#i want to go back to church and thats the big warning sign

[jusque-ici-tout-va]

.

[goldenhour-goldenboy]

hi!! after watching TF i got a Supernatural Dean and Sam vibe from Will and Benny, Will is like Dean and Benny is sam. It mentioned their dad in the movie and icouldn't help imagine him being a military dad, which is how they both got into this job. and Wills line of "I've been supporting him since the day he was born” about benny just reminded me of dean taking care of sam. could u write a fic about Will and bennys childhood and how you think it could have gone with a military dad away a lot! x

Soooo a couple of things 1) i’ve never made it past the third season supernatural and that was years ago so I hope the vibe is still what you wanted :) and 2) I was mainly working from other people’s experience with having a parent or both parents in the army and being in the army in the US is probably a bit different from being in the army in Germany buuuut I still enjoyed this snippet and I hope you do too! :) 

Growing up with their dad in the military (Ben Miller and William Miller, hc)

Both of the Miller boys grow up on strength, physically and emotionally, their parents keen on teaching the boys values and morales that are important to them. 

Their mother, an endless source of love, would always patch up their knees, dry their tears and help them with their homework. She’s the heart of the household, both of the boys inheriting her warmth and care. This is what she taught them, that there is strength in forgiveness and kindness and that every creature on this earth is deserving of love. It is important for her that her sons learn respect and honesty with one another, fairness and to be stronger than what the world might throw at them. 

He’s cracking jokes on Sundays where they are meant to be on their way to church yet they’re late again so they end up at a pancake place because there really is no point in going now. He’s morning runs, the brothers chasing after him until they get tired halfway through and he has to carry them back to the house, getting his own little workout in like that. 

The boys see their parents being in love, dancing around the kitchen, stealing kisses while cooking and even though they are children and that stuff is gross for them the imagine on what a relationship should look like gets imprinted into their minds.

Both of the boys grow up with at least one daily task to fulfill. It is their fathers way of teaching them responsibility and patience and care.

 William and Ben being in charge of the chickens in the backyard seemed like an excellent choice for that. they are in charge of feeding them and taking them out of the gutter and making sure the way to the enclosure is free and available ben learned to take responsibility the hard way, when he forgot to lock the gates one night and the chicken ran away in the cold, never to be seen again. His father, showing little emotions for that other than disappointment just shrugs and tells him to be more careful next time if he wants to avoid that from happening again. 

To the outside world his way of raising the boys may seem a bit extreme, even cold at times but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Their dad is still caring and incredibly invested in the boys, so much that he wants to do everything that they grow up string minded and healthy and independent, thats all that he wants from life and if that’s the way to get them to learn than so be it. most of this comes from his own father, having the family having a long line of history of vets and soldiers. it is a sense of belonging that he walkways felt when talking to his dad and he wants to pass that down to his own sons. and though they are grateful for the many lessons they’ve learned as children, little kids really can’t comprehend the situation as they grow up and are still young, let alone understand the intentions that go with actions.

It gets harder every time their father has to leave again. The boys don’t understand. It’s confusion the first time and some tears, they are trying to be brave and grown up then. The next time there are a lot more tears, more confusion, yelling and clinging until they reach a point where it’s silent tears and not even wanting to hug their dad and say goodbye. This is even worse than the yelling. 

It’s after one too times his father tells him he has to leave the next week, again, that William runs into the office, where his dad stores his belongings and the medals of his dad and pictures taken while he was in service, and pushes everything off the shelves before storming out the house. He doesn’t necessarily smashes anything as much as he just wants it all to be gone, leading to nothing being broken in the end but the gesture defiantly getting across. His dad finds William out on the front porch, the little guy waiting for him to come and confront him about his actions. Part of Will wants to stand tall and take whatever his dad has to say to him with pride and part of him is just utterly scared of the reaction he’s about to receive, anxiously awaiting the yelling his dad must’ve prepared. It leaves him with his chin up but his eyes watering and his lower lip quivering. When his dad just sighs and sits down Will’s nerves start to get the best of him and he breaks down crying because that’s the reaction he had prepared and now that there’s no outburst from his dad he’s completely confused into what he’s supposed to feel. His father can’t even be mad, it is such a clear and big signal from William to act out like that, he has to force down a chuckle. „You’re a brave guy, William Miller.“ His son is still sobbing and while he stops to take in a shaky breath Papa Miller opens one of his arms, not being able to see his son hurt by something he caused. „You need a hug, tough guy?“

William, even though being the older one, has a hard time dealing with the absence of his dad and missing him a lot more than he can handle. There are endless nights spent crying and getting terribly homesick, even though he is home. He grew up knowing what it was like to have a dad around and whenever his dad is gone, he can feel him missing. 

His obsession with numbers started then, counting the days his dad was gone, how many times he has to sleep before he gets to see him. It’s a desperate attempt to make the situation more bearable for him and it barely works.

Benny at the same time grew up seeing his dad from time to time. He’s used to the stories instead of memories and saying goodbye constantly before seeing him again some weeks later. He doesn’t remember his first couple of years as much as Will does, when his dad used to be gone for months at times. His world was much simpler, his questions could be answered with wonders and his mother telling him about how brave his dad is, fighting to come home because he loves his family so much. For Benny, his dad is a hero. Until he is not.

Puberty is hitting him like a ton of bricks and while his brother grew up with a lot of feelings, Benny suddenly gets a lot more input than he can handle. He feels everything, all the time and he truly doesn’t know how to deal with that. His dad being absent only feeds into his confusion, leaving Benny unsatisfied if he is home and missing him when he’s gone. He’s picking fights then, with his mom, his brother and most often his dad when he is actually home. Doors slamming, yelling and heavy footsteps on the stairs are common in those years and Benny loses the connection to his father for quite some time.

With Benny trying to sort himself out, William feels like he’s going through puberty a second time. They’ve moved a couple times by now and while Will comforts himself with books (they wont leave him and he can take them anywhere with him) Ben has gotten in with the wrong kind of people just one too many times. He’s out at night more than he can count, his mother not getting through to him and his brother only finding the wrong words. They’re at each others throats more and more, underestimating their own strength and forgetting that if they hit each other now it can become real dangerous real quick. 

It’s one night where Ben is coming home late. He’s drunk and trying to sneak in, actually bumping into every corner on his way through the house. He doesn’t even make it up the stairs as his brother, woken up by the crashing, comes down to help him. Hushed words lead to snarls lead to yelling, feelings that have been pushed down for too long explode. „What do you think dad would say if he were here? He would beat your ass to next christmas!“ „I don’t care about fucking dad! He can fuck off and die whatever shithole he’s stuck in now!“ They use words that cut deep and it doesn’t take long for them to roll around the hallway, fists hammering and hands closing around each other throats. Neither of them hear their mother shout, desperate for her sons to stop. She screams, she cries, she throws plates to the ground but they don’t hear her so she brings out the gun and fires a warning shot into the ceiling. Now they stop, startled and she sends them to bed before breaking down in the living room, a hole in the ceiling being the literal sign for something terribly going wrong right now. Their father comes home a few weeks later, both boys not interested in seeing him. William, who initially wasn’t even mad, actually understands his brother because he too, feels left behind. The last image their dad has of them is when they were 8 and they have matured a lot by that now. There’s no hug this time, the ceiling being fixed long before the boys learn to deal with their feelings and it takes an even longer time to forgive their dad, because after all it is their dad and they do care for him very much.

It’s a special kind of bond the Miller brothers share between them, their trust grown over years spending together and the thought about one leaving the other actually scaring them. Both of them like to know their loved ones safe and sound, a lot of their caring coming from the time that they didn’t know if their dad was alright. Ben and Will join the military at the same time, both beaming with pride and confidence. This is what they both wanted ever since thinking about their future, side by side and even though William struggles to come to terms with the thought that his baby brother might get hurt, he couldn’t imagine his service without him.

The day they get sworn in is probably the proudest day for the whole family. Their father is beaming with pride looking at his sons and both of them feel like they might explode.

There’s a lot they still haven’t talked about. The past is not an easy thing to untangle and feelings don’t go away like that, Ben and Will slowly understanding their father more and more as they experience violence and war and grief in the same way he did. Now they are the ones who get to see their parents from time to time, the tables being turned in a way they always suspected to happen but not being prepared for the way it actually is. 

It certainly helps to have a father who’ve experienced this kind of mental strain before and who knows what its like to go to war and then come back home. A lot of the adjusting with life back home they actually turned to their father to, family dinners often revolving around their stories and experiences and sometimes just quiet pats on the shoulders, as no words are needed to understand the struggle each one is going through. Not every action can be excused but they are older now and old scars are sometimes just that, old scars.

[tumblunni]

WHAT THE UCK NO IS IT JUST ME OR DOES THIS SEEM WILDLY OUT OF CHARACTER???

like seriously throughout this ENTIRE route the protagonist hasn’t hit on him once, and has been repeatedly like “I can’t encourage him to cheat on Mary, even if she’s horrible and abusive” and now he’s just like “fine okay” hearing that Joseph already cheated with someone else?? Like that’s not my actual opinion here on this plot, cos I’ve seen mary on other routes and I know she’s not really bad, and the game’s been dropping all these hints that Joseph is actually the bad one. But like from dadtagonist’s position here he’s been thinking “oh god joseph is super unhappy and mary is horrible and they need to split up” and then STILL deciding that breaking them up would be wrong, that’s how anti-cheating he was until this moment. It comes out of nowhere for what we’ve been seeing in previous scenes.

And also from my personal perspective I also think this is horrible! Like.. sorry if this sounds insensitive or anything but... You don't just.. accidentally cheat on someone! You don’t accidentally go through all the steps of asking someone out, walk back to their home, have a drink, have a fuck, walk back home and decide not to ever tell your wife about it. You don’t accidentally put your damn dick in someone! The only situation that even comes slightly close to that is the situation that I thought Joseph was meant to be- where you’re trapped in a loveless marriage. And like.. even then you still have a choice. When you’re “in a dark place” and you find yourself wanting to make that choice, that’s A SIGN YOU SHOULD LEAVE HER! The choice you have here is TO LEAVE HER! Don’t cheat on her, go back home and tell her you want to break up, then go back and marry the other person afterwards. like seriously if they actually love you then they’ll wait for you, and if she ever loved you she’ll agree to the divorce so you can both be happy. A divorce doesn’t have to be about spewing hate and trying to destroy the life of the other person, you could split up without friggin doing something horrible to spite her. Like the only thing achieved by cheating is that she’s gonna hate you when she finds out, and the inevitable divorce will be more painful! And like.. if the person you’re cheating with actually was just a one night stand, then what are you even achieving by shagging them? You get one night of.. like.. just sexual pleasure. you don’t even get any relief from the loveless marriage, you don’t get to feel loved for real. And you just caused either a horrible angry divorce or years of unhealthy lying and even less love, all because you couldn’t keep it in your pants. IF YOU FIND YOURSELF WANTING TO CHEAT, ITS A SIGN YOU SHOULD BREAK UP. JUST BREAK UP.

Like the only situation where cheating is morally defenseable is if you’re in a situation with a spouse that’s not only loveless but also abusive. if you have some sort of reason you can’t break up, if you’re terrified that they’ll kill you. Or something like “oh no i am a closeted gay man and I got into a straight marriage that I didn’t want, and I risk problems if my sexuality becomes known”, like.. yknow.. THE TWO PLOT TRAITS I THOUGHT JOSEPH WAS GONNA HAVE

And like seriously even if everything Joseph said is true and he did somehow “accidentally” cheat, like he was drunk or something, then like.. just... THIS REACTION MAKES NO SENSE! Iggy would be like “okay dude why didnt you tell your wife and apologise” not “oh gee cos you’re religious you get one free pass at forgiveness WITHOUT EVEN ASKING FOR IT FROM THE ONE PERSON YOU ACTUALLY HURT” And same if Joseph did indeed just make a bad choice and regret it. You don’t really regret it if you’ve been keeping it secret from her! And also you probably shouldnt talk about it in such a weirdly biased way where you paint it as if it was an accident and as if the other guy was overreacting and etc, thats a REALLY big sign that you’re not really regretting a damn second of this... Also having a friggin secret booze room in your church office where you “hide from family responsibilities”, and talking about how great it was to not have them, and then comparing this damn affair to the same thing! Okay I’m getting ahead of myself there cos that bit is a bit later, but MAN its such a creepy metaphor to be doing. Its like he’s saying this affair is the same, it’s “just a night out with the boys that my wife doesn’t need to know about”. And he’s being all ~oh everyone does it~ and ~you HAVE to do it to put up with married life, amirite?~

Also seriously DID YOU FUCKIN HAVE AN AFFAIR WITH YOUR WIFE’S BEST FRIEND??? Like man, Mary and Robert are BEST FUCKING FRIENDS! She cares about him so much that she spotted the warning sides of his suicidal inclinations on the final date of his route, and she grew to care about protagonist so much too that she trusted him to be the one who could bring Robert back from the brink.. Like what is the situation that happened here? Cos I can’t imagine Robert actually EVER offering casual sex to a married man. He propositions you, yes, but you’re single. And not the husband of HIS BEST FRIEND! So like did this happen before they became friends?? Did Robert first start hanging out with her from the guilt of what happened, and now he’s feeling like absolute shit every time Mary cares about him, but he cares about Joseph still so he can’t bring himself to blab the secret to anyone..? Or like did this happen when Robert first moved here and he didn’t even know Joseph was married AT ALL?? And he just accidnetally ended up befriending Mary at the same time he was unknowingly helping her husband cheat on her??

Or like.. I mean.. MAYBE in the best case scenario its like... Joseph actually was honest and did tell Mary that he cheated on her, and she forgave him, and then mary ended up forgiving robert too and they all became friends. Or I mean maybe Robert and Joseph just dated before he met Mary but no that wouldnt line up with what he said... I’m really struggling to find any positive interpretation of this that isn’t “robert is totally the bad one and cheating totally is something okay that everyone does”, which is never something I am ever gonna fuckin say

GAHHHHH

[iesharael-blog]

Darksouls - 3/16/19

my ex had given me his games to play via steam link back in February and ive been loving darksouls 3 so much that someone bought me my own copy. last week me and him started talking again after he stayed with me during an anxiety attack. heres the highlights:

-I wanted a day a week where we’d catch up just to stay in contact: weve talked every day and other than the past I think 3 days I wouldn't talk unless he initiated and I didn't pry when he would stop answering

-he warned me that he “plays by extremes and very black and white” (I know) and that he will be cold to me:I understood but somethings he said after that hurt... including when I asked about hanging out in person in the future and a fair I want an excuse to go to (months from now) exerpt - 

me

my brain is like hoping for cecil county fair but i have no clue. no clue how even playing together will go

him

Pft you can go ahead and cut that one right out

me

cut out the fair? | thats like months away | also less of a i wanna hang with you and more of a i love the fair when it comes to that one lol | but i probs have work alot that week so meh

him

Hey man you make plans to go to the fairI just wont be joining

me

lol | alright | im guessing youre not a fan | im semi offended considering most of my family work at it and i think my uncle [name] runs it

him

Never been, i'm just not going to the fair with an ex, ya know?

me

i mean the plan would be that its a small group

him

Nope

me

im just not allowed (and honestly wouldnt) to go alone | i understand man

him

Don't know your peeps | Im good 

like ok cool. you were perfectly fine until this day (we started talking again 3/6/19 and this was 3/13/19) and suddenly hes just cold? 

after this I asked about what do friends do to hang out. I clarified I asked cause I only hanged out at friends houses and I was honestly curious... he shut me down and said he didn't plan to see me in person any time soon so the topic was irrelevant. then some idle chat and around 7:30 pm he said something like he was glad we were gonna play darksouls cause hes been itching to play it.the next day was the day we were supposed to play darksouls together as we planned... 

so im getting sadder and sadder thinking a bunch of scenarios and becoming super anxious. “what if hes testing me to see if I keep messaging him cause that means I probably like him? what if if I keep messaging he gets annoyed with me and doesn't want to talk ever again and blocks me? what if something happened to him??? what if I upset him last night by stopping responding????”

finally I get and answer in the form of “Im sorry im not sure if i'll be on or not. I have work shit that's going on and has bled ovee unto my night |  I'm sorry | I was really looking forward to this”

gone was the cold. there was the man I remembered in those few lines. apologetic and kind. it felt like all this time id been talking to someone else as he lays his heart out giving me a few details about what happened at work and telling me he will send me the hr report without me even asking. I was his confidant and comfort again. then came that humor I love so much as he asks me for a third toppign for his pizza and I suggest m&ms (yes I eat it like that) and he laughs and calls me pregnant then cheers when I say im not. the next morning he sent me the report and we talk about it a bit, that was Friday aka yesterday. we didn't talk the rest of the day after that cause I knew he had work and darksouls and didn't want to add to his stress. 

today around my lunch break I checked in on him knowing he was in class but also that he tends to go on his phone during. roughly 3.25 hours later he messages back saying he chilling and tired and we joke about my sleeping habits cause I haven't slept since monday night. he stops responding after a few messages so I assume this teacher doesn't let him have his phoen in class.

when I was sure he was home I messaged again and asked about playing darksouls. he said “lets give it a go” and 20 mins later we get in call. now a brief description of us playing

started a call Today at 7:17 PM 

discussion of levels and such and me asking a few questions about if I should grab some stuff from the shrine

trouble getting his summon sign to show up

we start fighting things and he tells me I shouldn't use my shield (pyro class) then starts fighting an enemy I usually killed before he went big 

comment like (oh I forgot youre cheep pyromancer) as I start throwing fire at it

he dies cause cleric class trying to tank at level 7

he tells me he doesn't really feel it today and that hes sorry and gets off

I am upset but at least while we were dealing with the summons ign stuff I got a chuckle out of him when I mentioned factorio. I understand why he didn't feel like laying after everything that's been going on but I guess I was just hoping to spend time with him in voice cause it makes me happy and im really stressed rn too. ill try again next week maybe but for now im going to give him space until he contacts me. I want to be as supportive to him as I can be all the time cause I love him.

side note I now have a new cut on my leg. its small and oblong but as wide as dime no more in its long way. not nearly as deep as the others. I got upset cause I caused my parents to argue simply cause I wanted snack wraps after church and my dad went the wrong way to get them. mother apologized to me but I will never let her know about this cut. ive gotten cut by shampoo bottles before and I wont have and chance for her to see it till summer anyway and even then that's only if I go to a pool and I hate public pools. im just gonna pass it off as a shampoo inflicted cut that I picked at and hope she doesn't see it till its a lot smaller. but I also got back in touch with the cousin I thought I lost and im thinking of trying to write some fanfics or something idk. my mind is mostly focused on my ex

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS 124

[[cont from part 123]]

 Justin: *rubbing his arm* *he looks uneasy*

oriko: is everything alright?

Justin: "Just considering something from today's meeting..." *forces a smile*

oriko:....

Justin: "I can start dinner prep if you want? Or did you need something?" *He reaches for his glass--and accidentally knocks it over*

oriko: ah!

Justin: "Oh no..." *reaches down for the glass...his hand shakes...he falls on his knees*

oriko: justin! *runs over to him*

Justin: *pulls off his earbuds, throwing them away*

oriko: !!

Justin: *holding his head* "My faith is being tested..."

oriko:..............*hugs him*

Justin: "..." *starts tearing up*

oriko: im here.....

Justin: *slight wheeze* "...Ever since I saw that...clone or doppleganger or whatever it was..."

oriko:....*holding his hand* why dont i make dinner tonight? you should rest...

Justin: "O-Okay...Could you do me a favor? There's a recipe book from the Church..."

-elsewhere-

ruby: hey commander, do you ever smile?

Burns: "...The last time I did, a baby started crying."

ruby: can i see? pleeeeease?

Burns: "..." *sighs* "..." *super awkward smile*

ruby: o.o;;;;;;;;;; o____o;;;;;

dia: erm.....

Burns: "D-Don't cry, please."

dia: commander, did something happen?

Burns: "..."

{Burns, 8 years old: *reading his Bible*}

{child: if you keep frowning like that, your face is gonna get stuck like that. FOREEEVERRRRR! hehe!}

{Burns: -_- "Shut up--I'm trying to enlighten myself..."}

{child 2: you're so boring, leon. its like you were born an old man!}

{Burns: "Just because I'm serious about this and you aren't just means I'm mature."}

{child 2: whatever!}

Burns: "Serious people get things done. That's all."

ruby: =n= well that's no fun at all! all work and no play isnt any good for anyone.

Burns: "I can have fun! I do fun things..."

ruby: then let's all go to the park! it'll be awesome, right dia?

dia: um...well...

Burns: "Very well--I have finished all scheduled tasks before this evening."

ruby: yay! i'll go see if anyone else wants to join! *runs off*

dia: sir....i do apologize about her...

Burns: "What do you expect--she's a child, after all."

dia:...actually, she's a year older than pearl...

Burns: "Hard to tell. As well, at my age, everyone looks like a child..."

dia: myself included...

Burns: "...I suppose so."

dia:....well, we should be going, then.

Burns: "Hmph." *follows*

-elsewhere-

Saria: "Now measure out another cup of flour..."

lzumi: *doing so*

Saria: "Oh, Zarya, that recipe doesn't need lemon--"

Zarya: "It helps speed up the yeast."

izumi: really?

Zarya: "Yeah, Mom does it all the time..."

Saria: "...I don't think--"

Axel: "Oh, it smells so good, bully girl!" *holds up a high five for Zarya*

Zarya: "..." *ignores him*

zeke: i dont think calling her 'bully girl' helped much, bro.

Axel: "She did help beat the crap out of Izumi."

Duncan: "And me!"

izumi: i-it's fine, really.

stephanie: woow thats loootsa sugar!

Kanin: ._.;;; "This may be a mistake...Maybe less sugar on that one--"

stephanie: usually mommy keeps sugar in baggies in her panty drawer.

Asher: "...That's not sugar. At all. AT. ALL."

stephanie:...........so it's flour?

Asher: "...It's dr--"

Monica: "Shut up and let Zarya do her thing--she's a whiz at this shit."

Zarya: "..." =\\\=;

stephanie: ooh! cherries!

Duncan: "This is a trainwreck waiting to happen--not least of which because I see only two people who know how to cook."

Kanin: "I can cook."

Duncan: "Two people."

Kanin: -_-#

lei-lei: *CHOP* i can help! i used to help mom and dad with the restaurant all the time!

Saria: "O-Oh, you can...?" *looks back down at her plate...sighs*

lukas: could i try some?

Saria: "S-Sure!" *offers one to Lukas* "Let me know what you think!" *smiles*

lukas: *nom* !!! this is really good!

Saria: OwO "Th-Thank you, Lukas!"

lukas: o-of course. 7//7;

*a cough is heard in the doorway*

Kazue: "..." *shambles inside*

amelia: !!

Asher: "Yo. You're supposed to be resting."

Kazue: *holds up a sign* <I needed the walk. What're you doing?>

Duncan: ("For crying out loud, they're still doing the sign thing...")

-izumi explains-

Kazue: "..." <Did you add the lemon juice?>

Zarya: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Kilik: *whistles* "Yeah, you did some damage to the house..."

Black Star: -_-# "I know, I know..."

tsubaki: *sigh* i just got off the phone with the insurance company...

Black Star: "Do they cover acts of God?"

-elsewhere-

-in a small town, a young woman places flowers by two graves-

woman: hi mom, hi dad....it's me again.......i've been fine......amanda and her friends have been hassling me as usual......im ok, really.....

*behind her is an old church...then it sounds like part of it falls down*

woman: !! *looks* ........(im probably imagining things....) well.....im going to head back home now.....i'll be back soon.....i miss you both so much.....*walking away*

*eyes follow her*

creature: *observing her*

Pumpkin: *pushes the Creature's head down* *watching the woman leave*

-elsewhere-

Tezca: *checking his map*

-in the distance seems to be an old temple-

Tezca: "Jeez, that's seen better days..." *walks up*

-a shadow seems to follow him-

Tezca: *singing softly to himself* "And they go bitty-bounce-bounce..."

-loooooom-

Tezca: o___o "My early warning system is tingling..." *looks around*

-HUG-

???: <LIL MAN! GOOD TO SEE YA! GRAHAHA!>

Tezca: *eyes bulging* "GAK! H-Hey, yourself!"

-a very tall woman with dark skin is hugging him-

???: <you got a bit taller than when i last saw ya! how've ya been?>

Tezca: *wheeze* <Oh, you know, doing the Death Scythe thing, going on a walk-about, looking for leads on an investigation-->

???: oho? <is that right?>

Tezca: *nods* <Yeah, we had some Kishin Worshippers pop up in Death City--real mess. I swear, that city is like a magnet for crap luck.>

-elsewhere-

Monica: -_-# "We don't need a freaking escort home..."

yolanda: i know, but there's not much we can do about it, im afraid.

Lorenzo: "Just be thankful they had us do it and not some weirdo." *nudges Monica's head*

Youta: .~.; "Y-You really shouldn't poke a student--"

Monica: *swings at Lorenzo*

yolanda: this is a frequent occurrence between them, trust us.

Lorenzo: *ducks--and slams Monica down onto the pavement*

Youta: D8> "This is normal?!"

Zarya: "Wait for it..."

Monica: *flips Lorenzo over, tossing him into a car*

Youta: Q~Q *hides behind Stephanie*

stephanie: i dont think the car is too happy.

Monica: "Ha! Getting slow in your old age, bro?!"

Lorenzo: *gets up--and pushes the car along the street at Monica--*

Monica: O_O "WAIT--"

*CRASH*

Endeavor: *steps out of a nearby cafe--* "..." *pulls out his phone* "Hello, auto insurance? Yeah. Again."

-elsewhere-

Cho: *escorting Lei-Lei, Hibiki, and others* "Hmm...Your grandmother was DWMA, right?"

hibiki: yes.

Cho: *nods* "She was a fierce fighter. Many of us wish we could be so polished and driven." *touches the facial burn marks*

hibiki: yeah....

Axel: "How did you get burned?"

zeke: *hushed* dude!

Cho: "No, it's fine. I was on a mission and was infected by a combination of spontaneous human combustion and venomous magic."

hibiki: yikes....

Cho: "I had to play dead for awhile in the hope of finding the co-conspirator, but she's fallen off the radar."

-elsewhere-

Spirit: *driving back Izumi, Asher...and Amelia, Kanin, and Duncan*

Duncan: *squished in the back-seat* >n<

amelia: thank you for driving us home, mr albarn…

Spirit: "You're welcome--can't have you all out on the streets without some additional supervision."

izumi:...

Asher: *looks out the window* "This kind of crap keeps happening around here..."

amelia: makes you wonder if this really is a safe place to live....

Kanin: "...Sometimes it's the only place you got."

izumi:.....why dont we listen to some music?

Spirit: "Good idea!" *turns on the radio--*

*loud heavy metal starts*

-elsewhere-

Giriko: *carrying Anna--and knocks on Justin's door* "Yo, priest!" *he's also holding a plastic bag*

oriko: yes?

Giriko: "Oh--hey there." *holds up a bag* "Got those ingredients."

oriko: ah, do come in. justin...isnt feeling that well, and he's resting right now.

Giriko: "Jeez--he sick or something?" *sets down the groceries, then sets down Anna*

oriko:....would you like some tea? something to eat, perhaps? ^^

Giriko: "You got any juice for Anna? I can start chopping up the vegetables..."

-elsewhere-

Yafeu: "DON'T OVER-EXERT YOURSELF--YOU'RE NOT DOING ANY ROOFTOP HOPPING FOR A BIT!"

Kazue: <Please stop yelling--my family will be here shortly.>

preston: oh~?

*the lights go out*

lukas: eh?

Saria: "EEP!"

*footsteps are heard, darting around*

lukas: saria!

Saria: "Right!" *transforms*

Yafeu: *transforms as well*

lukas: ... !!!

*a masked figure is in front of Lukas, swinging an arm whose sleeve hides their hand*

lukas: who are- !!! KYA!

???: <hey! whos pants are these?>

lukas: >////~////<;;

???: *tosses the ring from a kyoketsu-shoge at Preston's hand, landing it around Yafeu's barrel*

Saria: ._.; "Lukas! On your left!"

lukas: !!

???: *is attacking with...an umbrella?*

lukas: what's going on?!

Kazue: *claps their hands, and the lights come back on*

*the ninja-esque figures all have kabuki masks on*

lukas: !!! G-GIVE MY PANTS BACK! >///<;

???: *looks* "... ... ..." *small squeak, looks away*

'old man mask': oh? these are yours? sorry dude!

Saria: =\\\\=;

Yafeu: "WHO THE HECK ARE YOU JERKS?!"

Kazue: <Family...>

'onna mask': we're the Kotori Family Kabuki Troupe.

Saria: "Kabuki? Kazue, you're from a kabuki troupe! That's so cool!"

Kazue: =\\\\=;

Yafeu: *transforms back...and reaches for one of their masks*

young boy: ehehe. ^^;

-onna mask removes said mask-

girl: really kazue, you make us worry with these endeavours of yours...

Yafeu: *looks back and forth* "...Okay, I can see it."

'fox mask': .......

Kazue: <I merely am applying my skills to actual combat and the safety of the innocent...>

young boy: hey, big bro, is kazue in trouble?

Oni mask: *arms crossed* "Big time."

Kazue: "..." *throws a smoke bomb*

'fox mask': oh no you dont.

Kazue: *already reaching for the window*

Yafeu: *coughs*

-something grabs their leg-

Kazue: O_o "Uh--"

-'fox mask drags them back with....their own arm??-

Saria: "Oh! The fox is a whip?!"

Kazue: <LET GO, SADAKO!> >~<

Sadako: *GLARE* you know what father would do if you got yourself killed, dont you?

Kazue: "Wouldn't be my problem if I was dead already!"

Sadako: *GETS RIGHT IN THEIR FACE* He would cry. that's what.

Young lady: ara-ara, Sacchan. you're quite spirited, arent you? ^^

Kazue: "..." *frowns, looks away* "I never asked you to come here. Family is nothing but a nuisance--"

*SLAP*

Kazue: "?!!!"

Yafeu: *LOOKS PISSED...MORE THAN USUAL*

preston: !!!!

lukas: y-yafeu!

Kazue: "Who even told you that you could touch me--"

Yafeu: "DO YOU KNOW WHAT SOME PEOPLE WOULD GIVE FOR FAMILY, YOU LITTLE CRAP?!"

Saria: "..."

girl: please, lets calm down everyone.

Kazue: *grunts* <In case you haven't noticed, I'm injured, so it's not like I can travel back easily...>

young lady: we're not forcing you to come home, you know.

girl: right, we just want you to be safe.

Kazue: "I'm alive, aren't I?"

girl: well, yes.....

lukas: yafeu, are you alright?

Yafeu: *wipes his eyes* "I'M FINE!"

lukas:.....

preston:.....hmm...

Saria: "M-Maybe we should all take a deep breath and pause? Um, if your family came all this way, I'm sure they're tired and could use a rest and maybe something to eat?"

girl: well, we're staying at the white water inn, why dont you come with us?

preston: why that sounds just lovely, but i need to make a call first.

Saria: "Y-Yes, and we were supposed to get an escort first due to the Kishin Worshippers..."

*the door opens*

Akane: "Apologies--Clay got us lost again."

clay: =~=;

Akane: "...Did we come at a bad time?"

young lady: oh my~ such a handsome man.

-elsewhere-

tsugumi:......for some reason, im feeling jealous.

mio:....huh?

Anya: =u= "Well, given the luxury you are experiencing, I'm not surprised~"

mio: *sweatdrop* (these freaking rich people....)

ao: i see your ego is gaining weight like your calves.

Anya: (ʘ言ʘ╬) "HOW ABOUT I SHOVE MY FOOT UP YOUR BACKSIDE?!!!" *rolling up a sleeve*

tsugumi: come on now, dont fight!

-elsewhere-

Duncan: "The corner is fine..." *grabs his bag*

-elsewhere-

stephanie: hey moni, can i stay the night? mommy said she's going to be at a party tonight. ^^

Monica: "Just need to ask the 'rents first...Hey, could you distract them? If they saw Lorenzo and I like this, they'd drop a brick."

yolanda: i'll make sure to wear protective headgear.

Monica: -_-# "Just keep them occupied before Mama sees us, or she's going to--"

-LA CHANCLA'D-

Lorenzo: OwO; *tries to run--*

-LA CHANCLA'D x2-

Zarya: "Yikes."

Lorenzo: X___X

Monica: @~@

-elsewhere-

Blair: *riding an airborne pumpkin home* ^w^ *lands--only to be surrounded by more hooded figures* OwO; "Nya?"

guard: good afternoon, ma'am.

Blair: "Hi? Can I help you?" ._.;

guard: just checking on things here.

Blair: "Oooooooh, because of the nasty Kishin worshippers hanging about?"

guard: aye. *hands her a list* by the way, lady maaba recently updated the list of rogues to be on the look out for.

Blair: "Eh?" *looks over it* "Oh, no--this just keeps getting longer...I could check the club again."

-elsewhere-

Kid: *sips water* "..."

shiori: is kid better?

Kid: *weak smile* "A bit--thank you. How are you feeling, Shiori?"

shiori: *hug*

Kid: "..." *wipes his eyes, hugs her*

shiori: kid get better soon?

Kid: *nods* "I will--promise."

-elsewhere-

Tezca: "Then Enrique said, 'The only thing I don't swing on are vines, so you're on your own!' BWA HA HA HA HA!"

Quetzal: GRAHAHA! <oh man, still the same old jokester, eh, lil man?>

Tezca: <You know it!> *opens another bottle* <You should see his stand-up routine! Shame he didn't come--but he saw the hotel and just crashed.>

Quetzal: <his loss.>

Tezca: *looks at the treetops* <Things been quiet here, or you having problems?>

Quetzal: <eh, same old problems a god can have, y'know?>

Tezca: <I hear ya. I mean, I don't know from experience, but secondhand. Those slash-and-burn jackals giving you any trouble?>

Quetzal: <now and then, but nothing a good ol' snake eyed glare to scare 'em off. and of course theres those land developers....>

Tezca: <??? Still? You got a name of one of them?> *sips his beer*

-elsewhere-

Bellhop: *pushing a food service cart* =_= ("Damn Death Scythes get to live the high life...I hope this one at least tips...") *knocks on the door*

*the door opens...revealing Enrique in the jacuzzi*

Enrique: "GOH!"

Bellhop: O_o; <The Death Scythe is a monkey?!>

-elsewhere-

DWMA Engineer: *stretches* "Why'd the boss call us in? I want to get home--Frank's said he was making chicken mole tonight!"

worker 2: i'unno.

*footsteps are heard descending down the hanger's steps...*

worker 2: ??

???: "OKAY, YOU GRUNTS! JUST BECAUSE THE SUN IS SETTING DOESN'T MEAN WE DON'T STOP WORKING! WE--"

*then he trips, as the giant H-beam he is carrying gets stuck in the stairs, knocking him down, each step, one after the next...*

Engineer 1: ._____.;

'H-Beam': -A-;

*and the tall boss lands on his face*

???: "..." *groans* "You could've told me I missed that step..."

Engineer 3: "Oh, God, he's delirious--he's talking to his hentai beam..."

Engineer 4: "Is that like his 'body pillow' or something?"

-the beam then transforms-

'beam': well maybe you should watch where you're going! >n<#

???: *grunts, sits up* "Why you got to be so mean? I'm the one running this outfit!"

Engineer 1: "D'aw, she's not a beam--she's a weapon! She's so tiny and cute like my niece!"

'beam': O__O## *throttling engineer 1* I'M A _GUY_ YOU BEEFBRAINED SACK OF DICKS!!

Gen: D8< "HEY! No punching them in the head--we need their brains!" *pulling 'Beam' loose*

Engineer 3: D8> "GET A MEDIC!"

'beam': *flailing and growling*

Engineer 1: Q~Q "Ow...Am I still pretty...?"

Gen: "Hakuno! Do I have to put you back in the smelting pit?!"

hakuno: 7n7 *grumble grumble*

Gen: *groans* "I guess the meeting will have to wait until morning for Sora to get to the infirmary--BUT I WANT YOU ALL HERE BRIGHT AND EARLY TOMORROW MORNING TO START DIGGING THE TUNNEL!"

Everyone: "..." ._.; (" 'Tunnel'?")

Sora (Engineer 1): >~< "I feel something leaking in my brain..."

-elsewhere-

*it's getting dark out...*

Hyde: *sneezes* *wipes his nose* "Ugh...Is it getting colder out?"

Ragnarok: "No, moron--it's summer."

ochako: maybe you're feeling sick?

Hyde: *sniffles* "How can _I_ get sick when I'm a va--va--va--...vivacious darling?" ^^;;;

ochako: .....*shrug*

Ragnarok: "..." *grabs a thermometer off the convenience store rack* "Bend over."

kyouko: dude!

-elsewhere-

Master: *wiping the counter* *spots a customer in the corner* "??? We're closing up..."

*someone is outside, staring in...*

miranda:....*reaches for the phone*

Customer: *seated, not looking up...looks nervous*

Master: "...Hey, you okay--" *reaches for the customer--*

*a brick is thrown through the window*

miranda: !! uncle!

Master: *grabs a tissue box from the table--and throws it out the window, beaning the person outside in the face*

Assailant: "ARG!" *falls back*

Master: "Miranda, call the pol--"

*SMASH*

miranda: !!!!

Customer: *breaks a chair over Master's head*

miranda: *grabs a broom and attacks the customer*

Customer: *twirls a butterfly knife before stabbing at Miranda*

miranda: *dodge*

Customer: *keeps attacking...their hand has three eyes on it...*

Person Outside: *rubs their face, a huge tissue box-mark on their face* "Bastard..." *grabs another brick, walks inside...*

miranda: shit!

Person Outside: "Hee hee...Language!" *aims the brick--*

*grab*

Person Outside: "???" *looks down*

Master: *has them by the ankle--and flings them into the wall*

miranda: *jabs the customer in the gut with the broom handle*

Customer: "UMPH!" *drops the knife*

-WHAM-

Master: *picks up the broken leg of the chair, aims at the Person Outside*

Customer: @~@

miranda: kishin worshippers, are you? well you can kish-my ass. *POW*

Customer: X____X

Person Outside: *dazed* "Lahngeege--"

Master: *bashes the Person with the chair leg upside the head*

-elsewhere-

Yafeu: *sulking, looking out the window*

dormmate: hey, you ok, man?

Yafeu: *suddenly shouting* "HUH? OH, JUST THINKING ABOUT A DUMB ARGUMENT TODAY!"

dormmate: oh, you want to talk about it?

Yafeu: "...ONE OF MY CLASSMATES' FAMILY CAME TO SEE THEM."

dormmate: ah.

Yafeu: "BUT THEY WERE ALL TICKED OFF ABOUT IT LIKE THEY DIDN'T EVEN WANT TO SEE THEM? CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?"

dormmate: well, maybe their relationship with their family isnt that good.

Yafeu: "IT DIDN'T SEEM BAD! THEY SEEMED WORRIED ABOUT THEM. IF THAT WAS ME, I WOULDN'T BE SO RUDE."

dormmate: hmm...

Yafeu: "I GUESS I GOT ANGRY AND TOOK IT OUT ON THEM..."

dormmate: how bad was it?

Yafeu: "I SLAPPED THEM."

dormmate: jeez.

Yafeu: "...DO I SEND THEM A FRUIT BASKET OR SOMETHING?"

-elsewhere-

Monica: *lying in bed...then tosses and turns with a grunt* "URG!" *tosses off the sheets*

-sounds like mom is cleaning up downstairs-

*the room has some rock posters, a guitar on its stand in the corner...*

Monica: *listens...* "Pst. Steph?"

stephanie: yeahsies?

Monica: "We're breaking out."

stephanie: oooh! sounds fun!

Monica: *opens the window* "Just be quiet heading down."

stephanie: ok.

*the fire escape is below...Monica carefully heads down the ladder...*

yolanda: zzzz....

Monica: "...Wake her ass up."

stephanie: *inhales*

Monica: "???"

stephanie: hey yola-

Zarya: *groans, holding the pillow over her head* <Too loud...>

yolanda: hnn? *rubs her eyes*

-footsteps coming up the stairs-

Monica: "Me? Never! Steph just woke us all up with her snoring!"

stephanie: but you said we were busting out?

Monica: *throws a pillow at her head*

mrz ramirez:......two weeks.

Monica: "SHIT!"

mrs ramirez: *opens the door*

-la chancla'd-

Monica: X___X *falls back*

Zarya: O_O;

-morning-

shinra: =~= what day is it?

maki: according to the calendar, July 8th.

shinra: it feels like it's been over a month already...*yaaawn*

Arthur: *has a long Merlin-style beard*

shinra:......im not even gonna ask.

-elsewhere-

Kid: *sits up in bed* "..."

stocking: *still sleeping*

Kid: "..." *strokes her cheek*

stocking: nnn... =///=

Kid: "H-Hey..."

stocking: mmm? *rubs her eyes* hey kiddo.

Kid: "..." *hug*

stocking: morning.

Kid: *shaking a bit*

stocking:...*holds him*

Kid: *nods* "Really..."

stocking:.....*holds him close to her chest*

Kid: *closes his eyes, relaxing a bit*

-elsewhere-

Akane: *looking around Deathbucks* "So the two just started attacking?"

Master: *head bandaged, ice on his head*

miranda: yeah. the one had this as a tattoo....*shows her drawing of the kishin emblem*

Akane: "I see...We've had similar reports from last night."

miranda:....

Akane: "It may be best to take the day off for repairs while we investigate--"

Master: "We don't close."

miranda: uncle...

Master: "We have customers waiting for us, and we can't let some punks intimidate regular people..."

Akane: "...We can find someone to take over the shop while you rest."

-elsewhere-

Tezca: *yawns...he's somehow on top of a palm tree*

quetzal: <hey lil man! sleep ok?>

Tezca: "..." *looks down* "..." <I don't know--how did you get so small now?>

quetzal: <hang on a sec...> *she transforms into a snake like creature with wings and flies up to him*

Tezca: ^w^ "Hello." QwQ "Can you help me down?"

quetzal: <yep, hop on!>

Tezca: *carefully gets on* >~< <I hate these heights...>

-elsewhere-

-at a certain community collage-

student: hey, did you see all those crows hanging around the church this morning? so creepy!

student 2: i bet amakusa had something to do with it, her parents are buried near there after all.

-the young woman sits at a desk-

student 3: well speak of the devil. literally!

woman: .....

*a professor walks in*

Professor: "Okay, okay, settle down--we got a minute before class starts."

woman:.....

*alarm goes off on the Professor's phone*

classmate: hey, misaki, dont let tiffany and her cronies get you down.

*the tree branches outside the window sway a bit...*

misaki: im fine, really...

Professor: "And we now begin. Amakusa, please collect homework in your row."

misaki: yes, sir.

girl: careful, sis, she might put a hex on you!

girl 2: lol! good one penny!

classmate:....

Professor: "Are you in high school or college? Focus on classwork, or I'll mark you as absent."

-elsewhere-

Kazue: =n=

Death the Kid: Asher: *looks behind Kazue* "...You know your family is still following you--"

Kazue: "I KNOW!" *smashes their sign against the wall*

sadako:...no we're not. im a tree.

Kazue: "YOU'RE NOT SCARLET JOHANSSON!"

Asher: "...I am finding this way too amusing."

lukas: -_-;

Saria: *has her sweater pulled up over her face* *groans*

lukas: hey, are you alright?

Saria: "...I made a mess in the kitchen. Again."

hibiki: want us to help?

Saria: "...Do you have a mop?" TT~TT

Zarya: *noms on a muffin*

Monica: *has a footprint on her face* -_-#

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "Oh, Tolstoy--surprised to see you here."

leo: good morning, mr nakahara.

Chuuya: "Hey. I was just dropping off Sonia and Miyuri--" *turns--and they are gone* "..." D8

sonia: hello, uncle pushkin.

miyuri: *HUG* HIYA!! ^^

Pushkin: "UMPH! Aren't you getting stronger..." ^^; *trying to pry Miyuri loose* >~<

katya: i take it your dad's nearby? he still owes me a drink-off.

Pushkin: "Ha! He's so tiny the beer would go to his head immediately--"

Chuuya: OnO# *staaaaaaaare*

ayako: and makarov's even smaller than him!

katya: *GLAAAAAAAAAAAARE*

leo: please dont cause a fuss.

Motojiro: *spins by in a chair* "Hey, Chuuya! Good to see you--"

*the chair disappears down the hall--before a crash is heard*

leo: D8> motovya! are you alright?!

Motojiro: *rolls back into the room...like, literally rolling* "Just dandy!" *bounces up* "I fixed it!" *hands Katya a gun magazine*

katya: nice.

Motojiro: "Oh, hey, girls!" *holds up a hand to Miyuri* "High five?"

miyuri: *head tilt* *holds her own hand up* hi! ^^

leo: *sigh* <honestly, you should really be more careful, i worry...>

Motojiro: *taps his hand to hers* ^^; <I mean, I was in a rush. It's not like anything blew up this time-->

*BOOM*

ayako: aw the fucking coffee machine blew up again!

Pushkin: "Language! We say 'the freaking coffee machine blew up again'..."

Motojiro: "Darn--I should have known we weren't ready for unstable molecules in the brew...Chuuya, I'm going to need a hand."

Chuuya: "What, for a coffee machine?"

*something slithers out of the kitchen*

Motojiro: "No, that." *picks up a broom*

-elsewhere-

Vampa: *looking through the newspaper* <It's getting so you can't even burglar in peace!> *slaps the paper* <Now we have...'Kee-shas'? ...The hell? I love her music! Why would she have a cult?!>

peppino: *squints* <i think it's 'kee-shin. not sure what that is, either.>

Vampa: <It's like you need to speak another language to understand this...>

*BUMP*

Vampa: "???" *looks around--then down*

peppino: ??

Youta: >~< "Ow...S-Sorry!"

Cho: "..."

-elsewhere-

*...is that an airship floating over the suburbs?*

hermine: *shaking*

*it looks like a rope is lowering...*

Valentine: "Get behind me, Hermine. You too, kids..."

eugenie: big sis val? what's going on?

Valentine: "I don't know..."

*the person is descending down the rope--then falls on the last bit of it in front of Eugenie*

eugenie: ??

Lucien: *face-plants into the garden* "..." *muffled* <Owie...>

eugenie: !!!!!!! <UNCLE LUCI!!> *HUGS*

hermine: *sigh of relief*

Lucien: *sits up, a bunch of flowers stuck in his mouth* "PHOEEY!" *looks* <EUGENIE!> *hug*

Benedetto: *already has a stick* <Should I attack?>

hermine: <lucian, it's so good to see you, at first i thought you were-...>

Lucien: <What? ...Oh, no, no! Mr. Fitzgerald told me to bring the newest model over, and, well...Surprise?> ^^;;;

hermine: <i see. well, do come inside. i'll get something for you to drink.>

edouard: <would you please keep it down! im trying to finish reading this chapter!>

Lucien: <Good--> *coughs* <Ugh, my tongue tastes like dirt now...> *spits*

Valentine: ^^; <Edouard, we have a guest...>

edouard: *looks up*

Lucien: ._.

edouard:....*small grunt of acknowledgement before his eyes return to the page*

Lucien: "Fair. I'm not sure we ever really met before...I was sent abroad when--"

Valentine: *pat pat* "He wouldn't care if you explained anyway."

-elsewhere-

*a VW van drives along a dusty road...behind the wheel is a rather hippie-ish looking woman...in the passenger seat is a woman whose style looks, for lack of a better description, Louisiana*

hippie: *humming along to the radio*

"Louisiana": =n= "Ugh, why the desert...I was fine with that little Great Isle bungalow..." *nudges the driver* "Come on, Sarah--why Death City? Why can't we stay near the water~?"

sarah: hnn? hey come on, kate, i was in the zone.

Kate: "Yeah, and then you get another 'vibe' and suddenly it's, 'Pack up, Kate--we're on the road again!" Pfft!" *pouts*

sarah: hey, this 'margaret' said she needs our help. she kinda reminds me of you, honestly.

Kate: >\\\\>; "Fine...Wait, reminds you of me because I'm precious and adorable, or because she's got money?"

sarah:.....*shrug*

Kate: "GAH! You're no help!"

*her seat then falls back, knocking Kate backwards*

Kate: "...I thought you fixed this seat."

sarah: .....im gonna need to pick up more duct tape, then.

Kate: *points up a finger* "You're getting me a new bathing suit! And finding us a pool!"

sarah: that's fair.

*they pass a sign: 'Now entering Death City Limits'*

-elsewhere-

Kamui: *sneezes* "Ugh..." *he looks really uncomfortable before shivering*

mt lady: you better not get me sick!

Kamui: "It's not my fault--I thought it was supposed to get warmer in summer, but I swear, I keep getting chills."

-elsewhere-

Rin: "What's up, Unagi?" *waves*

unagi: good morning, okumura-san. i was going to deliver some textbooks to your brother, but apperantly he's not in yet.

Rin: "??? Weird--he wasn't home this morning. I thought he left early..."

-elsewhere-

Patty: "And this is the fountain. And that's the art gallery. And that's where we tilt the painting to make Kid come running."

mrs noto: i....see... ^^;

Yumi: "I'm sorry, Mrs. Noto--I'm sure this can be overwhelming. But things are a lot more cozy than appearances suggest."

mrs noto: <it's fine, just a bit different than what im used to.>

Yumi: *nods* <If there is anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable, please let us know.>

*children can be heard playing behind the corner*

mrs noto: ??

Patty: "Hey, kiddos! Say hi to Takeru's mom!"

shiori: *looks up*

Yumi: *picks up Shiori* <This is my youngest, Shiori.>

shiori: bah!

mrs noto: <oh, she's precious!>

Yumi: <Thank you.> *smiles* <She's so smart and such a happy baby.> *bounces Shiori*

shiori: *giggles*

Patty: OwO; *does not understand the language...*

mrs noto: so how old is she?

Yumi: "Almost 2 and a half."

-elsewhere-

*a soccer ball flies towards Iris*

iris: *dodge* EEP!

-it lands in the net-

Vulcan: "Good try, Iris!"

iris: sorry, im not really good at this 'goalie' thing. ^^;

Relan: "You're still doing better than Arthur-- ??? Where did he--"

Arthur: *in a suit of armor at the other goalie net*

lisa: -_-;

Relan: "You're up, Shinra." *passes the ball*

shinra: hup!

Arthur: *standing still*

tamaki: *looking from the window*

Akitaru: "Looks like they're having fun out there."

tamaki: mm...

Akitaru: "Hey, you up for something to eat? I needed some help with the tacos."

tamaki:....maybe later....

Akitaru: "A'ight. Holler if you need anything."

tamaki:...ok.....

-elsewhere-

*Deathbucks looks a little busier...but all the employees look...super-serious?*

*a bunch of CIA agents are serving the drinks*

ox: wow, this is, um....

Harvar: "It's a bunch of cops."

DWMA CIA Agent 1: "Order up for...'Hugs and Kisses'?"

ox: ??

DWMA CIA Agent 2: "That says 'Qx,' Adrian."

Adrian: "What the hell is 'Qx'?"

ox: wait a sec- *raises hand* it's 'Ox' actually.

Agent 2: "...Like the big blue one?"

agent 3: paul bunyan has nothing to do with this. -_-;

Harvar: "Can we just have our orders already? Mine was the--"

Agent 3: "Hiver? Someone named Hiver?"

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: *walking down the stairs* "Don't dawdle--we can't be late for this appointment." *pulls out his car keys*

dazai: oooh, can i drive? owo

Kunikida: "I don't know--can you?" *rolls his eyes, opens the door* "Now hurry: I made sure to park here last night so we wouldn't be delayed--"

*there's Kunikida's van across the street...and there's Kunikida's van's bumper on the sidewalk in front of them...and Kunikida's van side mirror in the road...and there's bits of glass from Kunikida's van's window*

dazai: .....new paintjob?

Kunikida: D8 "WHAT THE FUCK?!!!"

*there's a VW Van that is parked in front of Kunikida's van...or, rather, rammed into it and stayed there parked*

dazai: !!!!! dear god......look at how cute this stick figure family looks!

Kunikida: *SCREAMS, before marching up to the VW Van* "When I trace their tags, I'm going to wring their neck-- ...This van has no tag." *looks it over--then spots two people sleeping in it* "HEY!" *slams his fist on the side of their van*

???: zzzzz....

???: *grunts* *sleep-talk* "No, Armand, it's not my bundle..." *snores*

Kunikida: "Dazai, pick this lock."

dazai: *cracks knuckles and finger waggles* you got a hairpin?

Kunikida: "..." *opens his journal, pulls one out*

dazai: thank you~ *click*

???: *yawns...opens her eyes and looks up at Dazai* "... ... ..." *nudges the other one* "Sarah, we got company. Cute company."

sarah: wuzzuh?

dazai: en chante, madame~<3

Kate: "Bonjour, mon brave homme. Vous avez des cheveux uniques - un nageur, peut-être~?"

Kunikida: "WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY VAN?!!"

sarah: too loud....*yaaaaawn*

Kunikida: "..." *grabs Sarah by the arms, starts shaking*

Kate: "...Say, you ever tried swimming as far as your arms can go, then get so tired you think you'd end up drowning?"

sarah: =~= hey, easy, my leg hurts.

Kunikida: "YOU BACK UP INTO MY VAN! HOW DID PARALLEL PARKING BREAK MY VAN LIKE THIS?!"

dazai: if i could drown with such a lovely lady, i wouldnt mind at all~<3

Kate: =\\\w\\\= "You charmer." *then she opens her eyes* OwO "LET'S DO IT RIGHT NOW! DROWN WITH ME!"

dazai: OwO erm...

sarah: um, kate, my leg?

Kate: "One sec, buddy--I'm making the score here."

Yosano: "What's all the commotion-- ...Kunikida, why are you shaking a woman with an injured leg?"

Kunikida: "... ... ..." *wicked grin*

sarah: wha?

Kunikida: "Doctor...This woman needs healing."

Yosano: "..." *pulls out a meat cleaver*

Kate: "--then we get pulled down by the undertow and become like Prospero, one with the sea, for all eternity, FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER."

dazai:.........(ohfuckwhatdoidoidreamedofthismomentbutnowthatitsactuallyhappeningimgettingcoldfeetHALP)

-later-

sarah: soooo...is this, like, gonna be covered by my insurance?

Kate: "That's what the university said. But they're kind of pissed you drove off--I didn't know you were teaching summer classes."

sarah: i kinda forgot.

-meanwhile...-

Student: -_-# "It's been 15 minutes, Katrina--let's leave."

Student 2: "How did Professor Ossoli get tenure?!"

student 3: i dunno, she's just weird like that.

Student 4: "I'M NEVER GOING TO PASS THIS SUMMER!" *headdesk*

-elsewhere-

Yosano: "Well, you're back in decent condition." *hands Sarah her bag--when some books fall out* "Ah, nuts--sorry." *picks one up* "??? 'The Dial'? You read Sarah Ossoli?"

sarah: oh yeah. that's me.

Yosano: "... ... ...YOU'RE _THE_ SARAH OSSOLI?!" O\\\\O "AUTOGRAPH THIS!"

sarah: ok. *does so*

Kate: "... ... ..." *holds out a hand* "That'll be 20 bucks."

Kunikida: "YOU WRECKED MY VAN!"

 -elsewhere-

*a paper airplane hits Shiemi in the forehead*

shiemi: >,<

*seems to be a message on it*

shiemi: *looks*

Message: "Can we talk on the rooftop?" *it has an arrow pointing to the door*

shiemi: *looks around*

Amaimon: *STAAAAAARE*

shiemi: ._.;

Amaimon: *points up*

stocking: *aHEM*

Amaimon: "...HELLO, MRS DEATH-PHELES. I AM BEING NORMAL IN THE HALLWAY."

stocking: *GLARE*

Amaimon: "...Upstairs at lunch." *runs*

stocking: -~-; you ok, shiemi?

shiemi: y-yeah. thank you, ma'am.

Rin: "I don't trust that little crap--you want me to follow him?"

shiemi: i suppose if it would make you feel better. ^^;

Rin: "Definitely--better than letting him try to kidnap you again."

shiemi: ...say, have you seen yuki at all?

Rin: =n= "No--and it's ticking me off!"

shiemi: i just hope he's alright...

Rin: "Yeah...He doesn't even have his phone on--goes right to voicemail."

shiemi: you dont think...something terrible happened to him, do you?

Rin: "..." *raises his hand*

LK: shiemi: ??

Rin: "May I be excused?"

stocking: um, sure, just be back before class, ok?

Rin: "Thank you! Come on, Shiemi!"

-elsewhere-

Yukio: *staring down*

*he has blood samples in front of him*

{Todo: "We're not so different, are we?"}

Yukio: "I'm nothing like that...I'm not..." *clutches his eye, groaning in pain*

-knocks on the door-

Yukio: "?!!" *covers the vials with a tarp* "Y-Yes?"

voice: you ok in there?

Yukio: "Fine--just busy testing something."

-elsewhere-

*in Class A, at the teacher's desk, is what is obviously an Aizawa robot...*

Aizawa-Bot: O___O *buzz* "You all disappoint me. F's for everyone."

mina:....teach? are you....ok?

Aizawa-Bot: *buzz* "SHUT UP, PRESENT MIC."

Izuku: D8> "I CAN'T FAIL! PLEASE, RE-CONSIDER!"

Bakugo: "...Are you really this stupid?"

jirou: hey teach, what's 420 divided by 0?

Aizawa-Bot: *beeps* "ERROR. DOES NOT COMPUTE--DOES NOT--DO-DO-DO-DAMN IT, MINETA--"

*its head blows up*

jirou: heh, paradoxes, works every time.

Aizawa: *watching from the hallway* "...It was a valiant effort."

Mei: OwO; "Sorry about that...The next one will be super-better, promise!"

*an eyeball lands at Momo's desk*

momo: .___.;

ochako: *playing amazing grace on a kazoo*

Aizawa: *re-enters* "Well, so much for my 'snooze button.'" *brushes the remains of robo-him away* "Okay, pop quiz."

kaminari: *raises his hand*

Aizawa: "What?"

kaminari: when's camp?

Aizawa: "WE'RE GETTING THERE, JUST WAIT ALREADY."

mina: *raises hand* shouldnt we be on vacation? it's july after all.

Aizawa: "In light of the increased number of villain incidents globally, numerous Quirk-based Pro Hero schools have been using a year-long school structure. If you don't like it, go transfer to the exorcist or meister-weapon classes."

sero: dont they also have summer classes too?

Aizawa: "Yes, because there has also been a global increase in demon attacks, Kishin attacks, curses, economic downturn--...You're all just asking questions to take up the rest of class time to avoid this quiz, aren't you?"

-silence-

kaminari:...........how much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

ochako: *stiffling laughter*

Aizawa: "Kaminari and Uraraka, go stand in the hallway."

-elsewhere-

Rin: "Have you seen this glasses man?" *holds up his phone, with a photo of Yukio caught mid-bite eating his sandwich*

woman: um... ._.;

Rin: "His name is Yukio, and he tends to have a fan club of really persistent fangirls after him. Also, he likes reading and taking care of the sick and infirm. He kind of looks like me, only with glasses and more handsome. You seen him?"

woman: im just....waiting on my coffee. ^-^;

Rin: "Did you see him ordering coffee?"

-elsewhere-

Stein: "Okay, that'll be all for today. Miss Mjolnir is still out of town, but she left homework for you to finish. And don't forget my policy for next time when I say 'no talking in the back row.'"

*the back row is full of scalpels*

student: Q_Q;;;;;;

Axel: "...I miss Miss Marie already."

Saria: *reading through another recipe book*

-elsewhere-

janine: ah! you must be marie mjolnir, ay?

Marie: "I am, yes?"

janine: pleasure to meet ya, the name's Janine McBride. *extends hand*

Marie: "Likewise." *shakes her hand* "Is there somewhere to get something to eat and talk first about the mission?"

-elsewhere-

*alarms go off at a bank*

thief: COME ON FELLAZ, LEZ GO! LEZ GO GO!!

Guard: "Freeze!" *aims their gun*

thief: ok. *shoots an icicle at the gun*

Guard: "AH!" *drops the gun as it sparks in their hands*

Thief 2: *in the van* "MOVE YOUR ASSES!"

thief 3: *jumps onto the van* LET'S MOVE!

Thief 2: *hits the gas* "Did you get it all?"

thief: yeah, this is gonna keep us supplied for years, hehe.

Thief 2: "It better--you wasted all that cash on gacha already..."

thief: shut your ass, frank!

*up ahead, in the middle of the road, someone short stands there, just staring*

thief 3: dafuck?

Thief 2: "Meh, sucks to be them..." *honks the horn*

*the person in the middle of the road isn't moving...*

thief 3: good thing im wearing goggles, haha!

*the person holds up a hand and--it expands*

thief 3: eh? owo;

*CRAAAAAAAAAAASH*

Thief 2: *slams into the airbag, drooling* X_______X

thief: FUCK!

*the person walks quickly on short legs to the back of the van--then rips the back doors loose*

thief 3: oooowwww....bad time....to be on the truck...

Person: "Excuse me? I don't think this belongs to you." *tosses the door*

thief: ?!

Person: *steps in* "I'm making a citizen's arrest. Come along quietly, please, mister?" *holds out a hand*

thief: how about go fuck yourself?

Person: "..." *grabs Thief 1 by the nose, pulling them down to eye-level* "You know what? Now I'm angry..."

thief: ovo;;

Bank President: *catches up to the van* "There's their van, officer! Go get--"

*BANG BANG THUMP THUMP--*

*Thief goes flying out the back of the van, sliding along the asphalt*

thief: *SCREAMS IN PAIN* FUCK! FUCKING SHIT!!

Person: *exits with the bags of money--and dumps the bags on top of the Thief* "The others are in the van. Well, one is on the van. I think. They may be dead."

*loud footsteps are heard running up*

???: "THERE YOU WENT!"

thief 3: help....please?

???: "See? You left another thief up there!" *picks up Thief 3--and shoves them into his gut*

thief 3: *SCREAMS*

Person: *fast walks on tiny legs* "I'm sorry, Mr. Fat Gum. But the Bank President seemed super-worried about his money!"

-elsewhere-

atsushi: dazai, i think they left, you can come out of the trash bin now...

Dazai: "No, I'm fine. I live here now."

atsushi: dazai.....

Dazai: *pops up, a banana peel on his forehead* QwQ "Don't make me go."

kirako: ^^;

-elsewhere-

*a bird is chirping in a tree--before what looks like a tree branch clutches it, dragging it down*

Pumpkin: *stares at the bird*

-footsteps are heard-

Pumpkin: "!!!" *hides in the bushes*

misaki: *walking home*

Pumpkin: *staaaaaaaaaaare...still clutching the bird*

misaki: ....

{classmate: hey misaki! want to hang out after class?}

{misaki: um.. s-sorry, not today...}

{Classmate 2: "Got a job or something?"}

{classmate 3: yeah, a job putting curses on people maybe.}

{misaki:......}

misaki:........*sigh*

Pumpkin: "..." *pushes closer in the bushes--*

Bird: OnO# *BITE*

misaki: ?? *turns* h-hello?

Pumpkin: "Ow!"

misaki: !!! h-hello??

Bird: *flies loose--at Misaki's face*

Pumpkin: "?!" *falls back*

misaki: AH!! *falls back*

Pumpkin: "... ... ..." ("Coincidental...") *stares through the bushes*

misaki:....*gets up, brushing herself off*

Bird: *has flown away*

Pumpkin: ("Damn...Now I got to find something else for that beast to eat...") *stares at Misaki* "... ..."

misaki: ...i should probably head home now.....*continues walking*

Pumpkin: "..." *when her back is turned, reaches out...*

misaki: ......

Pumpkin: "..." *hesitates* ("What is wrong with me...")

-elsewhere-

Amaimon: *has set out a blanket, a picnic basket, various foods--and a bucket full of worms*

-the door opens-

shiemi: ....

stocking: hey.

Amaimon: "Oh. Hello, Mrs. Niece. I thought the veggie girl was coming alone?"

Rin: -_-#

stocking: we're here to make sure you dont try anything stupid.

Amaimon: "I never would--after all, I'm in your classes now, right?"

*something is slithering from the picnic basket, reaching for Stocking's shoe*

stocking: ?!?!? what's in the basket?

Rin: "Why do you have questions for her?"

Amaimon: "Because of those super-power plant attacks. Are you a fairy?"

shiemi: um...no?

nee: *pokes head out from her bag* nee?

Amaimon: *stares at Nee* "No, see, that thing? How are you keeping that thing around that long?"

shiemi: well, nee is my friend.

Amaimon: "I think you got some super-power mojo. Let me take a sample--stick out your tongue." *holds up a tongue depresser*

shiemi: ._.;;

Rin: "Permission to punch him?"

stocking: *gives amaimon a look*

Amaimon: "I'm serious. There's something different about her summoning than the others." *twirls a hand around* "Whole kind of aura off of her or something."

shiemi: well, i do work with plants a lot...maybe it's that??

Amaimon: "Or maybe you charm the plants." *holds up a potted plant* "Talk to Henrietta here."

shiemi: ok...hello, henrietta.

Henrietta: *doesn't say anything, because Henrietta is a plant*

Amaimon: "...Well, so much for that--I guess I got that wrong." *hands Henrietta to Stocking*

stocking: -_-;;

*The "dessert" is gnawing on Rin's head*

Rin: "...Shiemi, I'm glad he's not stalking you anymore, because otherwise, I would kill him."

shiemi: ._. um....rin?

Rin: "I KNOW." *tugging on "dessert"*

-elsewhere-

Axel: *stabbing into his meal--with a kunai-hand*

Asher: "..." *pushes their lunch tray away* "That's just gross."

zeke: you think that's bad? you should have seen when we first discovered our abilities.

Kanin: "??? What happened?"

Axel: "Well, we were playing in the vacant lot behind our family's garage, throwing rocks at each other..."

zeke: i think i may have thrown a liiiittle bit hard.

Axel: "No kidding! The rock hit me, and my arm starting hurting--but I looked down, and instead of an arm, it was this weird metal-knife thingie!"

{zeke: .....MOOOOOOOM!!! I THINK SOMETHING WENT SERIOUSLY BAD!}

{Axel: *has now turned completely into a kunai* .w.; "...DUDE! YOU COULD TOTALLY THROW ME!"}

{zeke: HOLY CRAP YOU'RE STILL ALIVE?!}

{Mom: *calls out, not looking away from repairing a motor* "Put some ice on it."}

Axel: "We threw each other into the trees for an hour before Dad found us."

zeke: he wasnt too amused.

lei-lei: wow!

Saria: "??? You weren't scared at all? I had a bad reaction to transforming..."

{*it sounds like someone fell down the stairs*}

{greg: ?? sweetie? is everything alright?}

{Saria: "Ow..." *tries to get up--and keeps falling down* "..." *looks down...* "... ... ..." *SCREAMS* "MY HANDS!"}

{*even her legs look transformed*}

{saria's dad: !!! *calling a doctor*}

{Saria: *rolls over, crying*}

{greg: easy, bugbear, *picks her up* you're going to be fine!}

{Saria: *sobbing wildly, swinging nothingness--before a leg re-forms...and ends up kicking Greg in the knee*}

{greg: -RK- >~< i-it's ok. *places her on the couch* ok, breathe, iiiin, and out...}

{Saria: *panting, trying to calm her breath--then the whips start glowing, and turn back into limbs* "Wh...What’s happening?"}

Saria: *looks down* "I-I didn't handle that well..."

lukas: ....

genny: i couldnt even imagine how scary that must have been.

Monica: "Ha! That's just some pansy-ass wimpy shit. 'Oh, no, my hand transformed!' You never saw nothing as bad as what I saw."

zarya:...

{Teacher: "I said 'Sit down'!" *slams Monica down into her chair* "You're not excused!"}

{Monica: "GRK!" *looks up, glaring*}

{classmate: criminy, ramirez...}

{classmate 2: someone should put a muzzle on her.}

{Monica: "Let go of me! I'm done sitting here!" *struggles to get up--before she swings at the teacher--*}

{Teacher: *dodges--and slaps Monica across the face*}

{classmate 3: yoooo holy fuck!}

{classmate 4: *starts filming*}

{Monica: "... ... ..." *tenses up, holding back tears--before she tackles the teacher, brings up an arm--and slams it down--*}

{Teacher: *dodges--as a blade just cuts the side of his face*}

{-several classmates are screaming-}

{Monica: *staring, as her entire arm is a machete* "... ... ..." *griiiiiiiins* "I got it...I finally got it!"}

{classmate 5: *passes out*}

{Teacher: *SCREAMS, crawls away*}

hibiki: good lord, ramirez...did you kill the guy?

Monica: "Did I say Mr. O'Hara died? No? Then he ain't dead--...unfortunately. But I got expelled and got to transfer to the DWMA."

izumi: i bet your mom wasnt very happy about that... ^^;

Monica: "... ... ...You always know what to say to get me to shut up, Albarn..." *nervously sips her tea...*

zarya:.....

preston: and you, miss zarya?

zarya:............*transforms her fist into a nailbat* they had it coming........

Axel: OwO;

Monica: "..." *slight shrug*

Stephanie: *pats Zarya's shoulders* "And look how good it turned out! We're all together here like one big dysfunctional class!"

yolanda: *sweatdrop* <-<;;;;

Asher: "...Huh."

{*there's a tonfa lying in Asher's bed...Asher should've been at school an hour ago*}

{-knock knock-}

{cassidy: asher, are you in there? this is the third time this week you've been late, you know.}

{Asher: *silent* "..."}

Asher: "I skipped school that day...and was 'missing.' Easier than explaining it to the parental unit."

-elsewhere-

cassidy: and as you could imagine, i was quite livid afterwards...

Spirit: "Ha! That takes me back...This one time I used my weapon ability to--" *stops, realizing who he's talking in front of* .w.;;;; "...I was a young stupid kid. Emphasis on 'stupid.'"

cassidy: ??

Spirit: "That was before I moved to Death City and started at the DWMA...Then met...him."

cassidy: him being....?

Stein: "May I borrow a cup of sugar?"

Spirit: *LOUD SHRIEK, falls back in his chair*

sachiko: how did you-

Stein: *holds up a spare key* "Thanks for letting me borrow one."

-elsewhere-

lukas: ...saria? are you feeling alright?

Saria: >~< "I-I can't get this recipe right. I've been racking my brain over it--" *head-desk*

lukas:.......are you sure that's the only thing bothering you?

Saria: "...You mean the weapon thing? Or...What?"

lukas: well....i-i dont know, but if you want to talk about anything, you can talk to me. we're partners, right?

Saria: "..." *wipes her eyes* "S-Sorry, I know. Thank you..." *forces a smile*

lukas: of course. now, for the recipe, it's important to determine the key ingredients.

Saria: "Right. Um...Souffle needs cheese...That's a lot of options, though."

-elsewhere-

Yafeu: *thumbing through mail* "???" *opens an envelope, pulling out photos*

preston: ??

Yafeu: "...HOLY MOLEY, JORGE GOT TALL!" *holds up a photo of some children in front of the orphanage*

preston: ah, i see.

Yafeu: "YEP! I HAVEN'T GONE BACK SINCE MR. TLIPOCA PICKED ME UP--TIME FLIES!"

-meanwhile-

Tezca: <Then he fired a shot--right at my head.>

quetzal: <yeowza!> *takes a sip of her yerba mate*

Tezca: <Yep. Of course, I wasn't in it--I used a spare for target practice with him.> *slices up a mango* <Ugh--this always makes my hands break out in hives...>

quetzal: <then why are you still eating it?>

Tezca: <Life is full of suffering to get to things you enjoy...> *nom* <...Thank goodness I wear a mask.>

quetzal: GYAHAHA! <you crack me up, lil man!>

Tezca: <That's one of my many talents--one reason they haven't fired my ass yet...If another Kishin Worshipper gets loose, I think I'll be--> *draws a finger across his neck, imitating slicing off his head*

-elsewhere-

Yukio: *holding a key...shakes a bit before he opens the door, revealing--*

Pheles Manor Maid: "???"

lilum: ....siiiir? you have a visitor.

Mephisto: "Oh, is the mail carrier? I have been waiting days for that delivery of the rare Asakusa variant and-- ..." *chuckles* "My, my, my, this is unexpected~"

Yukio: "...Sir Pheles. I would like a word. Alone."

-elsewhere-

Rin: *dialing* "...Damn it, he's still not answering." *hangs up*

shiemi:....

Rin: "...Shiemi, how about I walk you home--then I can call whenever he gets back to the church or the dorms..."

shiemi:....ok...

Rin: *walks with her* "...I know it's been a weird day, but you've known Yukio long enough--I'm sure he can take care of himself on this..."

shiemi: yeah......

Rin: "...Has he said anything about what he's working on? He keeps running off for lab work."

-elsewhere-

*Deathbucks looks pretty busy...despite the glass window being shattered*

Jacqueline: ._. "Oh, gosh, what happened?"

kim: probably some rude customer or something.

Master: "Welcome." *his arm is bandaged*

DWMA CIA Agent: *staring at Kim*

kim: ..... haha, wow golly, i just LOVE abiding by the law! dont you? ^^;;;;

Jacqueline: ^^; "Yes, indeed..." *awkward shift to a chair*

Harvar: *walks in* "??? What happened--"

CIA Agent: "FREEZE!" *body-slams Harvar*

ox: D8 DUDE! NOT COOL!

Master: -_-# *picks up the Agent by the collar*

Agent: "I HAVEN'T FINISHED INTERRO--"

Master: *throws the Agent out the door*

ox: um...... ._.;;;

Master: "...How about free fries?"

Harvar: @~@ "With ketchup...?"

ox: ok, what in sam hill is going on?!

Master: "We had an upset customer that the DWMA says is related to the Kishin."

kim: !!!

ox: s-seriously?

Jacqueline: "Are you okay? I mean, your arm is injured, but..."

Master: "Just stubbornly refuse to close for the day, so they sent the cops over to 'help.'"

kim: ....screw it, we'll help too.

Jacqueline: *nods*

Harvar: @~@ "Why..."

ox: we'll help too, but first i should get some ice for harvar and make sure he doesnt have a concussion.

Master: "The freezer in the back has some."

-elsewhere-

Amaimon: "Big bro, we're home. Rui came over for snacks."

*looks empty inside*

rui: ??

Amaimon: "Huh...They must be out or something..." *opens a cabinet* "This is where he hides his special cookies...Dig in."

*sounds like murmuring in another room--then a door slam*

rui: !!

Yukio: *storms out, covering his eyes*

Mephisto: "Don't be a stranger, Yu-Yu~"

rui: um....mr okumura?

Yukio: "???" *looks through his fingers* "Oh, Rui...Hello." *looks away from Amaimon* "I-I have an appointment..."

rui: ??

Amaimon: "Why were you visiting Big Bro, little guy?" *nom* "Workplace complaint?"

Yukio: "...Does Stocking know you two are here?"

rui: i dont think she does? why?

Yukio: "...Then you shouldn't be here--leave, before she finds out you came."

rui: um-

Amaimon: "Hey. I invited Rui--this is my home, too." *taps his staff on the ground* *staaaaaaaaares*

Yukio: "...I'll remember this in class." *turns to leave*

rui: oh jeez. .~.;;

Amaimon: "He probably just has low blood sugar." *offers a cookie to Rui*

-elsewhere-

Sansa: *tapping his fingers on the desk, staring at a map* "...I just got a bad feeling about that building, ever since the bar was shown in the city blueprints..."

takigi: hmm....

Tsukauchi: "Then there are the reports about that 'stapled' man." *shows a photo...his skin looks discolored*

officer: freaky.

Sansa: "But lately there has been little action in that building. We even tried thermo readings: if there is anything left in the building, it's likely roaches."

-elsewhere-

*the phone rings at Patchwork Labs*

valentine: hello? patchwork labs, nurse valentine speaking.

Spirit: "GET HIM OUT OF MY HOUSE RIGHT NOW."

Stein: *sitting at Spirit's dinner table*

valentine: -_-;

Spirit: "He's been here all afternoon, flipping through photo albums, taking our snacks--"

Asher: "...What the hell is our teacher doing here?"

Stein: *waves at the kids* "Yo."

izumi: hello dr stein.

Stein: "Hi. I was catching up with your father about the old days. He ever tell you how he got the nickname 'Puddles'?"

izumi: um.... ._.

Asher: "...Go on."

Spirit: "VAL, GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE AND GET HIM OUT."

-elsewhere-

Master: "I appreciate all your help--the customers responded well, especially in light of all the chaos the last day."

*Ox has a set of phone numbers on a notecard*

kim: no problem!

Harvar: *nods*

Jacqueline: "If you need anything, please call us--we're happy to help!"

Master: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Inka: *walking around--and spots Assault* "...Okay, Ritsu, what's his deal? He's been staring at the wall for an hour. Is he still stupid after the head injury?"

ritsu: *shrugs*

Assault: *staaaaaaaare*

{girl: *locked into a steel cage* LET ME OUT! PLEASE! I'LL DO BETTER! REALLY!!}

{Hood: *holds a stick to a fire nearby...walks up to the cage*}

{Boy: *doubled over, freaking out, looking more animal than human...*}

{girl: *sobbing* BROTHER! PLEASE! TELL THEM TO STOP!!}

{Boy: *pant..pant...* "..." *covers his head*}

{Hood: *shoves the stick into the cage--*}

{girl: please! i'll get stronger!! i will! just give me more time!!}

{*her clothes catch on fire*}

{girl: *SCREAMS*}

{Boy: *covers his ears, presses his head into the ground--and lets out an animalistic roar*}

{Hood: *to the others* "Let this be the example. And let us welcome our new brother...Assault."}

{girl: *sobbing* PLEASE DONT LET ME DIE!!}

{*the boy's screaming dies off...he stands...Assault stares blankly at the girl*}

{girl: *SCREAMING*}

Assault: "..." *gets up, walks past Inka--bumps into Ritsu* "...Sorry."

ritsu: it's fine.

Inka: -.- "Still trying to bump into pretty ladies, perv?"

Assault: "..." *keeps walking*

-elsewhere-

Tachihara: *sits at diner table* "Ugh, that could've gone better..." *his sleeve is ripped, he has a black eye* "Dad, can you order me some ice?"

hirotsu: already taken care of.

Waitress: "Okay, some ice, a cola, and some tea for the father and son. And you, ma'am?" *looks at Gin*

gin: raspberry iced tea and a steak.

Tachihara: "Oh, and chicken tenders and onion rings-- ...'Father and son'? Wha?"

hirotsu: thank you, ma'am. *sips his tea*

Waitress: ^^ "You're welcome, handsome. I'll be back with your orders." *leaves*

Tachihara: *thinking...thinking...light bulb!* "I DIDN'T MEAN ANYTHING BY THAT! That was a 'dad' slip!"

gin: sure tachihara, sure.

Tachihara: "SHUT UP, GIN!"

hirotsu: try not to slouch, its bad for your posture.

Tachihara: "Yes, sir." *sits up...then headdesks* "FUCK!"

hirotsu: language.

-elsewhere-

shinra:...huh, apperantly there's been sightings of some kind of creature hiding out near vulcan's place.

Akitaru: "Since he left, he's been trying to update security around the junkyard." *sets out a plate of cookies*

shinra: do you think we should investigate it?

Akitaru: "I would ask Vulcan--he's taking this personally. But he's also exhausting himself, so I think some gentle insistence will be key."

Vulcan: *loud bear snore*

lisa:.....i'll go with.

Akitaru: "You and Shinra will definitely provide muscle. I think you should bring someone else too, though."

shinra: how about viktor? or petra?

Akitaru: *imagine spot...*

{Viktor: *looking through mushrooms while someone jumps Shinra and Lisa from behind*}

{shinra + lisa: ack!}

{Petra: *yelling angrily while Shinra and Lisa cover their ears--and get attacked from behind*}

Akitaru: "...Take Petra."

-elsewhere-

*the sun is setting*

Harvar: *looks over at Ox* "You okay?"

ox: y-yeah...just a bit uneasy...

Harvar: "Was it about what happened at Deathbucks, or something else going on?"

ox: a bit of both i guess.

Harvar: "..." *sighs* "You think maybe you are moving on from Kim or..."

ox:...*sigh* i dont know...

Harvar: *looks at the phone numbers* "You got a lot of digits back there...Maybe you need to get your feet wet."

ox: i guess.

Shinoda: *jogs back into the house* "Hello--guess who just jogged around town? Oh, and I have the mail." *hands it to Setsuna*

setsuna: *looks*

*looks like mail for Mana, Mono, Shotaro, Emine, and Nea*

setsuna: mail call!

nea: oh goodie~!

Shotaro: *runs in on all fours like a dog*

Emine: *shoves Mono aside*

mono: ah! grr, you jerk!!

Shotaro: *rips open his envelope--and a kunai falls out* "???" *picks it up* *sniffs* "?!!"

*Nea's seems to be a box*

nea: oooh~

Shinoda: "Expecting something?"

*Mana also received a box*

mana: *looks*

*looks like a tacky Coney Island photo album with pics of Yoh in it--and a "I Heart LA" shirt*

mana: -_-;

*Mono has an envelope*

mono: *opens it*

*it's...military-style dog-tags?*

mono: !!

{???: "Yohei, Mono--you're on patrol."}

{mono: yes sir!}

{Yohei: "Sure you can see over the fences, squirt?" *hair tussle*}

{mono: >n< of course i can!}

{???: *smiles* "Yeah, yeah, get going, goofballs." *their dog-tags flash in the light* "I'll be back after the R&D meeting."}

Shotaro: "??? Mono? You there? Emine just asked you a question..."

mono: eh?

Emine: *aims a water cannon at Mono* "My new toy arrived in the mail."

mono: >n<##

Tool: *grabs it* "Nope." *tosses it into the backyard* "Take it outside..."

Yohei: *already looking at the dog tags* "..."

chie: .....

Yohei: "...Mono...These numbers..."

mono:.........

-meanwhile...-

Dr. Sasaki: *washing dishes at the cabin*

ManBearFix: *tied to a chair, a bowl of porridge in front of him* -n-

*and someone is outside, looking through the window at Mimeca...*

mimeca:...~?

*they seem to be bleeding...oil?*

mimeca: owo;

*they come to the door--and break through it*

mimeca: OxO;;

ManBearFix: "WHAT THE FUCK?!"

Dr. Sasaki: "..." *wipes her hands, approaches...*

???: *twitching* "Help..."

Dr. Sasaki: *spots robotic limbs on them* "...Bring them to the lab."

mimeca: .w.;;;

ManBearFix: "WHAT?! You're probably just going to rip 'em apart!"

Dr. Sasaki: "Better than a slow death..." *uses an extra arm to grab her med-kit from a shelf*

-elsewhere-

Viktor: *looking at the junkyard from afar with infrared binoculars*

shinra: -_-;

Petra: "...When you said you lived in a junkyard, I didn't realize it would be this level of 'junky.'"

lisa: let's just get this done with...

Viktor: *steps forward--*

*SWIIIIIIIING*

shinra: WOAH!

Petra: "?!!! DUCK!"

*a giant log swinging on ropes is coming towards them*

lisa: almost forgot about that one!

Viktor: "Forgot what--" *standing up with a mushroom--*

*CRACK*

Viktor: *goes flying*

shinra: *winces*

-CRASH-

???: WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?

Petra: "?! I thought the junkyard would be abandoned..."

Viktor: *stuck in the tree, George of the Jungle style*

???: criminy, cant a guy scavenge in peace?!

-it looks to be some sort of possum man?-

shinra: welp, seems we found what we were looking for.

Petra: "??? Huh? Shinra, did you have those talking animals from China follow you?"

shinra: i dont think so.

???: *notices lisa and petra* *ahem* ladies~ *wink*

lisa: -_-#

Petra: "..." *grabs a stick, rolls up a sleeve, aims...*

lisa: alright you sonic the hedgehog looking motherfucker, who the hell are you and why are you here?

???: yikes, hostile much?

Petra: "You better talk fast--you're on someone else's property, and stealing is a sin."

???: alright alright! jeez miss snooty-pants! the names argit, and im just looking for anything worth selling down in sewertown.

shinra: sewertown?

Viktor: *dazed* "Ugh, that place...I hate that shortcut..."

shinra: ??

Petra: "You're not from the Nether, are you?" *tenses up on the stick*

lisa: alright then, 'argit', what exactly do we do with you now?

argit: well i can think of a few things~ hehe~

lisa:..... *TENTACLE SLAP*

argit: YEOW!!

Petra: -_-# "Let's just tie him up and check for other traps."

argit: for the record, no, i dont go near that place. place gives me the willies...

shinra: well this was a waste of time.

argit: rude.

Petra: "Are there others, though? A perimeter search may be worth it."

argit: lady, if there were others here, i would have sniffed them out by now.

Petra: "Really? That nose actually good at sniffing things out? Too bad it didn't clue you in on your own stench, sewer dweller."

argit: HEY! i'll have you know that im not just a pretty face. im also something of a 'dealer' and 'info broker'.

Viktor: *snaps back to attention* O_O; ("AW, CRUD.")

argit: ?? oh, hey vik.

Viktor: OnO#

Petra: "..."

*everyone turns and stares at Viktor*

shinra: how do you know his name? we didnt tell you any of our names!

argit: like i said, im an info broker, i know stuff, shinji.

shinra: it's shinra.

argit: yeah whatever.

Petra: "Yes, real reliable information." *eyeroll*

argit: *to lisa* so sweetcheeks, you related to that octopus girl that was with that creepy bird man?

lisa: ..............

shinra: GIOVANNI?!

argit: yeah, that guy.

Petra: "...I say we torture him."

Viktor: "For information?"

Petra: "That too."

argit: OwO;; aw fuck.

-elsewhere-

"Zack": *hanging up Christmas lights in the old Mafia storehouse* "That look pretty enough?"

hachi: it looks dumb.

riko: it really brightens things up.

"Zack": *sticks out his tongue at Hachi* "I think they're neat!" *grabs one of the poles from the second floor and slides down* "How's the kitchen looking?"

Sheep: *dragging a pressure cooker*

girl: still in progress. *looking at a checklist*

boy: we got the pulley system set up!

*someone's approaching the back door...*

Sentry: *looking through binoculars outside* "!!! We got company..."

girl: !!! *her arms become katana blades*

*the door opens, revealing someone carrying...grocery bags?*

*they pull down a hoodie, revealing a dorky hat and...lifts in their shoes?*

Chuuya: "..."

girl: oh, its just dad. *her arms change back to normal*

Chuuya: -_-# "Stop calling me that."

Sentry: "Did you bring soda, Pops?"

"Zack": "Did you make sure to get gluten-free snacks?"

Chuuya: *hands a bag to Hachi*

boy: thanks for bringing that grammer-phone.

Chuuya: *pulls out a record* " 'Gramophone.' And you're welcome." *hands it over* "Keep the volume low--can't draw more attention here."

boy: oh cool, van halen!

Chuuya: *opens his bookbag, emptying some books and toys* "And I got the medicine."

riko: thanks. we've finished putting the blackout curtains over the windows...

Chuuya: "What about the power generators? They working?"

riko: yeah, tink's been working nonstop.

'tink': *flashes a peace sign*

Chuuya: "Um, right...That just leaves finishing the plumbing."

-elsewhere-

Tachihara: *scribbles something in a notepad, pockets it...* ("...What are you doing, man...") *passes a run-down playground*

boy: pass the ball over here, bro!

Bro: "Here it comes--" *kick*

boy: haha!

Tachihara: "...Hmph." *walks--and the ball hits him in the back of the head, knocking him face-first into the grass*

boy: oh shi- dang!

Bro: ._.; "That one was too hard...Sorry, mister!"

Tachihara: *lifts his head up, bruised* *GROWLS...*

boy: WAH! RUN!! *grabs the ball and makes a break for it*

Bro: *follows*

Tachihara: =n=# *brushes himself off...sits on a swing*

-elsewhere-

Gin: "Kuniko? Have a moment?"

kuniko: yeah? whats up?

Gin: "This may be awkward, but..."

kuniko: ??

Gin: "I...never had a sister growing up, so, um..."

kuniko: and?

Gin: "Umm...DOYOUWANTTOGOOUTFORAGIRLSDAY?" >\\\\<

kuniko: um...ok sure.

Gin: "GREAT! ...What do you like to do?"

kuniko: well, there's a comic and game store i like to hang out at.

Gin: "Oh, that sounds fun. I'd like that."

-elsewhere-

Dr. Sasaki: *speaking into a recorder* "The subject seems to be bionic...I see some damage to the ribcage. Even with self-repairing parameters in his programming, whatever did this to him must have been quite powerful."

*the "subject" is lying in Mimeca's bed*

mimeca: *staaaaaaare*

ManBearFix: *still tied to a chair, rocking himself down the hall, up the stairs--and falls on his bear face* "FUCKING CRAP-APPLES!"

Subject: *bolts up awake, reaches out--and grabs Sasaki by the neck, eyes red*

Sasaki: *CHOKED*

mimeca: D8

Subject: *panting...calms down, releasing his grip* "Wh-Where am I?"

Sasaki: *collapses to her knees, gasping for air*

ManBearFix: *drags himself by the teeth into the room* "Yo, Mimeca! Who's Optimus Prime there?"

mimeca: *goes over to him*

ManBearFix: *looks at Mimeca* "This son of a bitch hurt you?"

mimeca: *shakes head*

ManBearFix: "Good. The doc dead yet?"

Sasaki: *GLARES*

Sasaki: "I was rebooting the subject. He seems to be techno-organic. I was about to log into the prison database to ascertain his identity and see what international police records show--"

ManBearFix: "Oh. It's Luke."

mimeca: *nod nod*

Luke: "...Yes? I'm Luke. I only just learned that after having my memories wiped--"

Sasaki: "How do you know him?"

ManBearFix: "I smashed his ass with a giant robot! I even broke his motherfucking spine!"

mimeca: <w<;;

Luke: "..." *AIMS ALL THE WEAPONS AT MANBEARFIX'S SKULL*

ManBearFix: *covered in red laser dots* .w.;

mimeca: *stands in front of manbearfix, taking on mana's appearance*

Luke: "!!!"

{A series of flashbacks from the Robo Tournament and the I-Island Confrontation}

Sasaki: "...I'm lost."

Luke: "I-I know that feeling..."

ManBearFix: ^^;;;; *picks up Mimeca* "Let's chat--maybe you can tell us what Fear Factory is up to since you left..."

-elsewhere-

*past a bamboo forest is a facility...someone with a distinctive collar around their neck looks at the surroundings*

Scientist with the Collar: "..." *passes a hand over some bamboo*

*guards are patrolling*

"Collar": *gestures to one guard* "I'm just going to the waterfall. Or is that not allowed anymore?"

guard: ??

Guard 2: *shrugs* *speaking Mandarin* <I don't see a problem. She gets too far, and she'll be--> *imitates a head exploding*

guard: <right...>

Guard 2: *speaking English* "Go ahead. Be back by the time of your meeting with the Boss."

"Collar": *nods...* *walking away...*

{*Collar is choking on her own blood...*}

{*feathers fall...a toothy grin and mad eyes stare out through the darkness*}

{*a hand is offered to her...*}

Collar: *looking at the waterfall...and a village behind it* "..."

-children are playing with an older gentleman supervising-

Child 1: <I got another letter!> *waves it*

child 2: <oh cool! let me see!>

*inside are some photos of palm trees and beaches*

Child 1: <I hope teacher gets back soon...>

-elsewhere-

Kafka: *looking over files with a calculator*

Walter: *playing a game of checkers with the kids*

goethe: *staring up at the ceiling*

Hans: "??? What's wrong?"

goethe:....bored.

Hans: "Oh. S-Sorry. ... I could read to you, if...that would help?"

goethe:....i'd like that.

Hans: "..." *pulls his head to her lap, takes up her book* "'The Chrysanthemum Robe would be resplendent...'"

goethe: =w= *nod nod*

Hans: "'Or so the princess thought. Really, she has never seen the robe, only heard the sweet words of her tailor...'"

goethe: *closes his eyes and smiles, just listening to her speak*

Hans: "'She always wanted to be seen as beautiful, but she was failing to see her own beauty within...'" *strokes his head*

-elsewhere-

iris: *looking out the window*

{sakura: look what i found! *holds up a photo album*}

{Hibana: "Been exploring again, Sakura?"}

{sakura: mhm! and look! *opens the book*}

{rose: is that sumire? she looked so young!}

{Hibana: "HA! Her eyes are still the same!"}

{sumire: oh? ah yes, that takes me back. *smile*}

{rose: who's this next to you?}

{sumire: that's sister Plumeria.}

{Hibana: "???" *looks at Plumeria's face* "...Huh."}

{sumire: she...returned to the flames, a long time ago...}

{Hibana: "..." *frowns* *picks up her chemistry books* *looks down* "???"}

{iris: *staaare*}

{rose: ?? who is this?}

{sumire: this is sister iris. she'll be living with us from now on.}

{iris: ....*looks at the floor*}

{Hibana: "... ... ...OH MY GOSH SHE IS SO ADORBS!" *glomp*}

{iris: !!!! OAO }

{Hibana: "HELLO, NEW SISTER!"}

iris:....*small smile*

shinra: you arent asleep yet?

iris: !! oh!

maki: hey, you're ba- ._.

argit: -__-#

maki: what the fuck is that?

shinra: long story.

Viktor: "I got new chemistry books!" *they are covered in garbage*

Relan: "...I knew it--rat people do exist."

argit: i aint no fuckin rat!

Relan: "EEK!" *pulls back*

Akitaru: "What's all the yelling after curfew?"

maki: looks more like a possum mixed with a porcupine.

argit: you got any booze here?

Takehisa: "Depends on who is asking."

-lisa explains-

nozomi: well, i suppose that solves the mystery then.

argit: yeah yeah, woo-hoo. seriously, is there no fuckin alcohol?

Vulcan: "Checks out, what with the sewer pipeline nearby." *sets out a can in front of Argit--a can of root beer*

argit:.... -_-# what do i look like, a 5 year old?

lisa: you said you had info on giovanni, right? so start talking.

argit: hey, i dont just give out info for free, toots. y'gotta pay up. usually i take cash, but i can think of...hehe...other, payment methods~ *wink*

lisa:..........*PUNCH*

argit: X_< OW!

Vulcan: *takes back the root beer* "Well, you're not getting any of this, you perverted jackass!"

-morning-

Saria: *seated for breakfast, reading through books*

greg: morning, bugbear. ^^

Saria: *small grunt, still reading through the books* "..."

saria's dad: ??? you feeling ok?

Saria: "Hmm?" *looks up* "Oh! ...Sorry. Just trying to read..." *yawns* =-=

greg:....if there's anything bothering you, you can tell us.

Saria: "I-I know...Sorry. I didn't sleep well, and I'm worried about the cooking contest at school, and I can't find the right recipe..."

saria's dad: hey now, even if you dont win, whats important is that you at least tried and had fun, right?

Saria: "I-I worry I'm not trying hard enough..."

greg: oh, saria...*hug* whatever happens, your father and i love you, no matter what.

Saria: "..." *hug* TT~TT

-elsewhere-

shinra: *adjusting his tie*

Akitaru: "We're going to be short on people, and he is one of the few who isn't usually out in the field."

maki:....

Viktor: "Not to worry--if there's an emergency, I know how to call you." *holds up a 1980s cell phone*

-and so…-

Pan: *carrying the casket* "..."

foien:......

juria:......

Takeru: *seated in a wheelchair, his leg stump elevated*

Arthur: *looking serious*

asako: *weeping*

Huang: *pats her shoulder*

Ogun: *inhales* *announces* "Soldiers...Salute." *leads the salute*

gwen: *does so*

shinra: *salutes*

juria:....

Arthur: *salutes*

Takeru: *struggling to lift his arm*

Pan: *holding back tears as he and others carry the casket*

iris: *praying*

Hibana: *watching*

honda: cant believe shinmon didnt show up to at least pay respects. disgraceful.

Hibana: "Typical...I don't think he ever liked Arg recruiting the 7th."

gabriella: commander tennouji isnt here either...although given the current reputation of the 3rd...

Hibana: "...Can't really throw stones about that, either."

honda: in any case, i have a bad feeling about all of this.....

*the pallbearers set the casket down, ready to be lowered...*

shinra:.....*looks around*

*it looks like a lot of Shinra's former classmates are also present for the funeral...quite a gathering from people outside of Death City*

shinra: .....*spots burns and dia*

Burns: *watching the casket...approaches*

shinra: *looks away*

dia:....i see kotatsu isnt here....

Burns: "I'm not surprised."

shinra: *grips fist* (screw you, she's having a tough time enough as it is.......)

Burns: "It's already hard enough for members of the 4th to hold it together...It's time to let him pass."

*someone has set out the dirt to take to toss into the ground*

-elsewhere-

argit: *taps foot* uuuugh, booooring! hey vic, got anything to kill the time?

Viktor: "Want to see my new spores?"

argit: ...i meant something actually fun. what're ya even doing with these bozos anyway?

Viktor: "I was assigned here by Haijima Industries to monitor the 8th in hopes that they could acquire the supernatural power coursing through the feet of Shinra, at which point I could extend my research to the limits of human knowledge to undercover the truth behind SPH and thereby determine how to reverse the potential apocalypses approaching our world as planned by a group of white-cloaked weirdos that plan to turn the Earth into a second sun, killing us all in the glory of their imaginary god. ..." *holds out a bag* "Jelly bean?"

argit: .....sounds like a bunch of loonies.

Viktor: "No kidding." *pulls down a welder mask, grabs a torch*

argit: this is why i dont buy into that crap...you still work with that eyepatch guy?

Viktor: *slaps a hand over Argit's mouth*

argit: !?!?!

Viktor: "Ix-nay on the Oker-jay!"

argit: *muffled* <how come?>

Viktor: "No one here knows I know that guy!"

argit: <so? you and i are the only ones here!>

Viktor: "So the walls can have ears! And what if Tamaki heard?"

argit: who?

Viktor: "The girl in the bedroom?"

argit: oh.

Viktor: "Yeah--so button your...are these technically lips?"

argit: ..more of a snout, really.

Viktor: "Then button your snout." *lets go*

-elsewhere-

Haumea: *crosses out a photo of Arg*

ritsu: what's our next move?

Haumea: *holds up photos of Burns and Akitaru* "Tease out the next Pillar..."

-elsewhere-

Benedetto: *picks up a stick swings it* "En garde!"

edouard: >~<;;

Cervantes: "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" *runs up, leans down...and adjusts Bene's posture* "Like this. That is how to strike the enemy!"

Dumas: -_-# *sets out a children's book*

marquis: they seem to be having fun. ^^

Dumas: "I wish it was quieter..." *looking through the books* "How about this one?"

-elsewhere-

Axel: "--then I heard he threw up."

preston: heavens!

Asher: "Hmph. What'd he think would happen?"

Yafeu: "IT WAS FOR PRIDE! HE COULD HAVE WON THAT CONTEST!"

izumi: what's going on?

Asher: "Zeke started talking about worst 'go to the infirmary' stories."

izumi: oh jeez.

Yafeu: "YOU EVER SEE SOMEONE'S THUMB BEND THE WRONG WAY?"

izumi: ._.

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: *sits down...*

Death the Kid: ((Honda, pouring drinks for the commanders))

honda: *pours him a drink*

Akitaru: "Th-Thanks..."

Burns: *studying Akitaru*

Hibana: *holds out her glass* "Think Ko Paat can handle the commander job?"

honda: i think so. he sure knows how to keep his students in line, thats for sure.

Hibana: "...Was Arg in his right mind towards the end? I mean, the talk about seeing Hell and all..."

honda: hard to say....

Huang: "If the school is to continue to function, it will need support from the other brigades. Those present, anyway."

-in another room-

nozomi: h-hey ogun....how are you holding up?

Ogun: "...Just trying to keep it together, you know?"

nozomi: that's understandable.....i-if there's anything i can do to help at all....

Ogun: *nods* *forces a smile* "Th-Thanks...Glad to know there's someone to talk to."

shinra: we're here for you, man. *offers fist bump*

Ogun: "..." *bump*

Arthur: *spots someone*

iris:......!! i know! we should have a party!

shinra: a party?

iris: *nods*

shinra: good idea! we could watch movies, play games, eat snacks!

Ogun: "Heh...That could help..."

Arthur: *approaches Gwen*

gwen: ..........

Arthur: "Hey."

selim:.....hiiiiiiii.....*griiiiiiin*

gwen:.....*tearing up*

Arthur: *offers a tissue*

gwen: *hugs him* i dont want to do this anymore!! *sobbing*

Carin: *glaring at Selim* "Can you not wipe that stupid grin off your face..."

Arthur: "..." *hug, pat pat*

selim:.....*head tilt*

Carin: "The Commander is dead, and the Captain--er, new Commander--Feh, whatever. What a shitshow..."

gwen: so many people keep dying! morgan....the commander....im so scared! i dont want anyone else to die!!

Arthur: "..." *nods* "I know. It's a reality of life..."

juria: *leaning against a wall, away from everyone else*

Kishiri: *standing with Vivian* "Asako is really taking it hard."

vivian: hnnn~ i really wish i knew how to help! maybe trip to the hot springs?

tao: warm food always helps me feel better!

Kishiri: "Sound good...When my granny died, it was a family trip we took..."

vivian: awww, torry!

juria: tch- i dont get why everyone's being all weepy about this. the old fart was gonna kick the bucket sooner or later.

Kishiri: *frowns* "He was murdered--that's pretty tragic, though.”

juria: ....

*seems Pan is not here...*

tao: ?? where is your new commander, miss oni?

juria: how the fuck would i know?

Yumi: *walking through a hall...spots Pan alone in his office* "???"

pan: ....oh, mrs death. salutations...

Yumi: "Hello. I wanted to thank you for the eulogy you delivered today."

pan: of course...*sigh*

Yumi: "...I also wanted to say that you have Death City's full support. The 4th has been an important institution for up and coming firefighters."

pan: right....im glad the DWMA has helped us out as well.

Yumi: "If you need anything, you have our number...I am sorry for your loss. I know it can't be easy."

pan:...you know, a part of me has always wanted to be a commander...i just didnt think it would be like this.

Yumi: "..." *takes a seat* "He was commander for a long time. Since you joined the 4th?"

-elsewhere-

tamaki:.........*stomach gurgles* .....*sits up and exits her room, with the blanket around her*

Viktor: *talking in the kitchen* "--then the watermelon went--" *moves his hand like a rocket flying through the air* "--SPLAT!"

argit: ha!

Viktor: *opens the fridge* "Want another one?" *looks into the hall* "Oh, hey, Tamaki."

tamaki:...hungry....*goes to get some cereal*

Viktor: *pulls out the milk carton* " 'Kay. Argit and I are going to work on something in the backyard."

argit:....so is he like a hikky-somethin?

tamaki: *walks over to the table....but trips on the blanket and falls, hitting her head on the edge of the table and gashing herself a bit* ......*whimpers*

argit: HA!

Viktor: "??? Oh boy..." *helps her up*

tamaki:....*her forehead is bleeding*

Komori: *walks in* "..."

argit:.....how many people you got hiding here, vic?

Viktor: "Quite a bit--we got a lot of space here."

Komori: *writes* <Tamaki, your forehead is bleeding. Let's bandage you up.>

tamaki:...*whimpers and nods, weeping*

Komori: *stares at Argit* "..."

argit: jeez, what a fuckin crybaby.....the fuck you lookin at?

Komori: <An asshole.>

argit: D8<

Viktor: ^^; "Let's all take a deep breath and calm down..."

Komori: <Is that your nose, or did a truck run over your face?>

argit: you callin' me roadkill, bitch?!

Komori: <I'm calling you a bitch, bitch.>

argit: OH THAT DOES IT! *fires quills at her*

*SWOOSH*

*quills diverted--and pin Viktor by the shirt into the wall*

Komori: "..."

Viktor: Q_Q;

argit: ...well shit.

Komori: <Insult my patient again, and the damage will be so severe you'll be thankful I am your doctor.>

argit:...*crosses arms and pouts* *grumble grumble*

Komori: *nod* *guides Tamaki*

-elsewhere-

misaki: *walking through the graveyard* .....

*a crow has landed in a tree behind*

misaki:......*takes a seat*

Crow: "CAW!"

misaki:....why hello. *pulls something from her bag* would you like some bread? i was going to have this for lunch, but i probably dont need it.

Crow: "..." *flies down, lands at her feet* "..." *head tilt* *small caw*

misaki: *small smile* it must be nice to be a bird. you dont have to worry about things like fitting in or social status....you probably have plenty of friends with similar interests as you, so you probably never feel lonely......look at me, talking to animals about my problems. ^^;

Crow: *pecking at the bread*

*SNAP*

misaki:...!!

*it sounded like a twig being stepped on...*

misaki: h-hello?

Crow: "...CAW!" *flies at something behind the tree*

misaki: ah-

*CRACK*

Crow: *flies away...with a very long stick*

misaki: .....you probably have a family to go back to.....*sad smile* maybe they're right about me....im not meant to fit in with regular people....

Pumpkin: *behind the tree--missing an arm now* -_-### *holds his fingers in his other hand...and snaps them*

Crow: "ACK--"

*the arm swings back, knocking the Crow down*

misaki: ah!! *runs over*

Crow: *lands in the grass, dazed* @^@ "CAW?"

misaki: you poor thing. you arent hurt, are you?

Pumpkin: *the arm-stick is attracted back to his other hand, as he re-attaches it* "Damn winged monstrosities..."

Crow: *stands up, wobbling slightly...looks dazed*

misaki: *checking for any injuries*

*seems to be fine*

Crow: *flaps wings while on the ground*

misaki: *sigh*

Crow: "...CAW!" *flies at the tree again...*

Pumpkin: "Pain in the--?!!!"

Crow: "CAW!" *claws at Pumpkin's face*

misaki: ah! *runs over* wait!

Pumpkin: *knocked down* "AH!!" *swinging his arms*

misaki: !!! oh goodness!

Pumpkin: *freezes* ._.

Crow: *freezes* "..." *pecks once more at Pumpkin, before landing on Misaki's shoulder*

misaki: *reaches a hand out* are you alright?

Pumpkin: "..." *backs up*

misaki: i-it's alright, im not going to hurt you.

Pumpkin: "..." *silent, just staring*

misaki: *smiles* my name is misaki. what's yours?

Pumpkin: "What? Wait for what?"

misaki: i- uh..um.. w-well...

Pumpkin: "...Hmph." *he looks worse for wear after the crow attack*

misaki: i-if i said or did anything to upset you at all, im very sorry. im not...very good at talking to others.

Pumpkin: "...I've noticed."

misaki:....im sorry. i'll just go home now...

Pumpkin: "Wait!"

misaki: *looks back*

Pumpkin: "...Pumpkin."

misaki: ??

Pumpkin: "...Lord Pumpkin."

misaki: i see....it's nice to meet you, lord pumpkin. *smiles*

Pumpkin: "...You are by yourself."

misaki: ??

Pumpkin: "I've seen you...alone..."

misaki: oh....well, i dont have many friends. i mean, yes, i do talk to some people at school, but i dont feel particularly close to any of them...

Pumpkin: "You're here often. Because..."

misaki: ...my parents are buried here...

Pumpkin: "...I gathered as much...How..."

misaki:...they died in a car crash.

Pumpkin: "...I see."

misaki:.....

Pumpkin: "I'm...sorry."

misaki: i-it's fine. im used to it.

Pumpkin: "It's not..."

misaki: ??

Pumpkin: "...fair."

misaki:.....are you alone?

Pumpkin: "?! What?"

misaki: s-sorry! i-i mean- w-what i was trying to say was-

Pumpkin: "I-I'm--"

misaki: do you have a family?

Pumpkin: "...No longer."

misaki: ....oh...

Pumpkin: "..." *nods*

misaki:.....do you have anywhere to stay?

Pumpkin: "And you...?"

misaki: i live not too far from here. *points toward the woods* my family's home is that way....

Pumpkin: "...So, a neighbor of sort."

misaki: are you staying somewhere close by?

Pumpkin: "..." *nods*

-elsewhere-

*in the DWMA library*

Saria: >~< *carrying a tall stack of books*

*looks like someone else is also walking with books, coming from the other direction...*

genny: you sure you dont need extra help with that?

Saria: "No, no, I'm okay... *grunt* Just need one more book around the corner--"

*bump*

Saria: "EEK!"

*books go flying*

genny: YIPE!!

Poe: "EEP!" *his stack of books falls, one hitting him on the head*

genny: s-sorry!

Poe: "I-I'm sorry!"

Saria: "No, I am! I wasn't looking!" .~.; *gathering her books* "Sorry, Mr. Poe..."

Poe: *gathers his books* "Quite alright...I have to hurry and get these to the Occult Club." *runs off with his books...including one cookbook*

Saria: *picks up books, including one by Sterling Rodgers: 'Serving Others'*

genny: um...

Saria: "Huh...This wasn't on my list?" *flips through* "Oh! Look at this recipe!" *it looks like a cheesecake dish*

genny: *looks*

*the table of contents show quiche, muffins, an appendix of herbs*

genny: hmm.....

Saria: "..." *smiles* "I got a good feeling about this one!" *gathers the stack* "I can't wait to try it! Let's go!" *runs to the check-out desk*

-elsewhere-

Poe: "Hello! Sorry! I was late--all that paperwork for the rare volumes." *sets them down* "I think this is all of them. Let's see...'Bohme's Masonry,' 'Lesser Key of Solomon,' 'Mrs Kiel's Rustic Home Cooking'-- ... ... ..." ._. *flips through the last one* "...Jeepers. This _is_ spooky..."

rowena: *looks* ._. oh...oh dear....i think there might have been a slight error. ^^;

Poe: *flips through his notepad* "Let's see...Yes, this one was not on the list. Hmm...Which one is missing?"

alice:.....i am kind of hungry...

-elsewhere-

asako:.............

Goldie: "..." *hops onto the bed*

asako:....*hug*

Goldie: *nuzzle, sympathetic growl*

-elsewhere-

Meme: "It is so easy getting lost around here--it's like Death City, only more European."

mio: no kidding. even japan felt like a labyrinth to get through...

Meme: "Yeah! But we got through it, and we'll get through this!"

*ZOOM OUT, revealing they are lost in an alley*

Meme: "...Soon enough."

-elsewhere-