors and guard the nation. It is a rich, and industrialized nation with a diverse landscape that includes plains, large bodies of water, forests, and mountain ranges.

Vain: An outer city that manufactures many of Usmary’s goods. Besides the central area of the city, it is mostly impoverished, citizens having to conscript themselves into Usmary’s army which defends its borders or become a factory worker. Vain is home to many gangs, such as the Court of Blood, which is infamous nationwide.

Santa Ivyak: They stunning capitol city of Usmary. It’s known for Cloud Palace, where the Major Arcana live. It is the richest and most populated city, but as all places with the powerful and privileged are, there are constantly schemes within both the Minor Courts and the Arcana. 

𝔾ℝ𝕆𝕌ℙ𝕊

The Major Arcana: The Major Arcana is a collection of twenty-two individuals who are chosen to represent the original Arcana which had been created thousands of years ago. There is the High Priestess, the Empress, the Emperor, the Hierophant, and many more. This court, when fully/mostly collected is the one which leads all of Usmary, having a spiritual connection to Arc and his gods (the original MA). 

The Minor Courts: Despite their name the Minor Courts--which include the Court of Swords, Wands, Cups, and Pentacles--take over as political leaders while the Major Arcana is unfilled, untrained, etc. They’re known for their indecision, which has caused already impoverished lands such as Vain to be thrown into a worse state.

The Blood Court: Due to the belief that the Minor Courts do nothing to help the struggling, gangs take on a name such as the Blood Court/Court of Blood to anger them. The Court of Blood, led by King, a powerful ringmaster who has controlled an entire sector of Vain for two decades now. He frequently competes with other gangs, such as Bone Court, Hell Court, and Bronze Court.

ℕ𝕆𝕋𝔼

Hey everyone! I know this is a very sudden announcement. One that I never dreamed of making, but so much has happened in the time I’ve been gone that has inspired me greatly (which I will go into greater detail on in a separate post.) What I feel like I need to say though is that I’m finally--after suffering from really bad depression since I was ten--on meds. They have helped me so much and I already see a huge difference in my ability to create... which is why I’ve chosen to come back and share this project with you! 

To those of you worried that I’ve put The Natural Orders on hold, I have to admit it is, but for good reason! In fact, I’ve completely finished my edits for it and have passed it on to my peer editors. I’m even hoping to seek out a publisher so it can be released this summer! (A fun birthday gift. lol). Even the outline for the second book has been made! This book is just a fun filler until my editors are finished by the end of February.

To all my mutuals, I love you just as much as the day I left and I don’t think there’s been a day I haven’t thought of the people on this site who supported and encouraged me. Even when I was gone you fueled my desire to write.

If you took the time to read this whole spiel despite the ridiculous length thank you. I know I have a lot of work to do to be more interactive than ever, but I will give it everything I have. You guys are my motivation and my inspiration, and I’m happy to be back :) Luv yall -Ken

[firebirdsdaughter]

Well…

… What better thing to do when you feel like absolute crap in the morning and it’s starting to get too hot again? DX

Watch Ryusoulger! ^^ Subbed! XD

In no order and w/ many typos bc I am a dumb who stayed up to late and I have a headache. Also it’s almost eighty degrees here and I hate everything:

Aw, Asuna is playing games for snacks. ^^ Definitely think she has a very high metabolism.

This super cute, too, the kids hanging out and playing carnival games. Asuna asking Melto for advice. XD Ah, my babies.

Aw, it’s sweet that everyone claps.

A year’s worth of snacks is that little? I think they might be underestimating Asuna’s eating speed. And mine.

Melto’s pouting bc he feels like his advice wasn’t needed. Aw, don’t feel bad, sweetie, she wouldn’t have asked if she didn’t want to hear it.

Okay, this is fine. Could have been… Hm, but Asuna clearly wasn’t afraid at all, and looked annoyed, which is in line w/ her character, and Mori jumped in very quickly—which is what I was hoping for, bc no way you can make me believe Asuna actually needed saving, but it makes sense that someone seeing the situation from the outside would want to assist someone they thought was in trouble. In fact, I’d say that Mori just saved those guys’ lives. Like, pretty sure she’d’ve cold cocked on herself if he had been a little slower. XD

And then he starts fighting them, and Asuna’s just like ‘oh, okay, I guess this is happening now. *shrug*’

Honestly, he didn’t seem to need help, so I don’t blame her.

She knows what boxing is? I mean, not the strangest thing.

Aaaaaand… Crayon the mushroom man makes another entrance.

Every time we watch the opening, I’m reminded that we still don’t know who hooded man is… I mean, they’ve got time, but I’d love some more hints. And while we’re at it… Actually, never mind. I think everyone knows where I was going there. XD

That scene where he approached the brothers is really getting at me, though… Like, not even Touwa has mentioned it? Which makes me very curious/suspicious.

Honestly, I like the troll Minusaur’s design…

Did you two try to call the others?

Kou, you doof! Though I guess he didn’t know Mori was there.

I really like that Crayon has trouble controlling the Minusaurs, it’s a nice touch and usually leads to funny hijinks.

I guess it was the force of the explosion that sent them rolling like that. That’s what I’m going w/. No way a Ryusoulger would get detransformed from rolling down a hill.

Aw, she’s so sweet. I’m love her.

I really like how she can be silly, but also a really cool, strong sort of ‘big sister’ at the same time. Anky Mom raised her well. ^^

Touwa, don’t be so defeatist!

Kou! DX Honestly though, that’s kind of in character for him to so… Hyper-focused, I guess?

Asuna’s face, though! Honey, just grab him by the ear and pull, okay? That’ll shut him up.

Not you, too, Melto! DX Asuna, grab both their ears! Just smack them!

I’m glad the point here is that they were wrong to ignore her.

I don’t so much blame Banba and Touwa there, bc they were just kinda… There? They could’ve called the other two on it and didn’t, though.

I am now going to hyper obsess about a single line in regards to my ‘Banba becomes everyone’s rock’ view. Bc he totally just kind of ‘reground’ the discussion there. XD

Touwa and Banba don’t even go here. XD It’s okay, I don’t think Banba plans on eating anything. He just got up bc everyone else did.

Aw, Tyramigo’s trying to comfort her! You’re right, sweetie. Good to try and be proactive. I say, like a bloody hypocrite.

It might have been wiser to go back in and smack them, but she’s justifiably annoyed at them so it makes sense she wouldn’t.

On the one hand, that drawing looks pretty good from where I’m sitting, on the other, I’m a perfectionist, too. And maybe the issue isn’t that it’s not ‘good,’ it’s that it’s not what he ‘wants’ it to be?

Asuna here w/ the very direct line of questioning.

Don’t tell him that! Though I do appreciate that the whole ‘she says the wrong thing/speaks too bluntly sometimes’ thing is more subtle. Like w/ what she said to Melto before and here. It’s not there all the time.

Other thing I like about this, is that it’s not ‘the girl can’t beat the Minusaur alone.’ It’s that ‘no one can beat the Minusaur.’ Yes, they fare a little better when there’s more of them, but it’s not bc Asuna is a ‘girl’ or at all ‘weaker.’ It’s that this Minusaur is quite strong. It wasted Kou and Melto before, too. Also the fact that it’s just reflecting their own power back at them (multiplied, too, I believe), means that it’s using their own strength against them. So the stronger the attack, the more damage the reflection does. After all, Asuna does absolutely fine on her own later, and even frightens the current General, and it takes three of them and the Kishiryu and some strategy to beat the Minusaur (and some of Asuna’s luck).

A plus mediation, Kou. You guys can discuss this later.

Crayon should really learn to watch his mouth w/ the Generals…

Wyzul’s incurable need for theatrics will become his undoing. By pissing off Asuna.

The fact that Banba does everything just slightly slower than the others, from drawing his sword to charging the Minusaur, just to be that much sexier is vexing and I love it.

Wonder what varsity jacket did to make Mori so pissed at him? Or… Is he a coach or something? If he’s a coach, he needs to be fired, though.

Wait, did art boy offer to punch a dude for Mori so that Mori could fight in an upcoming boxing match, but someone would still punch the dude? That’s so sweet, oh my god. DX

Nah, man, Asuna’s right. I think you’re overreacting a little. I say, like I don’t overreact every day of my life.

I’m sobbing. Anky Mom raised a good girl. Asuna is a princess and a damn wonderful big sis. She’s still dad friend of the trio, though.

Banba is dad friend of the whole team.

Melto is mom friend no matter where he is.

I feel like these three’s reactions are telling of their personalities. XD Kou just takes one to the face, Touwa dodges a bit the ducks for cover, and Banba blocks a little but stands his ground and somehow manages to avoid being hit by… I dunno, sheer power of sexiness?

I think I regret getting used to that word.

This is very much dramatic irony. It’s pretty obvious to the audience that it’s Wyzul—but Mori doesn’t know about Wyzul at all, or that he can shapeshift, Asuna knows about Wyzul and that he can shapeshift, but has no reason to think he’s here. I mean, sure, Minusaur, but Crayon has gotten left to his own devices before. And they haven’t seen him yet. Asuna isn’t the suspicious type, either.

Where they just letting Kou wail on it while they watched. I mean, I guess more eyes are likely to notice something, but it’s just funny.

Ah, it’s her injured wrist, that probably made things harder. It does seem like she makes conscious decisions when to put her whole strength into things, most of the time, w/ only the occasional slip ups.

Hey, not a bad plan, Kou. MistSoul is pretty noncombative.

Yeah, but not all the attacks went through his… You know what, I don’t care. In the positive way. I don’t care for positive reasons.

I love how they just let Kou wail on it again in Kishiryu Oh. Though I guess they couldn’t form anything w/out Asuna and Ankyrose.

Asuna here w/ the princess carry. True knight in shining armour. ^^

The new mecha suit actor is really good. The torch has been well passed. ^^

Also, pour one out for the miniature city set designers and builders! Technically physically possible, whatever! That was impressive! And how many times must they have had to build and test everything. And then there’s the effects. O_o I salute you, folks.

Oh, yeah, and… It’s HAMMER TIME!

Asuna for one of the best big sisters ever award. DX

I love Naohisa and his ‘ah! places!’ reaction to Asuna coming in. XD

They made a sign? And why is Ui wearing a helmet? I’m so confused. But this is so cute, gods love them.

Not all of them are smiling, dude. Banba has to keep glaring, it’s in his contract.

No it, it’s not. But he’s def not smiling yet. One day he is gonna smile, though, and I am going to implode.

 Okay, but has DimeVolcano just been wandering the forest giving deadly quiz shows? Is that what’s been happening?

Kinda like how the preview is like ‘yeah, new power next week!’ right off the bat instead of being all ‘mysterious’ about it or something. XD

Okay, who implemented a quiz into a Kishiryu? Why? Why does it rampage if you answer wrong? This seems like poor seal design, Ryusoul predecessors…

And apparently he can talk. They taught the Kishiryu to talk so that it could give quizzes. This seems like a lot of effort.

And the fact that the quiz thing is apparently such a thing that it’s featured in the historical writings that were found by palaeontologists.

Also they got my boys in the house again—I don’t know why I love that so much, but I do—and I just noticed Touwa is holding a mug. For some reason this is so important to mea, I will be including a picture at the bottom

Really curious as to how the quiz scene goes down, bc there’s shots of what seem to be Crayon and Myzul trying it, and shots of the trio trying it, but… What happened to the brothers? They’re there on approach, and there’s a shot in the online preview that seems to indicate they’re there in the scene where they’re talking to DimeVolcano, but they seem to disappear. Very curious what the actual scenario is.

That’s all, folks! Virtual fondu for anyone who read all that. I liked this episode very much, Asuna is wonderful and I love her to pieces. I was a little apprehensive when I first read the summary, but I think they handled it fine. Asuna did get to call the boys out for not listening to her/taking her seriously, which was nice. Sad we didn’t get Anky Mom, but there’s plenty of time for her to come back at some other point. Find it hilarious that Banba insists on sitting w/ his back to everyone during discussions. I am totally over obsessing over minor things, but I’m choosing to interpret that tiny moment (where he was like ‘but first, we need to figure out it’s weakness’) as something to indicate he’s becoming the ‘rock’ of the team. Kinda like Hikari? W/ the whole ‘anchor’ thing? He’s the most sort of… Like, ‘down to earth’? In a way? Like, they all absolutely can focus and be ‘serious’ and sensible about things, but they can also kinda ‘wander off’? Kou, Touwa, and Asuna will rush into things, each in their own way, Melto overthinks, so on and so on. Goodness knows what kind of nonsense Kanaro will get up to. And Banba can be the grumpy, stubborn, often taciturn rock that supports and anchors them. Did any of that make sense?

Bonus:

Touwa holding a mug. Bc it’s somehow funny and cute to me and almost implies the boys came over for lunch or breakfast or something.

Have also remembered my random thought about the possibility of Wyzul masquerading as one of the team this ep. I feel like the new info makes it a little unlikely, but not impossible. They’ve got a hostage, yes, but Wyzul does like to be tricky—case in point, last time they had a hostage. So it’s not impossible.

[cielrouge]

I was lucky enough to attend the Pacific Rim: Uprising NYCC panel at Madison Square Garden (and sat in the first row ayyy~~) and took a bunch of notes lol. The panel included the director Steven S. DeKnight, and a few members of the main cast including John Boyega, Cailee Spaeny, Scott Eastwood, and Burn Gorman. Here's my recap:

General Worldbuilding Tidbits

Pacific Rim: Uprising is set 10 years in the future after the last film. DeKnight said that they wanted to show a “new generation of Jaeger pilots who have known nothing but chaos.”

Previous characters slated to return, as seen by the trailer, include Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi), Dr. Hermann Gottlieb (Burn Gorman), and Dr. Newt Geiszler (Charlie Day).

The new main "trio" seems to consists of the main lead, Jake Pentecost, and the late son of Stacker Pentecost (John Boyega), Jake's best friend and Jaeger pilot Nate Lambert (Scott Eastwood), and tech-savvy Amara Namani (Cailee Spaeny). 

10 years later, the Pan-Pacific Defense Corps (PPDC) has come together to work as an international fighting force, with all of humanity working together - i.e. Jaegers are no longer coded by specific country, like the Russian Jaegers, Australian Jaegers, etc. 

This also allowed the opportunity to build Jaegers from the ground up, since they were all previously destroyed in the first film. It was jokingly claimed, "we cancelled the apocalypse and then un-cancelled it to make this movie."

DeKnight discussed how  Del Toro originally set the table with Pacific Rim as a "fantastic visual feast," so the goal with the sequel was to honor the original, but also expand the universe at the same time. 

John Boyega claimed that they weren't trying to "rewrite what Guillermo Del Toro did, but rather to build upon and expand this universe, and where the humans are at now."

Boyega also talked about how he came onto work behind-the-scenes creatively on the film as a producer. He described Pacific Rim as one of the only franchises he's come across where the fans are hopeful and "sacred science fiction ground." 

Going in, Boyega felt like he had the same creative passion as DeKnight. When they met in LA for the first time, they went over the specific Jaegers and basically what Boyega wanted to see after Pacific Rim. He claimed that "I believe this is everything you want Pacific Rim to be." 

One of the goals of Pacific Rim: Uprising is to explain exactly what happened 10 years after the first film, but not necessarily be a complete detachment to the origin story. It was highlighted that there are a lot of young teenage characters in the cast and hopefully that'll be something that new viewers can relate to. 

According to DeKnight, one of the overarching themes of Pacific Rim is: "It doesn't matter who your parents are, the color of your skin, your religion, or sexual orientation, you can make a difference and be a hero. It's the human inside the Jaegers that makes you super." 

Pacific Rim: Uprising was filmed both in Australia and China. The cast pretty much agreed that as a director, DeKnight runs a "relaxed" and "creative" set - it was a tough schedule, but the actors all felt that they could still have creative input.

New Jaegers

DeKnight called them all "badass," with Gipysy Avenger leading the charge.

Gipsy Avenger: Has a lot of upgrades, including a Gravity Sling which allows the Jaeger to reach out and grab buildings, cars, etc. and hurl them directly at the Kaiju.

Bracer Phoenix: This is the brute force Jaeger. One of its special abilities, above many, is the fact that it's a three-pilot machine. Therefore, the third pilot can drop into the chamber and operate a pair of massive guns called the Vortex Cannon.

Saber Athena: This is the most advanced Jaeger in the fleet that uses Plasma swords. Also described as a "little experimental,"  and "incredibly swift."

Titan Redeemer: Has a special weapon called the "ball of death," which is attached to the end of his arm. According to DeKnight, this was "pretty damn cool." 

Guardian Bravo: Is another brute force Jaeger that has a special weapon called the "graphine arc whip." 

Scrapper: Described as a "little guy," that's been slapped together. Since in the future, there are a lot of people pilfering and stealing PPCD technology to make their own Jaegers. 

During the Q&A, an audience member asked if all the new Jeagers run on analog. DeKnight claimed one Jaeger is built on sticks (lmao), but the general idea is that no EM-powered Kaijus will be able to take down the Jaegers in this film.

Jake Pentecost (John Boyega)

Boyega stated that he "loved the first movie and one of the reasons was Idris Elba." So, he understood the big shoes that he had to fill. Boyega claimed he understood this responsibility, but  "we [the cast] all worked as a unit, and Jake Pentecost doesn't exist without the other characters. This is also a great ensemble piece."

When the moderator asked if Jake is trying to live up to Sacker's legacy, Boyega jokingly claimed: "Hell no!" He went to explain that "the greatest heroes don't accept legendary status. It takes a tussle and a turn and for Jake's position. Where we find Jake in the beginning of the film is in very different circumstances from his Dad."

Boyega described Jake as a "stealer, a hustler, and lives in half a mansion. He's really a guy that doesn't want to live up to the Pentecost name."

Jake is bought back into the PPCD in a very unique way through his connection to Cailee Spaeny's character Amara. So, Jake is bought into this adventure and decides that he's gotta "step up," after realizing that the "Pentecost name still means something to people." 

During the Q&A, an audience member asked Boyega what's the most rewarding part of being a sci-fi icon. He claimed that he doesn't feel like one, but working on both Pacific: Rim Uprising has been exciting, since it's allowed him to jump into various elements of sci-fi that he loved growing up.

Nate Lambert (Scott Eastwood)

Eastwood described him as a Jaeger pilot who's one of the best out there. Yet, he's still "the tip of the spear," and really nothing without his best friend Jake.

Jake and Nate still have issues in this movie to work out from the past, so Eastwood felt that coming back around and dealing with a lost time with these characters was something cool to explore as an actor. 

Eastwood also emphasized that while yes, there is plenty of action in the film, it "has a great story first and foremost."

Amara Namani (Cailee Spaeny)

This was Spaeny's first film that she was ever cast for. So, she was definitely intimidated and a bit terrified, but knew that fans were so supportive of the first film. 

Spaeny didn't actually watch Pacific Rim until she got the audition for the sequel, and really took it upon herself to dive into the universe in order to understand and respect the original film.  

In terms of Spaeny's film experience, there was also diving into tons of stunts and action and lots of skills that she to catch onto , since she was participating in a whole world that's already been created. 

But Spaeny felt that both DeKnight and the cast were very supportive and helpful, whenever she had questions, so it was really easy for her to dive into Cailee's character. She also bonded with DeKnight since this was the first feature-length, theatrical film that he ever directed. 

Spaeny described Amara as very "independent," and super "badass." She's also a tech-savvy person. 

For Amara's backstory, her entire family was killed in the first wave of Kaiju attacks. So, Amara really "takes it upon herself to dive into Jaeger tech and make sure that when Kaiju do come back, she'll be ready to fight and protect herself." 

While Amara's past is very different from Jake's, Spaeny claimed that both of them still see a lot of things in similar ways.  

Dr. Hermann Gottlieb (Burn Gorman)

Gorman said he was very excited to be back in the sequel, which felt like "being back in the playground.” He also joked, "I've been lucky enough with this face that God gave me to play a few jerks on screen," when an audience member briefly highlighted his past roles on Torchwood, Revenge, Game of Thrones, and The Dark Knight Rises. 

Gottlieb still has problems with personal hygiene. Gorman claimed, "let's just say that he hasn't changed his socks since the last film." 

In comparison to Charlie Day's character (Dr. Newt Geiszler) who has moved onto the private sector, Gottlieb chose to stay behind with the PPCD and arguably their most important scientist at the highest level at this point. So, Gorman joked that Gottlieb now, in effect, has a "really great budget," to work with now. 

However, DeKnight makes it clear that where we find Gottlieb is: "as a man still very much affected in what happened in the previous film in terms of his drift and communication with the Kaiju.

There was a brief Q&A and the last question really stuck out to me, where an audience member asked each cast member to sum up their Pacific: Rim Uprising experience in one word:

John Boyega: Unity

Cailee Spaeny: Life-Changing

Scott Eastwood: International

Steve S. DeKnight: Mind-blowing

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 117

 Duncan: *approaches the library desk* "..." *rings the bell--*

Poe: "EEEEEK!" *falls back*

Duncan: "..." *drops a pile of books* "Isn't there usually another librarian here?"

rowena: she's currently out on a mission.

Poe: "S-She's on a mission?" *picks himself up*

Duncan: "..."

*the books seem to be about weapon abilities...*

Poe: *flipping through the books, and as he scans one--*

Duncan: *spots an image of something called the Holy Sword* "What is--"

rowena: isnt that-

hiro: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! *KICKS THE BOOK INTO A WALL*

Duncan: "?!! I was reading that--"

Poe: "THAT IS DAMAGING LIBRARY PROPERTY!"

rowena: 0____0

hiro: trust me, the less known about that-...that THING...the better!

Duncan: "..." *wipes his eyes*

EF: *enters, panting* h-hiro..h-how do you even run that fast?

hiro: sixth sense.

Poe: "Oh, that's fascinating! Look, Rowena--psychic abilities..."

Duncan: *grabs the books, hugging them close as he walks away*

EF: *notices him* ??

rowena: is that true?!

hiro: only in regards to this subject.

rowena: is that so? could it be....you're a descendant of king arthur pendragon himself?!

*loud steps are heard running into the library*

rowena: hmm?

*the doors kick open--as Arthur slams his foot into Hiro's head*

EF: D8

hiro:......HOW DID YOU GET HERE ALL THE WAY FROM THE 8TH BRIGADE BASE?!

Arthur: "I AM THE KNIGHT KING--MY SPEED IS LEGENDARY!"

Poe: >3< "Shhh!"

EF:.....perhaps it's best not to question it anymore. *sweatdrop*

-elsewhere-

present mic: you guys ever think about having kids?

midnight: *SPITTAKE*

blood king: what brought this up?!

present mic: *shrug*

Aizawa: "...I already have cats and 2 morons."

midnight: oh, i could never have kids. i mean, i could, but i dont think i'd be able to look after small children. they may be cute, but they're crafty little buggers.

present mic: is it cuz your paranoid they'll get into your stash of stuff?

midnight: YOU DONT HAVE TO BE SO BLUNT ABOUT IT!! DX<

Aizawa: -_______-

*knock on the door*

blood king: ??

Shinso: *slides the door open...he's with Yuuji*

Aizawa: "Oh, there you are. Finish cleaning up?"

yuuji: yeah.

Shinso: *writes on whiteboard* <I can keep them quiet.>

yuuji: well, i've had several younger siblings during my times in foster care, so i think i can handle them well enough.

blood king: *ahem* as i myself was about to say, my sister sometimes asks me to look after her little ones. *shows a picture on his phone of two young boys and a young girl, all with the same hair color and fangs as him*

Aizawa: "..."

Shinso: <Strong family resemblance.>

blood king: they certainly are popular among my students.

{pony: SO CUUUTE!!}

{itsuka: they look just like you!}

{shouda: i wonder if their quirks will be the same as his.}

{kinoko: dude, that's rad}

yuuji: i see.

Aizawa: "You stop class to show baby photos?"

blood king: -_-; this was during homeroom.

Aizawa: "Still class."

blood king: >n<

midnight: boys, just because we're talking about children doesnt mean you should be acting like children.

Shinso: <Ha.>

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *lying back in a beach chair* =u=

miyuri: *pokes a hole in the sand with her shovel until a crab comes out* oh!

Crab: "..." *steps to the side*

miyuri: *staring intently, with shiny eyes*

Crab: "..." *steps again to the side, picking at the sand*

sonia: *collecting rocks and shells*

*there's a shiny rock by the tide*

sonia: *picks it up*

*it sparkles like diamond under the sunlight*

sonia: *puts it into her bucket and walks over to chuuya*

Chuuya: *stretches* *looks* "Hey! How you enjoying the beach?"

sonia: pretty good. i found this.

Chuuya: "Wow, that's shiny!"

-near the rocks, the sound of a little girl crying can be heard-

miyuri: ??

sonia: do you hear that?

???: *sniffle* waaaah! mamai! w-whe-where are you? *crying*

miyuri: *goes over*

sonia: miyuri!

miyuri: *peeeeeeks*

-there's a young girl sitting on one of the rocks, her lower half not visible from where miyuri is standing-

miyuri: HI FRIEND!

girl: ?!?!?!? *turns to look*

Chuuya: "..."

sonia: are you alright? we wont hurt you, promise.

girl: um..i-i...i got lost a-and i-i cant f-find my mu-mama. *hic*

Chuuya: "Where did you last see her?"

girl: w-we were going t-to the docks b-bu-but then i got s-swept up in the current.

sonia: ?? !!! papa....her lower half....

-the girl has no legs.....but a tail?-

Chuuya: "...Forgive me being obtuse, but are you a mermaid?"

girl: *nods* i-i came with mamai for her job. sh-she trades pearls with the land people. b-but i-i dont know where she iiiis! *crying*

miyuri:...it's ok! we'll help you find your mommy!

girl: y-you will?

Chuuya: *looking around* "Maybe the docks, but that's some distance."

miyuri: miyuyu....ah! miyuri has an idea! *drawing something in the sand*

sonia: ??

-miyuri has drawn a walking bathtub full of ocean water-

miyuri: TADA!

girl: oh!!

Chuuya: ._.; "That's something alright. Let's help you in, um...What's your name?"

girl: my name's Elodie.

Chuuya: "Okay, let's help you in, Elodie."

-elsewhere-

Crona: *lying down* "..."

mami: *sitting next to them* how are you feeling?

Crona: "I feel wiped out--like every bit of energy pulled out of me."

mami: i could imagine.....im just....so glad you're alright....

Crona: *weak smile, sniffles* "I-I'm not sure what to feel."

mami: well. im hoping for the best...*pats their hand*

Crona: "Hee..."

mami:...*gently kisses their knuckles*

Crona: =\\\\= "Mami..."

mami: ^////^ your blushing is different now.

Crona: "Wh-What?!" O\\\\o

mami: *hands them a pocket mirror* the color's different now, see? it's more of a pink color now.

Crona: "... ... ..." *crying*

mami: !!!!

Crona: T~T "I-I can't believe all of this..."

mami:......*hugs*

Crona: *hugging her* "I-I am happy but scared...Mami..."

mami:....it'll be ok....its going to be ok.....

Crona: *nod nod* "*hic*"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *sitting at a fast food restaurant with a box of chicken nuggets in front of them* "..." *has been dunking one in ketchup for a minute*

izumi: hey, you ok?

Asher: "Hmm? Yeah. Why?" *the entire nugget is just ketchup now*

izumi: your nugget....

Asher: "...I was wondering why my fingers felt gross." *wipes them on a napkin* "Distracted."

izumi:...wanna talk about it or...

Asher: "...Just the training camp..."

izumi:.......

Asher: "...You could've gotten killed."

izumi:.....

Asher: "...I wasn't of any help."

izumi: that's not true, you helped zeke.

Asher: "But not to you. I don't know what exactly a weapon is supposed to do when--whatever that thing was attacked..."

izumi:......

Asher: "I don't know that I could've done anything...You seemed to reach her well enough."

izumi:....i guess so.....i could have easily just left her behind, after everything she did......

Asher: "But that's not who you are."

izumi: if i did leave then, i wouldnt have been able to forgive myself...

Asher: *nods* "That makes sense...You're a good person."

izumi: so are you.

Asher: "...Thanks."

-elsewhere-

sonia: there's the docks.

Chuuya: *guiding the bathtub* *looks around*

-a woman in the water is talking to a man in a boat, she seems frantic-

elodie: !!!! mamai!!

Elodie's Mother: "?!!" *turns* "Elodie!" *swims towards them*

miyuri: *waves*

elodie: *jumps into the water and hugs* TT~TT

Elodie's Mother: *stroking her head* "My poor baby! I was scared to death!"

miyuri: miyuri, sonia, and papa found her by the rocks and helped her find you! ^^

sonia:..........

Elodie's Mother: *shaking, looking at them* "Th-Thank you..."

miyuri: you're welcome. ^^

Chuuya: "Y-Yeah..." ("Didn't think I'd see a mermaid.")

-elsewhere-

Monica: -_-# "So, you going to rat me out to Mom and Dad?"

lorenzo: well, obviously they need to know what happened, right?

Monica: >_<# "You don't have to narc on me to them about a two-week suspension! Just make something up!"

lorenzo: hmmm. how about we break your leg?

Monica: "?!! YOU WOULDN'T! R-Right?"

lorenzo: <chill sis> im bluffing.

Monica: -~-; "Ha ha..." <Asshole.>

lorenzo: well, mom and papi are probably still at work, so you want something to eat in the meantime?

Monica: "Duh--I was stuck in the desert and then getting poked and prodded at school all day--I'm starving."

lorenzo: anything in mind? *putting on the apron*

Monica: "Whatever is fastest--even leftovers."

-elsewhere-

Saria: *texting* [i think i'm on house arrest for the next millennium. : p ]

hibiki: [ouch, that bad huh?]

Saria: [the dads were not pleased. but i think they'll calm down with time. how are u?]

hibiki: [death by lecture from the fam via phonecall #riparroni]

Saria: [oh no! i'm sorry. are u alright?]

hibiki: [it's cool. axel + zeke got a lot of shit from their mom, tho. other than that, all good]

-zeke joined the chat-

Saria: [speaking of which...]

zeke: [axel's writing his will as we speak. he wants the space jam theme played at his funeral]

hibiki: [is that meme still a thing? wtf?]

zeke: [memes R forever]

Axel: [it makes my heart soar. like that song]

hibiki: *she sends a pic of herself facepalming*

Saria: [ ^^; i see u 2 are in well enough spirits]

Axel: [i am happy not to be dead]

-elsewhere-

miura: sir? are you drunk? -_-;

Mori: *hic* "I'm so lonely!!!"

elise: sucks to be you.

Mori: TT~TT "So mean!"

miura: -_-; why not call up an escort?

Mori: *sniff* "My favorite blacklisted me."

elise: not surprised.

Mori: "I need to find an-an-another..."

miura: then why not try a dating site?

Mori: "R-Really?"

miura: it's worth a try, isnt it?

Mori: "...Elise, bring me my laptop."

-elsewhere-

higuchi: ...gin, did you feel that too?

Gin: "Oh, yeah."

higuchi: *urk*

Gin: -~- "I'll get the ginger ale."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "Stocking, come to bed--you can continue tomorrow."

stocking: just...a little....*yaaaaAAAAWWWwwn* more....

Kid: *holds her up* "It'll be here tomorrow. Let's get you some sleep."

stocking: =~=

Kid: ^^; *walks with her*

-elsewhere-

Kau'i: *crushes a soda can on his forehead* "That was insane! What the hell was that black stuff?!"

dagon: i'll start looking into it now, sir.

audrey: Q~Q i've never been so scared in my whole life!

Derek: "Quite scary indeed." *shivers* "I don't think that was what Mr. Barret was anticipating on this trip."

lumina: do you think it could have been related to the moon incident?

nisha: that's a possibility.

Kau'i: *suddenly has a giant muffin in his mouth* "Huh? What Moon thing?"

lumina: didnt you see the news? *pulls up an article*

Kau'i: *munch, chew, swallow* "I don't read the news. That's how you end up having to debate people who really think the Earth revolves around the Sun."

Derek: "..." *opens his mouth...then just shuts up*

-elsewhere-

Ragnarok: *gobbling Jell-O* "OH MY DEATH, MY TASTE BUDS ARE INCREDIBLE!!!" *shakes an empty glass* "MORE MILK!"

nurse: how much is he going to eat? .____.;;;

Blair: *hiding behind the nurse* "I don't know--and I'm really scared!" >~<

Crona: .______________.

mami: oh dear.....

Ragnarok: *staring at Crona and Mami* "...Dang, Crona, you look scrawnier from this angle!"

Crona: >_<; "It's not my fault that I had to eat for both of us all this time!"

mami: hmm. that just leaves the rooming situation...

Ragnarok: "... ... ...I don't think the bed is big enough."

mami: you're on the couch.

Ragnarok: "WHAT?! We're not even going to flip Crona for it?!"

Crona: "Flip a coin!"

Ragnarok: "You heard what I said!"

mami: *protective hug for chrona as she GLARES at ragnarok*

Ragnarok: *frowns...then opens his mouth, a giant slithering pink tongue blowing a raspberry and revealing rows of teeth*

mami: ._.;

Crona: O_O; "What the heck kind of body did they give you?!"

Ragnarok: "...The kind that lets me lick the peanut butter out of the bottom of the jar now--WOOT!"

-elsewhere-

Black Star: *holding the broken sink...as the pipe that once connected it is leaking water* O_O;

himawari: D8

tsubaki: what on earth??

Black Star: "I DON'T KNOW MY OWN STRENGTH RIGHT NOW, AND IT'S FREAKING ME OUT!" *steps forward--and his foot falls through the bathroom tile* "SHIT!"

tsubaki:....im calling stein.

Black Star: "This can't get any worse--"

*Black Star crashes through the floor*

Black Star: "AAAAAAAH--"

*BOOM*

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *studying a string of pearls*

miyuri: *asleep*

sonia:......

Chuuya: *sets them down* "Did you have fun, Sonia?"

sonia:....*nods*.......

Chuuya: "Same. We'll have more tomorrow."

sonia:....im glad....we helped elodie find her mama......

Chuuya: "..." *nods*

sonia:.....it must be nice. being hugged by a mama....

Chuuya: "Sonia..."

sonia:....am i a bad person? for being jealous of her?

Chuuya: "No--feeling that way is completely normal. What we do with those feelings is what matters."

sonia:.....may i have a hug?

Chuuya: "Always..." *hug*

sonia: thanks papa.....

Chuuya: "You're welcome. I love you."

-elsewhere-

Harvar: "Ugh, no one here sees anything..."

kim: they seem a bit hesitant....

Jacqueline: "Give them time to get used to us..."

kim: what are we even supposed to be doing on this mission again anyway?

Harvar: "Locals and their livestock and crops have gone missing."

kim: ah.

Jacqueline: "Disappearances tend to happen overnight, so we'll need shifts to be nightguards."

ox: right.

Thunder: *yawns* =A=

-the next day-

suzune: *yaaaawn*

arisa: wakey wakey! we have a busy day today!

Chisato: *making breakfast*

suzune:.....how long have we been in kamihama now? -_-;;

Matsuri: "Quite a while, actually." *sets out a cereal bowl*

-elsewhere-

Kid: *yawns...reaches across the bed--and finds it empty* "???" *sniffs*

stocking: *looking exhausted* good morning darling. =u=

Kid: "??? Hey. Were you working again?"

stocking: yes.

Kid: ^^ *leads her to bed* "Now, lie down, and think of pleasant, happy dreams."

-elsewhere-

gin: ryuu, its time for breakfast!

Akutagawa: *grumbles*

gin: we're making omurice!

Akutagawa: "..." *walks out* "Coming."

higuchi: looks like theres going to be a night market at the park tonight.

Akutagawa: "Hmm." *nom* "You going?"

higuchi: yeah, might find some nice deals. ^^

Gin: "We could use something to make the living room look a bit more complete. Maybe a sculpture."

-elsewhere-

Black Star: *sticks out his tongue*

Stein: *looking in his mouth* "Well, it's not fuzzy..."

nurse valentine: *taking notes*

Stein: "Well, it's obviously a soul strengthening that is channeling your latent and trained muscular power to exert greater force."

Black Star: "... ...Obviously. Now put it in a way I can understand."

Stein: "Whatever has altered in the atmosphere is giving your soul more power, which is strengthening your body."

Black Star: "..." *rubs his eyes, then looks at Valentine--* "?!!!!"

nurse valentine: what he said.

Black Star: "Nah, nurse--what the hell is that stuff on you?!"

Stein: "..." *looks* "There's nothing on her."

*Black Star is seeing...something glowing around her and Stein...*

nurse valentine: what exactly do you see?

Black Star: "It's all glowy and wavy!"

nurse valentine: *glances at stein*

Stein: "I see...Your soul perception up to now has been pathetic. Now this power boost is letting you see them--"

*SPLASH*

Stein: *dripping wet* "..."

Black Star: *holding an empty glass* "...IT'S STILL THERE!"

nurse valentine: -____-;; i see his mental perception still leaves much to be desired...

Stein: "Small miracles..." *takes a surgical cloth to wipe his glasses, while looking at Black Star...he sees his soul* "But it is as I said: his power is increasing. And given what happened to Crona, I would not ignore the common cause."

nurse valentine: meaning this is related to what happened with the moon....

Stein: "A power...out of madness."

-elsewhere-

atsushi: *yaaaaaawn* -~-;;

Kyoka: "Good morning."

atsushi: i see you're already awake.

sylvia: *resting on the couch*

Kyoka: *sets out rice* "Yes. What would you like to drink?"

atsushi: some milk would be fine.

Kyoka: *nods* *walks to the fridge, looking out the window* "...Oh."

atsushi: *goes over to look*

*Dazai is setting up bricks in the yard*

atsushi: *sigh* i'll go check it out. i'll get the mail too while im down there. *exits and heads over to where dazai is* do i even want to know?

Dazai: *sets a board over the bricks* "Good morning, Atsushi! I'm making a see-saw!"

atsushi: for...?

Dazai: "The baby, of course!" *stands on one side of the board* "See? Then I add the hinge to let it swing up and down."

atsushi: i see. *examining the see-saw* points for innovation, but im not sure it's exactly....child safe. *sweatdrop*

Dazai: "Fortunately, I have determined a good way to test this." *looks up to the tree* "Okay, Kenji--let 'er rip!"

kenji: *waves*

atsushi: O____O;;;

Dazai: *readies himself*

kenji: *drops an old car onto the board*

*Dazai goes flying up--and crashes into barrels behind him*

atsushi: *wince*

Dazai: "I'm okay! ...Oh, I found a mouse--AH, GOD, MY FACE!"

-elsewhere-

chie: *filling up a kiddy pool*

Yohei: "Looking forward to this, kiddos?"

io: yappi!

toru: ah!

Tool: "Careful with that--maybe a floatie is needed..." *holds up a rubber ducky to Io*

io: *squeaks it* *laughs*

Yohei: "Cute." *picks up Toru, carefully putting him into the pool*

toru: *splashes his hands on the water*

Yohei: *rubs his own arm* "You seem pleased."

Tool: "Up you go..." *lifts Io and puts them into the pool*

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *looking under the bed* "??? Um, Mito? Mito? Where are you..."

mito: *mrrp* *sitting on the couch*

Chuuya: *stands up--and hits his head under the bed* "OW!" *looks at the couch* "Ugh...There you are."

mito: *purrs*

Chuuya: *strokes her back* "Where did you run off to?"

-elsewhere-

Crona: *looking out the window*

lord death: good morning.

Crona: "Oh...Hello, sir."

lord death: how are you feeling?

Crona: "Okay...A little different."

lord death: *nods* i see.

Crona: "...Thank you for this. I never felt I deserve this..."

lord death: it's not about 'deserving' or not.

Crona: "I-I'm sorry--I'm not used to thinking that way."

lord death: it's quite alright. have you had breakfast yet today?

Crona: *shakes their head* "Still getting used to adjusted hunger--as I'm not two people now."

lord death: ah... well, im going to be doing a soul scan for you now, to see how the proporties of your soul have changed.

Crona: *gulps* "I-I see...Or don't. Should I be worried?"

lord death: not to worry, this will only take a moment, and it's painless.

Crona: "..." *nods* *sits still*

-later-

lord death: hmm, interesting.

Crona: .~.;

lord death: seems you have magic potential within you. although given your parentage, i suppose this is unsurprising.

Crona: "...It's a little surprising!" *looks at their hands* "I never tried..."

lord death: never to late to learn, i suppose.

Crona: "Who would even teach me?"

lord death: i can think of a few people...

-elsewhere-

Kimizuki: *staring at his phone*

hyakuya: *taps her foot as she stares out the window* boooriiiiing.....

Kimizuki: "It's called off-time. Enjoy it."

Yoichi: *reading a newspaper*

mitsuba:.....how about we go over to the batting cages?

Yoichi: "Oh, fun!"

Kimizuki: "Hmm...Could be good for aim."

hyakuya: sounds great!

-and so-

Yoichi: *puts on the helmet--and it's too big* ._.;

mitsuba: ^w^ not to brag, but i _was_ on my elementary school's baseball team as a kid.

shinoa: i think i remember that. you were known as the blonde ogress who made 5 boys cry.

mitsuba: >n<#

Yoichi: ^^; *backs away*

Kimizuki: "Checks out."

mitsuba: HEY! D8<

hyakuya: loser buys lunch! *takes her stance*

Yoichi: "Good luck!"

-the ball is thrown-

hyakuya: *swings....letting go of the bat and getting hit in the face* GRF-

Kimizuki: "..." *facepalm*

Yoichi: D8 "Oh no!"

hyakuya: *nose bleeding* IM OUT OF PRACTICE! CUT ME SOME SLACK! >n<

mitsuba: that.....that was the worst baseball fail ever......in the history of literally everything.

hyakuya: YOU ARENT HELPING!!

Yoichi: *offers tissues*

-shinoa's phone dials-

shinoa: ?? *answers* hello~? ^^

Guren: "Mission briefing in 10 minutes."

shinoa: ok. we got a mission

Kimizuki: "Oh, joy. So much for rest."

mitsuba: *pouts*

-elsewhere-

chess: hmm.... im soo booooored!

crowley: *checking his phone* ooh! text from ferid!

chess: oooh! what'd he say!

crowley: you know that guy shahal?

chess: he's in charge of keeping livestock, right?

crowley: well, apparently he's been neglecting his duties as of late, and several humans have escaped.

Horn: "Oh, that's no good. Is our priority to retrieve the humans, or punish Shahal?"

crowley: given how often humans make more humans, i say our main priority for now is shahal.

Horn: "...Flawless logic. Very well."

-elsewhere-

stocking: *checking recipes*

Rin: *tapping his fingers* "So what're you thinking?"

stocking: im thinking a brownie coffin filled with little candies for the desert.

Rin: "Oh, creative! Would definitely appeal to the Death Children..." *opens a book* "How many courses is this again?"

-elsewhere-

Giriko: "Then the entire blob thing went *BOOM* and took out Gruk, too."

arachne: hmmm....this is rather concerning...

Giriko: "What you think it was?"

arachne: *takes out her journal* since i've lost most of my old spellbooks, i've taken notes in here......just as i suspected. it's likely black blood.

Giriko: "Uuuuuum..."

arachne: what?

Giriko: "Isn't that what your dipshit sister worked on?"

arachne: *nods* according to lord death, she's still at large somewhere, supposedly....

-elsewhere-

Medusa: "... ... ..." *rubs her nose* *looks along the forest path*

-it's surprisingly dark and a bit foggy-

Medusa: *holds up a small orb...something shines inside, pointing to the left* "..." *turns left*

-elsewhere-

shinoa: *takes a seat*

-at the other end of the table, a woman seems to be distressed. -

Kimizuki: *holding a notepad* "We received initial details. Tell us about her."

woman: *sniffles* y-yes. about two weeks ago, my daughter, riko was abducted by a vampire.

shinoa: guren told us that one of your maids made a sketch of the vampire, correct?

Kimizuki: *looking*

riko's mother: of course. *hands them the sketch* i-i-im not sure how accurate it is, but-

Kimizuki: "No, this is useful."

hyakuya: hmm. how exactly are we going to find him?

Kimizuki: "Good old fashion sleuthing."

-elsewhere-

-in a room in an old cathedral, a young girl is looking out the window-

girl:......

Shahal: "Back away from there."

girl: *looks over at him*

Shahal: "You don't want to fall down--it's not the best window." *holds up a plate* "Sugar cookie?"

girl:....um....*gingerly takes one*

Shahal: "I hope they're okay. You need milk, Lana?"

girl: t-they're alright....a-and i already told you, my name isnt lana, it's riko.

Shahal: "??? Since when? Is this some phase? Like when I insisted on wearing my shirt backwards--"

riko: erm.... ^^;

???: "Oh, wow--a pet?"

riko: ??

Shahal: "?!" *stands up sharply*

horn: so _this_ is why you've been abandoning your post, shahal?

chess: aww, she's so cute! *grabs her*

riko: *yells*

chess: she's so adorable, i could just EAT HER UP! *bears fangs with a feral fervor*

Shahal: *grabs Chess by the neck--and tosses her into the wall*

horn: !!!!

chess: OWIE! >n< ugh, so RUDE!

horn: such ungentlemanly conduct...

Shahal: "Back away from her. She is not a part of this."

horn: oh? it looks to me that she's the reason for our little visit.

riko: *trembling*

Shahal: "State your business and leave us be."

chess: jeez, if you're gonna be so hostile, maybe we _wont_ tell you that an extermination group is coming for you tonight~ whoopsie~ i let it slip~ *cute fist bonk on her head as she winks with her tongue out*

Shahal: "What?!" *looking out the window* "..." *studying different escape paths*

horn:.....unless you're going to return to your post and hand the girl over as livestock-

Shahal: "Lana stays here!"

horn:....very well, you've made your decision. but when death is at your doorstep and that girl is taken and drained of every last drop of blood in her, dont come crying to us. come chess, let's go.

chess: yes ma'am!

Shahal: "..."

riko: *still trembling*

Shahal: "Hey, it's going to be okay."

-elsewhere-

Crona: *buttoning up*

mami: *waiting outside the room*

Blair: *brings up the wheelchair* "Crona almost done?"

mami: i think so....

Crona: *buzzes the button* "I'm done"

mami: *opens the door*

Crona: *in jeans and a black t-shirt...smiles*

mami:...*hug*

peg: we got this one too. *brings out ragnarok...strapped to a gurney a la hannibal lector*

Crona: *holds Mami close* "Don't look behind you." ^^;;;;;;

Blair: O_O;

Ragnarok: "Hello, nurse." *slithering tongue noises*

mami: ......

peg: mister dont _make_ me put the mask back on. -_-#

Ragnarok: "Look, I just got this body, and I got years of experiences to make up for it. I've already exhausted myself on 2 out of 7 deadly sins--want to go for 3 more?"

mami: *GLAAAAARE*

Ragnarok: "?!!!" *looks away* >_>;;;

-elsewhere-

Black Star: *meditating--under a giant waterfall*

child: mama, what's that guy doing?

Mother: "Oh, I think I saw this in a kung fu movie once! Warriors do that for training to improve their minds."

child: wow cool!

Mother: "I wonder whether it's working--"

Black Star: *collapses under the water*

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "Careful not to tap on the glass." *looking at the fish tank*

miyuri: *face plastered against the glass* oooooh!

Fish: O_O *swims away afraid*

sonia: *looking*

*there's a hermit crab on the tank floor, changing into a new shell*

sonia: .....

Chuuya: "Really surprising creatures, aren't they?"

sonia: yeah....

Chuuya: "...I think they let you hold a sea urchin..."

sonia: ??

Chuuya: "Those little spiny sea creatures."

sonia: wont they hurt?

Chuuya: "The trainer shows you how to cup your hand so it won't."

sonia: ....

miyuri: WOOOAH LOOK AT THAT THING!

Chuuya: *looks*

-seems to be some kind of whale-

Chuuya: "?! Wow!"

miyuri: IT'S HUUUGE!! IT'S LIKE A WATER ELLYFANT!

Chuuya: "Y-Yes, indeed..."

-elsewhere-

Mori: *seated at the outdoor cafe table, sipping a coffee* "..." *looks around, then at his phone* *texts* [she's not here]

miura: [perhaps give it some more time?]

Mori: [it's already been 20 min]

Waiter: "Refill, sir?"

Mori: "...Check, please."

-elsewhere-

tomura: *SCREECHING* IM MISSING ONE OF MY HANDS!!

Kurogiri: "Okay, take a deep breath, and let's retrace your steps."

Dabi: *whistles* "Yo." *waves a hand...holding a hand*

tomura: *looks*

*two of the fingers are curled into a circle*

tomura: FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF-.....one day i will kill you in your sleep.

Dabi: "Sure." *tosses it*

spinner: bold move, my dude.

shaula: AW SHIT SON HE ACTUALLY DID IT THE ABSOLUTE MADLAD!

Kurogiri: "...I'm confused."

Dabi: "Please, I'm no hero. Literally."

banshee:.....we _are_ professional villains, arent we? -_-;

Kurogiri: "We try."

-elsewhere-

*knock on Kanin's apartment door*

amelia: *peeks out the peep hole*

*looks to be Genny, Duncan, and some others*

amelia: kanin, we have guests.

free: *wave* ^^

Kanin: *cooking* "??? Oh...Hello." *aspects of his werewolf appearance remain but have gradually reverted back to slightly more human*

lei-lei: how're you feeling? we brought some ingredients for a hotpot! ^^

Kanin: "...I'm fine." *takes the ingredients* "...Um...Amelia, can you see about more chairs?"

amelia: *nods*

Kanin: "...I-I'll be busy cooking. Help yourselves to..." *gestures to an old-fashion candy bowl full of what can be described as grandparents' candy choices, as he hurries away*

genny:....

Duncan: *picks a piece of candy--that is stuck to the top of the pile of them* -_-; "Old fashioned... ...You know, maybe he needs help in the kitchen."

-elsewhere-

hyakuya: .......

Kimizuki: *looking through binoculars*

mitsuba: see anything?

Kimizuki: "The door looks like it was forced open."

mitsuba: should we go in?

Kimizuki: "I think when it gets darker."

hyakuya:.....(mika……)…..

{Mika: *sad smile*}

hyakuya: *bites her lip*

shinoa:...akane?

hyakuya: !!!...im fine. dont worry about it....

Yoichi: "..."

-that night-

Shahal: *standing guard*

riko: *asleep*

{???: big brother?}

{Shahal: *shivering* "Yes?"}

{girl: will we be able to eat soon?}

{Shahal: "Yes, soon...Just be patient. Please..."}

Shahal: "Not again...I'm protecting you this time."

-meanwhile-

shinoa: *looks inside* ok, this should be the back entrance...

Kimizuki: "How reliable was your intelligence?"

shinoa: i chatted up some urban explorers for advice. ^^

mitsuba: so far so good.....

Yoichi: *looking at the stairs...they look rotted*

hyakuya: this place sure has seen better days....

Kimizuki: "So keep an eye for debris used for this vamp to hide."

shinoa: and keep silent. our primary objective is to retrieve riko.

Yoichi: *nods*

-crash-

hyakuya: ????

Kimizuki: "?!" *aims*

???: spread out, he should be here somewhere.

???: of course, lady enacotta.

rubile: *grins* (once i claim that traitor's head, i'll go up in the ranks for sure!)

mitsuba: *whisper* shit, vampires? here?

shinoa: this is bad. if they're here for shahal, then riko's at risk as well...

Kimizuki: "...Then we need to find her first. With the stairs broken, he's likely holding her upstairs to discourage people following up."

hyakuya: i'll look for a way up.

Kimizuki: "While we keep the vampires away..."

hyakuya: *nods and heads off*

Kimizuki: *following the vampires' path*

vampire: *looking around*

Kimizuki: *hides behind the vamp...readies his sword*

vampire: ?? *turns*

*slice*

vampire: GRK-

Kimizuki: *stabs them through the chest*

vampire: *SCREAM*

Kimizuki: *beheads*

Shahal: "?!!!"

riko: hnn??

Shahal: "Shh."

riko: what's going on?

Shahal: *quietly* "Come on. Hide in here..." *leads her to a wardrobe in the attic* "Stay here."

-meanwhile-

rubile: *slashing with her sword*

mitsuba: *blocking with her axe*

Yoichi: *behind debris, aiming*

shinoa: take this! *SLASH*

vampire: GRAHH!

Yoichi: *fires off shots*

-outside-

hyakuya: *looking around* (come on, there has to be something...)

*a brick in the side of the building falls, rolling down to her feet*

hyakuya: !! *looks up*

*a vampire can be seen scurrying down the hall--then blood splatters against the hallway wall*

hyakuya: .....*looking around for a way up*

*there are missing bricks in the wall--and a buttress above the window*

hyakuya:...that'll work. *spits on both her hands and rubs them together* here we go. *starts climbing*

*a window she passes breaks, as a vampire is tossed out of it*

hyakuya: OxO;;

*the noise seems to have stopped...*

hyakuya: *keeps climbing*

-inside-

rubile: tch- damn...you humans dont know when to quit...*she's holding her arm, which has been cut along the bicep*

Kimizuki: "Call us stubborn." *aims*

rubile: *lunges at him*

vampire: lady enacotta! we need to retreat!

rubile: NO! we've come this far already, im not going to leave without our prize!

Kimizuki: *sweeps his leg at hers while he swings his blade at her neck*

rubile: !!! *dodge*

*there's a wardrobe*

hyakuya: *looks inside*

Riko: *curled up in the corner*

hyakuya: ...hey, it's ok.

Riko: "Wh-Who are you?"

hyakuya: you can call me akane. *small smile*

Riko: "...Are you a vampire?"

hyakuya:....no, im human, like you.

Riko: "...Like Shahal was."

hyakuya: shahal, that's the one who kidnapped you, right?....wait- so he wasnt born a vampire?

Riko: *shakes her head no* "He keeps calling me Lana. His sister. She died."

hyakuya:....how did you figure that part out?

Riko: "I-I kind of read his journal...Don't tell him I did that."

hyakuya: i wont...did he try to hurt you at all?

Riko: "No--he really misses his sister, and he keeps treating me like her."

hyakuya:.......(mika..........) do you miss your mom and dad?

Riko: *nods*

hyakuya:.....dont worry riko, i'll help you get back to your parents. you can count on us. *smiles*

Riko: "A-Are you going to hurt Shahal?"

hyakuya:....i'll try to talk to him.

-downstairs-

mitsuba: WOAH!

Kimizuki: *crashes into furniture, collapsed*

mitsuba: *charges at him, yelling*

rubile: there you are! *charges at him as well*

Shahal: "..." *leaps just as they are close to him--*

rubile: *has her arm hacked off* *SCREAMS*

mitsuba: *gets her side sliced* GAH!!

Shahal: *grabs Mitsuba by her wrist* "Now leave."

hyakuya: HEY YOU!!

Shahal: "..." *holds Mitsuba up by the arm* *looks at Hyakuya* "Leave, before there is more bloodshed."

hyakuya: let her go!

Shahal: "Of course--" *and flings Mitsuba at Hyakuya*

mitsuba: oof! nngh....

hyakuya: mitsuba, are you alright?

mitsuba: bleeding, but otherwise just peachy.

Shahal: *aims at Shinoa*

hyakuya: leave my friends alone!

Shahal: "Leave my _family_ alone!"

hyakuya: your ‘family’ is dead!

Shahal: "?!!" *rushes at Hyakuya* "What did you do to Lana?!!"

hyakuya: i didnt do anything to her! that girl riko, she's not lana! i dont know what happened or how she died, but your sister isnt here anymore!

Shahal: "WHY DOES EVERYONE KEEP LYING TO ME?!" *swings the blade at her head*

hyakuya: !!! *blocks with her own sword* im not lying!

Shahal: "Yes, you are! Everyone is trying to confuse me! But I remember what was done--and I am not letting you take Lana!" *presses the sword forward*

hyakuya: listen! i know what it's like, to lose a loved one. i've lost my parents, and my adoptive family, and every day it hurts thinking about what i could have done differently to save them, but the past is in the past, isnt it? the only thing left is to go forward. accept what's happened and move on, so quit living in the past and face reality already!!

Shahal: "..." *just staring at her* "...Lana..."

shinoa: *charges*

Kimizuki: *follows Shinoa--*

Yoichi: *gives them cover*

Shahal: "?!"

shinoa: take this!

Shahal: *tries to block--*

-SLICE-

Shahal: *howls in pain*

hyakuya: please listen, i dont want to fight you, but if you dont stop this, i wont have any choice! you were human once, remember??

shinoa: (what on earth has gotten into her...?)

Shahal: *holding his arm* "Lana...stop this. I'm not human anymore--but I need to protect you!"

hyakuya: im not lana either! if you keep deluding yourself like this, you're only going to hurt yourself even more!

Shahal: "I'm willing to get hurt if it means my sister can live! I can't let her die!"

hyakuya: she's already dead!

Shahal: "She can't be!" *approaches Hyakuya* "Stop lying!"

-SLASH-

Shahal: *stares wide-eyed*

riko: *collapses*

hyakuya: *stunned* !!!!!

Shahal: "N-No!" *cradles her* "Why would you do this?!"

riko: i-it's ok....it wasnt that deep of a cut...

hyakuya: riko....

Shahal: "...Riko..."

riko: *smiles* im not mad at you, shahal. because i think, despite everything...you're still a good person.

hyakuya:....*shaking slightly* mika.....

Shahal: *crying* "How can you think that? I thought..." *holds his head* "I'm so confused."

riko: you took care of me and made sure i was safe, and you never once bit me or drank my blood.

Shahal: "...I just wanted my sister back."

riko:....but im not her. i dont know how she died exactly, but im sure she misses you too...

Shahal: *sobbing* "I can never see her again..."

hyakuya:...........yuu.....chihiro....ako....kouta....fumie....taichi.....

Shahal: *looks at Hyakuya* "Who...?"

hyakuya: my siblings....ferid killed them....i was....the only one who got away.....(liar...mika was.....)

Shahal: "...Oh God...I'm sorry..."

hyakuya: ever since then, i've hated vampires....and wanted nothing more than to kill every last one....but after seeing....my one sibling....mika....turned into one of them....and seeing this...i....i dont know what to think anymore...

riko:.......

Shahal: "...You end them."

hyakuya: ??

Shahal: "You don't leave one standing that can and will hurt humans, eventually."

hyakuya: ......

Shahal: "You can bring them peace...to let them die and reunite with their lost family."

hyakuya:...are you...asking me to kill you?

Shahal: "...Yes."

hyakuya: but what about riko-

Shahal: "She deserves to be with her family."

hyakuya:.....*bites her lip, clutching her sword*

-as the sun rises, hyakuya screams out, piercing her blade into shahal's heart-

Shahal: *shudders, coughs...starts to disintegrate at the heart...looks at the sun with a smile* "Lana...Thank you."

hyakuya:.....

lana?: big brother!

-a spectral girl seems to be waving to him-

Shahal: "?!!!" *reaches up, his hand disintegrating as he does...*

lana?: i've been waiting for you for so long now! come on, i have lots of people to introduce you too!

-soon enough, they are both gone....-

hyakuya:.............

mitsuba: hey....akane....

hyakuya: hehe...hehehehe....hahaha..HAHAHAHAHA!! *cackling madly*

Kimizuki: *grabs her by her shoulders* "Hyakuya! Hyakuya! Damn it, Akane, get a hold of yourself..."

hyakuya: *sharply inhales and starts hysterically sobbing into his chest*

Kimizuki: "..." *holds her, letting her cry*

mitsuba:.....

shinoa:.....we should probably give riko first aid.

mitsuba:...yeah....

Yoichi: *holds up the kit*

-elsewhere-

Kid: "Absolutely adorable."

shiori: *in a new little jumper* lookie!

Kid: *shivering* "IT'S SO CUTE I COULD DIE!"

stocking: ^^

lord death: TOO CUTE FOR WORDS!

Yumi: *snaps a photo* "Indeed."

-elsewhere-

Monica: *buried under blankets* =_____= "I'm boooooooooooooooored!"

mrs ramirez: mija! your friends are here!

Monica: "... ... ...YOU DIDN'T CHECK THEM FOR KNIVES AGAIN, DID YOU?!"

mrs ramirez: first thing i did, honey!

yolanda: jeez mrs R, have some faith in us. -_-;

Zarya: *grunts*

Monica: -_-; "You here to rub it in before you go off to school?"

yolanda: just wanted to see how you were?

Monica: "Bored out of my f--" *spots her mom* "...freaking skull. I need to dunk someone's head into a toilet now!"

mrs ramirez: that reminds me, that nurse from the hospital, mrs albarn, wanted to have coffee later and to chat. she's your friend izumi's mother, isnt she? ^^#

Monica: "... ... ...She's not my fucking friend."

Zarya: "... ... ..." *takes one giant step back away from Monica*

mrs ramirez: .........

stephanie: welp we're totes late, bye! *RUNS*

Monica: "?! YOU TRAITORS--"

mrs ramirez: monica, i'd like to have a little talk with you. in private. ^^#####

Monica: D8 *loud whimpering noise*

mrs ramirez: monica rosa-marie ramirez, you arent going anywhere! *smiles with a demonic glare*

-elsewhere-

Asher: "... ... ..." *small smile*

cassidy: asher? you ok?

Asher: "...I think I feel lighter."

cassidy:...

-elsewhere-

kyouko: hey rin, is shiemi doing alright? last i saw her, she seemed kind of down.

Rin: *sighs* "I think she's trying to figure out some stuff with school."

kyouko: hmm....is she having problems?

Rin: "Kinda. She's leaving the exorcist class."

kyouko: wait really? what happened?

Rin: "She said she wanted to focus on what she can do for now--without getting in over her head. It's rough when you really want something but are not sure you're ready."

kyouko:.....

-rin's phone starts going off-

Rin: *checks*

-text from renzou-

Rin: *reading* "...??? It's from Renzou Shima. He's...ranting about diapers?"

kyouko: i'd rather not know -__-#

renzou: [CODE OMEGA! I REPEAT! CODE FUCKING OMEGA!!]

Rin: "Neither do I . But now he's yelling 'Code Omega.' I think his bro told me that means to meet up." *looks at the key hooks* "Tell the old man I'm stealing his keys."

kyouko: ._.

-and so-

Bon: *holding his stomach* "Ugh...I hate traveling with keys." >~<;

izumo: you guys got called too?

Shima: -_-; "Yep..."

Rin: "WOOOOOOOW! It looks so different at this time of year!"

izumo: we were here last year around summer, in the longest fucking summer ever -_-;;;

shiemi: im surprised we were invited to juuzo and mamushi's baby shower.

unagi: it'll be nice to see my family members again.

Shima: "Don't curse in front of my fam, Izumo--I want to keep a good impression with them."

shura: yeah, so behave yourself.

izumo: sure thing-....wait.

konekomaru: how long were you-

shura: kunoichi skills bitches.

izumo:.....-___-;

Bon: *shoves Shima* "You're one to criticize anyone, spy."

Shima: ^^; "Former spy?"

shiemi: well we better find the restaurant then.

shura: you kiddos go on ahead, im gonna have a quick chat with the okumura bros for a minute, kaaay~?

Rin: "What?! But I'm starving!"

shura: *waits for the others to go* welp, now we can talk.

Yukio: "What is this about?"

shura: yuri egyn. your mother.

Yukio: "?!"

Rin: "...What?"

shura: it was around the time i met shiro...

{-knocks-}

{yuri: who is it?}

{shura: *flailing* putmedown! pummedown!! >n<#}

{yuri:.....is...is that a kid?}

{Fujimoto: "Um, no. It's obviously a new species of mountain rat. A smelly, dirty mountain rat--"

{yuri: .___.;}

{shura: I'LL BITE YOUR ANKLES IN HALF!}

{yuri:....why dont i make you something to eat? ^^;; }

{Fujimoto: ^^; "I actually have some tasks to attend to, so that would help me--OW! DID YOU JUST BITE ME?!"}

{shura: *HISSSSSS* *STOMACH GURGLE*.........food please.}

{Fujimoto: T^T "What do you even eat, kid?"}

{shura: squirrels mostly. sometimes birds. hachirou got me a boar once.}

{yuri: .______. shiro....where did you find this girl exactly?}

{Fujimoto: "In the mountains. Meet the fabled wild child of Towada. I've named her Shura."}

{shura: offer me food, mortal!}

{-...-}

{yuri: eat up!}

{shura: *ravenous eating*}

{Fujimoto: ^^ "Better than tiny squirrels with hardly any meat on their bones, right, kiddo?"}

{shura: *pulls the food closer and snarls* MINE!}

{yuri: goodness, she's got an appetite. ^^; }

{Fujimoto: "And needs to learn some manners..." *sniffs* "Ugh...and a bath."}

{shura: a what?}

{-...-}

{shura: *asleep*}

{yuri: so, what are we going to do about her?}

{Fujimoto: "Mephisto ordered me to keep an eye on her, and after seeing that Hachirou thing, I don't want her going back to it. After that? I'm not sure..."}

{yuri: maybe she could stay here? it gets lonely up here, so it'd be nice to have some company. ^^}

{Fujimoto: "??? For real? Mephisto was pretty insistent on not letting her out of my sight..."}

{yuri: you could stay here too, if you'd like. it'd be like a family.}

{Fujimoto: "..." *pulls out a cigarette, lights up* "Don't say it like that."}

shura: from what i remember, she was a really kind woman, she had eyes like yours, rin. and lots of moles, like yukio...and that concludes story time with shura for today!

Yukio: "..."

Rin: "...YOU COCKTEASE! DON'T STOP THE STORY THERE! TELL US MORE! What did she sound like?!" *grabs her by the shoulders* "Why didn't you tell us this before?!"

shura: now if you boys excuse me. im gonna go hit the bar. cheers! *walks off*

-later-

torako: <enjoy your stay with us.> *walks back to the front* !!!! <ryuuji!>

Bon: <Hey...>

-a child runs up and tackles shima-

child: <ANKO WENZO!>

Shima: <OW! ???>

woman: <ten, sweetie, there you are! what did mama tell you about running off?>

ten: <sowwy mamai>

woman: *looks* !!! <renzou!>

Shima: <?!!>

izumo: you know this woman?

woman: <oh, you must be renzou's friends. koneko and bon know me already, but im Jun Shima. renzou's sister.>

unagi: <a pleasure to see you again, ma'am'>

jun: <unagi! i was surprised to hear that you enrolled in true cross. how are you doing?>

unagi: <im very well. i've been learning a lot of english.>

???: <UUUUUUNAAAAAAAGIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!>

-a woman comes barreling down the hall and clutches unagi-

woman: <MY SWEET BABY GIRL! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?! HAVE YOU BEEN EATING?! IS YOUR TEMPERATURE WELL?! DO YOU HAVE ANY INJURIES?!>

uwabami hojo: ^^; <easy now, orochi, she's just fine.>

Bon: <We've been keeping an eye on her, ma'am.>

unagi: <hello mother, hello to you too uncle.>

Konekomaru: *sad smile, steps back*

girl: <hey sis, do we have any more- !!!! k-k-k-k-KONEKOOOOOO~<3 > *TACKLE* >///w///< <3<3<3<3

Konekomaru: .\\\\.; "Um..." <You can let go now?>

girl: <KINZOU TOLD ME YOU WERE HERE _LAST_ YEAR TOO! WHY DIDNT YOU TELL ME? I WOULD HAVE BAILED ON THE CLASS TRIP TO EUROPE IF I KNEW!!>

Konekomaru: ^\\\^; <We were a little busy on an investigation and--well, things got away from us. Sorry.>

Rin: -_-; *has a big handprint slapped on his face* "Freaking boobzilla..."

Yukio: -_-; "Please don't embarrass us more while we're visiting someone else's house."

jun: ?? <more friends of yours?>

Rin: <He gets that a lot.> *waves at the child*

girl: <hey. you smell different koneko, are you using a new bodywash?>

Konekomaru: >\\\\\\< <Wh-Why would you sniff me?!>

ten: <mamai! this guy has a tail! is he a kitty?>

Yukio: *facepalm* <Oh good lord...>

jun: .....^^; <why dont we help uncle gozo with the garden, ok?>

ten: <ok!> *runs off*

Yukio: <I am so sorry.>

-outside-

nishiki: *eating watermelon shaved ice*

???: <over here sir?>

Tatsuma: <Yes, that's a good spot for it.>

???: *sets the statue down, wiping sweat from her brow* <yep, i reckon that's a mighty good spot for it>

Tatsuma: <Looking good! ...Maybe rotate it a bit more towards the morning sun.>

torako: <tatsuma! yoshikuni! bon and his friends are here!>

yoshikuni: <REALLY?!>

Tatsuma: <!!! My baby boy!> *gets up quickly--and throws out his back* >n< "AH!"

torako: D8

Bon: *steps out* <?!! Old man!> *runs up*

yoshikuni: <LIL RYUU! long time no see!>

Bon: <?!! Yoshikuni?!>

izumo: another friend of yours?

yoshikuni: <im his fiancee~>

izumo: O/////o W-W-WHAT?!?!??!

Bon: -_-; <Yoshikuni, please.>

yoshikuni: <LOL! JK JK! it's just a joke!>

izumo: *beet red* <I SHOULD THINK SO! WHO'D WANT TO MARRY A STUBBORN OX LIKE HIM!?>

Tatsuma: *trying to sit up* <Ha ha ha! ...I don't know what 'luul' means.>

Bon: <?!!! I will have you know I am desirable to people who like men with a strong will, you stubborn mule!>

izumo: <BEEF HEAD!>

Bon: <POLKA-DOTTED MUTT!>

izumo: <ROOSTER HAIR!>

Bon: <HA! I STOPPED DYING IT, SO YOU CAN'T EVEN USE THAT ONE ANYMORE!>

torako: <my my, they're acting like me when i was that age.>

{young!torako: <GET BENT, BALDIE!>}

{Young!Tatsuma: <Babe, I _shave_ by choice because it makes me look cool!> *wink*}

torako: <so persistent.> *sigh* <i feel so old.>

Tatsuma: <And yet still so beautiful.>

torako: >/////< <oh stop!>

Bon: <OW!> *slapping his hand on the ground* <I YIELD, I YIELD, YOU SHRIMP!>

-elsewhere-

Kanin: *puts bento boxes of leftovers into their lockers* "Okay. I'll see you for lunch after morning classes."

genny: *nods*

Kanin: "... ...Well..." *rubs the back of his head...he's managed to revert almost back to human appearance*

genny:....i-if you want to talk...a-about anything, you can-

Kanin: "I-I appreciate that...M-Maybe later..."

genny: .///. r-right...see ya! *runs*

Kanin: "..." >\\\< *knocks his head against his own locker--and instantly hulks out into werewolf form, ripping his shirt* "...Aw, man..."

marie: kanin? are you alright? ._.;

Kanin: "?!! S-Sorry, Miss Marie! I'm fine, really! I'm not going feral..." *struggles to slowly revert to human form, as he takes off the torn shirt and opens his locker to retrieve a new shirt* "J-Just, you know, typical teenage hormonal stuff..."

marie: do you want to talk about it?

Kanin: "..." *nods* "Did other students ever deal with this kind of thing?"

-elsewhere-

arisa: so what do you guys want to check out next?

kanami: im kinda hungry, maybe we should get lunch?

suzune:..... !!!

arisa: suzune? you oka-....OH.....MY....G!!

kokoro: hmm?

masara: *looks* !!!!!

arisa: Y-YOU'RE KOKORO AWANE!!

kokoro: yep, that's me alright.

arisa: do you remember me? im arisa narumi!

kokoro: oh right! you're that girl from back then!

arisa: you were so cool and inspiring that i became a magical girl too, see? my friends are-

-CLANG-

suzune: *blocking masara's knife with her sword*

masara: what are _you_ doing back here, magical hunter?

suzune: im not here to fight, honest.

masara: a likely story. im not about to let you hurt kokoro.

Chisato: *gestures to her own weapon* "Let's all calm down. This is not a place for any fight."

masara: how can you be so calm when a murderer is among you?

suzune:.....

Matsuri: "This is about giving people another chance, you know?" ^^ "She may have done bad things, but that doesn't make her a bad person!"

suzune: matsuri....

Matsuri: "Just give her a chance."

kokoro: easy there masara. sorry about my friend, she can be a bit protective, but she means well. ^^;

arisa: i take it you met suzune before?

kokoro: yep. say, you mentioned being hungry, right? it just so happens we know a great restaurant called 'Walnuts'. ^^

-elsewhere-

Monica: *glare*

izumi: .___.;;;;;

Sachiko: ^^ "I always come by here--I didn't know you managed it!"

mrs ramirez: well, assistant manager, but still. ^^

Monica: *takes her drink, sips--and crunches on the ice loudly*

izumi: ._.;;;;;

mrs ramirez: mija, dont you have something to say to mrs albarn's daughter?

Monica: "..." *mutters something*

mrs ramirez: speak up honey, no one can hear you when you're muttering.

Monica: *inhales* "I SAID 'I'M SORRY'!"

izumi: um...thanks..f-for apologizing...*shifts in her seat*

Sachiko: *uncovers her ears* "Y-Yes, thank you...How about you kids get a treat?" *hands Izumi some money* "The cookies looked good."

-elsewhere-

Rin: "So, Konekomaru, who's the girl?"

girl: *clinging to his arm* ^////^

konekomaru: this is yumi, shima's younger sister.

Rin: "Ah, so you all grew up together?"

yoshikuni: pretty much. <so you guys really defeated the impure king last summer?>

Bon: <We...did the best we could.>

Rin: <Well, us and my girlfriend, too.>

konekomaru: <come to think of it, where were you?>

yoshikuni: <i was at a convention in tokyo.> ^^

Juzo: *fretting back and forth in front of the building*

gozo: <easy bro, she's not due for another two months yet.>

Juzo: <I know! I keep reading the books--did you know you're not supposed to put a blanket over the baby?! THEY COULD SUFFOCATE! HOW WOULD THAT LOOK IF MY CHILD SUFFOCATED?!!>

gozo: <take a deep breath and chill.>

kinzou: <yeah, you're gonna give yourself a hernia!>

Shima: <Yeah, don't think of dead babies--that thought'll stay in your head forever.>

Juzo: *GLARES AT SHIMA*

-elsewhere-

Kanin: *staring at the tea* "I don't know. I never had these problems controlling my appearance. But since that...thing got in my head and down to my soul..."

marie: perhaps it was an effect of madness from that clown.

Kanin: "I think so...But it hasn't gotten back to normal. I don't know when it will, if ever."

marie:.....

Kanin: "I don't know who could even help."

marie: i can think of a few people...

-elsewhere-

mami: lunch is ready!

Crona: "Smells great."

mami: the doctors recommended this to help you regain your strength.

Crona: *nods*

Ragnarok: *has on a bib* "AND FOR ME?"

-elsewhere-

naoya: how is he?

kouyou: still locked up in his office, crying. how unprofessional. -_-;

miura: -___-; *patting mori's back*

Mori: *head resting on a pillow* TT~TT "It's like I'm cursed."

elise: wouldnt be too shocked if that were the case.

Mori: "I need some good luck..."

-elsewhere-

Kimizuki: "..." *sets down a bottle of water*

hyakuya:.....thanks....

Kimizuki: *nods* "You're welcome...The ride will be here in another hour."

hyakuya:........

Yoichi: *packing the first-aid kit* "Any more cuts and bruises?"

riko: i-im ok....

Yoichi: ^^ "That's a relief."

riko:.....

Yoichi: "...Happy to go home?"

riko: i guess so....

Yoichi: "That man...did release you."

riko:.....do you think....he's in a better place?

Yoichi: "...I like to think so."

-elsewhere-

arisa: mmm~ this is so yummy!

kokoro: i know right?

masara: *eating, not taking her eyes off suzune, staring intently*

suzune: *looking down at her plate, sweating nervously* ._.;;;;;;;;;

Chisato: "...Masara, how is your meal?"

masara: *nom, still staring at suzune* delicious.

suzune: *gulp* ._.;;;;;;;;;;;

Chisato: "...So, what are everyone's plans this afternoon?"

kokoro: well, masara and i were going to go hiking for a bit later.

Chisato: "Ah. It'd be good to get into the outdoors."

-elsewhere-

Guren: "Welcome back."

hyakuya:...*nod*

Guren: "We'll begin debriefing...You look like a mess. Go lie down."

hyakuya: *grunts and walks off*

Guren: *looks at the others* "Shinoa, walk with me. I'll start the debriefing with you."

shinoa: right.

Guren: *walks with her into the interrogation room* "What happened to Hyakuya back there?"

shinoa: she took the vampire down...

Guren: "I've seen her take down vampires--I haven't seen her acting like this."

shinoa: i'll speak with her about it when i can.....she has been different since our encounter with ferid....

Guren: "And that can be a liability. We need her in the field--and if her head is not in this, that will be a danger."

shinoa:....understood.

Guren: "Tell me about this vampire and child. Why did he take her?"

-shinoa explains the situation-

Guren: "Hmm...I knew vampirism can do things to the brain, but this is something else entirely."

shinoa:...perhaps vampirism has nothing to do with it....

Guren: "??? Explain."

shinoa: based on my observations, his reactions seemed rather human. perhaps relating to his previous life. sadly, without any official documents on him, we can only go by word of mouth for information.

Guren: "Hmm. So, what, he got confused, had memories of his pre-vampire life, and those influenced his mind? That still sounds dangerous."

shinoa:......

Guren: "I'll ask C3 to check on this--they may have a bit more information on neuro influences after the transformation."

-elsewhere-

Rin: *pats his belly* =w= "Tasty meal..."

torako: <you seemed to enjoy it. ^^>

orochi: <will you be staying the night?>

Rin: <I should probably get back to the old man.> *pats Bon's shoulder* <But I'm sure Bon would be happy to stay with family for the night!>

Bon: -_-# *twists Rin's arm* <We're studying for exams right now.>

Rin: Q_Q *slapping his hand down on the floor*

shiemi: ....

Shima: <I mean, some of us don't need to worry too much about studying! And how often do you get to see family?>

izumo: *GLARE*

Shima: "?!!!!" *averts his glance* <Granted, that also depends on whether your own family wants to see you...> >w>;;;;;

-elsewhere-

higuchi: *washing Q's hair*

Q: >~< *whining*

higuchi: ^^; the water wont hurt you, and that visor is supposed to keep the shampoo out of your eyes.

Q: "It feels slimy!"

higuchi: ^^;

Gin: *sets out a towel* "It's that, or your hair will get covered in dirt, disease, and fall out, leaving you as the youngest bald person on this planet."

Q: Q_______Q "What?"

higuchi: .-.;

Q: *flailing* "AAAAH! PLEASE WASH MY HAIR, MOMMY!"

higuchi: *getting all wet from the splashing* ah! ok! ok! >-O;;

Gin: "My work here is done." *turns away*

Q: =~= *relaxes*

higuchi: *sigh* *mutter* next time _you're_ in charge of bath time...

Gin: *walks into the living room* "Kuniko, Ryu, your chores?"

kuniko: dishes are about 78% done!

Akutagawa: *uses Rashomon on a dish towel to dry*

Gin: "As for homework?"

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: "Then we use this key to open the closet, and..." *opens the closet to reveal Death City from the top of a building*

shion: bwoah! *shiny eyes*

Mephisto: "Impressive, yes? You can see our house from here! And there's Mephy Land!"

shion: ^o^ dada! dada!

Mephisto: "Hee hee--that's my head on that ferris wheel! But you need to be a bit taller to ride the roller coaster."

-elsewhere-

sonia: *eating ice cream*

Chuuya: *hands out napkins*

miyuri: *LICK LICK LICK* >~< GYEEK!

Chuuya: "Brain freeze?"

miyuri: miyuri's head feels bad! >A<

sonia: you shouldnt eat it so fast.

Chuuya: "Try putting your tongue on the roof of your mouth to warm it up."

miyuri: *does so*

Chuuya: "Feeling better?"

miyuri: *nods*

Chuuya: "That's good. Now, eat more slowly--we got plenty of time."

-elsewhere-

Hibana: =_____= *sneezes*

mikami: are you feeling alright, commander?

Hibana: "No--I haven't been sleeping."

ryuuko: do you need to see a doctor, or would that be too much?

Hibana: *groans* "Why would I need that?"

ryuuko: it's important for one to look after their well-being. perhaps some tea and meditation might help? that's what my father does when he's stressed.

Hibana: "I already do that--I set aside 5 minutes for meditating in-between the 10 AM and 11 AM meetings, and some tea when I get home at 9 PM."

Rino: *holds up a schedule* "She's booked solid 8 AM to 8 PM. She's killing herself. _It's not going fast enough_."

mikami: rino!

gabriella: princess, please rest.

Rino: >_>;

Hibana: *slams her fists down* "I have work to do! I have some genetic experiments out for my head! I have to figure out what the hell Haijima is doing with those kids! I--I--... *collapses*

gabriella: D8>

Rino: "?!!!" *tries to hold her up* "Jeez, she's heavy..."

Hibana: *unconscious*

-elsewhere-

sasori:....

nana: so, is sasori your actual name?

sasori:...not really.

ivy: is that right?

ria marcelo: yeah.

Joker: "Well, a lot of people change their names. Take Red for instance."

scarlet: ........

nana: and my name is seven.

Joker: "Nana, what did we agree? Your name is Nana now."

nana: EAT SHIT.

ria marcelo: .....she seems to have high regard for you.

Joker: *sniffs, wipes his eye* "I know--makes a father proud."

scarlet:.... -_-;

Joker: "So, Ria, ready to scope out Hibana's latest work?"

ria marcelo: im listening...

-elsewhere-

Hajiki: *somehow stuck behind the vending machine*

hito:......why.

Hajiki: "I don't know--I was trying to get food, then I forgot what I was doing, and I ended up here."

hito: have you tried shimmying out?

Hajiki: "Let me see..." *shifts--and the vending machine starts rocking*

-elsewhere-

Asako: *runs out of a patient's room* "EEEEK!"

vivian: ??

*fire shoots out of the patient's room*

vivian: !!!!

Patient: *frowning, lobbing another fireball* "THAT THERMOMETER WAS COLD AS HELL!"

vivian: OwO;;;

Asako: >~< "That's only if you pursue the Dantean understanding of Hell--"

Patient: *throws another fireball, this one nearing at Vivian*

vivian: *dodge* gyah! how rude!

Patient: "I didn't want to be some fucking second generation flame person!"

Asako: >~< "Third-generation pyrokinetic, sir!"

Patient: "SHUT UP!" *tries to get out of bed--and falls face-first into the bedpan*

vivian: ._.;;

tao: owo~? what's going on here?

Asako: *sigh* "We've had more patients coming in awakening pyrokinetic abilities. And he's been the nicest of them..." -_-;

-elsewhere-

Kimizuki: *carrying a tray of food to a room* *knocks*

hyakuya: it's open....

Kimizuki: *enters* "Hey. Brought your dinner."

hyakuya:..thanks...

Kimizuki: "I wasn't sure what you would like, so if you want more of anything, I got more on the stove to heat up."

hyakuya: *nods*.....kimizuki?

Kimizuki: "Yes?"

hyakuya: did i do the right thing?

Kimizuki: "...Our job is to neutralize vampire threats. Who knows what he would have done next."

hyakuya:.....i saw mika in him.....

Kimizuki: "...So when you see Mika again..."

hyakuya: NO! i cant....i have to get him home....i just.....ever since that day my head's just been all tangled up...

Kimizuki: "How do you convince him? He's not the same kid you knew back then."

hyakuya: what would you do if you were in _my_ position? if it were mirai that was a vampire? would you just kill her without a second thought?!

Kimizuki: "?!! Okay, that's a low blow! It's not my sister that is a vampire, now is she? This is your friend who is suffering--and that's the reality you're dealing with!"

hyakuya:.............

Kimizuki: "...I'm sorry. I don't know what I would do either."

hyakuya:...h-he's my family....*curls up into fetal position* i already lost him once....i cant lose him again....

Kimizuki: "...Then let's bring him back."

hyakuya: *looks up at him*

Kimizuki: "We figure out how to convince him, we figure out what C3 has already done about containing vampires without imprisoning or killing him. If he's that important to you, then I'll help."

hyakuya:...thank you......sorry....about what i said-

Kimizuki: "It-It's fine. If it was me, I would've said something as...passionate.”

hyakuya:...heh...you jerk...*wipes her eyes*

Kimizuki: "Me, a jerk? You're a jerk yelling at me like that..."

hyakuya: *laughs a bit* yeah, got me there....

Kimizuki: *small smile* "Then I win."

hyakuya:....*hug*

Kimizuki: "... ..." *pat pat, hug*

hyakuya:....*looks at him for a bit*

Kimizuki: *looks into her eyes*

hyakuya: kimizuki...i-

shinoa: *opens the door* hey guys~!

hyakuya: *YELLS AND PUNCHES KIMIZUKI IN THE FACE*

Kimizuki: "?!" X_X *knocked to the floor--flipping over the food tray onto Hyakuya*

hyakuya:......

shinoa: oh goodness. was i interrupting something~?

hyakuya:....nothing. nothing at all. -_-#

-elsewhere-

Jeje: "Johannes has not left the basement in days."

metsu: should i check on him?

Jeje: *hands her a taser* "Stay armed."

metsu: *nods* i need to bring him his dinner anyway.

Jeje: *nods, as he rummages through a box of vials*

metsu: *heading downstairs* johannes?

Johannes: *curled over his desk, looking at blood samples*

metsu:....i brought your dinner. *sets the tray down and collects the dishes from the last meal*

Johannes: "Huh? You say something?" *looks up--and has a long white beard*

metsu: ......... ._______.

Johannes: "What's with that look? ..." *glances down* "Oh, right--" *grabs the fake beard, rips--...then covers his mouth to let out a tortured scream* "I forgot the glue!!!"

metsu:........im not even going to ask. *heads upstairs*

Johannes: "Thank you for the meal! Bring down body wash!"

Jeje: *pulls out a vial...swirls its contents into a mug of hot chocolate*

-elsewhere-

Rin: *lies down*

-knock knock-

shiemi: rin? may i ask you something?

Rin: *sits up* "Hey, Shiemi--what's up?"

shiemi: well, pardon if it's intrusive, but i noticed you and yuki werent talking much during dinner....you two didnt have a fight, did you?

Rin: >_>; "That's...kind of personal. It's nothing..."

shiemi:....ok. well, good night.

Rin: *grunts* "Night..."

{Rin: "What brought this on?"}

{yukio: dont you want to know about our birth? according to the knight of true cross, she was the one who bore satan's sons, and most information on her is classified. but i want to know more about her...}

{Rin: "After what we've heard so far, and what we've gone through? No, it can't be a good story. Just knowing that she was a kind person is enough for me."}

{yukio: why are you trying to avoid this? dont you even care? this is our mother for god's sake!}

{Rin: "..." *frowns* "Why are you needing this so badly?"}

{yukio:......he...heheheh...haha...AHAHAHA!!}

{Rin: "?!!! Yuki? Wh-What's wrong?"}

{yukio: HAHAHAHA.....that's right....we can never truly change how we think, right? we're both right and both wrong......it's funny.....we're twins, yet we're total opposites....well....just....just forget we had this talk, ok? come on...the others are waiting...}

Rin: "...What the hell, bro."

-elsewhere-

gozo: <tatsuma, sir, are you in?>

Tatsuma: *reclining in a chair, a book resting on his lap* "???" <Yes?>

gozo: <i wanted to talk to you about that one matter.>

Tatsuma: "..." <I see. What have you found?>

gozo: <nothing much yet, but we are researching it at the india branch's underground library. sadly, we havent yet found a way to summon a demon possessing another person.>

Tatsuma: <Hmm...> *holds up his book* <I'll have to finish this reading on exorcising Karura from Todo so to resummon...>

gozo: <there is a problem. based on renzou's observations from aomori on todo's appearance, it seems karura is bonding to its new vessel...>

Tatsuma: *sighs* <Then it is up to me to hurry. Thank you for this information. Please, continue your investigation.>

-elsewhere-

Fire: *yawns* *gets out of bed, looking out the window*

kim: .....

Jacqueline: "??? Fire?"

Fire: "I think I see something."

kim: ??

Fire: "I saw something glowing and moving in the forest."

kim: *looks to the others*

Jacqueline: "...Maybe wake the others." *nudges Kilik*

-elsewhere-

Kanin: *tucks Amelia in*

amelia: good night.

Kanin: "Good night, Amelia. I'll see you in the morning." *walks away...*

amelia:.......

Kanin: *gets to the door* "...Should I leave a light on, or...?"

amelia: im fine.

Kanin: "O-Okay...Good night." *closes the door*

-elsewhere-

Crona: *lying awake in bed* "..."

mami: *asleep*

Crona: ("It's so quiet now...I used to hear his voice even when he wasn't talking...It's hard to get used to.") *looks at Mami* "..." *hug*

mami: *she seems quite relaxed*

Crona: *closes their eyes, sighs quietly*

-morning-

Bon: *walking through the temple*

izumo: *cleaning*

Bon: "??? What, Mom has you working?"

izumo: i volunteered, for your information.

Bon: -_-; "Well, thanks--it's looking better."

-elsewhere-

Relan: *walking with his shoulder in a sling* *cringes*

iris: how are you feeling?

Relan: "The meds help, but it still hurts a lot."

iris: hmm...

Relan: "Enough of that--another day is ahead of us...How did the talk go with Mr. Fulham from the 1st?"

iris: well....

-she explains what happened-

Relan: "I'm so sorry. This can't be easy on everyone in the Church."

-elsewhere-

Yoichi: ^^ "Welcome back to work!"

hyakuya: morning.

shinoa: oh, that reminds me, riko's family invited us to their mansion for a celebration. ^^

Kimizuki: "What's to celebrate? We did our job..." *awkward glance at Hyakuya*

shinoa: they wanted to celebrate the return of their daughter, of course. so get your formal wear~

Yoichi: "Yay! ...I don't have really good formal wear, so I may need to shop a bit."

hyakuya: i dont have any formal wear!

Kimizuki: *sighs* "Looks like a few of us are shopping."

-elsewhere-

Monica: *in the cafe uniform* -_-# "Welcome. May I take your order?"

girl: i'll have a Frappuccino.

guy: do you still have the shamrock shakes?

Monica: "...It's June. Not March. So no. Is there something else you want to order?"

guy: can i have a mint green mocha then?

Monica: "..." *writes it onto a cup* "Sure. Name?"

-elsewhere-

Harvar: *looking at footprints* "Well, someone was here."

ox: or something....

Fire: .~.; "Like the thing we're supposed to find?"

kim: most likely...

Jacqueline: *following the steps' path--that lead to the edge of a cliff* "..."

-elsewhere-

*a man in a monocle opens his car door*

???: mr dragulsec i presume?

Dragulsec: "???" *turns--*

-WHAM-

*Dragulsec is knocked to the street*

Dragulsec: *groans, sitting up* "L-Lighting?!"

lewin: salutations, doc!

Dragulsec: "What the devil is wrong with you?!"

lewin: word on the street is you've got connections to the illuminati.

Dragulsec: "Balderdash! Your 'word' would tell you I already entered a contract that would prevent me from cooperating with them!"

lewin: but that's the mystery i need to solve. after all, not many people can get away with a massacre and stay in the same line of work for over a decade...

Dragulsec: "Absurd! Hollow reasoning! You have no idea how such a massacre continues to affect me!"

lewin: talk is cheap, doc. but i'll still need a bit of proof. teyonebuse and so on...

*something buzzes around Dragulsec, striking him*

Dragulsec: "GAAAH! Stop this!"

lewin:...mortem.

Dragulsec: *screams, as his collar is ripped*

lewin:....so _that's_ it, huh? welp. thanks for your time, doc. im gonna vamoose, as it were.

Dragulsec: *coughing* "Y-You won't get away with this! I'll report this! They'll lock you away, Lightning, you madman!"

lewin: funny you should say that. i intend to have you prosecuted~

-elsewhere-

Lucy: *waves to the cafe manager* "Hello!"

manager: good morning, lucy. ready to start the day?

Lucy: *smiles, nods* "Ready!" *grabs the apron* "I wonder how busy it'll get."

*the door opens*

manager: welcome.

Q: ^w^ *waves his doll's hand* "Hello!"

higuchi: *nods*

Lucy: ._.;

-elsewhere-

kirako: ok, i brought everyone's orders. ^^

Kyoka: "Thank you." *smiles*

Kunikida: "Thank you very much. That was very kind of you."

fukuzawa: .....

Kyoka: "...Sir? You aren't touching your food. Do you anticipate it is poisoned?"

fukuzawa: im more concerned for miss haruno.

kirako: sir, im fine, really.

Kunikida: "Did you make sure to buy a meal for yourself?"

kirako: just something light.

Kunikida: "I see..."

Kyoka: "Can always have my fortune cookie." *holds up hers*

kirako: thank you kyouka.

sylvia: *noms her food* t-thank you!

Kyoka: ^^

Kunikida: "How did your check-up go?"

kirako: well, i did get a good report.

Kunikida: "Oh? That's great."

-elsewhere-

nana: *intently staring at a book*

Ria marcelo: "It's okay--try saying it aloud."

nana: hmm......aaa....pp...ley?

Ria marcelo: "Apple?"

nana: yeah, this thing. *points to a picture of an apple in the book*

Ria marcelo: "Right. It's a fruit that comes in a variety of colors and flavors varying by sweetness and tartness."

nana: uhhhh.....huh?

Ria marcelo: "It's food."

nana: oh. ok.

Ria marcelo: "And it's a common word when learning English and other languages because it starts with the first letter in the alphabet, 'A.'"

nana: ah...which one is 'A'?

Ria marcelo: "The first letter." *circles the "A" in "apple" with her finger*

nana: oooh! i see.

Ria marcelo: "..." *small smile* "There are some other words that start with 'a,' too."

-elsewhere-

Kimizuki: *looking at ties* "Hmm...Red may be too intimidating."

shinoa: alright, we've picked out our dresses.

hyakuya: 7,7;

Yoichi: "Great! This'll be fun, like playing dress up!"

mitsuba: wouldnt be my first formal dinner party.

shinoa: same.

Yoichi: ^^; "I'm out of practice on formal dining etiquette."

mitsuba:...*glances at kimizuki*

Kimizuki: "Hmph. I'm familiar enough with the dining practices." *picks out a black tie*

-elsewhere-

Saria: *walks up to the counter* "Hello! I'll have--" O_O; *hides behind Lukas*

Monica: -_-# "Just give it to me."

lukas: um... ._.;

Monica: "SPIT IT OUT! I DON'T HAVE ALL DAY!"

Saria: >_< "Iced tea, please!"

-elsewhere-

kyouko: ......

Fujimoto: *reading, looks up* "Hey, kiddo--feeling a bit bored?"

kyouko: a bit stressed from studying and work, i guess. *sigh* i havent been this exhausted since working to pay off your medical bills.....

Fujimoto: "...You know, you had been saving up some money for a bit of travel..."

kyouko: ?? are you sure?

Fujimoto: *nods* "I think you need a break. Maybe I can help with your trip..."

kyouko: hmm.....

-elsewhere-

mami: feeling any better?

Crona: "Still lethargic, but less affected by whatever happened...Ragnarok has been a bit more unhinged but nowhere near as mindless when we were together."

mami: i see. do you need anything at the moment?

Crona: "...I'm kinda hungry." ^^; "Maybe pudding?"

mami: ok, two puddings coming up. ^^

Crona: "Thank you..." *looks out the window* "Maybe we could go out when I'm a little stronger."

mami: *nods*

*giggling is heard in the hallway*

mami: *looks*

Ragnarok: *in the apartment hallway, talking to a neighbor* "--then I said, 'It's supposed to be flat--it's roadkill!'"

old woman: ._.;;

Ragnarok: "So, how long you been living here? Since Peloponnesian or Trojan War?"

mami: hello mrs onozuka. he isnt bothering you is he?

mrs onozuka: hello mami, dearie. is he a friend of yours? ^^;

mami: more of a permanent house guest. 7_7;

mrs onozuka: that reminds me, how is chrona? i heard they were in the hospital.

mami: they're doing much better. i was actually about to make some food for them.

Ragnarok: "Not since they pulled me out of Cro--"

mami: *shoves ragnarok back inside*

Ragnarok: >_<# "You jerk! I'm making headway with that octogenarian!"

mrs onozuka: if you'd like, i could bring over some of my homemade ohagi. ^^

mami: that would be lovely, thank you. ^^

Ragnarok: "MAKE ME SOME TOO, MRS. O!"

-elsewhere-

kim: ugh...feels like we've been walking forever!

Jacqueline: *looking at the trail* "Maybe they are trying to confuse us--meandering."

kilik: ......

ox: *shivering*

Harvar: "This is the part in the horror film where someone gets pulled away screaming to their death."

ox: can you not? im cold enough as it is!

Thunder: *striking a stick along the trees*

-something growls-

Fire: O_O;

ox: EEK!

kim: ?!?

Harvar: *gets in front of Ox*

-something comes charging at them-

kim: jackie!

Jacqueline: "Right!" *transforms*

kilik: fire, thunder, let's go!

Fire and Thunder: *transform*

-a large green creature charges-

creature: *GRRAOOOOOOO*

Jacqueline: "!!!"

Fire + Thunder: "HOLY MOLEY!"

Harvar: "??? Are we in The Green?"

-the creature swings a fist at them-

Jacqueline: *lets out a fire in the air* "Get back, Kim!"

kim: *jumps back* jackie, blast it!

Jacqueline: *blasts it*

creature: *SCREECHES*

Thunder: "??? Are they upset we're on their land?"

kim: why dont we try asking it. OOOI! WHAT DO YOU WANT!

creature: *SHRIIEEEK*

ox: *dodging* ?? hey! there's something in it's back!

Harvar: *looks*

-in the creature's back is a black shard that looks like glass, but has an orange glow to it, similar to the creature's eyes-

Harvar: "Looks magic-y."

kim: *looks* !! we need to get it out!

Jacqueline: "Touching it directly may be dangerous. It may be safer to use a weapon to dig it out. I suggest using Harvar."

Harvar: -_-; "Thank you for your concern."

kim: and after we get it out, we need to destroy it.

kilik: you recognize it?

kim: *nods* it's a binding shard. witches use them to control living beings sometimes.

Jacqueline: "Who wants to be the distraction?"

kim: hey you big lug! over here! >XP

creature: *ROARS and attacks*

Jacqueline: "Oh boy..." *blasts up to let Kim fly over*

creature: *swings a fist at them*

Fire + Thunder: *charge up*

kilik: *runs at the creature*

Fire: "FIRE FIST!"

Thunder: "THUNDERSTRUCK!"

-SHAFWOOM-

creature: *SCREEEEEEEEEEEE*

Harvar: "Ox, now!"

ox: HYAAAH!!

*direct hit*

creature: *SCREEEEEEEEE*

Harvar: "Now get back!"

ox: *jumps back*

Jacqueline: "Kim, what happens now to it?"

kim: we need to smash the shard!

Fire: "Punch it!"

-POW-

-SHATTER-

Thunder: ^o^

-the beast stops. then a blue light appears in it's eyes, staring at them-

Jacqueline: "Did it work?"

Harvar: "No, the beast got contact lenses."

Jacqueline: -_-#

-the creature looks at them, letting out a low growl, as if to say 'thank you', then walks off-

Fire: "Bye bye!"

kim: well, i think that's case closed...

kilik: guys....i think that thing may have been the forest guardian...

Thunder: "Huh--that would make a lot of sense."

kim: i thought forest guardians looked like huge bucks?

kilik: in some cases, they do. the appearance of the guardian changes depending on the state of the forest it protects.

Jacqueline: "So this mossy forest..."

kim:...we should probably go now.

-elsewhere-

Black Star: *huffs, puffs* "...OKAY! AGAIN!"

Hyde: *operating a wrecking ball* "Okay!" *swings the wrecking ball--*

Black Star: *stares...pulls back his fist, and--*

*CRACK*

tsubaki: what on earth?!

licht: idiocy. idiocy is happening.

Black Star: *knocks the freaking wrecking ball away--as it flies off the chain and towards Licht and Tsubaki*

ochako: *gravities the chain and sends it up*

Hyde: "Woot! Look at that sucker fly!"

Black Star: "Damn! I can't believe I knocked that thing away! Looks like I'm getting this strength thing under control!"

Fitzgerald: "THE HELL ARE YOU PEOPLE DOING WITH MY WRECKING BALL?!"

Hyde: "..." *runs for it*

ochako: YEEP!!

Mr. Uraraka: "Oh, hey kids! Careful on the equipment."

Fitzgerald: *picks up a pebble, throws it--and it smashes Hyde into the ground*

ochako: D8>

licht: ?!?!?

Hyde: *buried*

Fitzgerald: "Hmph. Not even worth $25."

-elsewhere-

Tetsutetsu: *staring at the list* "So many flavors...So many desserts..."

pony: they all sound so delish!

Sen: "Hmm...Maybe just something simple--like fudge ripple..."

Tetsutetsu: *staring at the sundaes*

Yosetsu: "Just a little bit before our training kicks into high gear!"

nirengeki: maybe i'll just get something small.

reiko: i suppose i'll treat myself to the chocolate fudge.

tokage: you sure, yanagin? it's a bit pricey.

reiko: *nods*

Hiryu: "Ibara, you want anything?"

ibara: i'll just have vanilla.

kinoko: dude, that's rad.

Hiryu: *nods* "That red velvet is calling my attention..."

-elsewhere-

mina: you think horses have dreams?

Jirou: "??? Probably. Animals make noises when they sleep and all..."

mina: what do you think they dream about?

eijiro: horse stuff i guess?

Hagakure: "Like winning the Derby?"

mina: maybe.

-elsewhere-

Todoroki: "??? What happened to your friend?"

Hyde: X___X

ochako: antics happened. ^^;

licht: *staring at todoroki*

Todoroki: "...Oh. Hello, um, 'bro.'"

licht: hello again brother, angel of the frozen flame.

Todoroki: -_-; "Not the moniker I intend to use for superheroism, but poetic."

-elsewhere-

Rin: *sitting under bamboo, has a monkey on his head* "I don't see what the big deal is..." *hands a grape up to the monkey* "The baby isn't out yet, so you still got time..."

Monkey: ^w^ *eating*

izumo: i guess they wanted so celebrate anyway.

Rin: "Yeah, but I mean his panicking over something that isn't happening yet--still got time to learn diapering, burping, cholic, warming up milk--"

izumo: how do you know about all this stuff?

Rin: "The old man kept seeing mothers all the time, so someone had to look after the kids while he was doing whatever with them."

izumo: i see...

Bon: "What a mother."

-elsewhere-