#im so glad it turned out fine i am not reanimating this entire thing .

[florshedworf]

i spent way to fucking long on this test animation so im posting it here

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS 121

someone give these kids a fucking break

[[cont from part 120]]

 Patty: "..." *looks down at the ground* "..."

liz: patti?

Patty: "Sis..." *looks up, tears in her eyes*

liz: !?

-elsewhere-

???: "You loose woman. You insult me."

tamaki: *groans*

???: "You have a lot of nerve to model yourself after me."

tamaki: what? hello?

*a giant cat's eye, on fire, looks down at her*

tamaki: GAH!! *panting* ......

*there's a cracked mirror from this underground mall, reflecting her image back at her*

tamaki:.........*winces* o-ow.....*weeps* i never....asked for this.....

*in front of her is a mannequin, knocked down, with a jacket on it*

tamaki:.....*takes the jacket and puts it on* t-takeru?

*outside...is a bloodbath...it looks like someone exploded in here*

tamaki: takeru? takeru?! take-

Takeru: *collapsed, back against the wall, bleeding out...his right arm is severed*

tamaki: !!! h-hold on! w-we'll stop the bleeding-

Takeru: "Tamaki...Stop. I can't move...I can't feel my leg...Is it gone?"

tamaki: *looks*

*it looks like his foot was taken off...*

tamaki:....w-we're getting you out of here-

Takeru: *laughs* "No...I'm too big to carry. You need to go on."

tamaki: dont be stupid! t-there's people still waiting for you!

Takeru: "...Tamaki...I'm glad you witnessed...You can tell the others what I did...Mom...Dad...Patty...Hajiki...Honda...Hito...I wish I could see them...and the farm..." *crying* "I'll have to be satisfied here...a potato in the dark..."

tamaki: you're not a potato, you're human, dammit!

Takeru: "..." *he's not moving...the jacket he has on looks lifeless...*

tamaki:...no....i cant....let someone else die.....i cant.......why cant i do anything?

*chittering*

tamaki:....

*a horde of Zom-fernals emerges...including a headless Hajiki*

tamaki:.......*flame tails, dead eyes* .....

Zom-fernal!Hajiki: *tongue slaps out as it lets out a roar, rushing at Tamaki*

-elsewhere-

Petra: "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust--"

*SHOT*

Petra: "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust--"

*BANG BANG*

Petra: >_<# "ASHESTOASHESDUSTTO--"

Takigi: *bang bang at every Infernal* "I'm up to 14."

Petra: "THIS ISN'T A COMPETITION, YOU JERK!"

Takehisa: *curves one bullet to take out 5 in a row* "...Ratomu."

soldier: what the hell are these things??

Takehisa: "If I hazarded a guess, these are the reanimated remains of fallen soldiers and explorers, controlled by that one Hood with the ability to resurrect the dead as multi-core Infernals. Only she didn't bother combining them again--how odd."

Takigi: "ODD?! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU FREAKS IN THE 8TH ENCOUNTER ON A DAILY BASIS?!"

zom-fernal: GUOOOOO!!!

Takigi: "!!!" *shoots at it*

Petra: *hides behind a pillar, clutching her book* "D-Damn..."

Takigi: "...Hinawa. Have you kept Maki safe?"

Takehisa: "..."

{Takehisa: "Maki, get in front and block the oncoming attack."}

{maki: got it!}

{*the fireballs come at Maki, looking like screaming skulls*}

{maki: HYAH!}

Takehisa: "Of course I have. I've positioned her as our human shield to cover us."

Takigi: "... ... ..."

*Takigi's brain imagines something completely different*

Takigi: "YOU'RE TREATING MY SISTER LIKE A PIECE OF MEAT?!!!"

Petra: "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, FOCUS ON US NOT DYING, YOU TWITS!"

zom-feral: *charges at them*

Petra: *screams, tries to crawl away--*

Takehisa: *fires at the Zom-fernal*

Takigi: "Shit!" *grabs Petra by the habit, shoving her behind the pillar*

Petra: "WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GRABBING!" *shoves him*

Takehisa: "Please, focus."

Petra: "I WAS JUST SAYING THAT TO YOU!"

Takigi: "It's your fault! How dare you talk about my sister in such prurient ways!"

Takehisa: "???"

-BWOOOOOM-

*a flame engulfs the entire station--and those still there--*

Takehisa: "?!!!"

petra: w-what the hell?

Takigi: *has dispersed the flame with just the swipe of his hand* *looks around...there are charred corpses everywhere*

petra: what- what did you-

Takigi: "I used my pyrokinetic ability. Duh. Shouldn't you be used to this kind of thing..." *staring at the remains*

petra: actually, im a newer recruit. the 8th needed more nuns, so i joined along with rita.

Takigi: "That's it? No better reason for throwing in with these weirdos?"

petra:.....

{young!petra: grandpa, could you show me the clock again?}

Takehisa: "Even with this shield, I can't see through the remaining flames--"

*a giant metal hand wraps around his neck, slamming him into a nearby pillar*

petra: captain!!

Takigi: *fires shots at the giant man*

???: FOOL! do you have any idea who i am?!

-WHACK-

petra: GRK-

*Takehisa is swung at Takigi and Petra, crashing into them*

Takehisa: *tries to get up, scurries away behind a pillar while firing*

Takigi: "Run!"

???: GRAHAHAHA! YOUR PUNY BULLETS WONT AFFECT ME, SURFACE TRASH!! FOR I AM THE INPENETRABLE, IMPERMEABLE, IIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRROOOOOOOON!!!!

Takehisa: *firing more shots* "I thought only dumb knights like Arthur shout out their names..."

-elsewhere-

Arthur: *slices an Infernal apart--then sneezes--and his swing slices through another one*

-elsewhere-

iron: BWAHAHAHA! your shots are nothing more than a mere mosquito bite to me!

Takehisa: "Incredible--our bullets did no damage to their skin or armor."

Takigi: *shielding against Iron's flames* "Get behind me--I'm not done interrogating you about my sister."

petra: *holding her forehead* nghh...d-damn...

Takehisa: *gulps* *keeps firing at Iron*

iron: HEHEHE! THAT TICKLES! UROOOOOGH!!

-elsewhere-

*a corpse lies on the ground*

shinra: *panting* (come on shinra, get it together! now isnt the time to panic!) *peeks from behind an old snack booth* (are they still alive?)

*it doesn't look like anyone is moving...*

shinra: *tries to steady his breathing*

{Konro: *eyes closed in meditation...then he opens them* "Shinra, your breathing is a little shallow. Something on your mind?"}

{shinra: yeah, you could say that...}

{Konro: "That's fine--every thought you have is something you can't ignore. In the battlefield, you can't afford to ignore anything. But rather than push away these thoughts..."}

{shinra:.....}

{*an image comes to Shinra's mind, a feather, like the kind when fighting Sho--*}

{Konro: "Touch it, like a feather..."}

{shinra: !!}{Konro: "??? Something wrong?"}

{shinra: n-nothing...just thinking...}

{Konro: *smiles, nods* "Well, back to work?"}

{shinra: y-yeah...}

*something is near Shinra...*

shinra: !!!

*it's a centipede crawling on his shoulder*

???: "Found you."

shinra: YOU!!

*something slashes through the snack booth, tossing candy bars everywhere--a pincer, that moves to stab at Shinra*

shinra: GRK-

*the pincer keeps slashing at Shinra...it's dark in here*

shinra: SHOW YOURSELF, GIOVANNI!

*The good doctor steps out, lit by a broken ceiling lamp*

Giovanni: "It is good to see you again, Shinra Kusakabe."

shinra: you had your hand in this, didnt you?

Giovanni: " 'A hand'?" *laughs* "Shinra, I put my entire body into all that I do."

shinra: *CHARGES AT HIM*

Giovanni: *BLOCKS*

shinra: you piece of shit, we arent just going to sit back and let you turn this planet into a sun!

Giovanni: "Oh, I'm sure you won't--not when there's still your brother to retrieve."

shinra: *growls* WHERE'S SHO?!

2nd Company Soldier: "Kusakabe!" *runs towards Shinra* "Thank goodness I found--"

*STAB*

shinra: !!

*it's...a bug's leg that stabbed into the Soldier...and it's coming off of Giovanni!*

shinra: what...the hell even are you?

Giovanni: "I am the next step in evolution."

Soldier: *screaming*

soldier 2: what the hell is that?!

soldier 3: oh hell no, i did NOT sign up for this bullshit!

Soldier 4: *fires shots at Giovanni*

Giovanni: *leaps, crawling on the ceiling like a roach*

shinra: look out!

Giovanni: *stabs a pincer into Soldier 2's neck*

soldier 2: GKR- *collapses*

Giovanni: *sends his pincer at Soldier 3--*

-BLOCK-

shinra: *GLARE*

Giovanni: *laughs* "I see my new eyes can't keep up with your legs."

shinra:...everyone, get to safety!

Giovanni: "Worry about your own safety." *something slithers out of Giovanni's neckline*

shinra: ????!!!!

Giovanni: "How do you like my coremata? Found in numerous insects, it detects pheromones released by humans. It helps me predict human movements and even emotions."

Giovanni: "MARVELOUS, IS IT NOT?! THESE INSECTS, THAT ARE REALLY ALIENS FROM ANOTHER DIMENSION--"

shinra: im not here to hear about your scy-fy channel original feature lectures!

Giovanni: "Hmph." *strikes with more pincers*

-elsewhere-

Arthur: *stands atop a mound of Zom-Fernals* "As your monarch, I will protect you, my subjects!"

heckler: you alright?

Heckler's Assistant: Q_Q "We need to retreat!"

Arthur: "..." *STUNNED* "And now, as your king--I must abandon you." *runs away*

heckler: D8

Heckler's Assistant: "WHAT THE FUCK?!"

Zom-Fernal: *stares, confused as well* "WAH?"

heckler:...soldiers, im giving a new order; RUN FOR YOUR LIIIIIIFE!!!

Heckler's Assistant: "?!!! EEEK!" *picks up a shovel, slicing the Zom-Fernal's head off*

Zom-Fernal's Head: -_____- *lands in a soldier's hands*

-elsewhere-

Giovanni: "How disappointing--you fell into our trap. If you were my student, you would've seen this coming."

shinra: *kicking at him*

Giovanni: "You still can't even land one hit on me--" *strikes a pincer--*

*SLICE*

Giovanni: *screams, retracting his sliced pincer*

shinra: what?

Arthur: "Fear not, Demon--the King has returned."

shinra: how did you get here so fast?!

Arthur: "I cut ties with my subjects and abandoned them like so much dead weight."

shinra: SOME KING _YOU_ ARE!

Arthur: "They're probably fine."

-elsewhere-

Heckler's Assistant: "THAT MOTHERFUCKING LITTLE TWIRP!" *slamming a shovel against another Zom-Fernal*

-elsewhere-

Arthur: *looks* "...Wait, it's him again?"

shinra: he's a persistant son of a bitch, that's for sure

Giovanni: *chuckles* "Well, well...This just improved my situation."

-elsewhere-

Takehisa: *BANG BANG BANG*

iron: UROOOOOGH!!!

Takehisa: "Takigi, Petra, get back--"

-SLAM-

Takehisa: *groans, slammed by Iron into another pillar*

Takigi: "Unbelievable..." *tries to get in front of Iron*

iron: HUUUUOOOOOGH!!

Takigi: *swings his arm, dispersing Iron's latest blast*

Takehisa: *uses the distraction to fire more shots at Iron's shoulders*

iron: BWAHAHA! useless! useless useless useless useless!

Takehisa: "I'm surprised--they're bulletproof."

Takigi: "Really? What was your first clue? Either your aim is bad, or you're slow to figure that out. Or maybe it's your eyesight. After all, you couldn't see how unqualified Maki was for the job you recruited her for."

Takehisa: "..."

petra: !!! how dare-

-PRSSSSST-

iron: MARTENSITE!

Takehisa: "That's it--a 3rd-generation..."

petra: captain?

iron: FOOL! this suit isnt the _only_ thing made of iron!

Takigi: "Yeah, like that thick head of yours..."

iron: WHAAAAAT?!

Takigi: "I said you probably have nothing between your ears except scrap metal, you dumb, stupid neanderthal."

iron: YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT, LITTLE MAN! MARTENSITE!

Takigi: *ducks*

petra: i think his ability is heating up iron and then cooling it down, increasing the toughness.

Takigi: "Incredible--Hinawa, I do not understand how the 8th gets dragged into facing such freaks and monsters!"

Takehisa: "Fighting monsters is part of firefighting."

Takigi: "ON WHAT PLANET IS THAT 'NORMAL' FOR A FIREFIGHTER TO FACE THIS--THIS THING?!"

petra: this seems fairly average by death city standards.

Takigi: "NO ONE WAS ASKING YOU, SISTER!"

iron: TAKE THIS! UOOOOOOGH! *FLEXES*

Takigi: "?!!!" *tries to dodge*

Takehisa: "Maki knew what she was getting into when she joined the Fire Force." *BANG BANG BANG*

iron: FUTILE! MY BODY IS INVINCIBLEEEE!!! *flexes more*

petra:....i really didnt need to see this today. -_-;

Takigi: -______- "Hinawa...How dare you subject my sister to all of this. I don't know what she sees in you."

Takehisa: "??? What do you mean? She saw an organization committed to protecting the lives of others."

Takigi: "Bullshit! I know Maki, and she is not someone who gets her hands dirty in a fight! She's my sister, and she is a sweet, gentle girl who would never get involved in this kind of a mess!"

Takehisa: "..."

{Arthur: "SAVE ME FROM THIS OGRE!"}

{Viktor: "SHE JUST SMASHED A HOLE THROUGH THE WALL!"}

{maki: WHO ARE YOU CALLING A GORILLA OGRE CYCLOPS!?!?}

{Vulcan: *filming this* "Oh, shit--she's going to do the pile-driver..."}

{Takehisa: "... ... ..." *staring*}

{Takehisa!Vision Maki: *bishie sparkles--as she wrecks Arthur*}

{Arthur: *PAINFUL SCREAMS*}

Takehisa: "I assure you: there is _nothing_ gentle about your sister."

Takigi: "?!!! ARE YOU CALLING MY SISTER SOME ONE-EYE GORILLA CYCLOPS?!!!!!"

petra: they _are_ related....

Takehisa: "Uncanny."

Takigi: "Firefighters are supposed to save lives--but all the 8th does is rush into battle half-cocked! You just put people's lives at risk!"

Takehisa: *flinches*

petra: the 8th may have their odd quirks to them, but at least they arent whiny pretty boys with sister complexes!

Takigi: "?!!! H-How dare you! And I have a girlfriend!"

petra: somehow im inclined not to believe you.

Takigi: *swipes his hand, shielded off another flame* "With all due respect, Sister, you and the rest of these 8th Brigade Barbarians can go fuck yourself--and stay away from my family!"

petra: WHY DONT _YOU_ STOP BEING A CLOSEMINDED BRAT AND PULL YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS?!

Takigi: "Fuck you! You in the 8th just care about fighting, fighting, fighting--"

Takehisa: "That's not true at all."

Takigi: ??!!

Takehisa: "Yes, many of us are battle-hungry...We've had to see those close to us die. But there are those of us who have other goals. Look at Petra. She wants to put the dead to rest. We may have different reasons for being here, but we are united by the common cause to protect others. That is what the 8th is for. And you should know that."

Takigi: "...I know. I know you lie. You are animals. You resort to violence. Have you seen how the other brigades treat you misfits? If you didn't have Hibana covering your ass, if you didn't have those culturally backwards Asakusa savages with you, you'd be the laughingstock of this city. A bunch of misfits in some dilapidated cathedral because you--are--all--a--bunch--of--animals--"

iron: RGGGGGGGH ENOOOOUGH! YOU _DARE_ IGNORE ME?!?!

Takehisa: "?!! Move!" *pushes Takigi and Petra back*

iron: TAKE THIS! MARTENSITE ULTRA!!

Takigi: *shields from flames again* "Even your opponents are monotonous. I was right to take Maki away from this hellhole."

petra: well arguing among ourselves is getting us nowhere, we need a plan.

Takehisa: *studying Iron's body* "...Right. I'll keep shooting at it." *BANG BANG BANG*

Takigi: "That's a plan?!"

iron: FOOL! I AM INVINCIBLE!!

*SWIIIIIIIIISH...*

iron: *SCREAMS OUT*

Takehisa: "...Well. Your body may be--but not your joints. Obviously those would be weaker as you strengthen the rest of your body."

Takigi: "... ... ...OH, COME ON!"

iron: *ANGRISH*

Takehisa: "I suspected so earlier, so I focused my shots on your joints until they weakened. You are finished, you villain."

iron: THIS IS NOT OVER! YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE LAST OF IR-

petra: oh shove off. *walks away*

Takigi: "This was so stupid..."

iron: DONT YOU WALK AWAY FROM ME!! RRRRRGH! *SCREAM-CRYING*

Takehisa: "...You're a looney."

-elsewhere-

tamaki: *tail whipping zom-fernals* ashes to ashes........return to the great flame.....ratomu....

Zom-fernals: *one falls, and another rises...*

Takeru: *not moving...*

tamaki: ....*tail whip*

*footsteps*

tamaki:......*glances*

*More Purple Smoke goons, their heads covered with hoods, stand at the end of the tunnel...*

tamaki: oh....so there's more of you, huh?

Purple Smoke: "...Wait...Where is Orochi?"

tamaki: who?

Purple Smoke: "...No...No, no way. She would've defeated someone like you. Where is she?"

tamaki:....over there....a little over there too....she went out pretty badly...hehe... *looks at them with a broken smile, her eyes dull and lifeless*

Purple Smoke: "..." *shoots a scorpion flame tail at her*

tamaki: he....hehehehe....

*The tail stabs at Tamaki--but disperses upon contact*

Purple Smoke: "?! Flame-proof skin? Is it a shield?"

tamaki: .....

Purple Smoke: "Well, if fire won't avenge Orochi..."

tamaki: *lunges at him*

Purple Smoke: *throws off his cloak, scorpion tail aimed at her*

tamaki: *CLAWS AT HIM*

Sasori: *dodges, before delivering a fist towards her face*

tamaki: *she hardly even flinches*

Sasori: "?!" ("What the hell is wrong with her?") *strikes his scorpion tail to her back*

*someone flies by--his head colliding into Sasori's ribs*

Sasori: *coughs up blood--before he's knocked into the tunnel's wall*

Honda: "I AM HERE--"

tamaki: ??

*CLANG*

Honda: *his head is stuck in the tunnel's wall* "--TO HEAD-BUTT HOODED SCUM!"

Akitaru: "Tamaki!" *running up to them*

hito: juggernaut! *runs over to takeru*...he's passed out.

iris: *opening her medkit*

Vulcan: "Jeez, Tamaki...Impressed you're still standing."

tamaki: .........

Akitaru: "Good work, soldier--but you need to sit this one out and recuperate."

Vulcan: *takes out his own med-kit for her*

tamaki:.....i couldnt do a thing.....i did all i could....but i still failed.....

Honda: *has dislodged himself from the tunnel...his forehead still marked up* "Juggernaut...Sister Iris, how bad is it?"

iris: his leg and hand are gone, but he's still breathing...

Honda: "Oh dear..."

*suddenly, something shoots out of the tunnel--aiming for Hito's head*

hito: *dodges, half of her bangs getting sliced* shit!

*it's the scorpion's tail, swinging wildly before--*

Akitaru: *grabs the flame tail with gloved hands* "Jeez!"

Sasori: "WHAT DID YOU DO TO OROCHI?! SHE IS NOT SO WEAK TO FALL TO SOME SCRAWNY NAKED FREAK!"

Honda: "Hmph. Little boy, the Hoods are too weak before the power of a united Fire Force. Now go cry home to Mommy."

tamaki: why do _you_ care?

Sasori: "BECAUSE SHE BEAT ME, AND I WILL BEAT YOU!" *swings his tail--but Akitaru is not letting go* "You! Commander Obi! You are on our hit list, so I might as well end you now!"

Akitaru: -_-; "Lucky me..."

Honda: *steps up--*

Vulcan: *holds out an arm* "Hang on, sir."

Honda: "???"

Sasori: "What can some flame-less gorilla do against the power of the Hoods?!" *striking at Akitaru*

Akitaru: "I think I can handle some scrawny scorpion..."

Sasori: "ONLY THE KNIGHTS WILL LIGHT UP THE SHADOWS OF THE NETHER!"

*Sasori engulfs Akitaru in flames*

Akitaru: *completely on fire*

Honda: "!!!"

Vulcan: *checks his watch*

hito: !!!

Sasori: *cackling* "Now your body and soul will dissolve into the ashes, returned to the earth--"

Akitaru: "..." *marches forward, while on flames*

Sasori: "?!!! St-Stay back!" *shoots tail after tail at Akitaru--*

Akitaru: *dodges each one--before a giant flaming hand wraps its fingers around Sasori's neck*

Sasori: "GRK!"

hito: !!!

Akitaru: *loud gorilla roar--before he slams Sasori's head down on--no, _into_ the pavement*

Honda: O_O

Purple Hood 2: *has been standing back this entire time* "..." *drops their knife, and runs like hell* MOMMYYYYYYY!!!

Honda: "HEY, YOU--GET BACK HERE!" *leaps*

hito: h-how is he-

Vulcan: *stops his watch* "I see the new jacket worked, sir!"

hito: *sweatdrop* the 8th is really something else....

Akitaru: *pulls off the jacket, still on fire* *pants, wiping sweat* "Y-Yeah, it worked--but it's so hot under that! Can you install some cooler interior lining?" *spots Tamaki* "..." *takes the other jacket off under the still on-fire one, and drapes it over her*

tamaki:.....it's all my fault....hajiki died.....takeru's hurt.....i....i cant protect anyone.....

Akitaru: "Hey...You're alive, aren't you?"

tamaki: WHAT'S THE POINT IF PEOPLE DIE PROTECTING ME?! *she's shaking*

Akitaru: "..."

Honda: *calling into his radio* "All members of the 2nd and 8th--this is Honda. I am ordering an immediate retreat."

-elsewhere-

ritsu: ah, such sweet little babies, soon, the infernal parade to hell will be paying death city a little visit, fufufu~<3

-elsewhere-

rita: *following viktor, running*

Viktor: *panting* "Y-You know what? I used to _hate_ running! The kids at school always made fun of how I moved in PE! But you know what? IF IT MEANS I DON'T DIE, I DON'T GIVE A FUCK IF I RUN LIKE A CHICKEN!"

Zom-fernal: "RAWROOOOOOO"

rita: >~< *glances ahead* !! WASCH AOU!

Viktor: "HMMM? WATCH OUT FOR WHAT?!"

-WHAM-

Zom-fernal: "RAWWWWW--" *stops dead in their tracks...and turns around, walking as if in a trance*

Viktor: *groans*

tamaki: ........

Vulcan: "Oh, hey, Viktor. Welcome back."

rita: !!! *signing* <oh, thank goodness you're all alright!>

Viktor: *inhales* *gently pushes Tamaki aside* "...COMMANDER! OHANA IS DEAD! THE ENTIRE SQUAD IS DEAD! ONLY RITA AND I SURVIVED! OH GOD OH GOD--"

hito: *SLAP* GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!

Viktor: "... ... ...Hey, is that a heat sensor? Gimme!" *takes it from Vulcan* "Hmm...That's weird. It's almost like the Infernals--"

Akitaru: "We're calling them 'Zom-fernals.'"

hito:...(i wanted to call them 'hollow infernals...')

Viktor: "--are forming a pattern-- ... ... ...They are using the Zom-fernals to bring Death City down to the ground!"

Vulcan: "What?!"

-elsewhere-

shinra: HYAAAAAH!

Giovanni: "Incredible! Notice the dexterity my insectoid enhancements have provided me! This is exhilarating! Thank you so much, Kusakabe, for making this experiment such a lively experience--"

Arthur: *swings Excalibur at Giovanni's head*

Giovanni: *retracts his entire head into his coat*

shinra: SHUT UP AND JUST DROP DEAD YOU ABOMINATION OF NATURE!

Arthur: "I refuse to agree with the demon--but cease your prattling and depart to the hereafter, you inhuman miscreant."

shinra: what he said! minus the calling me a demon part.

Giovanni: "...Arthur Boyle."

Arthur: "???"

Giovanni: "Have you found your parents yet?"

Arthur: "!!!"

{Arthur: *tied to a chair*}

{Giovanni: "What does the 8th know?"}

{*a woman with flame tentacles lingers nearby...*}

shinra: ARTHUR!

Arthur: *his eyes are blank*

shinra: DAMMIT ARTHUR SNAP OUT OF IT!

Giovanni: *shoves Arthur into Shinra*

Arthur: *muttering* "Wrench...Octopus...Mom. Dad--"

Giovanni: *bends over*

shinra: *grabs arthur and ducks for cover*

*PFFFFFFFFFT*

shinra: *covers his face with his shirt collar* please tell me he didnt just do what i think he just did!

Giovanni: "If you mean I modified my renal glands to expel a 100-degree Celsius quinone spray like the Asian beetle? Yes. Yes, I did."

shinra: .... WHAT. the actual FUCK?!

Arthur: "Dr Pepper. Squirt. Mountain Dew..."

shinra: ARTHUR YOU ARE NOT HELPING RIGHT NOW! *SLAP*

Giovanni: "There is no cause for alarm. All will make sense once the Pillars are united."

Arthur: *stunned*

shinra: and what's _that_ supposed to mean?

Giovanni: "Come now--don't play dumb. You already know the Preacher infiltrated the Church so to turn the Earth into a new Sun."

shinra: .....*remembering iris crying* *RAPID KICK*

Giovanni: *head smashed into the pavement*

Arthur: *frozen in place*

Giovanni: *muffled* "Fufufu~" *lifts his head* "You humans...You are on a bullet train to self-destruction anyway--so why not add some fuel to the fire?"

shinra: do you ever stop talking?!

Giovanni: *releases more arms--that pin Shinra into the wall*

shinra: GRK-

Giovanni: "It matters not: soon you'll understand, just as Sho did..."

shinra: *eyes widen with anger*

-elsewhere-

tsugumi: hey maki! ^^ thought we'd come by and bring you lunch.

maki: thanks.....

Meme: "It is so easy to get lost in here!"

maki:....*looking at the '8' sigil* .....

Anya: "??? An infinity pin?"

maki: -_-; no, it's an 8.

Meme: "Oh...A going away present?"

maki:.....

*the 8 starts blinking*

tsugumi: ??

maki: !!! *gets up and starts heading to the door*

tsugumi: maki?

Sushimasa: *stepping to the door--*

maki: sushimasa! got a lighter?

Sushimasa: *stepping to the door--*

maki: sushimasa! got a lighter?

Sushimasa: D8 "WAIT--"

Meme: "..." *hides under the desk*

-cue the sprinklers-

Anya: "EEEK!"

maki: *runs out the door*

Hiraoka: *trying to get out of the water-path* "What the hell?!"

tsugumi: maki!

maki: my team needs me!

Danro: *steps out, eyes shining red, like a monster summoned out of their cave...and it's raining outside* "MAKI!"

mio: oh shit.

Danro: "WHERE ARE YOU GOING?"

maki: back to my team.

Danro: "WHAT?! YOU CAN'T! I FORBID IT!"

maki: they need my help!

Danro: "IT'S TOO DANGEROUS!"

maki: im not a child anymore, i can handle it!

Danro: "YOU'RE GOING TO DIE!"

tsugumi: JUST STOP THIS, BOTH OF YOU!

Danro: "...Tsugumi? What are you doing here?" *holds out his hand to block the water sprinklers from hitting her*

tsugumi: we've seen maki in action, and she's really strong and brave. and she's really happy with the 8th, so why cant you stop being so close-minded and try and understand maki's feelings?!

Danro: "Look what happened to her brother! Or her mother!"

tsugumi: and they're still alive, arent they?!

Danro: "And what happens when that one mission goes wrong?!"

tsugumi: i understand that you're scared, you're her father, but it's also a father's duty to support their children, right?

Danro: "Even when the child could get hurt?"

Anya: "You have to have faith in her to be smart enough to survive it!" *still soaking wet, hair covering her eyes*

Danro: "But...she's my baby girl..." T___T

tsugumi: yes, but she's an adult now, and you have to learn to see that.

Danro: "..."

{Danro: *looking under the couch* "Where's Maki..."}

{little maki: *giggles, hiding behind a curtain*}

{Danro: "Or maybe...under the rug?" *lifts up the rug*}

{little maki: hehehe}

{Danro: *looks* "Wait--when did the curtain grow feetsies?!" *runs over*}

{little maki: *squeal* >w< *laughter*}

{Danro: *picks her up* "THERE'S THE BIG GIRL!"}

Danro: *flooding tears* TT~TT

-elsewhere-

shinra: WHERE THE HELL IS MY BROTHER?!

Giovanni: "Shinra, how uncouth. Sho is so much more obedient...I'm glad Haumea has trained him well."

-RAPID KICK-

shinra: WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?!?!

Giovanni: *knocked into a pillar* "H-How fast..."

-RAPID KICK x2-

shinra: TELL ME WHERE HE IS!!

Giovanni: "Ow--ow--Such speed...Well, if you won't come voluntarily--"

shinra: just shut the fuck up already!

Giovanni: "Fufufu~ 'Tell me where he is!' Then 'Just shut up!' The capriciousness of youth--so unfocused."

shinra: get out of my damn head!

Giovanni: "...What?"

shinra: quit using your stupid bugs to put thoughts in my head!

Giovanni: "... ... ...Ha. Ha ha. Ha ha ha. ... BWA HA HA HA HA!" *shaking with glee*

shinra: w-what's so funny?!

Giovanni: "I did it--I bloody did it! I formed an Adora Link through my insect-body modifications!"

shinra w-what's that supposed to mean?!

Giovanni: "The Adora Link--the ability to tap into the mind, body, and soul of someone with the Adora Burst!" *snatches at Shinra*

shinra: *jumps back* but, you dont have the adora burst!

Giovanni: "Fool! You can forge an Adora Link by having the Burst--OR BY SEEING ADORA YOURSELF, WITH YOUR OWN EYES!"

shinra: (does that mean that konro-)

Giovanni: "But nothing, not even that dumb expression on your stupid face, matters--soon, this world will be burned to the ground! Humans are the fuel to feed to our new sun! PRAISE THE PREACHER!"

shinra: im getting real sick and tired of your bullshit, birdbrain.

Giovanni: "HOW DARE YOU! I AM A BUG-MAN!"

shinra: in that case im the exterminator!

-elsewhere-

Takigi: "I told you it was this way! But nooooooooo, you didn't believe me at all!" *glares at Petra*

-footsteps can be heard-

rita: !!!

Petra: "Rita!" *runs up to her*

rita: *signing* <are you ok, petra?>

Petra: <I hit my head--but I'll live. Are you okay? Are you hurt?>

rita: <im fine.>

Akitaru: "Hold up, Viktor--they want to blow up Death City?"

Vulcan: "Wait, didn't the Kishin already try that?"

Viktor: "I mean, kind of? Only this is with fire. Death City will form a fire-pit--a test-run, for blowing up the planet. They'll try to replicate these fire-pits everywhere around the world until they can crush the ground into the center of the earth." *pulls out a piece of chalk*

hito: you keep chalk in your pocket?

Viktor: "Doesn't everyone?"

hito: ...

Viktor: *draws onto the wall* "This map shows where the Zom-fernals are congregating. They are forming a conical shape, which will act as a drill to push the explosion further _up_, to maximize damage."

Petra: "...LIKE GURREN LAGANN?!!"

hito: ....*sweatdrop*

Akitaru: "How do we stop this?"

Viktor: "We'd need to re-direct the flames--but I don't know where to!"

Takigi: -^- "Fortunately for you half-wits, I have memorized the Nether's many paths."

Viktor: "Oh, that'll be really helpful! Now we just need a 2nd-generation!"

Takigi: "Then it's a good thing I'm here--"

Viktor: "Who doesn't have a broken arm that makes his motions almost completely useless."

Takigi: O_O#

Viktor: "And unfortunately Lieutenant Hinawa's abilities are more about precision than the kind of wide-range attacks we need--"

Takigi: "HA! Yes, he is indeed useless!"

Takehisa: O_O

*BEEP BEEP BEEP!*

Vulcan: "!!! Shit! The Zom-fernals' heat signatures are on the rise--they are getting ready to blow up the Nether!"

hito: !!!

Honda: "Then we must begin!"

Viktor: "Well, that's a shame, because the one person who could help us is Maki..." *looks at Takigi* "Oh, wait. I forgot. She's no longer here because she was transferred out of the 8th."

Takigi: "... ... ..." O_O;;;;;

Petra: *STAAAAAAAAAARE*

Akitaru: *STAAAAAAAAAAARE*

iris: congratulations, you've doomed us all.

Takigi: "NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO CAST ASPERSIONS, SISTER!" *grabs Takehisa* "Lieutenant Hinawa, you must save us!"

Takehisa: "No. I'm useless."

Takigi: “WHAT?! ARE YOU MAKING FUN OF ME?! I ALWAYS KNEW YOU BASTARDS IN THE 8TH WERE NOTHING MORE THAN A BUNCH OF HOLIER-THAN-THOU--”

iris: !!

Takigi: “--MUSCLE-BOUND, INCOMPETENT, UNLUCKY, ILL-TEMPERED JACKASSES!”

*there is dead silence*

Akitaru: "...Detective."

Takigi: "?!!" *turns around slowly*

tamaki:.....

iris: *GLARE*

Akitaru: *glaring*

Petra: *tapping a lead pipe into the palm of her hand*

Akitaru: "Our job is protect lives--which is what is saving you from being a greasy smear on the wall right now, you preening show-boating little twirp."

-buzz-

lisa: vul, the witch is en route.

Vulcan: "Lisa! We got the signal back--awesome! Thanks, babe!"

???: sorry im late!

-it's maki!-

Takigi: "Maki?! What the hell are you doing here?!"

maki: my duty, for your information.

Akitaru: "Glad to have you here! You know what to do?"

maki: yeah, i heard over the transmitter.

Akitaru: "No times for delays, then!"

maki: right!

Viktor: "Stand right there, Maki!"

maki: *gets into position*

Vulcan: "Heat rising...2 minutes and counting."

maki: *inhales*

Takigi: "Maki, this is foolish! Listen to me! Why are you doing this?!"

maki: im a firefighter, it's my responsibility to use this power to protect people.

Takigi: "No, you're not--you're just some pyrokinetic being used by a fighting squad! And...I can't let you get hurt!"

maki: i dont need anyone's permission but my superior officers, last i checked, that's not you.

Takigi: "No, I'm just your brother! Doesn't that mean anything?!"

maki:...this is about what happened to mom, isnt it?

Takigi: "Goddamn it, Maki--just think what could happen! You want to be like that?! Hospitalized?"

Viktor: "Um..."

maki: and how did you get those bandages, tripping down the stairs?

Takigi: "I had no intention of dealing with a suicide bomber--which is my point! I'm a detective, not some grunt on the frontlines!"

Viktor: "UUUUUUUM..."

maki: look, i know the risks, but if it means i can save everyone, then those are risks im willing to take.

Viktor: "Well...Maybe not _everyone_."

maki: what are you saying?

Heckler's Assistant: "Look, sir--they're up ahead! We're saved! Hi, everyone! I'm so glad we're not going to die--"

Viktor: “Even if Maki can redirect the explosions' flames, there's nowhere to vent them out of the Nether. We either send them up to destroy Death City or keep them here. So, the flames are going to be concentrated here, meaning we’re all going to die by being burnt to a crisp.”

Heckler's Assistant: QwQ;;;;;;;;

Viktor: "...So...Yeah. Sorry."

Everyone: "... ... ..." *LOUD PANICKED YELLING*

Viktor: "I mean, we may not _all_ die! Look at Tamaki! She'll probably survive, what with her high level of flame resistance! Isn't that good, Tamaki? Ha ha ha ha..." TwT

tamaki:......................

Heckler's Assistant: "WELL, WHAT THE FUCK DO WE DO NOW?!"

maki: leave it to me! vulcan, keep track of the heat signal and let me know when it arrives!

Vulcan: "On it! You got 55 seconds!"

maki: commander!

Akitaru: *nods* "You got this--do it! Iris, get the non-pyros to shelter!"

iris: right! this way!

Takehisa: "Um...Tamaki? You need to, you know, move."

tamaki:....

Viktor: *mumbling to himself* "Vent the flames...need the layout...Where do you send them..."

Takigi: "I already told you, I memorized the layout--so just send them down deeper!"

Viktor: "We're already pretty deep down, Detective, so how about you-- ... ... ...GEOTHERMAL CLIMATIZATION!"

maki: just tell me which way to send them!

Takigi: *sets a hand on Maki's shoulder*

maki: ??

Takigi: "Maki, focus on directing flames down, and I'll direct them through corridors."

maki: right.

Vulcan: "3 kilometers incoming!"

-elsewhere-

lisa: !!!??

Yuu: *grabs the table at the outdoor radio desk* "An earthquake?!"

tsugumi: w-whats going on?

lisa: maki, can you hear that?

maki: how could i not?!

Yuu: *looking at a digital map* "You got heat incoming! What's going on?!"

Viktor: "Maki! Redirect the fireball's wind trajectory first to protect structural integrity!"

maki: got it!

Danro: *standing still next to Yuu and Tsugumi* "..."

-BOOOOOM-

Danro: "!!! No!"

*underground, debris falls towards Tamaki*

tamaki: *looks*

Akitaru: "Tamaki! Move!"

maki: *cycling the flames*

Akitaru: *covers Tamaki, the debris knocking him*

maki: *spiralling the flames, before sending them into the floor cracks*

Takigi: "Down and to the left, then make a U-turn."

maki: got it!

Viktor: "Not through the floor! It'll crack beneath you!"

maki: i cant stop now, it's a fire fighter's duty to protect people, and this city!

Viktor: "..." *gets down on all fours, hands on the cold floor* "Earth? It's me, Viktor. I'm gonna need you to take just a bit more heat..."

Takigi: *gulps*

Viktor: "Maki! Send the flames into the ground itself!"

maki: HAAAAAA!!!!

-FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM-

ritsu:....why isnt anything happening?

*something hot and bright is heading towards her...*

ritsu:....oh. well that's not good.

*FWOOOOOOOOM*

maki: *panting*

Danro: "What's happening? REPORT!"

iris: she- she did it!

Takigi: "..." *lets go*

maki: mission successful.

Akitaru: "Ha! The earthquakes stopped, too!" *his head is bleeding, as he brushes off dirt and debris*

-maki laughs and does a little victory dance-

tamaki:......

tsugumi: yeah maki! i knew you could do it!!

Danro: *standing tall...because his hands are slammed down onto the table for support*

tsugumi: yes! uncle danro and i heard the whole thing!

maki: wait, dad?!

Yuu: *staring, as Danro's hand has smashed his radio* D8

lisa: ._. so _that's_ where she gets it from....

Danro: "Maki...Are you and Takigi okay?"

maki: yeah, we're fine, a few scratches, but other than that, we're good.

Danro: "...This mission is over. Tell Obi and Honda to evacuate."

maki: commander-

Akitaru: "RAWR!" *friendly punch to Takehisa's shoulder*

Takehisa: "Ow."

Akitaru: "You have a good eye for recruits, Takehisa! Maki saved us!"

Takigi: "...Maki. What are you going to do?"

maki: rejoin my brigade, obviously.......awkward sibling hug?

Takigi: "..." *sighs* *pat pat*

maki: *pap pap*

Takigi: "...Your arms are thick."

maki: *pinches him*

Takigi: "OW!"

maki: that's payback for what you did at dinner, jerkbutt.

Takigi: "Hey, just stating facts! Maybe ease up on the weights!"

maki: *laughing*

Takehisa: "..."

iris: she did it, captain!

Takehisa: "Of course she did. She was made for this kind of work."

-elsewhere-

Giovanni: "How upsetting. I had thought everything would be on fire by now."

shinra: HYAAAAH!!! *charges*

Giovanni: *bug legs scurry him away* "Wait, you still want to fight?"

shinra: arthur!

Arthur: "..." *stands up, swaying as he moves*

Giovanni: "Aw, what's that little flame going to do--"

*all trace of Arthur's presence disappears as the lights in the Nether go out*

shinra: ?!

Giovanni: "Eh?"

*a streak of light goes down diagonally, slicing through Giovanni*

shinra: !!!

*the lights come back on, Arthur behind a bisected Giovanni*

shinra:...arthur? are....are you alright? *shaking slightly*

Arthur: "Die." *brings Excalibur down over and over again in the lifeless body of Giovanni*

shinra:...arthur...stop it. stop it! *PUNCH*

Arthur: "?!!!! ...Nirvana?" *looks around* "...No, no, this is Hell." *looks at Shinra* "...Hence the devil."

shinra: ......*he looks concerned*

???: *giggling*

shinra: ?!?!?

Giovanni: "I see...I was so fixated on Kusakabe that I underestimated you, Boyle."

Arthur: "..."

shinra: *looking around, trying to find the source of the voice*

Giovanni: "You suppressed your presence so my pheromones couldn't sense you at all! Mindless--truly nirvana! Fufufu...I won't make that mistake again."

*bugs explode out of Giovanni's "corpse"*

shinra: !!!! *jumps back*

Arthur: "?!" *swings Excalibur* "It's a plague!"

*bugs bite at Shinra*

shinra: shit!

*in the confusion, a head on bug legs scurries through a crevice in the floor*

Arthur: "I found him!"

shinra: *looks*

Arthur: *holds up the lower-half of Giovanni by the ankles*

shinra:.....damn....is he even human anymore?

Arthur: *looks in the pants* "... ... ...Nope."

???: *cackling*

shinra: !!!

Giovanni: *his voice echoing* "Today's experiment gave me what I want: proof that the link to Adora has been established. Thank you. I look forward to seeing you two again soon."

shinra:.....let's go...

-elsewhere-

iris: *praying*

Honda: "Security sweep is done--they vamoosed."

Akitaru: "Thanks..." *looking at body bags*

Petra: *praying*

rita: *praying*

hito:....so much death....damn those hoods...

Honda: *inhales* "How did the Hoods predict this?"

Akitaru: "That's what we need to figure out."

Honda: "If not for Oze, this would have been far worse."

maki: .....

tsugumi: maki! *waving*

maki: !!! tsugumi, hey-

tsugumi: *TACKLE HUG* you did it! you really did it!

maki: haha, yeah, we did, didnt we, bro?

Takigi: "..." *nods*

*footsteps are heard*

maki: *looks*

Danro: *towering*

maki:...dad, im going back to the 8th, and you wont change my mind this time.

Danro: "...I have no intention to."

maki: ??

Danro: "What you did today...saved this city."

maki:......

Danro: "I am so proud of you."

maki: *tearing up* dad....

Danro: TT~TT "Maki..."

maki: *HUGS*

Danro: "URK! Ha ha...Quite a grip." *pat*

tsugumi: .......*smiles*

Takigi: *rubs the back of his head* "Well, this got mushy. Did you bring Maki here, Squirt?"

tsugumi: she came here herself, i just brought uncle danro.

Takigi: "How did you convince him?"

tsugumi: i just talked to him, and we reached an understanding after a little while.

Takigi: "...When did you get so mature?"

tsugumi: a lot can change in a few years, i guess.

Takehisa: "General?"

Danro: *wiping his eyes* "Oh. Hinawa. I haven't seen you in some time."

Takehisa: "..."

maki: !! oh *salutes* captain....you wanted to talk to my dad about something?

Takehisa: "Yes--a transfer back into the 8th."

tsugumi: well?

Danro: "Really? You're asking this now?"

Takehisa: "Sorry, I don't read social cues very well--was I interrupting something?"

maki: ^^;

Danro: "..." *sighs* "If I say 'no,' what will happen?"

Takehisa: "I anticipate the soldier will keep lighting the fire sprinklers."

maki: <3<;;

Danro: "She is a fire-cracker, isn't she?"

Takehisa: "Yes, she is."

-elsewhere-

komori: *tending to takeru's injuries*

Takeru: *has an oxygen mask on but is not moving*

tamaki:......

Medic: "Lost arm, lost leg...Likely will have more amputations needed to remove dead skin and muscle."

tamaki:..........*trembling*

Honda: *steps up* "Cadet Kotatsu...Thank you for saving Noto's life."

tamaki:......takeru.....hajiki....they gave so much up to keep me alive.....i couldnt save them......why? why was i given these abilities when i cant even save one person?

Honda: "Because sometimes it takes more than one person to make a difference. And yet that one person, on the battlefield, can make all the difference--and it is about being ready for when that moment comes."

tamaki:.............

Honda: "And I'm happy we did not lose a good soldier like you."

tamaki: *whimpering*

-elsewhere-

maki: *hands takehisa the '8' sigil*

Takehisa: *pops it into a laptop*

Takigi: D8

maki: relax bro, oubi's explaining everything to dad right now.

Takigi: "This is just sneaky!"

Takehisa: "We are the investigative unit to oversee other Fire Force companies." *looks at Takigi* "In a way, we are detectives, too."

Takigi: "Don't flatter yourself, Hinawa!"

maki: we fight crime with fire, i'd totally watch that show!

Takigi: "Tch--like they could find someone to play you with big enough--"

tsugumi: *stomps on takigi's foot*

Takigi: "EEEEE! ...Eyes."

maki: whatever i guess.

Takehisa: "Anything that caught your attention?" *points to the contents of USB files*

-elsewhere-

ritsu: *sewing herself back up*

Haumea: -___-# "Let me understand this..._How many_ Purple ones went up in smoke?!"

purple smoke grunt: Q_Q;;; please have mercy, lady haumea!

ritsu:.....*take's the grunt by the head....and holds them to her chest* there there, you did the best you could, sweeties.

purple smoke grunt:.....this would be kind of hot if your guts werent falling out.

ritsu: oh! how embarrassing!

Haumea: "RITSU, FOCUS! This was supposed to bring this city down to its knees--and all it did was cause a mild earthquake! And where the fuck are Sasori and Orochi?!"

ritsu: orochi's....out of commission....and sasori's in the training room.

Haumea: -_____-### "Oh, I'll 'train' him alright--then you--" *points at the grunt*

-elsewhere-

kagu-tsuchi: sasori, please, calm down-

Sasori: *punching the wall* "Goddamn it, goddamn gorilla, goddamn it, Orochi..."

kagu-tsuchi: i realize you are upset, but getting angry wont fix it-

Sasori: *flings a barbell towards her head*

*CLANK*

Sasori: "!!!"

kagu-tsuchi: !!??

Charon: *standing up--the barbell having just knocked off his chest like a pebble* "..." *DEEP INHALE*

Sasori: *tries to run--*

Charon: *small step--*

Sasori: *gets flung off the floor and into the ceiling--before gravity takes effect*

kagu-tsuchi: charon! a-are you hurt??

Charon: *lets out a cough* "Still recovering." *holds his chest* "That shouldn't have felt like anything at all."

kagu-tsuchi:.....t-thank you.

Charon: "You're--" *coughs, falling to one knee*

kagu-tsuchi: ah! c-charon!

Charon: "I just need to lie down."

kagu-tsuchi:....*holding his hand*

Charon: "...Can you help me there?"

kagu-tsuchi: j-just tell me which way to turn.

-elsewhere-

Denki: "Then the ground went--SHHHHHHHK!"

jirou: yeah, that was crazy.

Mina: "I wasn't here when the Kishin thing happened--was it like that?!"

jirou: oh yeah, i totally forgot that was a thing.

Denki: "We even sure that's really a thing? What about that video 'The Kishin was an inside job'?"

jirou: kaminari, you cant just believe everything you see online. -_-;

Denki: "I'm not saying I believe it--just that it's good to be open minded."

Sero: "Uh huh. This is how people get tricked easily."

mineta: dudes! did you see this site 'realdeathcitynews'? apperantly mr eraserhead has a kid!

jirou: SHUT UP MINETA!

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: *sips tea* "Death, you really need better security in the basement."

lord death: i'll say.

Mephisto: "I can't stand those cretins--hard enough having a good curriculum, but Exorcists can't keep up with whatever those pyros are doing."

lord death: *sigh* how's felisia?

Mephisto: "...Actually, not well. She had a bad reaction."

lord death: what happened?

Mephisto: "A few hours ago, she felt something--like what she described like feeling pain in a phantom limb."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "She's already at the hospital..."

stocking: i think she brought patti with her too....

Kid: "For the best...God, this is a nightmare."

stocking:.....

Kid: "After what happened before down there..."

-elsewhere-

Dr. John: "We're tending to as many as we can, Huang--how are the pyro's?"

kayako: busy.

asako: we're doing everything we can to keep the press at bay.

Dr. John: "There's press outside. You know what to do."

blair: *salutes and gets to work*

Ann Terveau: "We demand to be let in!”

cameraman: is...is that a pumpkin, what?

Ann: "??? Get a close-up!"

-BWOOOOOM-

Ann: "EEEEK!"

Reporter: "GAH! It's in my mouth!"

Cameraperson: *covered in glitter* ._. "...Is it my bachelorette party? Again?"

-elsewhere-

Hibana: *kicks in a door*

Rino: -_- "It has a knob, you knob."

hanako: mama!

Hibana: *scoops up Hanako* "Hello, darling~" *kiss*

hanako: *laughs* ^w^

Hibana: *hug* "So happy you're safe. You want to see Aunt Iris tomorrow?"

hanako: can we?

Hibana: "Of course! Anything you want."

-elsewhere-

tsugumi: *helping maki pack* im glad you're returning to the 8th, maki.

maki: yeah, anyway.

Anya: *looks out the window*

Meme: "I know things aren't great right now--but I'm sure they're happy to have you back!"

maki:...thanks, for everything, tsugumi.

tsugumi: that's what family's for, right?

Anya: "..."

Meme: "..." *looks away*

mio: well...im glad you patched things up with your dad, at least.

maki: yeah...it feels like a huge weight's been lifted.

Takehisa: *sitting in the Matchbox outside* "..."

Kana: "..." *stare*

misery: *staaaaaaaare*

Takehisa: "..." >_> "...I am waiting for Maki to finish packing."

-elsewhere-

tamaki: *huddled up in bed* ........

Arthur: *outside her door* "..."

rita:.....<do you think she's ok?>

Arthur: *shakes his head*

rita:......*knocks*

Arthur: "?!"

-the door is unlocked-

Arthur: "..." *steps inside*

tamaki:......

Arthur: "...Hey."

tamaki:....*responsive mumble*

Arthur: "..." *sits on her bed*

tamaki:........

Arthur: "...I'm happy you aren't dead."

tamaki:.......i wish i was.....

Arthur: "...Don't."

tamaki:........

Arthur: "Tamaki, I can't...lose again...someone..."

tamaki:.....im sorry......*weeping* im sorry.....

nozomi: *knocks* tamaki?

Arthur: *looks*

tamaki:.....

nozomi:...*enters* tamaki? it's me, nozomi.

tamaki:.....nn....

nozomi:...*looks at Arthur* how is she?

Arthur: *shakes his head* "Can we stay here? I think she needs it..."

nozomi:...*nods* if you want to talk to us, we're here, ok tamaki?

tamaki:.......fine....

Arthur: "..." *sits across from her and Nozomi*

-elsewhere-

Mr. Noto: *holds his head*

mrs noto: *packing* <you'll take care of things while im away, right?>

Mr Noto: <I-I'll do my best...>

-elsewhere-

Danro: *walks into the mansion*

madoka oze: *HUG*

Danro: "UMPH! ..." *hug*

madoka oze: takigi told me everything.

Danro: "I figured as much--sorry, brass was all over me after Obi's stunt."

madoka oze: oh jeez.

Danro: "You know how it is...Wish you were there to put them in place."

madoka oze: yeah, i would have given them a good what for.

Danro: "..." *looks at photos on the mantle* "...Takigi has hated Hinawa ever since he was drummed out. And I haven't trusted the 8th since Maki joined."

madoka oze: and now?

Danro: "...They're craftier than I thought. And maybe having Maki there wouldn't be a bad thing."

madoka oze: well, the fruit doesnt fall far from the tree, i suppose.

Danro: "...Pretty tall tree."

madoka oze:.......

Danro: "...I wish I could've seen them down there. They have your skill set."

madoka oze: and a heart of gold like yours.

Danro: =\\\\\\\\= "Oh, you..."

-elsewhere-

maki: ......

Takehisa: "Maki."

maki: yeah?

Takehisa: "...It's been a long day. You hungry? I'm too tired to cook and..."

maki: it's getting kind of late.

Takehisa: "Take-out? Or drive-thru? Or..."

maki: ??

Takehisa: "I'd...like to get dinner. With you."

maki:..... owo eh? like...a formal dinner?

Takehisa: "Yes, that can work, too. I'll just need to get dressed--"

Akitaru: *around the corner, overhearing* O__O "..." *looks to others* "He is not going to dress badly for this!"

maki: it's kind of late, and you said you were tired, right? maybe tomorrow night works?

Takehisa: *nods* "That is more than acceptable. Meet at 5?"

maki: sure. sounds good.

Takehisa: *nods* "Excellent. I will see you then. Get some sleep."

maki: see you then........(wait.....DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?!?)

Takehisa: *walks around the corner--and is immediately pulled by multiple people into Akitaru's office*

karin: holy shit you actually did it, you absolute madman!

Akitaru: "I can't believe it--after all this time!"

Takehisa: "... ...What did I do exactly?"

karin: you asked maki out.

Takehisa: "... ... ...What."

iris: yeah, it's been kind of a 'will they or wont they' situation from day one.

Akitaru: "Even back when we first moved into the cathedral!"

Takehisa: "... ... ...I think I just realized something: I blacked out and have no memory." *looks at Karin* "Who are you?"

karin: *cheek tug* oh dont you pull that psuedo-amnesia trick on me, mister!

Akitaru: "He's just nervous for his big date!"

Takehisa: *screaming internally*

-elsewhere-

Tachihara: "So, what the hell was the earthquake about?"

gin: hell if i know.

Hirotsu: "Best not to think about it--for now, we're on patrol to see what occurred."

-elsewhere-

Poe: Q_Q "Herman warned about these things..."

Lucy: *pours a cup of tea* "I know, I know--but we're here."

Ghost: *stares at Atsushi*

atsushi: full house, huh?

Poe: *shaking slightly* "Actually, not so much this week--Wilson and William took a vacation to another haunted house in Friendship, Maine." *sips*

atsushi:...huh, i didnt think that ghosts _took_ vacations.

ghost girl: you learn something new everyday i guess.

Ghost: "Hey-Hey-Hey!" *pokes Atsushi* "Guess where a ghost goes on vacation?"

atsushi: poe just said-

Ghost: "MALI-BOO! LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!"

atsushi:...haha. ^^; but why are you all here?

ghost librarian: well, the barrier between the world of the living and world of the dead is particularly weak in this area.

Ghost 2: "I blame the shinigami."

hippie ghost: hey, sometimes stuff like this happens, and you gotta just go with the flow, fam.

Poe: =\\\\=

Ghost: "We're just glad he didn't knock this place down after Wes left!" *hug*

odasaku: i guess poe and lucy still dont see me, huh?

ghost woman: afraid not.

Karl: *paws at the air where Odasaku is*

librarian ghost: that's because you're projecting yourself into the living world rather than crossing the border, one foot in, one foot out as it were.

Ghost 2: "...What is it like on the other side?"

odasaku: well, it's kind of like a huge apartment building, sorta.

teenage ghost: i remember i woke up in a grassy field.

Ghost 2: "...Wait, so you have roommates?"

odasaku: 5 kids actually.

Ghost 2: ._.;

-elsewhere-

Shinra: ….

Relan: *pats his back* "You'll find him."

shinra:..y-yeah....

Relan: "Did you find out anything from Giovanni?"

shinra: ....

-shinra explains what happened-

Relan: *shivers* "Creepy. But he said Sho is still out there to entice you."

shinra: and the adora link.....

Relan: "Do you think he was lying about that? It's a little incredible."

shinra: i cant say...but there is that time i heard konro in my head....i wonder.....

Relan: "??? There's some link--er, connection between those events? Have you talked to him about it?"

shinra: i dont know. maybe tomorrow i'll see if i can head to asakusa and talk to him.

Relan: *nods* "The commander is also doing a debriefing tomorrow."

shinra: hmm....

Relan: *rubs his injured arm* "..."

-morning-

Patty: *asleep in the hospital hallway...her eyes are red*

liz: ......

Dr John: *sips coffee* "...Mrs. Thompson-Evans? Can I get you anything?"

liz: got any breakfast?

Dr John: *smiles* "The cafeteria is downstairs, Level 2. They're just setting up."

liz: thanks....could you keep an eye on patti for me?

Dr John: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Arthur: "..."

tamaki: ......

Arthur: "...I think we should eat something."

tamaki:.....im not hungry....

Arthur: "Neither am I--but we still need to."

tamaki:....im not feeling good....

Arthur: "...Water?"

tamaki:....nn....

Arthur: "...Okay. I'll get some water. I'll be right back, okay?"

tamaki:.......

Arthur: *walks to the kitchen* "..."

nozomi: how is she?

Arthur: *shakes his head* "She doesn't want to eat, doesn't seem to want even water. I figure, if I bring a glass at least..."

nozomi:....*hands him a granola bar* maybe she'll take this?

Arthur: "Hmm. Nutritious, compact, easy to chew...It is a good foodstuff. Thank you--I'll try."

-elsewhere-

Axel: "Man, man, I can _not_ with earthquakes!" -~-

Yafeu: *sips tea*

preston: i was actually using a massage chair so i didnt feel a thing.

Asher: "Lucky you--I was trying to sleep." *picks out cereal in the cafeteria line*

lei-lei: sorry im late guys, there was a huuuuge crowd outside the DWMA.

hibiki: media goons.

Kanin: "It's really bad...What is it all about?"

genny: something about 'hoods' from what i heard.

Asher: "... ... ..." *eats cereal quietly*

Saria: "Izumi, how were things at your mom's hospital?"

izumi: pretty busy. she's probably going to have a late shift tonight.

Saria: "Aw...I'm sorry."

Asher: "Is it because of the 'Hood' thing?"

izumi: ??

Asher: "Like, were people injured and sent to the hospital because of those...whatever they are?"

izumi: i-i think so? the official reports are blaming it on a cave in, though.

Monica: "Sounds like some classic cover-up bullshit from the military." *grabs a muffin off Zeke's plate*

Saria: ._____. ("Why are they sitting here now?")

zeke: D8

izumi: yeah, mom isnt too happy about it...

Kanin: ^^; "Isn't that a little conspiratorial, though?"

amelia: speaking of conspiracy, we still have that murder mystery to solve.

Yolanda: *to Monica* "I heard it was a giant Balachko--the three-headed beast of fire and ice."

zarya:.....?

Kanin: "Oh, right--our 'guest' has been rather...impatient."

*screams are heard from the boys' locker room*

hibiki: i actually found the chick's address, so we can look into that.

Duncan: "So we're doing this after school?"

genny: guess so.

-elsewhere-

shinra: commander?

Akitaru: "Hmm?" *looks up from his desk*

shinra: mind if i give my report?

Akitaru: "Sure..." *takes some forms off his desk, locking them in a drawer before he grabs a pen* "Go ahead."

-shinra explains what happened with giovanni-

Akitaru: *shudders* "What I learn about all of these missions? Bugs creep me out much more than before."

shinra: yeah....on a side note, could i request permission to visit asakusa?

Akitaru: "??? You think it has some link to Konro?"

shinra: it wouldnt hurt to ask, right?

Akitaru: "Good point. Well, I approve--head out!"

*there is some noise outside the office*

shinra: ??

*the door...falls down...not opened--it just falls down with a kick*

Hibana: "And here, sweetie, is where Shinra talks with his commanding officer. He usually speaks to Shinra in grunts."

hanako: wow!

iris: ^-^;;;

Akitaru: -_-### "Shinra, get going to Asakusa--"

shinra: right. ._.;

Hibana: "??? Asakusa? I had to head over there for a medicine drop."

hanako: can i play with hina and hika too?

Hibana: "Yes, you can--just don't repeat the words they say."

hanako: ok!

Akitaru: *pats Shinra on the shoulder* "Take one for the team, son."

shinra: TTwTT; will do, sir.

Hibana: "Come along, Shinra--we have a lot to discuss. Also, Commander? Fix your door--it's flimsy."

Akitaru: "... ... ...I think I'll go bother Takehisa for a bit."

-elsewhere-

tsugumi: so how did it go, maki?

naho: yeah, that was a pretty big award ceremony!

*she has set a giant plaque with Lord Death's symbol on it onto a table*

Maki: ^^; "I was really nervous, but Lord Death has always been polite when I've run into him."

tsugumi: yeah.

Naomi: "And you looked spiffy in the formal uniform. So, what are you up to after lunch--back to work?"

Maki: "...Well..."

naho: ??

Maki: "I have the afternoon off, so I was going to shop for a new outfit before dinner."

tsugumi: did uncle danro invite you to dinner again? well, you did patch things up-

Maki: "No. I mean, yes, we did--but it's not a family dinner. I'm going with the Lieutenant--"

naho: EHHHHH??!!

Naomi: O_O

Maki: .\\\\\. "Wh-What?"

naho: you mean mr hinawa asked you on a date!!??

tsugumi: gagantous!

Maki: "It-It's not that at all! I was tired, he said he didn't feel like making dinner, so he invited me out, then I said it was too late, so he said 'How about tomorrow?' and I said yes-- ... ... ... Oh, God, it is a date."

Naomi: "...Girls, we know what to do?"

naho: we are going shopping, duh! we got to help maki look her best for tonight! do you know where you're going to dinner?

Maki: "I only know it's something formal?" *holds her head* "Do I do my hair? This can't be a date, right? It's just a commanding officer being friendly--Oh, that sounds weird! This isn't like the books..." >~<

naho: naomin, call the doc! she's an expert on stuff like this, isnt she?

Naomi: "The most fashionable of them!" *dials Yosano*

yosano: yello?

Naomi: "Doctor? It's Naomi. We have a friend who needs help getting a new outfit for a date--"

Maki: "Is it a date? I don't even know..."

yosano: ....come to my place, ASAP.

Naomi: "On it!" *pulls out her wallet, removing her brother's credit card* "Waiter! Bill!"

-elsewhere-

Konro: *grabs a fishing pole and bucket* "See you all later!"

Tsukiyo: "Bye, Captain! Avoid the sea basses!"

Konro: *calls back, smiling* "It's a river, so not a problem!" *turns back...frowning*

???: .....

{Jonah: "Follow him--and eliminate him."}

{???: understood}

Konro: *reaches his shack...looks out the corner of his eye as he takes his pole and drops the lure into the water before sitting* "..."

-step step step-

Konro: "You're quite confident, to make your footsteps so easily heard."

???: .....*takes out blade* die.

Konro: *doesn't move...*

-elsewhere-

Hibana: "Stay on the walking path, sweetie!"

hanako: okaaaay.

shinra: *looking around* (looks like they're setting up for the summer festival season...)

Hibana: "You've been agitated since we left the cathedral--excited about something?"

shinra: hmm?

Hibana: "The gorilla had mentioned this was going to help you find your brother?"

shinra:....i think so...

Hibana: "Some friendly advice--don't expect the Asakusa people to just open up immediately. As a separatist group, they aren't exactly the most forthcoming when asking them questions."

shinra: funny you of all people should say that.

Hibana: "?! Okay, smart mouth--fair point. But I would hope I've changed for the better..." *punches his arm* "I have you and Iris to thank for that."

shinra: *rubs his arm* y-yeah.... (ow)

hanako: mommy, who's that?

Hibana: "?! Hanako, get back!"

???: *looks up* ??

Konro: *takes the opportunity--delivering a palm strike to the Assassin's jaw*

-CRUNCH-

???: *SCREAMS*

Konro: "Kah!" *moves to deliver another strike--then coughs up blood, falling to his knees*

shinra: mr konro! *runs over to him*

Hibana: *trips Shinra*

shinra: OOF-

Hibana: "Think like a scientist for a moment--let's watch and determine just why the Lieutenant ran off on his own and is with this Hood..."

Konro: *not moving*

assassin: damn you! *lunges*

*SLICE*

-SPLURT-

Konro: *looks up, as the Assassin's guts spill out* "That's called playing possum, jackass." *wipes his mouth--before grabbing the Assassin by the head and kneeing him in the face*

hanako:....mama...that person isnt moving anymore......

Hibana: "...No, they are not." *holds her close*

shinra:....*ahem*

Konro: *looks up* "??? Oh, Dr. Hibana, Shinra. I should've sensed you there earlier..."

hanako:......

Hibana: *frowns* "This isn't a medicine delivery, Lieutenant. You want to explain why the hell you're hanging out with some Hood?"

Konro: "...Yes, I do owe you an explanation. Just let me clean up this mess." *points at the Hood* "..." *just kicks some dirt on top of it, and sits down* "Have a seat!"

shinra:......

Hibana: "THAT'S NOT CLEANING UP!"

-later-

Konro: *sets out tea*

hanako: thank you mr konro....may i have sugar with it?

Konro: "Um...I don't usually bring some--sorry!"

hanako: oh...*frown*

Hibana: *pats her head*

Konro: "So, Shinra, you finally want to talk about Adora?"

shinra: *nods*

Konro: "I figured as much, after I heard about you meeting with Burns and Arg about these lovely emblems..." *taps the scar on his nose*

shinra: so then...you've seen it...adora?

Konro: "Yes...I saw myself in Hell."

shinra: ??

Konro: "It was during the Asakusa fire years ago, before the 7th was formed, when that Demon Infernal gave me the Ash Disease..." *heats up the fire under the tea kettle...*

{demon: *growls*}

{Benimaru: *knocked out on the ground*}

{Konro: *steps up to the Demon--*}

{demon: f...ool.....}

{Konro: "?! The hell you call me, you little shit?!" *assumes a battle stance*}

{demon: *grins and matches his stance*}

{Konro: "?!!" *swings his fist*}

{-PUNCH-}

{*both of their fists collide at the same spot*}

{Konro: "?! ..." *sweeps his leg--*}

{-KICK-}

Konro: "It was like a funhouse mirror--that demon matched every move--"

Hibana: "A doppelganger?"

shinra: like, a mimic?

Hibana: "A little more complicated than that. This is having someone who is just like you, only from elsewhere. It's said with a doppelganger, you and it can't exist in the same space--or one of you will die."

Konro: "Which means, this thing may have been from elsewhere--from Hell."

shinra:......

{demon: *cackling* foolish! foolish!}

{Konro: *panting* ("I guess...if I have to go out...I'll go out in flames!) *charges up his arm--which bursts into flames* "I don't care if I have to die--as long as Asakusa is safe. If you were really my double, you'd promise the same--but because you're just a mindless puppet, I know you won't, so I have to stop you!"}

{demon: kekeke...KEEEHAHAHAHAHAHA}

{Konro: *roars, as he swings his fist--*}

{-SLICE-}

{Konro: *screams, his face sliced by the Demon's horn*}

{demon: KEHAHAHAHAHA FOOLISH FOOLISH!}

{Konro: "I'm not even close to being done!" *slams his fist into the Demon* "CRIMSON MOON!"}

{The Moon: *giggling, as the sky turns red...*}

{demon: SKREEEEEEE}

{*KA-BOOM*}

{*Asakusa explodes, buildings shatter, the world looking as red as blood before a flash of light...*}

{Konro: *falls to his knees, panting...he sees his arms turning gray and black* "..." *holds back a sob...before he looks up to the Moon--* "?!!"}

{*it's a giant eyeball*}

{*the ground is littered with monstrous skeletons, black flames that have no warmth...*}

{Konro: "What...the hell?!"}

{???: "Yes, it is."}

shinra:......

Konro: "..."

Hibana: "Hmm...To go to Hell just to save your home...That's some strength."

Konro: "Nothing special, doctor--just a responsibility."

shinra:....*his hands are shaking*

Konro: "Shinra...It is an awful sight. If you're trying to find your brother, it...I..." *his eyes roll back into his head, before he collapses*

shinra: !!!

Hibana: "!!!" *tosses Shinra her phone* "Call Huang." *moves Konro, opening his eyes to check*

-elsewhere-

tamaki: *sitting in a corner table* .....*poking her breakfast with her fork* .......

Arthur: "..." *brings his tray over to her*

tamaki:.....*glances at him, then back down at her food*

Arthur: "..." *pokes at his own meal*

Akitaru: "..." *sighs* "Arthur. Tamaki."

tamaki: *looks up at him*

Arthur: "Sir?"

Akitaru: "This can't go on like this--it's been a day since the mission, and I can't have my soldiers suffering like this. I'm taking you off of active duty."

tamaki:......

Arthur: "You cannot have the Knight King--"

nozomi: you arent being fired, it's just a little vacation.

Akitaru: *holds up a brochure*

tamaki: ....?

*"Enjoy the wonderful Asakusa summer festival!"*

nozomi: it sounds fun, doesnt it?

Arthur: "...They will have sword fights?"

nozomi: at the very least, a change in scenery will be good for you.

Akitaru: "So pack up--you'll be heading over."

-elsewhere-

Yoh: *wearing an ankle bracelet, standing on a Los Angeles street corner* ._.; "..." <How did I get myself into this mess...>

{Yoh: "I keep telling you, I didn't take any delivery!"}

{cop: dont play dumb with us, punk!}

{Yoh: "??? You can't hold me here indefinitely! I know my rights!"}

{???: easy there...}

{cop: miss katy!}

{Cop 2: *rests a hand on Cop 1's shoulder, playing 'good cop'* "My apologies for my colleague--you know how stressful this line of work can be...Officer Syth, what brings you here?"}

{katy: orders from the boss. *hands them a paper*}

{Cop 2: *looks over Cop 1's shoulder* "...?! What the H?"}

{Yoh: *also looks over their shoulders--having already broken the handcuffs that kept him tied to the table* "Yeah, what is this?"}

{katy: yeah, from the background check- .__. HEY!}

{Yoh: "..." *takes Katy's hands* "Hi, I'm Yoh Hinoki!" *smiles*}

{katy:... *sweatdrop* i was just about to say that.}

{Yoh: "Yes, but you haven't mentioned that I am of an acclaimed house of a superlative martial arts practice known as--"}

{cop: yeah yeah yeah, big whoop.}

{Yoh: -_-; "So, Officer Syth, this says I have to help with an investigation?"}

{katy: yes.}

{cop: wait, so we're just letting this random kid off the street help with a police investigation??}

{Yoh: "Will I get an award?!" *has already removed Katy's handcuffs and slapped them onto Cop 1*}

{katy:....how about we release you from prison?}

{Yoh: "That works, too! Then I can go see my sister in Death City?"}

{katy: very well.}

Yoh: *talks into incom on his collar* "I don't see anyone..."

-elsewhere, in a walk-in clinic in Los Angeles-

Physician: "I know learning you have a Quirk can be intimidating..." *gets down to eye level to the child* "But it can also be a wonderful opportunity."

child: *shaking*

mother: b-but how is this possible? neither my husband or i even _have_ quirks! so how does my child-

Physician: "Ah, that's the problem of this century--even in families with no history of Quirks, we're seeing them develop. Let's review the x-ray to see the toe joints..." *looks for the x-ray* "???" *calls out to a clerk* "Could I get the x-ray?" ^^;

clerk: coming right up, doc.

Physician: "From what I remember, your child has two joints in the pinky toes, right?"

mother: y-yes.

Physician: "Then this is quite a conundrum--having two joints is supposed to mean no Quirk. I did hear from a colleague about one boy who got his Quirk later in life, but that's the exception that proves the rule I guess..." *looks at the child with concern* "Hey...Do you know other kids at school with Quirks?"

child: w-well timmy can teleport, a-and sumire's able to make flowers.

Physician: "Do they like their Quirks?"

child: i-i think so. t-they're pretty popular now.

Physician: *nods* "That tends to happen. And I think I can understand why you're scared--this is a big responsibility for a growing young adult." *leans down into the potted plant on the windowsill, taking out a bit of the dirt* "But if you put in the work and practice..." *reshapes the dirt in her fingers into a tiny superhero statue with a cape* "You can do something to help people."

child: .....

Physician: *checks her watch* "Darn...I have to go. But I'd like to do a follow up in 2 weeks. Please schedule with the front desk, okay?"

mother: o-of course doctor....

Physician: "Dr. Smith. But call me Summer."

-elsewhere-

*in a warehouse, people are packing bullets and syringes...*

Distributor: *speaking Chinese* <We got it. Thanks. Tell us when the next subject arrives...Okay...Okay, bye.> *hangs up*

???: <so? how'd it go?>

Distributor: <The clinic found another one--she'll be bringing them over in two weeks.>

-elsewhere-

Konro: *groans...wakes up* "...???"

kirei: you're awake.

Konro: "...!!! That assassin--" *moves to get up*

priestess: dead.

Konro: "G-Good..." *holds his head* "I need to see the Commander..." *can barely stand*

priestess: you need to rest. young kusakabe already went to fetch him.

-meanwhile-

shinra: commander shinmon? it's me shinra-

*a sword passes through the curtains, aimed at his throat*

Benimaru: *sips sake* "I'm happy to see you. What brings you here?"

shinra: QxQ;;;;;

Hibana: "I told you it would be better to wait for him to exit...We dragged back your lieutenant from the river."

{Hibana: "Lift with the knees!"}

{shinra: why arent _you_ helping out? i've seen how strong you are! >3< }

{Hibana: "Aw, thank you! But I'm helping you get stronger. The opportunity to lift a big strong man will add some muscle to those bones~"}

{Konro: X_X }

Benimaru: "And now he's injured. Why didn't you help him? How do I know you two didn't knock him over the head?"

shinra: do you really think we'd do that sort of thing? -_-;

Benimaru: "Didn't she work with a witch to make fire ants?"

Hibana: -_-# "One time--ONE TIME!"

Benimaru: "Also, your movements are still slow and sloppy, Kusakabe."

shinra: o-o;

Benimaru: "So, if you have a few minutes, let's spar." *gets up*

-elsewhere-

Huang: "I'll be out. Hibana called for a favor."

asako: oh?

Huang: "She said something about a patient with a similar case to that Kusakabe kid..." *slight shudder*

asako: commander?

Huang: *steadies herself* "N-Nothing." *grabs her medical bag* "I should be back this evening."

-elsewhere-

Asher: "So where is this place?"

hibiki: well...ever heard of 'gravure models'? -_-;

Asher: "???"

Duncan: "..." .\\\\\\.;

amelia: so that's what she's doing now?

Axel: "Do they know we're showing up?"

hibiki: *shrug*

Asher: "...No, seriously, what the hell is 'gravel modeling'?"

hibiki:....*whispers*

Asher: "... ... ..." *frowns* "I preferred what I thought it was."

hibiki: this is the place.

*looks like the building is up ahead...*

Security Guard: *sitting on a chair, reading the newspaper*

hibiki: *ahem*

Security Guard: *doesn't even look up* "Yeah, how can I help you?"

hibiki: yeah, my cousin forgot their lunch. *holds up a bag*

Security Guard: *still not looking up* " 'Kay. Which office number?"

-elsewhere-

Spirit: "Welcome home! I just got a call from the caterer and-- ... You look like this would be a better discussion after you get some sleep."

sachiko: *slumps face first onto the couch and groans into the pillow*

Spirit: "..." *tucks her in with a blanket*

sachiko: i could hibernate for a century.

Spirit: "Let's try for 10 hours." *smooths her hair*

sachiko: =w=

Spirit: "One smooch before bedtime~?"

sachiko: *holding his hand*

Spirit: *gentle rub before he kisses her hand*

-elsewhere-

Asher: *looking at the door* "This the office?"

hibiki: yep. *knocks*

???: "Just a moment!" *the knob shakes a bit before the door opens*

hibiki: ._.;

Asher: -_-

Duncan: O\\\\O

Receptionist: *smiles* "How can I help you?" *she's in a tank top and short shorts*

hibiki: is marylin in?

Receptionist: "Sure thing, sweetie!" *screams to the back* "MARYLIN! YOU GOT VISITORS!" *turns back, quieter again* "Who is asking for her?"

amelia: we're investigating a murder.

Receptionist: "... ... ..." ^^; *leans forward to Amelia* "You look a little young to be a police officer, kiddo!" ^^;;;;

amelia: we're not police officers, we're DWMA students.

Receptionist: "I see--and what are you studying--" *looks at Hibiki* "...Say, you ever consider modeling?"

hibiki: -_-; i'll pass.

Receptionist: "Worth a try~" *hands a business card*

*there is a crash heard in the back*

hibiki: ??

Receptionist: "??? Marylin?" *walks to the back*

Asher: "..." *follows, gesturing to the others*

-the others follow-

Receptionist: "?!!!"

Duncan: "EEP!" *hides behind Amelia*

Asher: "Enough of this..." *transforms their arm, smashing into the door*

*Inside, a ghost is chasing Marylin around the room*

marylin: STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME! MARGE! CALL A FUCKING EXORCIST!! >~<

Jonas: "Don't you recognize me, Marylin! It's me, Jonas--" *arms stretched out to hug her*

marylin: *SCREAMING and throwing things at him*

*the items just pass through him*

Asher: "...We really should've told him to stay at the school."

Jonas: "Oh, it's you kids! Talk her down!" *dodging, even as the items just pass through him anyway*

amelia: miss marylin, did you kill mr atkinson?

Marylin: "Kill who?! What the fuck are you talking about?!!"

Jonas: Q_Q "You don't even remember me?!"

Marylin: "WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS THING?!"

amelia: jonas atkinson. his ghost, anyway.

Marylin: "... ... ...Oh, now I remember." *smirks at the ghost* "You dumped me. Well, how you missing this~?" *poses*

Jonas: Q\\\\Q

Asher: "Oh, she totally murdered him."

Marylin: "I DID NOT!"

amelia: do you know who did?

Marylin: *shrugs* "I heard he had a heart attack--"

Duncan: *reading a report* "It was an acetaminophen overdose, laced into his sports drink. Wouldn't be hard for you to get that drug--it's over-the-counter."

Marylin: "...Do I look like I know what acey-ta-minnow-whatever is?"

Duncan: "Then how do you explain the hair sample we found in his locker?"

Marylin: "... ... ..." .\\\\. "Well..."

{Marylin: *sneaks into the boys' locker room* >_> <_< "..." *shoves a letter into his locker, runs...*}

Asher: "??? What letter? None was found..."

marge: damn, that has to be some old ass hair.

Duncan: >_>; "I may have been lying there..."

Marylin: -\\\\\-# "Jerk-off...But yes, I left a letter begging him to take me back, so why would I do that then kill him? If anything, whoever you want stole my letter to make me look like the killer!"

Jonas: QwQ "You wanted to get back with me--"

Marylin: "MARGE, EXORCIST! NOW!"

hibiki: well damn, that leaves us back at square one.

Receptionist: "Marylin, don't you think you could find it in your heart to give them more information? I mean, you did sneak into the boys' locker room--didn't you see anything odd?"

Marylin: "??? No? I just shoved the letter into his locker...But I did smell something weird."

amelia: like what?

Marylin: *shrugged* "I thought it was just gym socks, but then I started smelling it when I... *ahem* started going to industry parties..." >_>; "It's called 'sour diesel.'"

-elsewhere-

Lucy: *sets down meals* "Here you go, Aya!"

aya: thanks! *eating the spagetti*

Lucy: "And given the day and time, Kunikida has his usual--"

Kunikida: "Chicken salad sandwich." *takes it* "Thank you, Lucy."

Lucy: "You're welcome." *walks back to the kitchen*

Kunikida: "Aya, how are classes?"

aya: out for the summer.

Kunikida: "I see...Then that means you'll have plenty of free time for tutoring."

-elsewhere-

Denki: "Then I can go *FWASH* and send an electric discharge to blind my opponents! I just need someone to make the shades that block out all light!"

jirou: why not bring this up with the support department? i could use some new equipment myself, actually.

Denki: "Great idea!"

Mina: "??? But if you have shades that block out all light, how would you see?"

Denki: "...See?"

eijiro: hey bakugou, maybe you could get something to help protect your hearing?

*there are fast footsteps that sound like they are running up to them*

Bakugo: "...Wow, you actually had a good idea. Congrats."

eijiro: ^w^

*then a SCREECH is heard, as someone comes to a stop in the hall*

Mei: "DID SOMEONE SAY SUPPORT DEPARTMENT?!!!"

jirou: how did she-

Mei: *up in Jirou's face* "EXCELLENT HEARING!"

jirou: ._.;

Mei: *pulls out measuring tape, wrapping it around Eijiro* "You're not ticklish, are you? Shoe size? Inseam? Waist? Height?"

???: hatsume-senpai, please wait up!

Mei: >w> "Whoopsie--sorry, I left you behind! LET'S TRY THE ROCKET SHOES ON YOU TO KEEP UP!"

student: .___.; erm...

Mina: "??? Oh, is this a newbie?"

student: ^^; nice to meet you all, my name's Suzuki. Shikarou Suzuki. *he bows*

Denki: *leans back* "Hey, careful with the horns!"

Bakugo: "Antlers, doofus."

suzuki: sorry about that, they're still growing. ^^;

Mei: "I was showing Shi-Suz around when I heard you saying 'SUPPORT DEPARTMENT,' and my alarm went off. See?" *holds up a blinking emergency button labeled 'Support Department Emergency'* "Shi-Suz, watch and learn how to take measurements, as they are very important in the support group. Pikachu, please hold Angry Bomberman still."

Bakugo: "WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?!"

Denki: "Eijiro, hold his legs." *grabs Bakugo by the arms*

suzuki: oh! *taking notes*

Mina: *stares at Suzuki's head* OwO "...Horn Siblings..."

suzuki: eh?

Mina: *points to her horns*

Bakugo: "STOP THAT! THAT--HA HA HA HA--"

suzuki: oh! i see. a-actually mine are antlers. ^^;

Mei: "I see--ticklish. Hmm...Need to adjust your measurements on the biceps."

Mina: "Have you met your teachers?"

suzuki: i have. mr power-loader's been very helpful, and miss aranya's really smart.

Mina: "Aranya, the costume designer? She has such pretty costumes!"

Mei: "Lift him up."

Bakugo: "PUT ME DOWN, OR YOU'RE DEAD!"

-elsewhere-

*Mana's phone chirps with a text message*

mana: ?? *looks*

Text Message: [hey, sis--guess where i am] *it's a photo of Yoh--in handcuffs with Los Angeles police officers Katy and Mandy*

mana: D8 [WTF??]

Yoh: [oh the officers are saying i'm blowing my cover. aren't they cute tho?]

mana: [WHY ARE YOU IN LA]

Yoh: [i was on my way to death city then suspected of transporting illegal substances] *attaches a pic in front of a West Hollywood drag shop*

mana: [WAT]

Yoh: [weird right? anyway i'm helping the police then can keep traveling]

-elsewhere-

Anya: *looking at a map* "..." *sighs*

tsugumi: what's up?

Anya: "N-Nothing! Just reviewing some little looked at places, probably not of interest to you since you are probably busy with whatever Maki had contacted you about..."

tsugumi: ??

Anya: >\\\>; "Nothing." *rolls up the map* "Maybe I'm just homesick."

tsugumi: maybe we could visit your home country?

Anya: *grabs her hands* (╯✧ ∇ ✧)╯ "You mean it?!"

tsugumi: OvO sure?

Anya: "!!!" *lets go* "I mean, it's not big deal if you refuse." >_>;

tsugumi: ^^; no, i think it's a great idea.

Anya: "..." *inner squee* "I will begin packing!" *pulls out four suitcases* "This should be enough for daily wear."

-elsewhere-

Hyde: *staring at a history book in the library...and crying*

jackie: can i help you?

Hyde: "?!! J-Just reading up on European history! That's all! Ha ha ha..." QwQ;

jackie: ?? ok?

Hyde: *ahem* "Do you have more information on the pre-founding origins of Yngling?"

-elsewhere-

Justin: *asleep on the couch* "Zzz..." *looks like he's been busy cleaning*

oriko:...*puts a blanket over him*

Justin: *small groan* "Ma..."

oriko:.....

Justin: *small shudder before he calms...*

-elsewhere-

Mori: *looks at the skyline from his office*

kouyou: you called?

Mori: "Please, sit."

kouyou: *takes a seat*

Mori: *sits at the head of the table...there are four other than the two occupied* "It has been some time since Ace's demise."

kouyou: indeed. *looks over to chuuya*

Chuuya: *frowns*

Mori: *gestures to another seat* "And I am still saving one for our departed Dazai..." *smirks*

Chuuya: "..."

Mori: "With our other two executives not present, we can't very well replace them. But I had someone in mind to take Ace's seat."

miura: *adjusting her glasses*

*the doors open*

kouyou: *looks*

*Hirotsu enters*

elise: hiroshi?

Hirotsu: "..." *approaches, but does not sit* "Hello, everyone."

Chuuya: "..."

{Hirotsu: "While Mori is incapacitated, I will carry the burden of the Port Mafia on my back and keep the unity strong."}

{gin: ....}

{higuchi: i couldnt think of a better person for the job, sir.}

{Tachihara: "Think you got the stamina for this kind of thing, old timer?"}

{Hirotsu: "It's not a matter of 'can' or 'can't'--some things are about responsibility."}

Hirotsu: "I am humbled by this invitation, sir..." *takes a seat*

kouyou: congratulations.

Chuuya: "Your presence is appreciated."

Hirotsu: "..." *nods* "Well, then, I'm ready to begin."

-elsewhere-

NOS4A2: *checking the Internet* "Hmm...Destro?"

tomura: oh him? he's the one who founded the 'meta liberation army'.

NOS4A2: "...I'm processing this information. Checking for real name..."

-name; Chikara Yotsubashi-

NOS: "Yes...Yotsubashi. I remember meeting."

tomura: oh really? how long were you in that box, exactly?

NOS: "That's a loaded question--especially considering temporary moments for diagnostics...Is disco still a thing? If not, before that, about 30 years."

tomura: ah.

TWICE: yeah! disco fever! GET WITH THE TIMES, GRAMPS!

NOS: "...I suppose I have some catching up to do. This will take some time..." *plugs the ethernet into his head...then removes it after 3 seconds* "Jeez, that took forever. ...What are Pogs?"

-elsewhere-

Agate: *looking at paintings in a museum* "...This is nice, Doctor."

remina: ugh, i told you, you can call me remina if you want! >3<

Agate: "S-Sorry. Remina. ... *sighs* I feel restless. It has been some time since my last fight--and repairs. I feel much better--when can I compete again?"

remina: i'll have to check with schedules.

Agate: -3- "I can check them--I am practically your PDA. You have a lecture tomorrow morning, lunch with the lab director about funding, spin class in the afternoon--"

-elsewhere-

Child: *gasps* "Why didn't you tell us you got your Quirk?!" *walking along the Venice Beach Boardwalk near Los Angeles*

boy: *bites his lip*

girl: were you scared we wouldnt like you anymore?

boy:...*nod*

Child: "..." *soft arm punch*

boy: !

Child: "That's what you get for thinking we wouldn't like you anymore, silly!"

*some bodybuilders are doing tricks and poses on the Boardwalk*

girl: some grown ups may think it's weird, but what do _they_ know! you're still the same timmy, right?

timmy:.... Q~Q t-thanks....

Child: "Hee hee! Hey, Dad gave me some money for ice cream--want some?"

*someone is following them...*

girl: .....hey! whoever's following us, you better stop or i'll scream for the police!

???: "D'aw, isn't that cute, sis? She's going to scream for the police!"

???: what is she, like? 5?

girl: im 6 and a half!

???: "6 and a half! LULZ! But seriously, nah, gurl, we're not here for you." *picks the girl up by the collar*

*meanwhile, someone in a hoodie and swimwear bottoms is walking along the beach*

girl: *SCREAMS*

timmy: s-stop it!

???: "Sis, take the brat..." *tosses the girl over the boardwalk*

Hoodie: "!!!" *suddenly, sand accumulates along their legs...*

girl: EEK!

*a pair of giant rocky hands catches the girl, a tattered hoodie floating away, revealing a rock giant*

Rock Giant: *looks up at ??? and ???*

???: what the F?!

???: "...Sis, grab the brat!" *pushes the other boy over the ledge*

*pushes the other child

Child: "GAK!"

timmy: no, stop it! *shaking*

???: *grabs timmy by the arm*

Child: *grabs onto the plank, holding on, screaming*

Rock Giant: *puts the girl on their shoulder* "Hang on, please."

girl: dont let omar fall!

Omar: "I'M NOT GOING TO FALL! I'M--"

*Omar falls*

Omar: Q____Q

Rock Giant: "!!!" *dives at Omar*

???: *takes Timmy by the other arm* "Ready, sis?"

???: you got it!

timmy: *SCREAMING*

*The siblings' legs charge up with glowing energy before...*

Rock Giant: *catches Omar, looks at the siblings--*

???: *smirks* "TTFN!" *salutes before--*

???: *tosses their sibling and Timmy into the air*

girl: NO!

???: *leaps up--and seems to ricochet off of Timmy before Timmy and ??? are pulled towards them*

timmy: *crying*

Rock Giant: *sets down Omar and the girl* "Call the cops." *running through up the beach to the street*

-elsewhere-

Distributor: <The info was good: the kid's been captured. Thank the good doctor for that.>

-elsewhere-

-in the DWMA, a radio signal is picked up-

???: hullo? anyone read me? over?

Auntie: "???" *picks up the radio* "This is the DWMA. Over."

???: ah, so the old thing still works, that's good to know, over.

Auntie: "Who is this?"

???: this is Janine McBride, from australia, over.

Auntie: "Down under, eh? That's a long way to be calling Death City..."

janine: well, i managed to find my dad's old radio, and i wanted to see if it still worked. lo and behold, it does! over.

Auntie: "I see. This is a line for emergencies to reach the DWMA, though. Over."

janine: i see. well, if it means anything, there have been magical creature poachings in the area. over.

Auntie: *taking notes* "That's pretty big. Coordinates? Over."

-elsewhere-

Asher: "Well, that was a bust."

hibiki: now what?

Axel: "Maybe that 'bitter octane' thingie can lead to something?"

zeke: yeah.

Duncan: "It was called 'sour diesel.'" *searches online for it* "... ... ..." *turns phone off* "Well, I have to clean that off my phone."

Asher: "Pft. Child."

hibiki: ....you ok?

Duncan: "Fine! Just...fine. ...FBI doesn't track those online searches, right?"

hibiki: i was talking to asher.

Duncan: T___T

Asher: "...Fine. Why?"

hibiki:...just checking.

-elsewhere-

stocking: haaa....holy hot damn that was good.

Kid: *wipes his mouth* "I hope so..." *slowly kisses up her stomach before cuddling with her*

stocking: *shivers and hugs him* mmm~<3 you sure know how to please me~ 7w7

Kid: *strokes hair away from her face* "I aim to please~" *kisses her softly* "I'm so glad you had time today..."

stocking: yeah. we should have a weekend away, all to ourselves. *walks her fingers up his chest and boops his nose* boop~

Kid: "Tee hee..." *nose nuzzle* "I would like that so much. We would have a lot to do while we're away..."

-elsewhere-

Magaki: "Any plans for the Occult Club over the summer? I heard those NOT students were investigating the ghost's murder..."

rowena: i was hoping to visit the winchester mystery house! *shiny eyes*

alice: that does seem to be an interesting topic.

Magaki: "What makes the house a 'mystery'?

rowena: it was built by sarah winchester, widow of the owner of the winchester rifles. mrs winchester was convinced that the ghosts of all who had died from a winchester rifle were haunting her, so the house was built upon constantly with fake doors, staircases, and various other oddities in an attempt to confuse the spirits, and construction continued until mrs winchester died in 1922!

Magaki: "...Didn't I see a documentary on this? I think it was called 'Saw'?" [Narrator / Present Mic: "MAGAKI DOES NOT REALIZE 'SAW' IS A WORK OF FICTION!"]

alice: ....

Poe: "Rowena? I have a surprise for you..." *holds out an envelope*

rowena: ??

*inside the envelope are plane tickets and a B&B reservation*

rowena: *SHINY EYES AND GASP*

Poe: "Enjoy."

rowena: *hug* oh thank you, edgar!

Poe: *smiles* "I hope it is to your liking!"

-elsewhere-

Meme: "Yngling?!"

tsugumi: yep!

mio: holy cow!

Anya: =_=; *standing with a set of luggage* ("...Why did I think it was just Tsugumi that would be going with me...")

Meme: "Do they let tourists in? What kind of passport will we need? What language do they speak?"

ao: hoho, this should be interesting.

Anya: *forced smile* "Quite..." *ahem* "First of all, you have to be on your best behavior. That means no ugly tourist behavior. Yngling is a respectable city-state with proud traditions--"

mio: could we get, like, diplomatic immunity?

Anya: "Wait, what? What are you planning to do that would require diplomatic imm--"

Meme: "The castle has funny guards with goofy hats, don't they? Can we be arrested for poking the goofy-hat guards?"

Anya: "No poking the guards!"

-elsewhere-

*the phone at the Mjolnir residence rings*

marie: yes?

Auntie: "Hello, Miss Marie--got a second?"

marie: yes? what is it?

Auntie: "I got a call on the secured radio line from someone about magical creature poaching in Australia..."

marie: oh goodness!

Auntie: "Think you can pop on over?"

marie: i'll be over as soon as possible.

Auntie: "Need any backup? Or a babysitter?"

-elsewhere-

shinra: so...hows things?

Benimaru: "Fine. What, is the 8th interested in my personal affairs now, watchdog?"

shinra: OwO;;; t-that's not what im trying to imply! i mean, we are allies, right? good to keep in touch, yeah? ^^;;;;

Benimaru: "..." *stops in his tracks* "Do you think people trust your group? After what happened in the Nether?"

shinra: eh?

Benimaru: "Don't you find it odd that your teammates in the 8th escaped unscathed, while members of the 2nd were killed or hospitalized?"

shinra: ....i wouldnt say completely unscathed...

Benimaru: "...Sorry. Just saying how I fear outsiders will see what happened. Your division has been in the center of a lot of controversies. How do you earn back trust you may have lost?"

shinra: .........

???: "Here, the door slides like this--"

*FWAP*

shinra: *looks*

Arthur: "S-Sorry..."

shinra: it's goo- ARTHUR?!

Arthur: "Devilman?"

Benimaru: "Hipster samurai and black cat?"

shinra: when did you get here?!

tamaki:..............................

Arthur: "The commander assigned us here for R&R&T: rest, relaxation, and training."

shinra: *looks at tamaki*.....i see...

tamaki: *her eyes are dull* ......

Benimaru: "..." *looks around* "...Get inside. All of you." *shoves Shinra and Arthur*

shinra: h-hey!

Arthur: "?! Sir Shinmon, why are you--"

Benimaru: *shoves them into the tea room--then spots Tamaki* "...Over here. Walk. Move."

tamaki: *staring up at a beam* .....................

Benimaru: "..." *pulls her over* "Okay, you three stooges--I taught you, and you come back here with your tails between your legs--or whatever the equivalent is for Kusakabe."

shinra: hey!

Benimaru: *death glare* "Why didn't you succeed in the Nether? What was missing that stopped you from taking down the Hoods?!"

shinra:.....

-shinra explains what happened-

Arthur: "...Shinra exaggerates. I was totally winning--"

*SLAAAAAAAAAP*

shinra: oxo

Arthur: @~@

Benimaru: "I see my training was a waste if you couldn't dodge." *shifts his hand at Shinra--*

shinra: *DODGE*

Benimaru: "..." *pulls back his hand* "Better." *looks at Tamaki* "...I notice you didn't have much to share."

tamaki: *still staring up at the beam*................

Benimaru: "..." *looks up at the beam* "...Nah, not sturdy enough for your weight."

shinra: .....

Benimaru: "...Kotatsu. What do you want?"

tamaki:.....*shaking*

Arthur: "..." *holds her hand*

shinra: she's been like this since the nether....

Benimaru: "You know what we do in these situations in Asakusa?"

shinra: ....

Benimaru: "We keep busy. Be ready at 7 AM tomorrow. Wear comfortable shoes."

shinra:......alright...

Arthur: "..."

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: *in front of the 'schedule' board, moving index cards around--and moving ones labeled 'Shinra,' 'Arthur,' and 'Tamaki' to a new 'Vacation' column...the index cards even have little doodles of the three on them* *sighs* "Okay--Relan is still recovering but can take over Shinra's patrol if I had 2 more to go with him...Dang, this is harder than I thought..."

karin: what's up?

Akitaru: "Hey, Doc--could I get some advice? We're stretched thin, and I'm trying to figure out who can substitute for the three in Asakusa and our convalescing soldier."

karin: hmmm, we got lisa and yu, right?

Akitaru: *moves their cards to a column* "Right. Lisa's firepower is incredible. How is Yu handling the new equipment?"

karin: i think he has a handle on things now.

Akitaru: "I'll pair them with Relan. The Lieutenant and Maki still got their shift--assuming dinner isn't a fiasco."

-elsewhere-

Asher: *sips on a milkshake* "...Thanks."

hibiki: no prob.

Asher: "Haven't been here before...It's nice." *looks out the window at the street...looks like traffic has picked up*

hibiki: ...so...how's stuff with you?

Asher: "..." *shrugs* "Not great? Better to not go back for a few hours."

hibiki:......how bad is it?

Asher: "..." *looks away* "It'll be fine. Just wait until everyone is asleep. Then I won't have to talk to her."

hibiki:......

Asher: "Better than..." *gestures to their eye* "It's fine. Just...fine. She'll probably be drunk and asleep anyway."

hibiki:.......do you really think it's ok to keep living like this?

Asher: "...Better than the alternative." *rubs their wrist*

hibiki: ........

*something drips onto the table*

Asher: *wipes their eyes with the back of a hand*

-elsewhere-