#in the next answer you see him shaking covered in waffles /j

[ask--invaderzim]

Am just gonna *gives gir a waffle gun*

Anyways Zim do you have any wholesome moments with gir? :3

[dealersofatlanta]

Part 1: Chapter 4

2013: May 3rd

Ace: age 21

“Nah, make that shit happen. I don’t care how yall do it, just get it done. Yall playing I’ll take them niggas out myself if yall punk asses can’t do it!” I yelled on the phone with my homies Dom and Tyrel. Jade looked over at me. We was sitting at the dinning room, she was writting down shit in her journal. After I saved her from Davis, I took her in, made sure she had a car. Taught her how to drive, how to shoot, defend herself just in case anything happens to me. She went from being my fraile scared Jade to a bad bitch. I taught her what do if anybody came after us, and shit. She know how to kill and take anybody down. That’s my baby. “Sorry baby, business” She nodded. “What you writting?” I asked coming over to her. I kissed on her face. She giggled. “Another song about you” She said. I smiled. “Ah shit not another one” I said rolling my eyes playfully. My text tone went off on my iphone. It was this hoe named La-La. “Business again?” She asked. I quickly nodded. “Yeah, Ima be home late” I told her. She sighed. “This the 3rd time this week, I told you I needed you to come to my open mic night tonight” She stressed to me. “I got work to do, you don’t shit. I got to make sure we straight and protect our home J, shit stop trippin bruh” I said. She got up from the table, and flicked me off. “Fuck you Ace, I don’t do shit, cause you don’t want me to work nigga!” She stomped upstairs. I went into the basement to pick out what gun I wanted to carry today. I ain’t mean to snap at her. She knew I had a bad temper. I had a way with my words, she been knowing this. I went back upstairs. Jade was rushing downstairs with her purse, and keys. “Aye yo where you going?” I asked. She had on a beanie with some booty shorts an tank top, and timbs. “Out nigga” She snapped. “Nah not in them little bitty ass shorts” I snapped. She laughed at me. “J! Im serious” I said sternly. She stuck her middle finger up at me again. “Man, fuck her” I said to myself. I grabbed my keys, and headed out to, setting the alarm before I left.

I head over to the WestSide of Atlanta to see La-La. I had been knowing La-La for a minute. We was fucking around when I first got out of jail. She cool, and we fuck from time to time. She keep an eye out for me on the streets. She like my side bitch, but Jade always will come before her. I knocked on her door. “I ain’t think you would come, with wifey at home and shit” She said to me. I rolled my eyes. “I come over to fuck and to hear whats been going on that’s it keep My shawty out of this” I said. She nodded and started unbuckling my pants.

Afterwards, I laid in the bed smoking a blunt with La-La. “So whats been going on?” I asked her. “Rico, been running his mouth about killing off everybody in the Ace of Spades gang. He trying to take Omari spot anf Jackalls on the eastside” She said. I laughed. “They aint bout to do shit” I said. I passed her the blunt. “Thats all I know for now” She said. I nodded. “Thanks, you a real one” I kissed her. She smiled. “You want something to eat?” She asked. I nodded. “Yeah what you bout to cook? Noodles?” I asked. She smiled. “Shut up, you love me food” She said. I nodded. “True” I said. I went to get in the shower.

Jade: age 20

I sat watching my friend Mia reciting a poem by Mya Angelou. I was nervous, my leg was shaking. “Give it up for Mia Abrams” I stood up and clapped for her. She excitedly got off the stage. “Now give it up for an aspiring singer Jade Marie, singing a cover JoJo- Keep On Keepin On”. I drank some water from my water bottle, and walked up to the stage. I was nervous as hell. I closed my eyes as the song started.

https://youtu.be/EaYCAZuSpPM (Its also on playlist)

Ooooh-ooohh

hey-yeeeah

You got to keep on keepin on

You got to keep your head up high

You gotta work with what you've got

And someday you will flyyyyy

Poor kids pouring cold water in their cereal

Second hand clothes

Surviving is pivotal

Praying to God at night

That things'll get better soon

I remember when I was in your position

Tried to tell people my story

But no one would really listen

I know times are hard right now

Happiness is hard to find right now

You got to keep on keepin on

You got to keep your head up high

You gotta work with what you've got

And someday you will flyyyyy

You got to keep on keepin on

You got to keep your head up high

You gotta work with what you've got

And someday you will flyyyyy

Lookin out the window to a rose grows in concrete

Dreamin' of the day when you'll be standing on your own feet

Hard to find the good in such a scene so bad (so so sad)

Seein other kids with their Tims on

Fresh with Air Ones, wish I had one

Longin' for a day when you get your chance to shine

Don't worry, there'll come a tiiiiiiime

Young girl sittin' on the steps of her duplex (mmmm)

Why did God choose to make my life so complex

Breathing to the beat of a slow, sad drum

Trouble is her only source of fun

I can almost guarantee you

It'll get better soooooon

After the song ended everyone started clapping. I opened my eyes smiling. “That was amazing Jade Marie everybody” I waved and quickly walked off stage. “See and you were nervous for nothing” Mia said. I laughed. “ I know”. She looked around. “Where’s your man?” She asked. I put on a smile. “He had to work” I told her. She nodded. “Hey my name is Marcus Gardener, I’m a producer in Atlanta, your performance was really good, you have a innocent star quality to you I would like to work with you... is that okay?” He asked. I nodded. “Yes! Yes I mean sure no problem, I will give you my number” I told him. He smiled and nodded. “Girl he was fine” Mia said. I rolled my eyes. “Yes but Im taken” She sucked her teeth in. “Shit then hook me up!” She said. We headed out and went to waffle house, then I headed home. Ace wasn’t home when I got home. It was 1:15 am. I sighed when I walked in. He was notorious for sometimes being gone being in the streets all night. I went upstairs and got settled in, before I could get in I called him to see where he was at. He answered the phone. “Ace where you at?” I asked. He didn’t answer I just heard moaning on the other end. “Ace!?” I yelled. I quickly hung up the phone. I was trying to keep my shit together. I took a shower and got out and I started crying. I couldn’t believe that someone I fully trusted had did this to me. I hesistated calling on if I should call Mia but I called someone else. “Hello?” I heard Omari say. “Hey O, um can I stay over there for awhile?” I asked. “Ace okay? It’s 2am suh you good?” He said. I started crying. “Can I please, I caught Ace cheating and I have no where to go” I cried. He sighed. “Aight I got you” He said. I packed some of my shit and quickly left the house. Omari had 3 houses. He luckly was at the one 15minutes from Ace crib. I pulled into his gates and drove up the drive way. I got out my G- Wagon. Omari was waiting for me at the door. “Hey J” He said hugging me. His girlfriend Naomi was sitting on the staircase. “Hey JJ” She said I softly smiled. They let me stay in the guest house. “Ima get the nigga Ace straight believe that aight. Here’s some xanax man hopefully you can sleep” He said before walking out.

When I woke up the next morning. I got up , and seen I had alot of messages from Ace.

I got up and washed my face before walking into the other house. I seen Ace car outside. I opened the back door into the house. “Man! I fucked up I know!” I heard Ace yelling. Naomi was sitting on the bar stool looking at me. “Well I was hoping you wasn’t going to walk into this” She said. “She been through alot! Why would you get with her to put her through more shit, you always fucking up Ace!” I heard Omari yell. “Oh yeah thats me Ace the fuck up! Man fuck that shit im out!” Ace yelled. “You always walk away Ace, come fix this shit” Omari yelled. Ace walked into the kitchen and looked at me. “J, come out with me real quick” He said. I looked away from him. “Im good Ace” I said to him. “J baby please” He stressed. I got up and went to the guest house door he followed me. “J, I was just fucking her thats it. I don’t love her, like I love you” He stressed. I looked at him and I walked back into the house and closed the door. He banged on the door for a minute. “Ima stay out here all day, all week all month J. I can’t live without you” He said outside the door. Jade don’t open that door I thought to myself. I put my hand on the handle, then took it off. He kept knocking on the door. I took another pill to knock me out. I took pride in listening to him bang and plead outside, I fell asleep listening to Trey Songs “Smartphones”. I woke up to hearing glass break. I got up quickly and seen Ace at the door with his hand bleeding. “Are you crazy!?” I yelled. He had blood leaking from his hand. “Don’t leave me! I need you!” He stressed. His face was red, I can tell he been crying. “Im soo sorry. I’ma come to your music shit, ima take you all over the world. Give me one more chance J baby” He said. I grabbed the first aid kit under the kitchen sink. I washed his hand off and wrapped it up, after putting peroxide on it. He grabbed my face and kissed me, I couldn’t resist him so I kissed him back. I pulled him back. “Ace, if you do this again. I will never forgive you” I said to him. He nodded. “I ain’t fucking up again”.

2months later: July 30th 2013

Omari: age 27

Naomi and I were doing a wedding registry in Neiman Marcus. We had been together for 2 years and I was certain she was it. After the 1st year, I introduced her to my lifestyle. I was scared she would run but she slowly accepted it. She begged me to quit, but then asked me to show her my world. Ace, X and I agreed the women in our lives needed to be protected. I had Naomi trained with Mackel, and X taught her the business, I showed her around. She learned pretty face, after that I wanted to make her my Queen fast. I know it was wrong for me to steal my homies girl but Teej was in jail, and they wasn’t even that serious. “Ooh baby, this is nice. Im adding this” She said. I nodded. “Whatever you want” I spoiled her like no other. I had her leave her job, finish school paying off her tuition. I got her 2 cars. She wanted a Range Rover, and A Merceedes. We was getting married soon, only 3 weeks away.

3 weeks later: August 13th 2013

Naomi: age 24

“You sure?” I asked Doctor O’hara. “Yeah, two heart beats” She said. I looked at the monitor again. “Thats not my heart beat and the baby’s?” I asked. She laughed, and shook her head. “No that’s definitely two babies in there” She said to me. I sighed. Omari is going to fucking flip his shit. “Can I get those to go?” I asked. She nodded. “Sure”. I had been knowing I was pregnant for a while, but wanted to keep it lowkey because of the wedding. I grabbed my evenlope from the doctors and left the building and got into my car. I took out the evenlope and looked at my ultrasound pictures. “Twins?, man what the fuck?” I said out loud. I put the pictures away, I started my car and drove to the venue. I was getting married in 24hours. “Naomi where have you been? We been looking all over for you!” My bestfriends Teddy and Keisha said. The grabbed me and brought me inside. I seen they had through me a mini party. “We bought to get fucked up!” Teddy screamed. My mom was throwing back shots with my aunt Kiki. “Come on drink Mimi!” Teddy yelled. I shook my head. “I dont want to be hungover at my wedding” I lied. Teddy sighed. “Take one shot” He said. I shook my head. He grabbed me into the bathroom in the hotel room of Chataue Elan. “Bitch are you knocked up?” He said. I sighed, and started crying. “Yesss, and Im having twins” I cried. Teddy was in shock. “Bitch what?” He said. I nodded. “I went to the doctors today, Im 13 weeks pregnant, and its 2 babies Teddy, 2 fucking kids at the same time, like what the fuck!” I cried. He snatched my shot out my hand and chugged it. “Honey, Congradulations I guess babies are a blessing. God ain’t giving you nothing you can’t handle” He said to me. I nodded slowly. Teddy didn’t understand. Im marrying Atlantas top organized drug dealer, who has hits on him at the moment then on top of that! Im pregnant with two babies! Twin babies. Like God I see what your doing, Im very blessed but now I’m overwhelmed. I groaned. “I need to see O” I stressed. Teddy shook his head. “He is having his bachelor party wait till tomorrow” He said. I nodded, he brought me back out to the party. “Ima fix you some food” He said. Keish came up to me. “You good?” I nodded. I didn’t want everyone knowing when my baby daddy/husband didn’t even know yet. Teddy passed me a plate of Rotel, and Fried Fish. I inhaled the fish and my stomach turned. I quickly put the plate down and ran to the bathroom to throw up. I heard a knock at the door and seen Jade. I opened the door for her. “You okay Naomi?” She asked. I started crying again. She got a towel and wet it, passing it to me while rubbing my back. “Is it like them wedding jitters or whatever?” She asked. I shook my head. “Im um Im having a baby” I said. She smiled widely. “Oh my gosh congrats girl” She said. I shook my head. “Im not happy about it” I told her. She shrugged. “Why not?” She asked. “Getting married is one thing but im marrying into the game, now you want me to put my babies at risk too?” I said. Her eyes widened. “Twins?” She asked. I nodded. “Well I been knowing Ace since I was 13, and I been around the game so much I got used to the ins and the outs, and you knew O was down when you fell for him, you knew the risk, the one thing you should know is them niggas aint going to ever let shit happen to us or the people they love, yall got this you good” She told me. I wiped my face. “You right” I said. Teddy busted into the bathroom with my mom. Teddy looked at me and sighed. “This is killing my high, I mean my buzz” He said. He walked out the bathroom. “Mimi you good?” She asked. I nodded.

After I threw up, I went to sleep in Jade’s room, since Ace was going to be with O all night. I didn’t want to ruin the mini bachelorette they through me so I just left them to party while I got some sleep. I woke up to my alarm, letting me know it was time to get dressed. My nerves were shot. I been throwing all morning, and crying. “Mimi fucking chill!” Keisha yelled annoyed. “Man fuck this” I got up with my hair pincurled and my make up done. I had on a robe and slippers. I left my make up stylist room and went down to Omaris floor. I heard Rich As Fuck by Lil Wayne blasting. I banged on the door. “Yooo wazzam sis” Ace said. His breath smelled like henny. “Um its bad luck Naomi” X said. I waved him off. “I need to talk to you” I said to O. He looked at me crazy and nodded. He grabbed my hand, and lead me to the balcony. “You look beautiful, but I aint supposed to see you right now, whats up baby, you bout to dip on a nigga?” He asked. I shook my head. “Uhhh I been scared to tell you this but I wanted to say something before the wedding” I said fiddling with my fingers. “What? Baby just say that shit” He said. “Im pregnant” I said. He stepped back a little. “Since when?” He asked. I rolled my eyes. “Since 13 weeks ago nigga! Im pregnant okay, 13 weeks to be exact” I said. He wiped his hand across his face. “Aight okay thats cool, its all good baby” He simply said. I shook my head, and handed him a picture. “Whats this the baby?” He asked analyzing the picture. “Babies and yes” I simply said. He looked at me then the picture, “Babies?” He asked. I nodded and put up the number 2. “Twins” I said. He quickly walked back in and snatched the henny bottle from Ace and started downing the liquor. “Twins!” He yelled. I sighed and nodded. “O please dont make a scene” I calmly stated. He walked back over to me. “So look, we going to figure this out just please get ready so I can marry your beautiful ass, my fucking baby mama” He said to me kissing me. I smiled at him. I nodded and left to go back up to my suite to get dressed. “OMG nigga! We thought you ran, you got 30minutes come on!” Keisha panicked.

X age 18:

“So you want this type of wedding one day or nah?” I asked Heiress. She smiled at me as we danced. “Something quiet, intimate” She simply said. “I can deal with that” I said smiling. She looked at me. “Are you insinuating that you want to marry me Xander Domonic Knight?” She asked. “Ehhhh maybe” I said. She laughed at me. “I love a man that knows what he wants” She simply said. We were dancing to “Must be nice” by Lyfe Jennings. “Okay man, let me go ahead and give this toast” Ace said clickling on Wine Glass. “First off I want to thank my baby J, for being there for me regardless, and to my big bruh, you my nigga man Im happy you found a bitch to hold you down” Ace said. Naomi awkwardly smiled, O shook his head and laughed. The older people shook they head at his speech. “Uh thanks bruh” O said. I tapped on my glass I grabbed off a table. “Uh thanks for that speech Ace., uh Naomi thank you for being down with O, and being a real one by his side, he’s a great dude. An amazing big brother and we love yall and wish yall nothing but love”. O and Naomi lifted their glasses. “Thank yall” Naomi said. O stood up. “I want to thank all yall coming to celebrate our union, I also want to let everyone know that Naomi and I will be welcoming our first kids, twins come 2014” He said. Everyone looked shocked but started clapping including me and Heiress. “Wow” I said. “Congrats nigga!” Ace yelled. He was drunk as fuck. “Congrats yall” We all said. The DJ went back to playing music.

6 months later: January 14th 2014

Over the pass 2 years, Heiress and I had graduated highschool, she went to Georgia State for nursing, and I went to Georgia Tech to major in business, then after that I was going to Cordon Bleu to be a chef, O had moved out to a house in Kennesaw with Naomi since they was starting a family, so I had the whole Mansion to myself. Heiress had wanted a college life before she decided to move in with me, plus her mom wasn’t feeling it. I had got a call from Omari while I was in school. He had left me like 4 missed calls. I pulled up at the spot, where we supplied our shit and did our deals. “What’s going on? I was in the middle of a test when you called” I told O. He had his gun out, along with K.C and was shushing me. He passed me a gun and a bullet proof vest. “Niggas in here robbing us”. He whispered. I heard a silent engine roaring. I looked and seen it was Ace in his Ashton Martin. His door lifted up and he got out the car clocking his gun with his vest already on. “Man the fuck yall out here standing for, niggas messing with our money” Ace walked pass us. K.C shook his head “Shit bout to be messy forreal now”. Ace walked in and I was behind him. We seen niggas in all black stuffing shit in they bags. Ace aint hesitate and started shooting. O was fighting a nigga, K.C and I went upstairs. The men started shooting at us. I shoot back. We had a big shoot out. Finally all the niggas was dead in the spot except one who O had held for questioning. “We need to get this shit out before police show up and set up another spot” I simply said. O nodded. Ace was sitting on the counter eating chips with blood splatter on his face. I shook my head. Homie was crazy. K.C laughed. “You always eating after a shoot out, weird ass” He said. Ace shrugged. “Shit had me hungry” He said. “Who sent you, Ima ask you one more time before I paint these walls with whats left of you?!” O yelled with a machete in his hand. “Jackall” He simply said. “Who is that?” I asked. “The king of East Atlanta” He simply said. “How you find our shit?” O asked. “Jackall said he has connections” O nodded. “We got a snitch in our crew?” He asked him. The nigga shrugged. “I know nothing else just what was told, I swear” He said. “Aight” O said. Before O could untie him, shots rang off killing the nigga. O looked over at Ace. “Nigga, Damn” O said. Ace simply looked at us. “My shawty cooking tonight, I got to be home before she start bitchin, and he was just going to run his mouth anyways. Cops 15 minutes away lets pack shit and head out” Ace said. K.C started laughing. “He’s such a Gemini” He said. I started laughing too, cause he wasn’t lying. We grabbed most of our shit, cleared the place out of any identity, and got the hell on to reload our shit into another safe house to reload. I headed out home, to get cleaned up.

When I got to my crib. I seen Heiress car in the drive way. I had gave her a key to my crib eventhough we don’t live together. I walked inside the house. “Heiri” I called out. “Im in here” She said from my dinning room. I walked in and seen her sitting there with my guns on the table. I sighed. “Why do you have 4 guns?” She asked. I actually had a gun in each room, bathroom and 5 in the kitchen. I shrugged. “Protection, my dad gave them to me” I lied. She slowly nodded. “But there not even normal guns X, what is this like an Ak-47? what about this a pistol? I dont know what you call these other two, are these even registered X. What if the police find these, and theres bodies on these you will go to jail!” She panicked. “Heiress, baby chill man please I been having these it’s okay” I said to her. She folded her arms. “You sure?” She asked. I nodded. “Baby its all good, Just protection” I stated. She slowly nodded her head. “I came over to surprise you by cleaning your big ass house and cooking dinner, Im sorry I got nosey” She told me. I grabbed her and kissed her forehead. “Mi casa su casa” I said to her. She smiled. “You already being a wife to yo man, I love it! I love you!” I said to her. She smirked. I took the guns off the table and took them down to the basement. The basement had a key pad entry. If it didn’t Heiress would have found the drugs that I had in the basement. My trap phone buzzed. “Wazzam?” I answered. “We got more problems X, that Jackall nigga hijacked our stash while we was shooting the niggas in the spot earlier today” K.C said. I sighed. “Shit! We got to put out a hit now, but we wait on O, what he say?” I asked. “Naomi went into early labor, O is busy. I just got to call Ace” He stated. I nodded. “Ace would handle that shit quick” I said. K.C laughed. “Aight, Ima get Ace” He hung up the phone. I heard knocking on the basement door. I ran up the steps. “What’s up?” I asked closing the door behind me. “When are you going to show me what’s down there?” Heiress said. I shrugged. “One day” I simply said. She pouted. “When is that?” She asked. I sighed. “What you cooking?” I asked her. She rolled her eyes. “Whats down there X just tell me!” She said. “My dads business stuff, that’s it” I said. She shrugged, “Well let me look?” She said. Someone knocked on the door. I quickly went to the door to see who it was. It was Ace. “What up bruh bruh?” Ace said dapping me up. He looked at Heiress. “What up Heiress?” He said. She put on a smile coming over to hug Ace. “Hey Ace” She said greeting him. “Lets talk” Ace said. Heiress went back to kitchen. We walked down stairs to the basement. “Whats up?” I asked. “My gang ready to roll, problem is my nigga said he seen TiTi hanging over at the eastside spot where Jackall hide out is” He told me. I looked up at him. “Tiana?” I asked he nodded. “Aint want to shoot up the whole spot killing your blood” He said. I nodded. “Ima handle Tiana” Ace nodded. “I got to get back to the east side and secure my shit on my turf” He simply said. We went back upstairs. “You leaving?” Heiress asked. I nodded. “Tiana shit again” I told her. She rolled her eyes. “Tiana is such a problem but okay go be a big brother, I will see you later” She said kissing me. Ace made a funny face. “Yuck” He said. “You don’t kiss you shawty?” I asked. He smirked. “We do alot but I don’t like seeing yall kiss, but I got to dip and go with Jade to check on MiMi yall coming?” He asked. I nodded remembering O was at the hospital with his wife. “Yeah Ima see yall there” He nodded and got in his car. I drove to Decatur to visit Tiana. She wasn’t answring her phone.

Character Pics:

La-La (Alexis Sky) age 19:

Heiress: age 18

X:

Naomi:

Omari:

Jade:

Ace:

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS 105

oh goody, more vampires!

Lucy: "...Well, um...If you didn't get any sign of them when you were asleep, maybe our look in the alley earlier this afternoon will help..." *looks over notes she took* "Ranpo found some faint marks along the wall, but you didn't hear someone hitting it?"

Katai: *shrugs* "M-Maybe? It sounded like an argument--They may have threatened someone. I heard 'bleed'?"

sylvia: *gulp*

Kyoka: "We also noticed a receipt nearby from earlier that day at a nearby thrift store--which is half-way across town."

Ranpo: "And of course, this..." *holds up a big shiny coin* "Foreign!"

aya: neato! where's it from?

Ranpo: "Not sure...It looks Japanese, yet it has this ram's head and says...I can't read it. 'Chinom'-something?"

aya: maybe it's a game token?

Lucy: "We can check arcades in the morning..."

-morning-

shiori: zzz

Yumi: "???" ("She's not in her room...") *notices Kid and Stocking's door open a crack* "???" *peeks*

shiori: zzzz

Kid: "Zzz..."

stocking: *asleep*

Yumi: "... ... ... ..." QwQ ("D'AWWWWWW!") *waves to Lord Death*

lord death: *peeks* QwQ *snaps a pic*

Yumi: TwT *hug*

-elsewhere-

miyuri: *snoring, asleep on top of chuuya*

Chuuya: "Zzz..." *tries to move--* "UMPH!" O_O; *looks* "..." *strokes her head*

miyuri: mm...papa...=w= zzzz....

Chuuya: *sighs* *keeps stroking while he sits up*

miyuri: *yaaaaaawn* morniiiing *sniff* *still half-asleep*

Chuuya: "Sleep okay?"

miyuri: *nods and rubs her eyes* *yaaaawn* *STOMACH GROWL*

Chuuya: "Aaaaaand hungry..."

sonia: *in the bathroom, brushing her teeth*

Chuuya: "Come on--let's get something to eat."

-elsewhere-

amelia: *doing morning stretches*

Kanin: *finishing packed lunch* "Last night was so fun..."

amelia: mmhmm.....arent you gonna do stretches too?

Kanin: "Oh! Um, sure!" *closes bento boxes* ^^; "I guess a lot on my mind..." *rotates his shoulders first*

-elsewhere-

Saria: "Then they were like--BOOM! SPARKLE! SHINE SHINE SHINE!--and so pretty!"

greg: that sounds wonderful, bug-bear!

Saria: "Yeah! It's been so fun getting to hang out with friends..."

-elsewhere-

Ranpo: *spread out* *snoring*

Katai: O_______O; ("I couldn't sleep all night...")

Kyoka: *huddled with Sylvia*

atsushi: *getting a head start on breakfast*

Lucy: =w= *yawns* *sits up* "???" *walks to the kitchen*

atsushi: morning lucy, im making eggs. you want yours sunny side up, scrambled, or omelette?

Lucy: "Oh...Um, omelette?" *sits* "...You're good at that..."

atsushi: thanks, i've been practicing.

Lucy: *smiles* "It's paying off--smells delicious!"

(Odasaku: >_>; )

atsushi: *smiles*

Kyoka: *yawns, wakes up...looks out the window--* "!!!"

sylvia: ??

Kyoka: "...Sylvia?" *smiles* "Could you help Atsushi set the table?"

sylvia: o-ok *goes to do that*

Kyoka: *keeps the smile on...until she looks back at the alley...where there is a spear of blood along the wall only now visible in the daylight...*

-elsewhere-

Takehisa: *cooking* "Good morning, Sister."

Relan: *signing* <Morning!>

rita: <good morning>

tamaki: mornin'! so what's today's game plan?

Akitaru: *sighs* "Viktor is still on leave for 'family' and work he was called in to consult on at Haijima...A few of you will be sent to try to find him around town."

karin: i volunteer.

Akitaru: "Sounds good...but you'll need a disguise."

-elsewhere-

chie: here comes the airplane~

toru: ga!

chie: *feeding him*

toru: *nom* ^u^

Yohei: *filming* "What a good boy..."

chie: *chuckle*

mono:....hmph...i guess he's _kinda_ cute... 7.7

Assi: >w< "Incredibly cute!"

Emine: -_-; "So he can eat--big deal. I am not complimented for every last thing I do--"

Shotaro: "VROOM! Here comes the oatmeal train to Emine's mouthy-wouthy!"

Emine: "I do not have a 'mouthy-wouthy'..." *nom* >_>;

setsuna: ^^;

io: =3=;

Tool: "Still hungry, Io?" *fills up the bowl with more cereal-O's*

-elsewhere-

tsuyu: *yaaaawn*

ochako: *waves* morning!

tsuyu: morning...*yaaawn* late night last night...

Izuku: "??? Working?"

tsuyu: we were looking at old baby pictures last night. then the topic got to how our tails dropped off, and since satsuki still has hers yet, she got scared and started crying. it took a while for us to calm her down.

Izuku: "Oh no--I'm sorry. That must've been challenging..."

tsuyu: it's fine. one of the many things that comes with younger siblings, haha.

ochako: i guess.

Izuku: "Yeah, this is new to me without siblings..."

Todoroki: "..."

Iida: "..."

jirou: *cough*

Izuku: ^^;

Iida: "...CHERISH ONE'S SIBLINGS!"

Todoroki: *covers his ears* >~<

-elsewhere-

edouard: *knocks* <sis? it's breakfast time!>

Valentine: *curled up in bed...staring at the floor*

edouard: *knocks* <we're having waffles!>

Valentine: *sobbing*

edouard:....<papa! i think valentine might be sick!>

Villefort: *opening his door, limping* "???" *opens the door* <Valentine?>

Valentine: *hugging herself, sobbing*

Villefort: <?! What's wrong?>

Valentine: <Th-They're dead! Grandma, Grandpa...>

Villefort: "..." <What? How-->

Valentine: *hugging him*

Heloise: *exits Villefort's room* "..." *smile*

edouard: ?? <mama?>

Heloise: <Eddy? Where's Daddy?>

edouard: <in val's room. she seems upset>

Heloise: <???> *adjusts her robe, follows* <Valentine?>

valentine: <what do _you_ want?>

Heloise: <?! Well, someone is in a grouchy mood-->

Villefort: <Not now!> *holds Valentine*

Heloise: <?!!> "..." *frowns, exits*

valentine: *sniff* <j-just leave me alone...>

Villefort: "..." <Okay. I'll check with...I'll take care of funeral preparations. When you're ready...> *exits*

valentine: *crying into her pillow*

*there's a small pearl left on her nightstand...*

edouard:... <papa, will she fell better soon?>

Villefort: "..." *smiles* <Of course...But it needs time...>

-elsewhere-

Dumas: *smiling widely, humming to himself*

marquis: *making breakfast*

Cervantes: *reading the newspaper* "..." <So sad...>

marquis: <what is it?>

Cervantes: <An elderly couple died in a gas leak...>

marquis: <oh no!>

Cervantes: <'The Saint Merands had already lost their daughter at a young age...Survived by Valentine Villefort-->

*CRASH*

*a teacup falls*

marquis: !!!

Dumas: *falls back, shocked*

marquis: <are you alright??> D8>

Dumas: <...It-It was supposed to be the judge...It was supposed to be the judge...>

marquis:....*hug*

{Lord Wilmore: <--a medicine that is poisonous-->}

Dumas: *shaking, trying to pull loose*

marquis: <dumas, please, pull yourself together! it was an honest mistake!>

Cervantes: "..." *frowns, rolls up the newspaper*

Dumas: <I wanted him dead! No one else! I wanted him-->

*WHAP!*

Dumas: O_O "...YOU HIT ME! WITH A NEWSPAPER--"

Cervantes: *WHAP WHAP WHAP* <Get a hold of yourself, darn it!>

benedetto: ._.

Dumas: >_< *slap-fighting* <I DIDN'T MEAN TO KILL _THEM_!>

Cervantes: <Well, who did kill them?!>

Dumas: "... ... ..."

benedetto: ..... <i'll just...go back to bed for a bit.>

Dumas: *collapses onto the floor in the fetal position*

-elsewhere-

Minoura: *looking at the blood splatter against the alley wall* "Jesus..." -_-; "And why am I not surprised you're all somehow involved..."

Ranpo: *waves* "Good morning!"

atsushi: um. hello.

Katai: Q_Q "As-As we said, we heard nothing last night--but the night before, there was some argument..."

Minoura: -_-; "Okay, Detective, what do you think? Which ability user did this--"

Ranpo: "They didn't."

atsushi: ??

Minoura: "What? Look, kid, I don't see any evidence here: we got blood on the wall, no prints, no footprint--nothing. It's like there was a body, and not even tissue left, so--"

Ranpo: "I don't think it was an ability user...I think it was another type of creature..."

aya: we did find this. *holds up the coin*

Minoura: "...Officer, bag the coin."

cop-chan: *takes the coin*

Minoura: *looks at the coin* "Hmm...'Chinom'? The arcade?"

aya: AHA!

Ranpo: =3= "I still say it looks foreign--probably some group from overseas who--?!!!!!!!!!!!! AH HA!"

atsushi: you figured it out?

Ranpo: "Indeed! Blood splatter. Game token with Japanese beginning with 'Chinom.' Foreign people sneaking in...It's happening again, just as it did years ago..."

atsushi: years ago?

Ranpo: "Yes...It is not ability users--it's more vampires!!!"

atsushi:....*FACEPLANT*

Katai: Q_Q *faints* "I-I'm gonna have to move again..."

Minoura: =_= "I picked a bad day to stop eating donuts..."

aya: but the question is, what _kind_ of vampires are we dealing with. naomi mentioned there's different vampire types.

Minoura: "WE'RE NOT SERIOUSLY ENTERTAINING THIS, ARE WE?!"

Ranpo: "That is the next order of research, Aya. Procure the tomes of vampire lore!"

Lucy: -_-; "This'll just be an excuse for Naomi to read her 'sexy books' again..."

cop-chan: to be fair, there are vampire residents. i'll get to the interviews.

Minoura: -_-# "Fine..."

-elsewhere-

*a tabloid web site already says 'Vampire Attack'*

Black Star: -^-; "...I promise not to get mad...I just want to know whether any of you did this."

naho:....*looks at belkia*

Belkia: OwO "...I don't remember?"

Black Star: "SO IT WAS YOU!" *strangles Belkia*

otogiri: he's innocent this time. i was helping him get gum out of his hair. again.

Belkia: XWX "SING MY SONG TO THE TINY VAMPS THAT COME AFTER ME!" *KO*

Black Star: "...Oh. Okay." *lets him go*

Belkia: XwX

naho:...he's fine.

Higan: "We've been feeding the way you told us to, so it must be someone else..."

Sakuya: "...What if it's _him_? We haven't heard from Mr. Tsubaki in a bit..."

lavender: unless he has an eve, i doubt it.

Black Star: >_>;

lilac: w-what if it's...t-true ancestors? i-i heard rumors about them from the others....

Shamrock: "...That would be worrisome...I suggest we all be on high alert--as now they will be investigating vampires again, and we can't afford police attention..."

-sakuya's phone goes off, and has a very cute ringtone-

Sakuya: .\\\.; "Th-That's me...Totally not my intentional ringtone--It's ironic--Shut up." *answers* "Y-Yeah?"

naomi: hey sakuya, is naho there?

Sakuya: "Sure...Naho, it's Naomi."

naho: oh cool! *takes the phone* hi naomin~ whats up?......oh really?....i see....we just heard ourselves.....actually, i think i know someone who can help you out! ever heard of 'the land of nod'? yeah, they have vampire experts...ok...call you back~ *hangs up*

Sakuya: "??? Why'd she want to know?"

naho: her agency is investigating into the case!

Sakuya: ._.;;;

-elsewhere-

*someone wipes his mouth*

Mikaela: "..."

lacus: whew, what a feast! ^^

chess: where should we strike next?

Crowley: "I think we should ask our scout..." *smiles at Mikaela* "You told us such wonderful locations--"

Mikaela: "Just go wherever."

chess: =3= you're so boooooriiiiing.

lacus: you're as bad as those....'things' we've read in some books. *shudder* whoever this 'meyer' is, i hope to slaughter them horribly.

Crowley: "Patience...We still have to map out locations..." *marking the map on the wall, circling spots in the slums, with giant x's crossing out True Cross and the DWMA*

-elsewhere-

hyakuya: *staring up at the ceiling* ....

Guren: *knocks* "Akane? We're finishing prelims..."

hyakuya: *responsive grunt*

Guren: "You should see the reinforcements...So, um, get up?"

hyakuya: *grumbles and sits up* give me about a minute, im getting changed now...

-girls getting ready, please be patient-

Guren: *opening a box*

hyakuya: *looks*

shinoa: ??

mitsuba: *looks around*

Yoichi: *humming, polishing some daggers*

Kimizuki: *packing meals* "And don't touch them until lunch!"

hyakuya: so what are we doing today?

Guren: "Looks like the vamps showed themselves here--two suspected feedings in a part of town."

hyakuya: ....

Kimizuki: "!!!"

Yoichi: "So, we're on patrol? Okay!"

mitsuba: tch- about time we started doing something.

Guren: *nods* "So let's use that training on our off-time to put a stop to these attacks...The recent attacks were at night, so we'll be using daylight to find vantage points for observation and attack..."

shinoa: right.

Yoichi: "We'll do our best!"

-elsewhere-

Noirtier: *bandaged, struggling to dial* "..." <Answer already, you stupid brat...> *shaking*

-...-

Noirtier: *growls, tosses the phone* <Damn it, Gerard!>

-elsewhere-

Valentine: *staring at her phone...'No new messages'...'No new calls'...*

-elsewhere-

Vulcan: *has on a panda hoodie and sunglasses* "All set?"

karin: yep!

Iris: "All set." *wearing a baseball cap, basketball jersey--and tattoos*

Vulcan: O_O; "Um, Sister? Wh-What's with the new look--"

Iris: *punk face* "WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY LOOK, PUNK?! YOU WANT TO THROW DOWN?!"

karin: easy now. *she's in what looks to be a business suit*

Iris: ^^; "Sorry--just getting into character by modeling myself on people in disguise--Sister Hibana, Shinra's smile, Patty Thompson--"

Vulcan: *hiding behind Karin* Q_Q

karin: ^^; it's pretty well done. well, shall we be off?

Iris: "LET'S DO THIS!"

-elsewhere-

Blair: "I'm heading out, Sachiko! Could you let Dr. John know?"

sachiko: already on it.

Blair: "...How's she holding up?"

sachiko: still stressed...maybe she should take a vacation...

Blair: *nods* "She had gone out to Tombstone...Maybe there or somewhere more, you know, vacationy?" *snaps her fingers, is now in a Hawaiian shirt, hula skirt, and with a coconut drink*

sachiko: *sweatdrop*

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "Okay, we got our juice boxes, we got crayons, we got Kajii's homework...Ready to draw?"

miyuri: ready!

Chuuya: *takes out a worksheet* "Okay, so this one is a maze..."

miyuri: *looks*

Chuuya: " 'These are the Canadian geese...Help them fly to the South for the winter'..."

miyuri: *doodling*

-little geese pop up from the picture and fly around the room-

Chuuya: ^^; "That's one way to do it..."

Goose: *honks, steals Chuuya's bread*

Chuuya: ._.;

miyuri: *giggles*

Chuuya: "Leeeeeeet's check the maze again..." *a goose lands on his hat*

miyuri: ^^;

Chuuya: "So, there are many paths to take...I used to do these by starting at the goal and working backwards..."

Goose on Hat: =^=

miyuri: hmm...

Chuuya: "So, if I take a pencil at the goal..." *traces back--mock concern* "Oh, no--I hit a dead end! Ah!"

miyuri: oh no! D8

Chuuya: "But that's why a maze usually has another path..." *follows a new one* "So far, so good, right?"

miyuri: mmhmm.

Chuuya: "Now we go left, then right, then right, and waaaaaaay up..."

miyuri: hehe ^^

Chuuya: "And--BOOM! We've made the path!"

-the lines float up-

Chuuya: .____.;;;

-suddenly they're in a maze?-

Chuuya: *looks around...tries to leap up to the top of the wall--and falls*

miyuri: ._.;;;

Chuuya: =_=; "...Let's start walking. Don't get separated..." *holds her hand*

miyuri: ok.

-elsewhere-

Katai: *sips* "Th-Thank you for the tea, Nagisa..."

nagisa: any time, mr katai. ^^

Blair: "I'm home! Oh, Katai! Nagisa let you in?"

Katai: Q\\\\Q

Blair: OwO "~?"

nagisa: welcome home! ^^

Blair: "Thanks..." *yawn* "Busy morning...What're you two up to this afternoon?"

-nagisa explains what all katai told her-

Blair: "Oooooo--vampires! That's no good. But at least it's not the Rats again, right?"

Katai: >~< "Please, don't remind me..."

Blair: *strokes his head* "There, there..."

Katai: =///////=

nagisa: *sweatdrop*

Blair: "Besides, vampires tend not to stay in one place for long--and if they do, it's only until they can pick off every victim they can or farm them for their blood--"

Katai: *protective hug*

Blair: *stroke stroke* ^^; "Do you want to stay for the night?"

-elsewhere-

sonia: *in class*

Teacher: "--and you'll have your test in two weeks, so we'll be reviewing the biology section..."

sonia: *taking notes*

Teacher: "Let's begin with the different organs in the typical humanoid body. Sonia, which organ takes in oxygen?"

sonia: the lungs.

Teacher: "Correct! And which bodily fluid transports that oxygen to the rest of the body?"

sonia: the blood.

Teacher: *smiles* "Right! Very good."

-one student glares at sonia-

sonia: ....

Teacher: "Let me type some keywords for you to review..." *typing on the projector's computer, not looking at the class*

sonia:....

-elsewhere-

Danglars: *sips his bubbly drink, pulls up his stock portfolio on his tablet and--spits out his drink, coughing*

lucian: ...*wipes his face* <sir?>

Danglars: <H-How?!> *pulls up news--* "?!? <WHO DARE PUBLISHED THIS DRECK CLAIMING MY AIRSHIPS ARE NOT FEASIBLE?! IT JUST TANKED MY STOCKS! WHO WROTE THIS?!>

-elsewhere-

Daisy: "Yes, your check is in the mail. ...Yes, he's happy to support thriving young reporters. Let us know what other dirt you dig up. Yes...Goodbye." *hangs up*

Fitzgerald: *sips his drink*

-elsewhere-

Vulcan: *on bat incom* "Target spotted, exiting clothing store...He's going into--?! A toy store? Huh. Must be getting new action figures..."

karin: hmm.

Iris: *inhale* "Okay...I can do this..." *swaggers into the store* "Yo, boss. I'm here for the new mad fresh figurines to power up my game system, bro!"

Hyde: ._.;

Viktor: "Excuse me, sir? Do you sell dolls? Like, for little girls?"

Iris: *whispers into incom* "Oh, that's nice--Viktor is buying dolls!"

karin: ?? *imagining--* D8 (now now, be rational, maybe he has a relative?)

Viktor: "And candy. Little girls like candy, right? How much could I fit into my mode of transportation of just candy?"

Hyde: O_____O "...This isn't a white van, is it...?" *reaching under the desk for the 'police' button...*

Iris: "YO, MAC, JUST ANSWER THE MAN'S QUESTION! THIS IS SIMPLE CALCULUS, YOU DIG?!"

karin: D8 !!!! (SON OF A FUCKING FUCK!!)

Vulcan: "...I'm going to fucking cut his balls off."

Viktor: *spots someone outside the shop* "!!!" *waves at her*

misora: *walking along in a rather cute dress* hello~<3

Vulcan: O_________________O

karin: isnt she from squad 0?

Iris: "???" ("Oh, Misora's here, too! How nice.") ^^

Vulcan: *whispers* "Yeah, with a creepy little-girl idol fixation! This is sick!"

Viktor: "Hi! I'm almost done. Anything else I should get you?"

karin: YOU!

Viktor: OwO "...Um, me?"

karin: so this is your little secret, huh?

Hyde: *pressing the button frantically* "Why is nothing happening?! Wait--this isn't even connected?!!"

Viktor: OwO;;; "Secret? What secret? I have no idea what you mean...HA HA HA?"

misora: OwO;;;;;;;;

Iris: "We know exactly what you're up to! ..." *whispers* "What are they up to?"

Vulcan: -_- "This is sick. You are nasty, Viktor..."

karin: viktor licht, misora hina, you two.....HAVE SOME CREEPY SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP DONT YOU?!

misora: ......

Iris: "... ... ..." *brains snaps* D8

Viktor: "...If I say 'yes,' is that better or worse than the alternative?"

misora: ...............*LAUGHING OUT LOUD* AHAHAHAHAHAHAH!! AS IF! LIKE I'D EVER WANT A CREEPY LOSER LIKE HIM! AHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Viktor: QwQ "Ha ha ha...No. I'm shopping for my baby cousin, and Misora offered to help deliver while I get back to work." TwT;

karin:....*raises a brow*

Iris: "Oh, well, you're always visiting your family, so this checks out. Good day!" *turns--*

Vulcan: *grabs her by the sleeve* "Why the big secret, you two?"

misora: as it so happens, his cousin is my manager! ^^

Vulcan: "And this never came up why...?"

Viktor: "I don't like to brag. I got where I am without nepotism..." ^^;

misora: =3= and besides, no one ever asked!

Iris: "Oh, I'm sorry for not asking! So, what's your manager like?"

misora: very busy, i actually have to meet up with him now, so bye bye~ *exits*

Viktor: *empty handed* QwQ "...This is mortifying."

Hyde: "And you owe me $141.67 for the stuff. And I'm calling the cops on all of you..."

karin: ._.;;;

Viktor: "OH, LIKE KIDS SHOP AT TOY STORES ANYMORE! IT'S JUST OLD PEOPLE!"

Walter: "..." *punches Viktor in the jaw*

karin: *grabs him by the arm and runs* BAIL! FUCKIN BAIL!

Viktor: XwX

Hyde: "GET BACK WITH MY MONEY!"

Iris: *praying* "Forgive me for what I've done--"

Vulcan: *picks up Iris, runs*

-elsewhere-

miyuri: *following chuuya*

Chuuya: "Darn--dead end...Miyuri, you got markers or string or something?"

miyuri: *shakes head*....miyuri's sorry.

Chuuya: "Hey, it's okay..." *rubs her head* "These things happen. It's like Theseus and the Minotaur...only no Minotaur."

miyuri: miyuri didnt mean to get us lost *sniff* i...*hic* i was only t-trying to-

Chuuya: "..." *hug* "It's okay. You'll learn from this. And we get to make this a game."

miyuri: a game? *shiny eyes*

Chuuya: ^^; "Sure! Mazes can be games. We can even make up sayings or songs to follow our path..."

miyuri: yay! ^o^

Chuuya: *stands up, takes her hand* "Now, let's count the steps to the corner...1, 2..."

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: *sitting in the motorcycle side-car with a helmet* "Where are we going?"

naoya: just out for a drive. and maybe to do some shopping to get you some new digs.

Akutagawa: "..." *nods* "I'll need a new jacket, too..."

naoya: that's what i meant by 'digs'.

Akutagawa: ._.; "...I know. I was...just emphasizing..."

naoya: well, let's get a move on then.

-elsewhere-

Asako: *frowning...petting Goldie*

goldie: ^w^

Asako: *small smile* *picks up Goldie into her lap* "Keep me company while I review the hospital records?"

goldie: *bark* ^^

Asako: *smiles...then turns back to file* "Okay...Admitted after the Slums attack...Now at Haijima..." *sighs* "What are they doing..."

-elsewhere-

Yumi: "Okay, Christa--which one do you want?" *holds out donuts*

christa: that one!

Yumi: "Good choice..." *hands her the one with sprinkles* "Careful not to drop them..."

christa: ok!

Yumi: *picks up Shiori* "Want one, Shiori?"

shiori: ah.

Yumi: "Let's try a donut hole--don't swallow it all at once..."

-elsewhere-

Rin: "Hey, you two--how was the slumber party?"

shiemi: it was fun.

Izumo: >_>; "...It was nice. Educational. Lovely garden..."

Shima: *opens his mouth--*

Izumo: *slams his head face-first into the desk*

Rin: O.O; "..." *sniffs* "Ugh! What's that stench?!"

shiemi: ??

Bon: =_= "Hey..."

Izumo: *covers her nose* "Good lord!"

konekomaru: bon! are you alright?!

Bon: "I've been researching for days...No sleep...Little food..."

Rin: *holds his nose* "No soap, no water..."

konekomaru: (he almost rivals the queen of stink...)

Izumo: "GO TO THE SHOWER!"

Shima: *opens his mouth--*

Bon: *slams his head face-first into the desk* "I know..."

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: "...Vampires? ..." *takes off his glasses, rubs his eyes* "You have to be kidding me..."

atsushi: weirder things have happened.

Kunikida: "Weird, yes. But usually within our knowledge set--"

Dazai: =w= *listening to his headphones*

Kunikida: "...Most of our knowledge set." *hands a book to Atsushi* "Read it on your way to Naomi's informant."

atsushi: um...ok? *looks*

*It's a book titles 'Vampyr'*

atsushi: hmm...

Kyoka: "We'll also be checking the arcade mentioned..."

-elsewhere-

hyakuya: why do we have to do these tests again?

shinoa: to refresh our knowledge.

Kimizuki: "You gonna complain the entire time?"

hyakuya: =~=

Kimizuki: "We'll get through this more quickly if everyone is prepared."

hyakuya: =~= fiiine.

Mitsuba: "So try to remember the terms..."

Guren: "Okay, okay, settle down and take your seats. You'll need a number 2 pencil, closed book, no notes, cell phones under your table, spit out any gum--"

hyakuya: =,= *looks out the window*.... (huh, brings back memories....)

{hyakuya: *looking out the window, tapping her foot in annoyance*}

{*tap tap*}

{hyakuya: *looks back* ??}

{*a girl holds up a notepad with a message: "Hello. I am Shinoa. I will be your handler."}

{hyakuya: ??? (handler?)}

{Shinoa: *notepad: "Cooperate, or I will report you for additional punishment."*}

{hyakuya: D8}

{-...-}

{hyakuya: =~= what the hell is your deal anyway?}

{Shinoa: "I was told how vampires killed your family, that you were abandoned, lost...So, you're afraid to make friends." *smiles* "So how about some ice cream, champ~?"}

{hyakuya: ...what do you _really_ want from me?}

{Shinoa: *sighs* "The lieutenant colonel wants you to read this message." *hands her a paper*}

{hyakuya: of course he does.... *looks*}

{Note: "The army has no use for some shut-in who doesn't know about the value of cooperation within a military system. Usually, such cooperation starts when you make friends in school. But since you're at the obvious disadvantage due to arrested development and slow maturation, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to make a friend--and introduce them to me. And a real friend, not someone you pay, bribe, or do anything else to fake it. Granted, I think you're not going to go through with this, so, enjoy being a failure."}

{hyakuya: WHY THAT MOTHER-....*siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh* i dont have a choice in this, do i?}

{Shinoa: *shakes her head--*}

{*THUD*}

{hyakuya: ?! *turns*}

{*a student is knocked through the door to the floor*}

{Student: "P-Please...Don't--"}

{hyakuya: ??!!!}

{Bully: "Don't what? I was just asking to borrow some cash, that's all--" *STOMP*}

{Student: "OW!"}

{hyakuya: hey! what the heck are you doing?!}

{Bully: "?! Bitch, mind your own business! Unless you want something else from me..." *puts a foot on top of the Student's head*}

{hyakuya: actually yes, i want you to stop doing that to the poor kid.}

{Bully: "Then I think you'll need to convince me~"}

{hyakuya: ok ^^ *PUNCH*}

{Bully: X_X *knocked down*}

{Shinoa: "...Oh, that's bad news...I forgot to mention..."}

{hyakuya: yeah! that's what you get for being an asshole, shit for brains! *looks at the student* hey, you ok?}

{Student: Q_Q "I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to get you involved in this!"}

{hyakuya: it's fine. that prick was asking for it anyway. i swear, there's some really annoying assholes in this place. *helps him up* you seem ok, though.}

{Student: "Aside from the head injury. Ha ha ha...But seriously, no, that really hurt..." TwT }

{hyakuya: jeez...come on, let's get to the nurse...what's your name, kid?}

{Student: "Yoichi."}

{hyakuya: got it. 'name's akane.}

{Yoichi: ^^}

{Shinoa: "And that adds more punishment to your account."}

{hyakuya: 0_0 well shit.}

{Shinoa: " 'Well shit' indeed." *smiles*}

{Yoichi: "...Is she your friend, or punishment?"}

{hyakuya: at this point, im going to go with yes.}

{Yoichi: " 'Kay...So...You're another student here? Are you hoping to join the military?"}

{hyakuya: pretty much. i want to fight vamps as soon as possible.}

{Yoichi: "..." *nods* "Yeah, same..."}

{hyakuya:...say, shinoa and i were gonna get ice cream, you...wanna come with?}

{Yoichi: "Oh! Um...Yes! Thank you!"}

{Shinoa: "Hang on--I didn't say I'm paying for 3!"}

???: akane!

hyakuya: !!! im paying attention!

Shinoa: "Really? What was just said?"

hyakuya:.... ._.;;;;

Guren: -_-; "That'll be a punishment later."

hyakuya: ... *grumbles*

mitsuba: *facepalm*

Yoichi: ^^;

Kimizuki: "How embarrassing..."

hyakuya: get stuffed, kimizuki.

Kimizuki: "Pay attention in class instead of zoning out! You'll get yourself killed like that!"

hyakuya: >Xp

mitsuba: so immature...

Guren: *chops* "Enough, both of you."

-elsewhere-

naho: well, this is the place!

atsushi: looks kind of shady....

Kyoka: "Like something Dazai would go to..."

sylvia: *gulps*

Ranpo: "There's nothing to fear once you understand it! And I understand the rules of the Agency--NEWBIE OPENS THE DOOR TO SCARY PLACES FIRST!"

Lucy: -.- "Wimp..." *moves to the door--*

*the door blasts open*

atsushi: !!!

*a tall man exits*

atsushi: *notices something in the man's hand* ._________.

Tall Man: "Mikuni! I found the secret ingredient for the best banana split ever! I'm just going to need to behead your dolly!"

sylvia: *SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER*

*The Tall Man is holding a decapitated head*

Lucy: "?!!! YOU MONSTER!" *punches him in the jaw*

*The Tall Man is down--KO!*

metsu: ._. *sweatdrop*

atsushi: D8

Lucy: "WHAT HAVE I TOLD PEOPLE LIKE YOU ABOUT HARMING INNOCENT DOLLS?!"

metsu: um....welcome to the shop?

Ranpo: *peeks* "Oh, soda! Excuse me--investigation in progress. I'll need to inspect these--all of these--" *piling them into his arms*

metsu: um... ._.;;

atsushi: *steps in* um....i-is the owner here?

Lucy: *dragging Johannes by his ankles* "I'M NOT DONE WITH THIS ONE YET! HE HAS INFORMATION!" *pulls him into the backroom, as punches are heard*

metsu: at the moment, no. he should be here in about 25 minutes. would you like some tea and cake in the meantime?

Ranpo: "Yes, please."

Kyoka: *nods*

-and so-

atsushi: thanks for the food! ^^

metsu: so, you're investigating vampire attacks, you say?

Kyoka: *mouth stuffed* *nods*

Ranpo: "We found blood splatters consistent with most vampire attacks, along with a few other clues that indicate itinerant individuals who travel around seeking new victims."

metsu: what a coincidence, our boss actually went out to investigate as well.

Kyoka: *muffled* "Oh? How long has he investigated these kinds of things?"

metsu: it's one of the businesses he offers here. we do research on the supernatural, particularly vampires.

Ranpo: "Then this should be the best place! We can't wait to meet him!"

-the door opens-

Lucy: *exits the backroom* >_< *sits...angry cake nom*

metsu: speak of the devil- here he is now.

atsushi: *looks*

Mikuni: *enters* "Hello, Metsu! I see the business is still standing and--Oh, we even have customers! Excellent! Howdy!"

sylvia: ._.;;;

Ranpo: *waves* "Hello, proprietor!"

Lucy: "...Oh!"

Mikuni: "...Hey! You!"

atsushi: oh, you know him?

Lucy: *nods* "We bonded over a common appreciation in the fine art of dolls."

atsushi: (wait, i think i might have been here once before myself...)

Mikuni: "HIGH FIVE!"

Lucy: *high five*

Johannes: *his head pops out of the backroom* "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, HELP ME!"

sylvia: eep! *hides behind kyouka*

Kyoka: "It's okay--the bad man will be taken care of in good time." *hands a taser to Mikuni*

Mikuni: "..." QwQ "Yay! New friends!"

Ranpo: "But first, we had some questions about your recent vampire investigation--...Huh. You look familiar to me, too. I think Poe mentioned you--"

Mikuni: "... ... ..." *slow head turn, voice changes* "Who did you say...?"

atsushi: miss metsu, more tea please? ^^;;;;

Mikuni: *inhale* "NO SWEETS FOR THIS CAPE-WEARING TRAITOR!"

Ranpo: D:<

metsu: *chop* dont be rude to customers, sir.

Mikuni: T~T "He's going to hurt me again..."

atsushi: ??

-elsewhere-

Poe: *reading the newspaper* "... ... ...!!! Karl! Hand me the telephone!"

karl: *chitter*

Poe: *dials* "...Yes? I am interested in more information about the recent vampire attacks. ... No, I am not a crank caller. ... Criminal record? ...Uuuuuum..." *hangs up* .____.;

karl: *chitter*

Poe: "I think maybe I need a new plan...I'll ask Rowena."

-elsewhere-

Minoura: *sets down the cup of water* "Here."

bram: -~- sir...how many times do i have to tell you? i'm _not_ a vampire- *VOMITS BLOOD*....*cough* s-sorry....

Minoura: -_- "We'll need to decontaminate later...If you're not a vampire, what's with the blood?"

bram: it's my ability! plus im sickly.

Minoura: "And your ability is...?"

bram: creation and manipulation of blood, but that doesnt make me a vampire!

Minoura: "I think that's what a vampire would say...Let's administer the tests..." *picks up the cup of water--and tosses it into Bram's face*

bram: >~< why would you do that?!

Minoura: "It's holy water. Are you melting yet?"

bram: NO! i'm just wet! im probably going to get a cold now...

Minoura: *sighs* *presses a button on the intercom* "Bring the silver washcloth."

bram: is it just silver in color, or made of silver? if it's the latter that's highly useless in cleaning or drying!

Minoura: "Hey! I'm the one trying to test this out every which way I can, even if that means force-feeding you garlic!"

Bram: TT~TT im going to die for sure…

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: .____.

Takehisa: *facepalm*

Vulcan: >_>; "So, yeah...We may be criminals now."

Iris: T~T

shinra: technically it's your _disguises_ that are the criminals.

Akitaru: "I'll handle this--not the first time someone here broke the law."

Iris: "I didn't even realize Viktor's cousin was in music..."

-elsewhere-

Joker: "How you like the new dress, Nana?"

nana: *look of seething, unbridled hatred and fury*

Joker: "...So, yes?"

nana: you think this is some kind of sick game? WHO WEARS SOMETHING SO FRILLY AND STUPID LOOKING?!

misora: =3= rude.

Joker: "I agree. Your Uncle Viktor and Aunt Misora went to a lot of work to get you that dress. Do you think dresses grow on trees?"

scarlet: technically, depending on what material the dress is made of, if it's cotton, then it does come from a plant.

Joker: "Please don't upset my metaphor in front of the child, darling."

scarlet: just keeping things in perspective. also dont call me that unless you seriously want to get punched out a fucking window.

Joker: "..." *shrugs* "Maybe later. Also, language in front of the kid. Now, Nana, if you keep the dress on today, you'll get to play with your new dolly!"

nana: *excalibur face* (what did i do to deserve this?)

Joker: "Look, we're trying our best. What do you want to play?"

nana: can i go back to bed now?

Joker: "...But it's afternoon..."

nana: whatever! im going to bed anyway!

Joker: "..." Q_X *humming* " 'When you coming home, kid--I don't know when...'"

scarlet: *concerned look*

-elsewhere-

Kuro: =_= " 'Hello. We are selling baked goods to help support our school and charities. Would you like a free sample?' *forced smile*

suzuhara: um...thanks?

Kuro: "You're welcome...Our strawberry cupcakes are quite affordable..." *yawns*

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "--So Theseus would mark where he went to know where not to go back..."

miyuri: ooooh! ....!!! miyuri sees something!

-it's the exit-

Chuuya: "Oh, good!" *follows*

-successful escape!-

-the lines return to the page-

Chuuya: =w= "That's good..." *collapses onto his back*

-the door opens-

sonia: im home....

Chuuya: =w= "Zzz..."

miyuri: *looks* sonia? whats that on your cheek?

Chuuya: *yawns, sits up* "...?!"

-sonia seems to have a bruise on the left side of her face and has trash on her and her schoolbag-

Chuuya: "What happened? Who did this?!"

sonia:....it's nothing...im going to go to bed now....

Chuuya: "Sonia, this is not nothing--you were attacked?"

sonia:....i think my classmates might hate me.

Chuuya: "..." *hug*

sonia: ......

Chuuya: "It's okay...It's going to be okay, Sonia."

miyuri: ??

Chuuya: *strokes her head* "Come on--let's get you cleaned and patched up..."

sonia:....ok....

-elsewhere-

Villefort: *staring at brochures* <Okay, so they'll be buried with...with her. I am confirming dates for the church...>

valentine: ......

Villefort: <...I think it would be good for you to say something at the memorial...>

valentine:....<o-ok...>

Villefort: <...> *nods* <I can take care of this initial reservation. How about you go out...>

valentine:...*nods*....*checks phone*

*no calls or texts from Francesca...*

valentine:....*sigh*

-elsewhere-

Cervantes: *in disguise--as best as he can--walking to a pharmacy...*

pharmacist: <can i help you?>

Cervantes: <Hello. What would you recommend for a friend with a fever?>

pharmacist: *checks a book*

Cervantes: *looks around, picks out some candy...looks out the window...*

dulcenia: *exiting a shop. seems she's off duty*

Cervantes: OwO *steps outside, waves*

dulcenia: ??

Cervantes: <Hello! How are you?>

dulcenia: <im fine? and you are?>

Cervantes: <Me! You know! Your favorite father!>

dulcenia: .....*confused look*

Cervantes: ^w^; <May I bless you?> *starts imitating complicated signs--before somehow getting his arm stuck behind his head*

dulcenia:.....(what the fresh fuck?)

Cervantes: <I know it is not proper for a man--*GRUNTS*--of the cloth to say this, but--*GROANS*--you seem like a very kind, sweet lady with pretty eyes. Care to split a candy bar~?>

dulcenia: ...*blink*

Cervantes: <You strike me as a connoisseur. Proprietor! Your finest Three Musketeers candy bar!>

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "...Feel better?"

sonia: ...*small nod*

Chuuya: "Okay...Hungry? We can make dinner or just something small..."

sonia:...im not hungry...

Chuuya: "...Alright...You know you can tell me if something is wrong."

sonia:....can i stay home tomorrow?

Chuuya: *nods* "Sure."

miyuri: *peeks in*

Chuuya: "Want to watch a movie?"

sonia:...*hides under the covers*

miyuri: papa? is sonia ok?

Chuuya: "...She will need some time to rest."

-elsewhere-

Lucy: "I hope this information is helpful..." *brushing a doll's hair*

Mikuni: ^w^ "I think so~"

atsushi: anything we should know about these vampires?

Mikuni: "There are others who are also hunting them, so be careful not to get in their way...Also, there are some vampires that take the form of animals, so I'd be suspicious of them."

atsushi:... >->

*knock knock*

atsushi: YEEP!

*the door's bell jingles as it's opened*

atsushi: oh, poe, rowena, fancy seeing you guys here.

Lucy: "Hi!" *smiles*

Mikuni: Q___Q;;;;

rowena: hello mikuni ^////^ is johannes in?

Poe: *frightening stare*

Mikuni: O_____O;;;; "I think Lucy knocked him unconscious and dragged him into the back..."

Lucy: *proud nod*

rowena: oh no!

Poe: "Perhaps some smelling salts would work..." *towers over Mikuni, who falls deeper into his seat*

Mikuni: "A-Allow me!" *runs into the back--slapping sounds are heard*

Johannes: "AH! THE CATFISHES ARE SLAPPING ME AGAIN!"

atsushi: ._.;

Lucy: ._.; "...Edgar? What did you do to that poor man?"

Poe: "Nothing...yet."

rowena: ^^;

Johannes: *walking stiffly into the shop, his face full of hand-marks* "Greetings, happy paranormal investigators! How may I help you?"

-atsushi and rowena explain-

Johannes: "I see...Well, there is one thing you must do before you head out."

atsushi: what's that?

Johannes: "You've heard the old stories how vampires can't see their reflection in the mirror, making them easy to sneak around right behind you..." *walks behind Atsushi and Rowena* "Worrisome, isn't it..."

atsushi: *SCREAMS*

Lucy: >_O *covering her ears*

sylvia: eep! *hides*

Johannes: "Unlike the vampire...you must not lose sight of yourself in the mirror!" *seizes Atsushi and Rowena, his hands cupping their foreheads*

atsushi:....right.

rowena: *nods*

Johannes: *smiles* "And to help you..." *pulls back his hands* "TAH-DAH!"

*he's put something on them...their foreheads say 'IHSUSTA' and 'ANEWOR'...except he put each one onto the wrong person...*

atsushi:....what the heck..

rowena: ._.;

Johannes: OwO; "...See, I once did this to some guy by shoving him into his cat's brain, but I had to draw onto his forehead his name backwards so he could--You know what, you had to be there."

Poe: Q_____Q "...A cat?"

atsushi:.....eh, i'll take it.

Lucy: ^^; "In any case, aside from mirrors and name recognition, we may need more help than just knowledge..."

Mikuni: "Hence why not to get in the way of the vampire experts...Although..."

atsushi: ??

Mikuni: "Hang on--let me whip my snake out..."

atsushi: NO NEED TO DO THAT HERE!

Lucy: "EEEK!" *covers her eyes*

Poe: "Pervert!" *slaps Mikuni*

Mikuni: *KOed*

*a snake pops up behind Rowena*

rowena: oh!

ranpo: dang poe! i didnt think you had it in ya. im impressed.

Poe: -^- "Hmph. I will not tolerate improper men...Now, could someone please get me ice for my wrist!" T~T

Snake: "...Hi."

atsushi: aaand it talks.

Lucy: ._.;

Snake: "Yes. Hi. I'm Jeje."

atsushi: nice to meet you.

Jeje: "Same. And the guy on the floor is my, um, handler."

-elsewhere-

miyuri: *sniff sniff* mmm smells yummy!

Chuuya: "I hope so--Sonia likes it."

miyuri: *nods* are we gonna take some of it up to her?

Chuuya: "I think so--it might help her appetite..."

-phone rings-

Chuuya: "??? Miyuri, keep an eye on it?"

miyuri: ok!

Chuuya: *answers* "Hello?"

teacher: yes, is this mr nakahara?

Chuuya: "Oh, good. You're calling to schedule?" *looking through a calendar...*

teacher: yes, it's this weekend.

Chuuya: "Okay, I'm available around 11 Saturday?"

teacher: excellent!

Chuuya: "I'll have to watch Sonia's sister that day, too."

teacher: well im sure we'd love to meet her!

Chuuya: "Thank you. We'll see you this Saturday."

miyuri: it looks ready, papa!

Chuuya: "?! Sorry, we're making dinner, I have to hang up. Goodbye!"

sonia:....*pokes her head out of her room*

Chuuya: *plating the food, then setting it onto a tray* "Miyuri, can you pour a glass of water?"

miyuri: ok!

Chuuya: *scoops out pasta onto a plate...*

sonia:....*gingerly walks over, wearing a blanket around her*

Chuuya: *smiles* "Hi, Sonia."

sonia: *nods and sits at the dinner table*

Chuuya: *smiles* "Want some cheese or tomato sauce?"

sonia: ...cheese....

Chuuya: "You got it..." *dusts a bit of cheese onto the pasta* "Dig in."

sonia: *nom*

Chuuya: "...Hey, want to do something this weekend?"

sonia: like what?

Chuuya: "Well...Would you like to visit your grandmother while I go to a parent-teacher conference?"

sonia:....i'll go to.

Chuuya: "You're okay to do so?"

sonia: i probably should...

Chuuya: "Okay...Miyuri, you can go with Grandma if you want."

miyuri: miyuri wants to see school!

Chuuya: ^^; "Okay, you can come, too--if you'll stay with Sonia."

miyuri: *nods*

Chuuya: "Great..." *sets plates for himself and Miyuri* "Let's eat..."

miyuri: *nom* mmmm! yummy!

Chuuya: "That's good--try some of the sauce."

miyuri: *slurp*

Chuuya: ^^ *slurp*

-elsewhere-

Kimizuki: "That was an informative lesson."

hyakuya: *reviewing notes* =3= ok, ''beast virus', a rare disease that mutates living things into vicious mutants. it's effects on humans remains as of yet, unknown.'

Kimizuki: "Yes, that is what it is..."

hyakuya: ...do you think that's what has your sister sick?

Kimizuki: "..." *sighs* "I don't know." *holds his head, stares at his notes*

hyakuya:....just a thought...

Kimizuki: "I know. It's been a thought I've had. But we don't know the effects the virus has on humans, now do we?"

hyakuya: well, you did say the doctors werent able to determine what's causing her sickness.

Kimizuki: "I know, okay? Could you... *sighs* Could we talk about something else?"

hyakuya: alright fine.....is that your natural hair? *smug grin*

Kimizuki: >_<# "Ha ha. Do you practice that scary face, or is natural?"

hyakuya: >XP

Kimizuki: "How immature..." *sticks out his tongue, pulls down his under-eyelids*

shinoa: ....when's the baby due?

hyakuya: AS IF!

Kimizuki: "Never!" *slams his book shut--onto his hand* "..." Q_____Q

shinoa: suuure. ^^

Mitsuba: "Is this a private conversation, or can anyone join in with critical remarks about how far behind Hyakuya is on her studies?"

hyakuya: what is this, pick on akane hour?

Yoichi: "I just wanted to fit in." Q_Q

hyakuya: *hug* i am so sorry i didnt mean to upset you you precious bean.

Yoichi: T~T "I'm sorry, too." *hug*

Kimizuki: "..." >_>;

Yoichi: "Let's have ice cream--with sprinkles and chocolate syrup!" TwT;

yumikage: *sips drink* look at them, enjoying their youths as best they can. brings back memories

Tsurugi: *whispers to Yumikage* "You're not young anymore, old man..."

yumikage: you wanna go? -_-#

-elsewhere-

marquis: *knocks* dumas? feeling better yet?

Dumas: *turned over in bed*

marquis: im making pudding~

Dumas: =~= "Pudding doesn't help..."

count: <so you miscalculated, so what?>

Dumas: <...I was nothing more than an 'acceptable loss,' 'collateral damage.' I lost 6 years of my life...and just killed 2 people.>

count: *chop* <oh stop your moping. beethoven didnt create his masterpieces by moping about his deafness. human beings are unpredictable, that's part of how we are.>

Dumas: "..." *chops her on the head* <Music is not killing people! What is your problem?!>

count: <im putting things into perspective! what's _your_ problem?>

Dumas: <I'm not interested in killing other people on this task--just the ones who ruined my life! Don't you get that?!!>

count: *sigh* <look, the world can be an unforgiving place sometimes. in some circumstances, you have to do some shitty things. 'sides, it's not like _you_ killed them directly, it was that crazy old hag that did it. if anything, blame her for fucking up and being an asshat>

Dumas: <...> *nods* <She will pay for this...>

-morning-

Katai: *yawns* =w= ("What good sleep...") *turns in bed*

blair: *snuggling him to her chest*

Katai: "?!" *opens his eyes* O\\\\\\\\\o; *small muffle*

blair: *yaaawn* morning~<3

Katai: .\\\\\\\. "...Hi? Um...What?"

blair: ~? want some waffles?

Katai: "...Yes. So much yes."

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: *staring at Mii*

mii: *snoozing* *cat yawn*

Kyoka: "...Maybe Mii is a vampire cat."

atsushi: hmm...nah.

Kyoka: "Just a thought." *pours tea for Atsushi* "We have the arcades to check."

atsushi: right.

-elsewhere-

liz: *checking grocery list*

Patty: *grabbing apples* "What else?"

liz: we need more milk.

Patty: " 'Kay! And chocolate syrup?"

liz: yep

Patty: "I think the kids deserve something..." *holds up cereal*

liz: *nods*

Patty: "Cool!" *dumps an entire shelf into the cart*

liz: ._.

Patty: "Now for the rest! Wes ask for anything?"

-elsewhere-

Yumi: *pours a glass of orange juice* "Here you go."

shiori: ^o^ thank you mama

Yumi: "You're welcome, sweetie. Kirika, donut?"

kirika: bacon please.

Yumi: "Okay." *serves some* "What are your plans today?"

kirika: *shrug* might just check out the arcade or somethin'

Yumi: "Okay--be safe out there, and call if you're going to be late for dinner."

kirika: i got'cha.

Yumi: *nods* "Well, Liz and Patty are still out. Have you seen Kid?"

kirika: out back.

Kid: *watering flowers in the backyard* "Hey, there, little ones. Ready for the new day?"

-elsewhere-

Cervantes: =w= *swaying with glee...*

benedetto: ???? <is he ok?>

Dumas: =_= <He probably did something stupid--ignore him...> *shoves a waffle into his mouth--then guzzles pancake syrup straight from the bottle*

benedetto: ._.

Cervantes: <The world is such a shinier color! If I could make a crayon of it, I would name it...'Love'!>

benedetto: ._.;;;;

*Dumas is giving off a dark aura while Cervantes gives off a light aura...They are stuck in their moods*

count: *DOUBLE SLAP* <PAY ATTENTION YOU FOOLS!>

Dumas: "OW!" <WHAT THE FUCK?!>

Cervantes: *shakes his head* <Sorry--what did I miss? Lunch?>

count: <you three are here for a reason, are you not?>

Cervantes: <Right! To help our friend get vengeance on his enemies--and avoid the plant woman from hurting us! And maybe having coffee with the pretty police officer...>

Dumas: =_= *grumbles* <Fine. My next disguise will be the smelly sad man. Happy, you recalcitrant jackass. Ugh. I'll go review Danglars's stock prices falling and see him. Boy, put on the dress.>

benedetto: =3= <i have a name you know.>

Dumas: <...'Andrea.'>

benedetto: =_=#

-elsewhere-

edouard: <valentine?>

Valentine: *lying in bed* "..."

edouard: <i snuck a muffin up for you.>

Valentine: "..." <Thanks. Leave it on the nightstand, please.>

edouard:....

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: "Thank you for coming with us, Kenji."

kenji: anytime. ^^

Lucy: *checking the map on her phone* "Chinom is around the corner..."

atsushi: *looks*

*the arcade looks spooky--appropriate for Death City, with some coffins along the exterior and bats on the facade*

sylvia: ....

Lucy: -_-; "Gee, this totally doesn't look like a vampire den at all..."

kenji: it looks nice. ^^

Lucy: "?!!"

atsushi: *steps forward*

*inside are a few teenagers playing games*

Ranpo: "Hmm...Pale people inside who look like they've never seen the outside...Eyes tired as if they are not used to sunlight and daytime hours...I can't tell whether they are gamers or vampires...Oh well!" *pulls out a pouch of quarters* "I'm hitting up Donkey Kong..."

sylvia: .~.

Kyoka: "How shall we speak to the manager? Explain our interest, or pass ourselves as customers?"

atsushi: maybe just look around for now.

Kyoka: *nods...looks at the black lights inside* "Hmm...With the right posters, this would not be bad for the apartment."

Gamer: *playing Tetris...looks back at them...*

kenji: *humming*

Lucy: "Well, if we're playing, who's up for air hockey?"

???: *whispering to Kenji* "Hey. Hey, you, buddy?"

kenji: ??

*someone in baggy clothes and messy hair smiles at Kenji*

???: "You're here 'cause you like games, right?"

kenji: i guess so.

???: "You ever play virtual reality games? They're the latest thing we got in stock."

kenji: oooh, i've heard about those!

???: "They're really neat! I'm testing out the newest one from the manufacturer--real big city operation, first of its kind, hardly anyone has tried it. You should take a crack at it..."

kenji: how much?

???: "For you? If you help me test it out, I'll make it free..."

kenji: wow golly! thanks!

???: *smiles, showing shiny teeth* "No, thank you..." *leads Kenji to the storeroom...*

sylvia: *looking around, nervous*

Kyoka: "Want to try skeeball?"

sylvia: o-ok...

*there's a small child near them, clubbing the whack-a-mole really hard with the mallet while cackling*

sylvia: .~.;;;;;;

*in the food court, someone has dumped too much ketchup onto their fries, as they dig in voraciously*

*someone in a hoodie plays Space Invaders near the air hockey table*

Lucy: "KAH!" *knocks the puck*

Hoodie: =_= ("Too loud...")

atsushi: *bumps into someone* oh, so sorry-

???: whatever...

Ranpo: "Hey! This thing is busted!" *slams a fist against the side of the cabinet*

Employee: ^^; "Sir, please do not hit the machine..."

kenji: ^3^~♫

Manager: "Now, just have a seat...I'm going to secure you into the chair..." *lowers the VR headset onto Kenji*

kenji: oooh, neato.

Manager: *secures straps on Kenji's wrists and ankles* "This will keep you in place when you use the foot and hand controls on your vehicle..." *chuckling to themselves as they look at Kenji's neck...*

kenji: feels kinda tight.

Manager: "It's for your safety...I'm going to start the game..."

kenji: ok!

*the VR headset blinks on, showing a road passing through a peaceful field*

kenji: ooooh.

Manager: "Lightly tap your left foot for gas, and use your hands to turn the wheel..."

kenji: ok, like this?

*the vehicle starts moving along the road*

Manager: "There! What a pro..." *licks their lips, looking at Kenji's neck* ("Scrawny, but that neck looks to be full of it...") "You must play a lot of these games back home..."

kenji: not often.

Manager: *leans in* "I wouldn't know it from seeing you in action..."

*in the game, a cow blocks the vehicle*

kenji: *hits the breaks*

Manager: "?! What?"

VR Cow: O_O "...Moo..." *leans down its head to Kenji, as if it wanted to be petted*

kenji: there was a cow! i have to let them pass through...aww, nice cow! *pet pet*

*Kenji's "petting" breaks the restraint--and punched the Manager through the wall*

kenji: ^^

Manager: *tossed into the arcade, crashing atop the air hockey table*

sylvia: EEP! >~<

Lucy: "?!!! You jerk! You owe me a quarter!" *tosses the puck at the Manager's head*

Employee: D:< "Oh, come on!"

atsushi: ?!

*the Manager has some...sharp teeth*

atsushi: !!!!! um....guys?

Lucy: O_____O;; "Now, let's not jump to conclusions...Maybe they're just a weapon! Plenty of weapons have sharp...teeth..."

Customer: "...Well, cover's blown..." *grabs Atsushi by the shoulder--and bites into his neck*

atsushi: *yells out in pain*

Lucy: "Atsushi!" *picks up billiard stick, breaks it into the Customer's face*

atsushi: t-thanks. *tiger arms*

Customer: "GAH! FUCK!" *crashes into Space Invaders, pulling the plug on it*

Hoodie: "... ... ..." *sighs*

Employee: "You idiots! I'll show you how it's done--" *grabs Ranpo by the sleeve* "Come here, you!"

Ranpo: "??!" *smashes his roll of quarters into the Employee's eye*

Employee: "GAH!"

*vampires chase Sylvia*

???: *pulls out a pistol and shoots the vampires point blank*

sylvia: *ducks* *scream*

Ranpo: "...Nice aim!"

???: thanks.

Kyoka: *using Demon Snow, it's light scaring away vampires*

Ranpo: "And now for you!" *grabs Hoodie* "I've seen you here, and I know who you are!"

Hoodie: "...I just wanted some time away. 'Go out and have fun,' she said...I'm tired now..." *walks up to a vampire*

Ranpo: *smirks*

Vampire: *yells in Hoodie's face*

Hoodie: "..." *a tonfa pops out of their sleeve*

Vampire: "?!"

*POW*

Asher: =_= "I should've stayed home..."

Lucy: O_O; "...Vampires have tonfa?"

Ranpo: "They're a weapon, stupid."

Lucy: *GLARE*

atsushi: actually, i think that person goes to our school.

Asher: "First plant monsters, now vampires...I'm going to lie down in the back for a bit..."

kenji: hehe ^^

Asher: "...Weird." *sits in the manager's chair...* "Zzz..."

atsushi: is that all of them?

Manager: *sits up* "YOU STUPID LITTLE MEAT-BAGS! JUST DIE AND LET US FEAST ON YOUR BLOOD! I--"

sylvia: *throws something at them*

Manager: *KO'ed by a Rubix cube from the prize booth*

Kyoka: "Good work, Sylvia."

sylvia: t-thank you...

Employee: O_X; *tries to sneak out the front door--*

-BANG-

Employee: *SCREAMS, falls forward* "I-I'm sorry! Don't kill me!"

???: alright. i'll give you till tonight to leave this place.

Ranpo: "Before we even find out who they were working for? No way this operation was just these idiots..."

Employee: "I'll leave! I'll leave!"

???: good.

Lucy: *looks at the company name* "Chinom..." *wipes something off the counter--revealing "CHINOMIYAKO"* "???"

???: hmm...

Kyoka: "??? 'Chi No Miyako'? 'Blood City'?"

Ranpo: "..." ._____. "Oh."

Lucy: *smirks* "Now who's the idiot?"

Ranpo: >3< "I can't be expected to catch every bit of writing!"

???: alright, start checking around. there should be a passageway.

Lucy: *looks under the bar at the food court*

atsushi: wait, just who are you?

???: call me doctor belmont.

Ranpo: "..."

Lucy: *opens her mouth--then shuts it* "Too easy."

kenji: *slips the VR headset off* what i miss?

Kyoka: "They were all vampires."

Asher: *yawns* =_= "Too loud..."

kenji: oh.

Ranpo: "So, Doctor, you hunt vampires?" *checking behind cabinets*

belmont: sometimes. i'm more of a hunter for hire. a mercenary if you will.

Ranpo: "We've seen a few of those. We're the Armed Detective Agency of Death City."

belmont: ah, so i've figured, given the samurai ghost and were-tiger.

atsushi: ^^;

Demon Snow: *stare*

Ranpo: "Our reputation precedes us..." *pushes one more cabinet*

kenji: *opens a door that reads 'employee's only*

*stairs lead downward, with candles dotting the sides of the stairway*

belmont: huh, hidden in plain sight.

atsushi: the candles seem a bit cliche.

Asher: "Personally, I was hoping for a TRON reference."

Ranpo: "Well, after you, Doc."

-elsewhere-

Jordan: "I'll take the burger!"

Daisy: "Bloody mary."

louisa: a latte please.

Zuno: "Is the breakfast menu done?"

Assi: "Thanks for treating us, sir!"

Fitzgerald: "...I'm not paying for this."

louisa: ._.

Daisy: "Sir..."

Fitzgerald: "..." *sighs* "I'll pay for nachos--but that's it."

mary: *feeding toby under the table*

Toby: =w= *nom*

Waiter: ._.; <Is that fox a service animal?>

louisa: ...<yes?>

Waiter: <Okay...> ^^; <Not from around here?>

-elsewhere-

Iida: *jogging...then stops* "..." *turns quickly*

*no one is there*

Iida: "..."

mashirao: oh, iida, whats up?

Iida: "?! Oh...You startled me...I thought someone was nearby..."

mashirao: sorry. ^^;

Iida: *smiles* "Not at all. How is your day going?"

mashirao: just getting some groceries.

Iida: "Ah--hope it went well. And that you're dining well ahead of our training camp!"

???: BOO!

Iida: "!!!!" *leaps up*

hagakure: gotcha~

Iida: "Wh-What?! Hagakure?"

hagakure: hiya~ just me.

Iida: "I see your skill at staying hidden is only improving..."

hagakure: ^^

Iida: "Were you also out with Ojiro?"

hagakure: yep!

Iida: "..." *smiles* "Very good..." *looks behind them* "..."

hagakure:...what's up?

Iida: "Sorry...I keep having the sense someone is following me...And doing a poor job of it."

*some muttering is heard...*

hagakure: *looks*

Izuku: *hiding behind a corner* O_O;

hagakure: hey izuku!

Iida: -_-;

Izuku: ^^; "Hi...How is everyone?"

-elsewhere-

aya: booooored.

Kunikida: "I know a fun activity..."

aya: *looks up*

Kunikida: *drops a stack of papers in front of her* "Alphabetize and file." *goes back to typing*

Fukuzawa: *walking by*

aya: hey mr fukuzawa?

Fukuzawa: "Hmm?"

aya: do they have secretary uniforms in a size small?

Fukuzawa: "Yes--we try to keep them for all potential employees of all body types."

aya: do they come in like, kid sizes?

Fukuzawa: "Likely...I assume you want one?"

aya: well if im being expected to do paperwork, may as well fit in, eh? if i cant be on field, then im gonna make some stinkin' income.

Kunikida: "?! Now wait a second--"

Fukuzawa: "Naomi, could you show our newest secretary to her uniform?"

naomi: um....sure. ^^;

Kunikida: "B-But, sir--"

Fukuzawa: "??? Is it not one of our policies that our employees adhere to a dress code? A rule you wrote?"

Kunikida: "..." *sighs* "Yes, sir..."

aya: 737;

Tanizaki: ^^; ("Small miracles...Glad I'm not wearing one of those...again.") >_>;

-elsewhere-

Mori: "Please, Elise! Just try it on just once!"

elise: would you give it a rest already? -3- miura, how about you do it?

miura: i'll have to have a shrinking protocol installed first.

Mori: ._.; "You...You can do that?"

miura: not right now. i'll consider bringing it up with kajii at my next tuning-up.

Mori: "...Call him. Immediately. Now."

miura: *chop*

Mori: >3<

miura: behave yourself. your reputation is bad enough as it is.

Mori: "I was pardoned..."

miura: i meant amongst members of the mafia.

Mori: "...That reminds me. I want to have increased security."

miura: ..very well...

Mori: "Good. And I will be reviewing each member of security thoroughly..."

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: =~= "This attire is...not my usual."

naoya: better than nothing, right?

Akutagawa: *grumbles* "Some of us lack a wide range of stylistic options..."

naoya: aw c'mon, the rock look is totally slick on you! ^^

Akutagawa: *sighs, looking at his shirt*

-seems to be a grey shirt with a black leather jacket and pants-

Akutagawa: "..." *knocks one of his boots against the wall* "...At least these look durable..."

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "Want to help me fold laundry?"

miyuri: ok!

sonia: *nods*

Chuuya: "Okay. Miyuri, you can start with towels--fold them twice."

miyuri: ^^

Chuuya: "And Sonia, you can fold shirts..."

sonia: right.

Chuuya: *pulls out the laundry storage bins* "And I'll put some socks together..."

-elsewhere-

Lucy: =_= "Is this going to be a trend that our missions take us into dark underground locations against superpowered people?"

atsushi: at this point, im willing to put it on good authority.

Lucy: "...How is the bite healing?"

atsushi: getting better.

Lucy: "..." *holds his hand*

Ranpo: *whispers* "So, Doc, how do you take out vampires?"

belmont: your best bet is to aim for the heart or head. usually a wood stake or bullet infused with holy water does the trick on the weaker ones.

Kyoka: "Good for anyone with such materials..." *holds up a broken billiard stick*

Kyoka: "..." *rests a hand on Sylvia's shoulder*

belmont: sunlight also is shown to have an adverse effect on most vampires, depending on how strong they are, it's either an instant death or a slow and painful one.

Ranpo: "Hmm...We're a bit too low underground for that..."

belmont: then i suggest taking one of these. *hands him a spare pistol* hope you have good aim.

Ranpo: "..." *holds it*

Lucy: "If this gets too rough, I'm pulling us to Anne's room..."

kenji: *humming*

*some creaks...*

sylvia: EEK! >~<

Ranpo: "Just creaky steps--nothing to worry about--" *shines the candle, revealing multiple coffins littered throughout the cavernous room*

atsushi: ._.;;;

Lucy: O_O;

Kyoka: "..."

Ranpo: "...Yeah, I don't think we have enough for all of these, so let's quietly leave..."

-something lunges at them-

Lucy: "EEEK!"

Ranpo: "?!" *ducking, trying to get away*

Kyoka: "Don't get separated." *stabbing with the billiard stick*

kenji: huh?

*A vampire lunges at Kenji...They look emaciated...*

kenji: hello! ^^

Vampire: *SHRIEKS, grabbing Kenji by the arm, swinging him towards the wall--*

kenji: woah!

Vampire: *slams Kenji into the wall*

kenji: GRK-

atsushi: *swings tiger arm*

Vampire: *tries to dodge--but gets knocked down the stairs*

*the Vampire hits a coffin, knocking out...3 tinier vampires*

atsushi: any plans?

Kyoka: "Stab the heart."

Asher: =_= *still in the back* "Um..."

atsushi: *PUNCH*

Tiny Vampire 1: *punched through the heart*

-elsewhere-

Twice: "I keep digging, and nothing's happening!"

Muscular: "Because you keep shoveling into my hole!"

Twice: "Okay, I'll dig up, then!"

banshee: *checking the map*

Dabi: "Think about what you need down here to put this much dirt over it..." *wipes his brow*

-thunk-

Dabi: "??? Who went 'thunk'?"

himiko: i found something!

Dabi: "??? Is it a case?" *climbs up out of his tunnel*

himiko: looks like it!

Dabi: "Okay. Kirby hid that thing here because it was developed for construction--until it overpowered and knocked down Orion into a ghost town. So whatever you do, don't put it on, and don't use it--"

himiko: *wearing it and punches a rock, which sends her back flying* WAH!

Dabi: "?!" =_=

Twice: "Wow...She went 30 feet! NO, MORE LIKE 10 YARDS!"

banshee: are you alright?

himiko: @w@ awawawawa

Muscular: "Tiny glove, though..." *flexes his fist* "Still...I'd live to test out against it..." *sadistic grin*

-elsewhere-

Tanizaki: "--then put the reimbursement forms in the 'Reimbursement' box for the President's review..." *files some forms into the box*

aya: hmm...

Tanizaki: "It's not the most interesting work, but after the kind of things we've faced, it's nice to do something that is a little less fatal...Oh, that reminds me..." *fills out a form* "You have to fill out a form every time you are treated by Dr. Yosano."

aya: really?

Tanizaki: "Really, so that the reports, um...align with what Dr. Yosano reports happened...And to keep an eye on any weird side-effects..." >_>;

aya: ._.;

-elsewhere-

Lord Wilmore: <Don't fall behind, Andrea...>

andrea: *grunt*

???: <Lord Wilmore, wait!> *huffing and puffing is heard*

Lord Wilmore: "..." *small smile* <At least one good thing is going well...> *turns, smiles widely* <Monsieur Danglars! Good day!>

Danglars: *pushes Andrea out of the way*

*some bystanders look at Danglars, whispering about him...*

andrea: <ah!>

Lord Wilmore: <?!> *frowns* <Sir, I ask you not to push my child out of the way-->

Danglars: *grabs Lord Wilmore by his coat* <Don't tell me what to do to your brat, you bastard! I'm losing a fortune because of you!> *shakes him*

Lord Wilmore: *his eyes go dark* <Unhand me this instant, you ignorant swine!> *grabs his wrists, squeezing*

Danglars: <AH!> *screams, his wrists getting crushed*

eugenie: <papa!>

Lord Wilmore: *stops...lets go, letting Danglars fall onto him, as he supports him* *smiles* <Get ahold of yourself, old man...Now...> *pretends to hold him close in friendship--but is squeezing his shoulder rather hard* <What are you and your delightful family doing this fine day...?> *looks to Mrs. Danglars*

Danglars: Q~Q *squeaks*

hermine: <we were....getting crepes.>

eugenie: <hi andrea!>

andrea: *holding onto 'her' head*

Lord Wilmore: *smiles at Hermine* <I'm afraid Andrea had a nasty stumble--could you keep an eye on her while your husband and I chat about our continuing business?>

hermine: <r-right....come along girls...>

andrea:......

Danglars: *whispers* <That really hurt! Are you trying to kill me physically too now?!>

Lord Wilmore: <??? What's wrong?>

Danglars: <I've taken a beating in my stocks! Fallacious articles lying about my ships! Investors pulling out! But you--you're not suffering like me, you rich, sniveling little shit! Why are you ahead? Why are you always-->

{Dumas: *looking at his compass* <See? If we follow this path, we'll be home before we know it, sir!>}

{leclare: <excellent, alex. i can always count on you.> *smiles*>}

{Danglars: <B-But sir! I had that same idea yesterday--and you told me it was ridiculous!>}

{leclare: <you didnt account for a change in weather.>}

{Danglars: <WHO CAN PREDICT THE WEATHER?!>}

{Dumas: <Hey, it's alright--some of us aren't meant to be meteorologists...>}

{Danglars: <WHAT DO SPACEMEN HAVE TO DO WITH THIS?!>}

{Dumas: "... ..." <Wow. That's just sad...> *turns back to Leclare* <Sir, I think that bottle of Amontillado should've chilled by now--ready to taste it?>}

{leclare: <why yes, morrel, keep an eye on things up here.>}

{morrel: <yes sir.>}

{Danglars: *STARING DAGGERS AS DUMAS AND LECLARE WALK AWAY* <That stupid, stupid, ugly piece of putrid shit! Always getting every pretty face at every port! Getting all the praise for my hard work! He can't even tell right from left--is he stupid or something?!>}

Danglars: *has gotten pale* O_O

Lord Wilmore: "..." *blinks* <My good sir...You look like you've seen a ghost...>

Danglars: ("...No...No way...Just a trick of my mind...") *forced smile* <N-No...I just...came here to ask for some advancement on my investment in your company...A few thousand dollars...>

Lord Wilmore: "???" <I could return on your investment, but that's for shareholders--so, rather illegal-->

Danglars: <DO I LOOK LIKE A MAN WHO IS IMPEDED BY LAWS?!>

Lord Wilmore: "..." *smiles* <Do tell...>

Danglars: <Hmph! I once made sure a man was sent to prison--so I could be the new golden child at our old shipping company! And I did it all with the man who wanted to fuck his fiancee!>

Lord Wilmore: *forced smile* "..." ("HE'S SERIOUSLY ADMITTING TO CRIMES IN PUBLIC--AND HE BRINGS UP MERCEDES NOW?! I'M GOING TO RIP HIS THROAT OUT--")

Bystanders: *walking by...*

Lord Wilmore: "..." *calms himself* *smiles, walking him back to Hermine and the children* <Of course...Now, I admire a man who is willing to do _anything_...but I will not break the law on this. Instead, I'll give you a loan--at a low interest rate, my friend...>

Danglars: *tears of joy* TwT

eugenie: <papa? are you ok?>

Danglars: *picks up Eugenie, tossing her into the air with glee* <We're saved!>

eugenie: *laughs* ^u^

hermine: ....

Lord Wilmore: *writes out the check* <Here you are, sir-->

Danglars: *hands Eugenie back to Hermine, snatches the check--* <Thank you, my lord!> *bows--then gives a wet kiss to Hermine's cheek* <I'll be home later!> *skips away with glee--almost running into Andrea again*

hermine: <ah->

Lord Wilmore: ^^; <He is rather spirited, isn't he?>

hermine: <....i suppose...>

Lord Wilmore: <...> *holds out an envelope with her name on it*

hermine: ??

Lord Wilmore: <Mrs. Danglars...Get out.>

hermine: ?!

Lord Wilmore: <Think. You know he is in trouble, right?>

hermine:....

Lord Wilmore: <These tickets are for you and Eugenie. They'll take you wherever you want to go. But please...don't get hurt in all of this. You can't afford to be collateral damage when he screws up.>

hermine: .......

-elsewhere-

peppino: *looks around*

*someone walks by...seems to be the person she seeks...*

peppino: <hello~>

Beauchamp: "???" *turns* <...Hi?>

peppino: *hands him something* ^w^

Beauchamp: <?!! Hey, I already got in a lot of trouble-->

peppino: <it's just a little audio recording i kept~ and you're probably scared about going to prison again, so maybe you could help me put someone else behind bars? that way, mr vampa and i can leave without problems.> ^^

Beauchamp: <...Okay...Who's Vampa?>

peppino: <...someone important.>

Beauchamp: <'Kay, nothing cryptic there...And if I throw this away?>

peppino: <at least give it a listen first.>

Beauchamp: <...If this audio recording blows up on me, I'm going to be very cross.>

peppino: =3= <it woooont.>

Beauchamp: <...Very well. And after I listen to it, how do I contact you if you _leave_?>

peppino: <you wont have to worry about me after you hear it...>

Beauchamp: O_O; <Oh, God, this is some suicide cult or 'The Ring,' isn't it?>

peppino: *chop* <you're too paranoid!>

Beauchamp: T~T <Okay, okay, fine--I'll look into it...>

-elsewhere-

Yohei: *sets up a mini basketball hoop* "Okay, kids..." *hands a tiny basketball*

toru: ba!

Yohei: "Yep--ball. Care to drop it into the basket?"

toru: ...*drops it*

Yohei: "Good work, big man!" *holds up his hand at Toru's level for a high-five*

toru: ^o^

Yohei: "Hee hee..." *bounces the ball*

-elsewhere-

Vampire: "STOP! MAKE IT STOP!"

atsushi: *WHACK*

Vampire 2: "AAH! MY FACE!"

Vampire 3: *trying to sneak away...*

kenji: *TOSS*

Vampire 3: "GAK!"

Kyoka: *picks up the head of one vampire* "I think this one is ready to talk..."

Vampire Head: Q____Q;

sylvia: *faints*

Lucy: *catches Sylvia*

Asher: *still clubbing a vampire...glances* "...Is that a head? Neat."

Vampire Head: T~T "Just kill me...What do you want?!"

belmont: first off, are you working for anyone?

Vampire Head: "I'm now missing the neck down--do I look like I'm doing this on my own?! Of course I work for someone!"

belmont: who is it?

Vampire Head: "...The Progenitors."

atsushi: progenitors?

Vampire Head: "Really powerful vampires who sire powerful vampires, and so on..."

belmont: why would they have business in death city?

Vampire Head: "..." *small laugh* "You know, for the 'City of Second Chances,' a lot of people sure go missing here, don't they?"

belmont:....

Ranpo: "And when they go missing, you all feed off them..."

atsushi:....

Lucy: "Who knows how many 'missing people reports' may lead right here..."

-elsewhere-

Kimizuki: *cooking lunch* "...Quiet around here..."

mitsuba: maybe everyone's out on missions?

Kimizuki: "...Likely...I think it would be worth asking..."

mitsuba: *looks out into the hall*

*looks like some equipment has been tossed into the hallway*

mitsuba: ugh, so sloppy. *picking it up*

Kimizuki: *not even looking back* "I wouldn't do that--she's busy tinkering again..."

mitsuba: ??

*a giant console is tossed out of the garage, almost hitting Mitsuba's foot*

mitsuba: *jumps back* HEY!

Tinker: *pops her head out, still wearing her mask* "Hmm? Oh, sorry! Could you scoot back a bit...?"

mitsuba: ._.

-elsewhere-

rowena:...edgar? are you sure you're alright?

Poe: =_=# "I'm fine..." *sips long on tea...*

rowena:....is this about mr mikuni?

Poe: >_<# "Who? You mean that lanky cowboy...?"

rowena: why does he upset you so much?

Poe: "I just think someone who is that lackadaisical requires extra vigilance, especially when fooling around with the occult..."

rowena: perhaps, but i think he does mean well. he did help save me from that man...

Poe: =^= "Just be careful around him--such men can be troublesome."

rowena: ^^; *hug* you worry a lot, you know?

Poe: "..." T~T "I don't want you hurt..."

-elsewhere-

Johannes: "Did I get them all?" *he's bandaging his bruises*

metsu: i believe so.

Jeje: "Was it really okay to let non-vampires and non-Eves to pursue those kind?"

Mikuni: *twirling a keychain on his finger* "Why not? Consider it a trial run..."

metsu:...you realize if they die, their blood is on your hands.

Mikuni: *smirks* "Do you honestly think I'd send sheep to the slaughter without considering whether a shepherd joined them? Or a dog to keep them on their path?"

metsu: ....

Mikuni: "Until then, we keep up our work--starting with inventorying the remaining goods--" *spots the dolls for sale* "...And returning the heads to the missing ones."

Johannes: *innocent whistling*

-elsewhere-

Cervantes: <?! What happened to you two?!> *looks at Dumas* <Why are you...smiling?>

benedetto:...*shrugs*

Dumas: *deep inhale* <I feel accomplished...Maybe things will go better...>

-elsewhere-

Daisy: =_= "We're lost, and only one of us knows the language..."

mary: *looking around*

Jordan: *looks at a sign* " 'Circus Maximus'...Sounds fun!"

louisa: *checking the travel guide*

Fitzgerald: *holding his own umbrella* "It's where chariot races were held, before you start thinking of elephants and clowns..."

Jordan: "I-I wasn't..." >_>;;;

mary: ooooh.

Fitzgerald: "There's always the Coliseum for fights to the death and lions eating prisoners..." *sighs* "The olden times..." *looks wistfully*

louisa:...... riiiiight.... >->;;

Assi: "Well, there are fountains, the thermal baths, the Sistine Chapel..."

mary: *snapping pics*

Daisy: "Sending those to Bram?"

mary: yep!

Jordan: "Too bad he couldn't come along..."

-elsewhere-

atsushi: *outside, nervous*

Lucy: "...Hey."

atsushi: hey...

Lucy: "How are you holding up?" *puts a hand on his shoulder*

atsushi:...ok i guess. a bit shaken though…

Lucy: "Y-Yeah...If you didn't have your regeneration..." *shivers*

atsushi:...*hugs*

Lucy: *holds onto him, trying to steady herself* "That was goshdarn intense!"

kenji: yeah, let's get some food. we need to regain our energy.

Asher: =_= ("...Cassidy is going to kill me for this...")

Kyoka: "Good. Ranpo, how many quarters do you have left?"

Ranpo: >3< *holds them to himself*

belmont: *hands atsushi a card; a business card* just something to keep in touch.

Lucy: "???"

-elsewhere-

banshee: *calling on her phone*

Kurogiri: *answering* "Hello."

banshee: we found it.

Kurogiri: "Excellent. Ready for your return?"

banshee: yes.

*Warp Gates open up*

banshee: let's go.

Dabi: "Don't fire it, ever again."

Twice: "Do a dive into it, Muscular--it's fun! WHEE!" *dives in--and slams into a bar stool* "...Ow."

himiko: ^^;

Kurogiri: "Welcome back. How did the first mission for our newest recruit go?"

Muscular: "..." *crosses his arms, grunts*

banshee: it was successful, and we did find this. *hands him the gauntlet*

Kurogiri: "So, this was what was hidden in Orion. How powerful is it?"

himiko: very!

Dabi: =_=; "Reinforce it."

Kurogiri: "I already have storage ready..." *warps it* "But someone needs to deal with our prisoner."

-elsewhere-

Amaimon: "??? Teacher-Niece? Looks like someone is here for you."

stocking: hm?

Kid: *waves*

stocking: kid! *hugs* what a surprise!

students: awww!

girl: get a room!

Kid: ^^; "Hi! I thought I would stop by. I'm not interrupting, am I?"

stocking: we were just about to start class, actually.

Kid: "Then I won't interrupt--see you after?"

stocking: meet up for dinner?

Kid: *nods* "It's a date."

stocking: see you then~ *blows a kiss*

Kid: *blushes, waves*

stocking: ^///^ *ahem* alright, now where were we...

sonia: *stares out into the backyard*

Chuuya: *hammering*

sonia:...papa?

Chuuya: "Hmm? Yes, Sonia?"

sonia: can we put hydrangeas in the garden?

Chuuya: "Hmm...I don't see why not."

sonia: thanks. i think mommy liked them.

Chuuya: "..." *sighs* "Yes. She did. Aunt Ichiyo had said she mentioned them..."

sonia:...im a bit nervous for tomorrow.

Chuuya: *nods* "I know. It can be anxious...The important thing is to face that fear. After all, no one at your school is more important than anyone else."

sonia:...*nod*

Chuuya: "Would you feel better if I spoke to your teacher about anything?"

sonia:...i dont know.

Chuuya: "...Maybe you could show Miyuri some of your drawings? The hallway had really nice ones."

sonia: i'd like that.

Chuuya: *smiles* "You're a good sister."

-elsewhere-

Danglars: *counting his money* "Hee hee..."

hermine:...*sneaking downstairs*

Danglars: *not noticing, giggling like a madman*

hermine:....*steps outside to the car, packing luggage*

Lucian: *whispering* <How much more?>

hermine: <this should be the last of it...im scared, lucian. where do we go from here?>

Lucian: "..." *sighs, holds her hands* <Take the ticket--and get somewhere. Are there any relatives or friends you could visit?>

hermine: ...<i dont really speak with my parents anymore.>

Lucian: *nods* <...I know someone.>

hermine: ??

Lucian: *hands her a business card* <If you give my name, I know he will keep you safe. He is very good.>

hermine: ....<thank you, so much. you're a really good person.>

Lucian: *shakes his head* <No, I'm not. I just can't stand to see this happening to you two...> *looks at Eugenie, smiles* <You'll be a good girl until we see each other again?>

eugenie: *she nods* *hugs* <i'll miss you, uncle lucy>

Lucian: T~T *hug* <So will I...>

-elsewhere-

dulcenia: *examining case files*

Beauchamp: *throws open the door, panting*

dulcenia: ?! <what the->

Beauchamp: <I am here...> *exhales, pants* <Jeez, that was a long run...I-I am here with evidence that is going to shock you!>

dulcenia: <what the blazes are you talking about?>

Beauchamp: <Arson!>

dulcenia: ?!

Beauchamp: <Multiple fires! The criminals are on this tape planning it!>

dulcenia: ??

Beauchamp: *presses play on his phone*

Person 1: <--and now that their check cleared, you know what to do.>

dulcenia: *listening*

Person 2: <Hang on--I'm still confused. When someone 'burns for the insurance money,' since when does the _insurance company_ collect?>

Person 1: <I insure for _higher_ than the value of their property. _They_ pay me more.>

dulcenia: !!! *in spanish* <son of a bitch..>

Beuchamp: <You recognize that voice? Can you check it?>

dulcenia: <provided this isnt some hoax. but yes, we'll take it to Ali to scan it.>

Beauchamp: *nods* <I can describe the woman who gave me the audio...>

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: "Where are they..."

-text message from ranpo-

Kunikida: *reads*

ranpo: [getting food @Ihop. pancakes r hella, will report l8er]

Kunikida: ._. "..." -_-; [we were worried]

ranpo: [had a lil trouble, but we cool]

Kunikida: [very well. submit your report upon your return]

-elsewhere-

???: *holding up a photo of 'Andrea'* <Found him. And the weirdos who took him.>

-inside-

marquis: <ok, so danglars is mostly taken care of, now we have to deal with mondego, right?>

Dumas: *sets his disguises onto mannequins...* <Yes...That's going to take more work...> *picks up a knife, checking its sharpness*

Cervantes: ^w^; <I may have an idea...I met someone who may help~>

benedetto: ??

Dumas: <Who?>

Cervantes: <That angelic police officer! I spoke with her-->

Dumas: <?!!!! WHAT.>

marquis: <what all did you tell her?>

Cervantes: <How we should share a Three Musketeers bar-->

-something is thrown into the window-

Dumas: <?!>

Cervantes: O_O;;;

marquis: !!! *grabs onto benedetto*

Dumas: <Shit!> *smashes the lamp next to him--*

-from outside-

*BOOM*

???: <...> *smiles*

marquis: *lands in the bushes with benedetto* <are you alright?!>

benedetto: !!!!

???: <See? I knew you could survive that, kiddo.>

marquis: ?? <who-?>

???: *pushes Marquis away, grabs Benedetto by the arm* <Don't you have anything to say to me?>

benedetto: <ow! that hurts, uncle bert!>

Bertuccio: <Not as much as this will hurt you...> *pulls back his hand--*

marquis: *tackles bertuccio*

Bertuccio: <?!> *lets go of Benedetto* <Get off me, you bitch!>

marquis: <leave him alone! he doesnt deserve to be abused like that! no one does!>

Bertuccio: <That kid is mine! I made him who he is--a thief who can escape anything, steal from anyone--and has no time for flighty, ugly, weak-ass losers like you!> *swings his fist at Marquis*

marquis: AH! <how could you be so cruel to your own family?!>

Bertuccio: <Ha! Buddy, if you saw that boy's family, I did him a favor!> *kicks at Marquis*

marquis: ??

benedetto: <what do you mean?>

Bertuccio: <...Oh, so now I'm supposed to tell the runaway his origin story? How I found some infant in some treasure box--and the 'treasure' was this little urchin?!>

benedetto: ?!?!

Bertuccio: <So, Bene, which did you want: buried alive to die, or fight to live?>

marquis: ?!?!?!

Bertuccio: <I stabbed that man who was burying you in that garden--and I made sure you didn't go back before some other inhuman monster did worse.>

marquis: <what man?>

Bertuccio: <That judge I always see putting thieves like me behind bars--Villefort.>

marquis: !!!!!!!!

Bertuccio: <I knew I should've blackmailed that judge--but he'd probably kill me like he tried to do to his own son-->

benedetto: .....<what?>

Bertuccio: <??? 'What' what? He tried to bury you alive! Your dad didn't want you except dead! Who knows what mom wanted, burying you in some garden-->

marquis: *PUNCHES BERTUCCIO IN THE STOMACH*

Bertuccio: Q_____Q *collapses*

marquis: *glares at him*

*a groan is heard behind Marquis*

marquis: !! *looks*

Cervantes: *crawling out from wreckage--as Dumas holds up the debris*

Dumas: <Hurry...>

marquis: <are you two alright?!>

Cervantes: <I think so-->

Dumas: <I JUST FINISHED SETTING UP MY DISGUISES! I BARELY HAD ENOUGH DARKNESS TO HOLD THIS! WHAT THE HELL?!>

marquis:.....<this man. have him arrested....>

Dumas: *tosses the debris* <...How are we supposed to do that?! And for what-->

Cervantes: <Hello? Police?> *on his phone* <Put on the angelic officer, please~>

benedetto:........*too stunned to say anything*

Dumas: *grunts, looks at Benedetto* <...You okay?>

marquis:.... <i think things got more complicated.....bene.....is villefort's son...>

Dumas: <... ... ...> *falls back* <You got to be kidding me.>

-elsewhere-

Asher: *unlocks the door to their apartment*

cassidy: there you are! do you have any idea how worried sick i was?!

Asher: "I know. I'm sorry. Something happened."

cassidy: *sighs* im just...i worry about you.

Asher: "..." *nods* "...This city is scary."

-elsewhere-

Kid: *pulls out a chair for Stocking*

stocking: *takes a seat*

Kid: *sits across from her* "I'm happy you're here."

stocking: *smiles* im happy you're here too.

Kid: ^\\\^ "Shall we order?" *opens his menu*

stocking: *nods*

-elsewhere-

yuu uraraka: *posing*

Mr. Uraraka: "Ballerina!"

ochako: flamingo!

Mrs. Uraraka: "A crane!"

Mr. Uraraka: "A Haijima Telescopic Crane 4200 with Hydraulic Extending/Retractable Boom!"

yuu uraraka: that's correct.

Mr. Uraraka: "Yes!"

-elsewhere-

Relan: "Hey." *nudge*

tamaki: ??

Relan: "I think it's my turn to keep watch by the phone..."

tamaki: ah.

Relan: "Going to bed or nap at least?" *sits by the phone, picks up a book*

tamaki: probably.

Relan: "Well, have a good night. I'll hit the alarm if there's anything..." *next to the phone is a camel-shaped alarm with the hump as a button*

-elsewhere-

Danglars: *yawns, walks into the dining room* <Good morning, wife, daughter, Lucian...> *looks* "..." <Lucian? Where are they?>

lucian: <errands>

Danglars: <Huh. Splendid! Glad to see Heloise getting an early start--and with the kid out for the day, I can finally concentrate on important things...> *pulls out his phone, starts scrolling through social media* <...Ha! Funny cat picture.>

-elsewhere-

*Mono's phone gets a text alert*

mono: ??

*It's a pic of Assi and Zuno, posing in front of the Leaning Tower--Zuno is "pushing" it down, Assi is trying to push it back up*

mono:....*small smile*

Yohei: "OOOOOOOOOooo..."

mono: *YELPS*

Yohei: "Looks like Assi and Zuno are having fun..."

-elsewhere-

valentine: ............

-there is various muttering amongst the funeral attendees-

Max: *walks into the Church, looking around* "..."

valentine: *biting her lip, looking down at the ground*

Minister: *shaking the hand of one guest* <Thank you for coming. Thank you...>

Max: "..." *walks up to her* <Valentine...I'm so sorry.>

valentine: *she doesnt say anything* ......

Max: "..." <If you need anything, Grandmother and I are here...>

valentine:.......

-elsewhere-

Cervantes: ^w^ <Thanks for putting us up for the night yesterday...>

Dumas: -_- <This bed is too cramped--move over.>

count: <any time. i even had your costumes replaced if needed.>

Dumas: T~T <Thank goodness...Do you know how hard it is to find the right wig to play Wilmore?>

count: <its understandable.>

Cervantes: <...How's Bene holding up?>

count: .....<he wants to find his mom...>

Dumas: *sighs* <Well, she's dead. Villefort remarried after his first wife died...>

count: <but what about _before_ he remarried? think about it. did bertuccio ever tell _where_ the child was buried?>

Cervantes: <Marquis had said the jerk forbade Bene to go back to that 'garden.' Maybe Bene knows that location?>

count: hmm...<i'll see what else i can get from him.>

Cervantes: ^w^ <Thanks! And let's look on the bright side: we got that jerk locked up...> =\\\w\\\=

-elsewhere-

stocking: *snuggled in bed*

Kid: *smooch*

stocking: i do not want to get out of bed today. im way too comfortable.

Kid: "Well, if I get of bed, I worry you'll get uncomfortable...or lonely." *cuddle*

stocking: *purrs*

Kid: *rubs her arm* =w= "Just 8 more minutes...Then I'll bring you breakfast in bed..."

-elsewhere-

Kazue: "..." *lowers a rope down the side of a building*

Saria: *looking up* "...What was wrong with them taking the stairs?"

lukas: beats me...

Kazue: *lands, pulls out a scroll* <Okay. Where are we heading?>

-elsewhere-

miyuri: *shiny eyes* WOOOOOOOOW!!!

Chuuya: "Now, don't walk too far--I think this may be 30 minutes?"

miyuri: okay!

sonia: *holding onto miyuri's hand*

*the hallway has some other students waiting for their parents*

Student: *glares at Sonia*

miyuri: *peeking into classrooms* WOOOW!

*the lights are off in other rooms, with desks lined up and whiteboards on the walls*

*looks like markers on the whiteboards, too*

miyuri: *GASP* what's that?

sonia: those are the whiteboards.

sonia: ^-^; that's the janitor's closet.

Student: *whispers to another one* "Who's that? Her stupid sister or something?"

sonia:.....*turns*

miyuri: *waves* hiiii! ^w^

Student: "?! ...Weirdo. You stupid or something?"

-PUNCH-

miyuri: hm?

sonia: *shaking, her hand balled up into a fist*

Student: *knocked down, holding his eye* "Ow! What the hell is wrong with you?! Freak!"

sonia: *glaring at him*

mother: arnie!! *hugs him* are you ok, sweetie?!

Arnie: *sniffs* "She hit me! She's a freak!"

mother: *glares at sonia* how dare you! what do you have to say for yourself, you little ingrate?!

sonia:.....

Arnie: "She should be expelled!"

miyuri: sonia? are you ok?

Chuuya: *steps out* "?! Sonia? What's wrong?"

teacher: what on earth is happening here?

mother: this little brat struck my baby!

Chuuya: *glares at the mother* "Sonia?"

sonia:...apologize...

Chuuya: "..." *looks at the boy--glaring*

sonia:...i dont care what happens to me...but i want you to apologize to my sister right now...

Chuuya: "..." *pats Sonia and Miyuri's shoulders*

mother: you expect an apology after you assaulted my child?! i should take you to court for this! *points to chuuya* _you_ need to control your children's wild behavior before they end up in prison!

Chuuya: *narrows his eyes* "I am sorry Sonia hit your child. Now it's his turn to apologize for what he did to her so she couldn't even come to class without fearing getting garbage thrown at her again."

mother: WHAT?! how dare you accuse my baby of such nonsense!

Chuuya: "Your 'baby' comes after my kids, they're going to stand up for themselves. That's how any parent should raise their child. So take your kid out of here now."

mother: how DARE you speak to me like that! do you have any idea who i am?!

Chuuya: "Should I?"

mother: i'll have you know my husband is head of sales at the death city mall!

teacher: and yet you take the subway to work.

mother: !!!

Chuuya: *smirks* "Important work. Maybe your husband should focus on parenting, too."

mother: *speechless*

Chuuya: "...Sonia, Miyuri, the meeting is about done. Ready to head out?"

miyuri: ok!

sonia:......

Chuuya: "..." *pats her shoulder*

-elsewhere-

Fernand: *yawns* *opens his front door--* "?!"

dulcenia: <mr mondego, do you have a moment?>

Fernand: "..." *smiles* <Of course...> *closes the door behind him, stands on front steps* <How may I help you?>

-there are a few officers there as well-

Fernand: <...> *gulps*

dulcenia: <we'd like to ask a few questions of you, if you dont mind.>

Fernand: <Go ahead...>

dulcenia: <we're investigating a recent fire at one of the shops you ensure, and we're trying to determine the cause.>

Fernand: <Ah, I see. It's indeed unfortunate--I've had my investigators checking as well...>

dulcenia: <from what the owner told me, you made them an offer that morning before the fire. how curious.>

Fernand: <Hmm...You think someone is targeting locations that I've insured.>

dulcenia: <it's likely. seems you've been getting quite a lot of money from it, so that should be a bright side, right?>

Fernand: "..." *sighs* <It is a tragedy for my clients. However, also consider the costs for me: the money I receive goes into re-building these businesses, finding what happened and who is responsible...if someone is indeed responsible. After all, I have to make sure my clients weren't faking this so they could collect their share of the insurance money.>

dulcenia: <and how long do you suppose the investigation will take?>

Fernand: <These kinds of things are complicated. Could take a month, even a year.>

dulcenia: *whistles* <i think we can find a much, much, quicker solution.>

Fernand: "..." *narrows his eyes* <With police cooperation, yes...I think this could go more quickly...>

dulcenia: *plays the recording*

Fernand: <?!>

dulcenia: *smirks* <your expression says enough. cuff him.>

Fernand: "..." *narrows his eyes, holds out his wrists*

mercedes: <fernand? what's going on?>

Fernand: <?! Mercedes, I left numbers by the phone--call Robert!>

mercedes: ???

Fernand: <He's a lawyer--get him to the police station-->

Police Officer: <Come along.>

mercedes: <officer toboso?>

Fernand: <!!!>

dulcenia: *nods* <seems your husband here is suspected of fraud and arson conspiracy>

mercedes: !!!! <fernand? is that true?>

Fernand: <Call my lawyer!>

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "Okay, girls--which flavors?"

miyuri: *face pressed against the glass case* oooooooooooooooooh! *shiny eyes*

sonia:....just vanilla....

Chuuya: "Okay, vanilla for Sonia. Miyuri, how about...You know what, Miyuri, just stick to one flavor for now--don't want to over-stimulate your taste buds..."

miyuri: *looking at them all* miyuri doesnt know which one to have first!

Chuuya: "Chocolate may not be bad."

miyuri: ooh! that one!

Chuuya: "Any toppings? Maybe sprinkles?"

miyuri: can we?

Chuuya: "Sure!"

-elsewhere-

*pallbearers carry the two coffins...*

valentine: ......

Villefort: *stone faced*

Heloise: *struggling to appear morose*

edouard: ...

*the pallbearers bring the coffins to the plots dug up...they are next to the grave of Valentine's mother*

Max: *watching Heloise's face* "..."

valentine: *shaking*

*the coffins are lowered...*

Minister: <Please take a handful of our Lord's earth, so that our friends may be returned to that Earth, until such time that we see them again in the next world...>

-elsewhere-

Asher: "Yo." *waves*

izumi: hey!

Asher: "What're you doing out?"

izumi: just taking a walk.

Asher: "Hmmm..." *walks with her* "Relaxing weekend?"

izumi: yeah.

Asher: *nods...rubs their arm*

izumi: ?? you ok?

Asher: "Yeah--just in pain from a beatdown--er, at the arcade, on a machine...Frogger." >_>;

izumi: ...

Asher: *awkward cough* "So, just recuperating...Making sure not to over-do it..."

izumi:...want to hang out?

Asher: "Hmm? Yeah, sure. Anywhere you heading?"

izumi: hmm, how about the park?

Asher: *nods* "Okay." *walks with her* "Hope it's not super-crowded..."

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: "Okay, so 2 of them?"

gin: *nods*

Akutagawa: *holds up fingers to the crepe maker* "Two, please." *looks at Gin* "New sundress?"

gin: yeah.

Akutagawa: "It looks good."

-elsewhere-

Lucy: "Cute uniform, Aya."

aya: =3= thank you.

Kunikida: "Take seriously the responsibilities represented by that uniform."

aya: yes sir.

Lucy: "Yeah...I notice the boys here don't exactly have some uniform...Never had any non-female secretaries?"

kirako: a few, yes.

Lucy: "Huh...Do they all have to dress like Kunikida?"

Kunikida: -_-#

-elsewhere-

Kid: *reading*

stocking: *still snuggled up to him* =w=

Kid: =\\\\= *smooch*

-elsewhere-

Francesca: *holding papers to herself as she walks* "..."

valentine:.... !!!!

Francesca: *frowning, her lip quivering*

valentine: *runs over* <francesca!>

Francesca: *holds up her hands, stepping back, shaking her head*

valentine: <francesca, what's wrong? why havent you answered my calls?!>

Francesca: <...You knew about that bastard? Your fucking grandfather?>

valentine: !!??

Francesca: *shoves papers at Valentine* <Noirtier Villefort--member of Mimic--the man who killed countless soldiers, including my dad! Did you know this?!>

valentine: *too stunned to speak*

Francesca: <...You have to be kidding me...You knew your dad and his dad were involved in Mimic?! What the fuck, Val?!!>

valentine: <i didnt, honest!>

Francesca: "..." <How can I believe this? My dad is dead. Your grandfather just laughed at me-->

valentine: <i didnt even know i _had_ another grandfather until now!>

Francesca: "..." *inhales, holds her forehead* <...Old man named Colby? Your dad has kept him hidden for about 6 years since your dad sentenced some guy to a slow death in prison. None of this rings a bell?>

valentine: ........

Francesca: "..." <Oh God...> *falls to her knees*

valentine: <francesca-> *reaches out to her*

Francesca: *shaking all over* <Don't! I can't!> *sobbing*

valentine: ah-....*hug*

Francesca: *shaking, struggling against the hug, but sobbing*

valentine: <it's going to be ok... we can get through this...>

Francesca: <I'm sorry...> *hug* <I'm so sorry...>

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *opens the door* "Careful not to spill..."

miyuri: ok!

sonia:....*walking upstairs to her room*

Chuuya: "...Sonia? Could we talk?"

sonia:.....

Chuuya: "That was the boy who attacked you that day after school, huh?"

sonia:......*gets under the covers of her bed*

Chuuya: "Sonia, please...I really want to talk about this."

sonia:....yeah...one of them...

Chuuya: *sighs* "I'm so sorry...More than one? I tried asking your teacher about them..."

sonia:...they say im trying to make them look bad by getting answers right...but im not trying to do that. im just doing what im told to do...

Chuuya: *nods* "You're doing the right thing--it's not your fault that your classmates are being asses."

sonia: *sniff* i-im not trying to be better than anyone at all, but they think i am. *shaking* i never asked to be like this...

Chuuya: *hug* "I know...None of us ask to be how we are..."

sonia: *whimpering* i-im going to be an outcast forever, arent i?

Chuuya: "Sweetie, no...No. It takes time to find the people in your life you want to be with."

sonia: w-why couldnt i have been normal? *sobbing*

Chuuya: *strokes her back, holding her*

sonia: *crying into his chest*

Chuuya: "I'm so sorry, Sonia...But this is not your fault. You are you--and you are a beautiful, smart, imaginative, hardworking person who deserves so much..."

sonia: *hic*

Chuuya: *rubs her back* "Sonia...I'm so proud of you, especially for protecting Miyuri."

sonia:...*sniff* im sorry for getting her involved in this...

Chuuya: "I know you are...But there's no way to avoid getting involved in every problem--it's why we have to get stronger to face anything...and that means standing up for yourself and others."

sonia: ....

Chuuya: "...Sonia, are you not happy in your class?"

sonia:....can i be homeschooled for a while?

Chuuya: "If you want, sure. But I think you should consider that offer your teacher had...about you skipping some grades.'

sonia:......

Chuuya: "Just think about it...I'll call Kajii in the morning."

sonia:...*sniff*

Chuuya: *pats her back* "Thank you for standing up for Miyuri."

sonia:....*nod*

Chuuya: "Want to rest a bit?"

sonia:........*nod*

Chuuya: "Okay. Sleep for a bit...Want anything? Water?" *hands her tissues*

-elsewhere-

Max: *walking home* "..." ("What is up with her stepmom...She was weird the entire time...")

???: <maxi!>

Max: "???" *turns* <Oh!> *waves*

-max's sister, julie, and her husband, are there-

Emmanuel: <Hey, Max.>

Max: "..." *nods* <H-Hey...>

julie: ?? <you ok?>

Max: <I-I just came from the funeral...>

julie: <oh...>

Max: *nods* <...Val's not doing well...Not talking...>

julie: <is there something we can do to help?>

Max: <I'm not sure...She needs time to heal, and, ugh, I'm already pressed for time...>

julie: <well we wont keep you long.>

Max: <S-Sorry, I didn't mean it like that...How are you feeling?>

julie: <alright. the little one's growing more and more.> *rubs her stomach*

Max: *smiles* <That's good...How much longer?>

julie: <about two months now...>

Max: <Still some time...> *sighs*

-elsewhere-

Fernand: *handcuffed to the table* "..."

???: <well, look how the mighty have fallen.>

Fernand: <?!> *looks*

-the count stands in a corner of the cell-

count: <a pleasure to meet you, mr mondego.>

Fernand: <Who the hell are you?>

count: <you dont know me, but i believe you knew my father...does the name 'Edmond Dantes' ring any bells?>

Fernand: <?!>

count: ...<i think your reaction says it all...so why? what did he do to deserve such a fate?>

Fernand: <Wh-What fate? I haven't seen Edmond in years...>

count: <perhaps i should introduce myself first. My name is Elena Dantes, my father died by your hand....>

Fernand: "..." *lets out a laugh*

elena: <and now....>

-SHRK-

Fernand: *coughs...looks down*

-there is a knife in his chest-

elena: <...you die by mine...>

Fernand: *gasps, struggling to call for help...*

elena: *takes the knife out and walks toward the small window, her body dissapating into a mist and escaping*

Fernand: *his throat constricts...he collapses onto the table*

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: "I came here, to this mall, one of many malls in this city, just to find socks. SOCKS. And you're still following me..."

eijiro: just thought we could hang out a little bit. ^^

Bakugo: -_-# "...If you delay my shopping, I'm going to put you through the wall." *walks with him*

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: *checking through closet* "You sure none of these are what you're looking for?"

tsubaki: i dont think so.

Sakuya: "Nuts...Maybe buy a new one?" *pulls out a dress tie, looking at it* "Huh. Gaudy..."

tsubaki: i guess. ^^;

-elsewhere-

*there's a mechanical blowfish staring at the 8th*

shinra: ._.

Akitaru: "This one isn't going to blow up, right?"

Vulcan: "Not if it works right..."

tamaki: and _it_ is...?

Vulcan: "It's an ultra wide-band device that can detect breathing even under 100 feet of debris."

shinra: woah!

Vulcan: *presses a button labeled 'Test'*

Blowfish Scanner: *eyes light up as it inflates*

Vulcan: "See? That's what it'll do when it detects breathing..."

nozomi: wow! that's incredible, vulcan!

Vulcan: ^^ "Thanks...I hope it'll help, not just for the next house fire but if we can scope the underground again--or if you encounter Chinese fire worms again..."

tamaki: *sweatdrop*

-elsewhere-

Wes: *rubs Ghost Dog's belly*

ghost dog: =w=

Wes: *smiles...checks his phone's calendar* "Few more weeks before practice..."

liz: got any events coming up?

Wes: "Yeah, a practice first--trying to get some replacements...Before the next concert."

liz: ah.

-elsewhere-

Tezca: "--so I said 'You think I'm under deep cover? No one has even seen Akane and Clay in months!'" *laughs loudly, slapping the table*

clay:....we're right here.

Tezca: "...Oooooooooo! Neat disguises!" *tugs on Clay's face* "I can't believe you disguised yourself as Clay, Akane!"

Akane: *sitting beside Tezca, sipping tea*

clay: >A< MR TLIPOCA!!

Akane: *chop* "Stop that."

Tezca: =3= "Not my fault the makeup is so thorough..."

clay: IT'S NOOOT! >3<

Tezca: "Oh, don't sell yourself short--"

Akane: *pulls Tezca loose, ripping his bear head off--and there's no head underneath*

Tezca: "..."

clay:....*SCREAMS AND FAINTS*

Akane: O_O;

Tezca: "..." *reaches into his dufflebag, pulls out another bear head, puts it on, screwing it in properly* "Ah, that's better..."

-elsewhere-

Anya: *brushing her hair*

ao: anya?

Anya: "Hmm? Yes?"

ao: miss misery is hosting a knitting group downstairs, care to join?

Anya: "Oh...Sure." *stands up* "That would help..."

-elsewhere-

mercedes: ....

Albert: <Papa?>

mercedes:...<papa will be home soon, baby.> *picks him up*

Albert: *sniffles, hugs her*

mercedes: *rocking him*

Albert: *closes his eyes, slowly falls asleep...*

mercedes:...*forehead kiss and puts him in his crib*

Albert: "Zzz..."

-elsewhere-

Hyde: *counting dollar bills* "Okay, where do we want to dine tonight, folks?"

romina: lets get pizza!

Hyde: "Okay! Toppings? Remember, pineapple is still a topping."

julian: =~=

licht: -_-#

Hyde: "??? Okay, fine--one plain cheese for the boring ones..."

-elsewhere-

Hibana: *reviewing child services paperwork* "..."

gabriella: is everything ok?

Hibana: "I'm not sure...Was looking into some kids that Rekka bastard kidnapped and where they went..." *pulls up another file: "Shinra Kusakabe"*

gabriella: hmm...

Hibana: "..." *rests her head on her shoulder*

gabriella:...*hugs*

Hibana: *hug* *rubs her back, quiet*

hanako: *peeks in* mama?

Hibana: "??? Hi, sweetie..."

hanako: can we watch movies?

Hibana: *smiles* "Sure. What you feeling?"

hanako: disney movies? *shiny eyes*

Hibana: "Heh heh...Sure!" *head rub*

hanako: ^^

Hibana: "Pick out the first one, okay?"

-elsewhere-

Assi: *flipping through posters of famous Italian paintings...*

Daisy: "What, finding something for your girlfriend?"

Assi: "?! N-No..."

mary: *snapping photos*

Fitzgerald: "Wait just a moment--you are missing something in that photo."

mary: ??

Fitzgerald: *poses*

mary: ooh! *snaps pics*

Fitzgerald: *more poses*

Daisy: =_=;

Zuno: "..." *whispers* "Who's that weirdo?"

louisa: *staring at an eagle that has landed on mary's head, pecking at her*

Assi: O_O; "...Sh-Should we warn her about this?"

louisa: i dont think she's bothered...

Daisy: "High tolerance for pain..."

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: *sets down food in front of Q*

Q: thanks for the food! *nom*

Akutagawa: "..." *nods* "Hope it is sufficient."

higuchi: ^^

Gin: "It's good to see them getting along."

higuchi: yeah, it sure is.

Gin: "...How do you think Q is getting along? Seeing as there are few others around his age in the Mafia..."

higuchi: well, there is elise...technically.

Gin: *nods* "Both of them could use more acquaintances...technically."

higuchi: yeah....didnt hirotsu mention a gang of kids that were once scouts for the mafia? the 'sheep'?

Gin: *nods* "I do not know how willing they would be willing to work with the Mafia again after certain poor encounters."

higuchi: and considering how long ago it was, most of them are probably all grown up by now...

Gin: *nods* "Time flies...Q got along well enough with the Sturm kids."

higuchi: yeah....

Gin: "...Maybe something can be arranged for a playdate again."

-elsewhere-

valentine: .......

*looks to be messages from Max, her dad...and one text listed as "Unknown"*

valentine:...*checks*

Max: [<valentine i'm so sorry. please know you have friends and that you are not alone. if you need anything please ask>]

valentine:....[<thanks>]

Max: [<any time>]

valentine:.....*sigh*

*looks like her father's message was just asking when she was getting home...*

valentine:......*checks the unknown number*

Unknown Number: [<hello, child. you and i will talk now.>]

valentine:...[<who are you?>]

*suddenly, she hears wheels creaking behind her*

valentine: ?!?!?! *turns*

*a very old man in a wheelchair rolls up to her...a cell phone is in his lap*

valentine: *screams*

Old Man: "?!" <Shhh! You want to wake up the whole house?!>

valentine: <w-who are you?!>

Old Man: <Gerard's father, Valentine.>

valentine: .....<you....you killed francesca's father....>

Noirtier: <??? Who? ...Wait, was that the name of that 'nurse' who accosted me? Huh...Wait, how do you know her?>

valentine: <she's...._was_ my girlfriend...w-why are you here? what do you want?> *taking a fire poker to defend herself*

Noirtier: *frowns* <Well, this gets more complicated...Let's table the whole 'girlfriend' thing and focus on the fact that your stepmother is likely gunning for you.>

valentine: ?!

Noirtier: <Oh, come on--'gas leak'? That's low-level nonsense...> *takes a medical folder on his lap and drops it to his feet* <Pick it up.>

valentine:....*looks*

*it's a coroner's report, showing photos of her grandparents...*

valentine: *covers her mouth*

*the report lists 'brucine'*

Noirtier: <Shocking, I know...Except you're ignoring the big red flag that the anti-cancer medicine brucine was found in their systems...>

valentine: .....

Noirtier: <And neither of your grandparents had cancer...Now, where do you think the brucine came from?>

valentine:....<i dont know...>

Noirtier: <This is why I went through their medical files. The answer? Nope. That brucine was used to poison them.>

valentine: <y-you dont think...>

Noirtier: <Now, you haven't asked me: why do I suspect your stepmother? Where did she visit last, Granddaughter?>

valentine:........<why should i trust anything you say?>

Noirtier: <You have no reason to. So, you can wait for the facts to present themselves--at which point, you'll be dead. Or you can be smart and think whether you have seen anything that proves she wants to get rid of you and your family to take your inheritance.>

valentine:........

Noirtier: <...I never got to talk to your mother. But I remember her jewelry...So exquisite.>

valentine: <i remember her pearl necklace...>

Noirtier: <And where is it now?>

valentine: <it should be in...> *goes to look*

Noirtier: *still in his chair* <...No problem. I'll wait.>

-later, valentine runs back in-

valentine: *shaking* <it's-...it's gone!!>

Noirtier: "..." *small smirk*

valentine: <w-what do i do?>

Noirtier: <Do you remember seeing anything at the scene of the crime...I mean, at your grandparents' house?>

valentine: <i-i'm trying to think...>

Noirtier: <Trace your steps backwards, child...>

valentine: ......

Noirtier: "..." *pulls out a vial*

valentine: <w-what is that?>

Noirtier: <Your medicine...>

-elsewhere-

miyuri: zzzz...

Chuuya: "???" *checks the girls' room*

sonia: *still asleep*

Chuuya: "..." *checks on Sonia first, checking her temperature on her forehead*

-she's a slight bit warm-

Chuuya: "Oh no..."

miyuri: *yaaawn* =.=

Chuuya: *looks* "..." *checks on Miyuri*

miyuri: tacchan?

Chuuya: "..." *sighs*

miyuri: *opens eyes* oh, hi papa.

Chuuya: *smile* "Hey, kiddo..."

miyuri: is sonia ok?

Chuuya: "...I think she may be a little under the weather, so keep up your fluids and wash your hands so you don't get sick..."

miyuri: ok papa!

Chuuya: *smiles, strokes a hand over her head* "Now, get some more sleep. Sorry to wake you."

-morning-

Kid: *kitten yawn*

stocking: *making breakfast*

Kid: *walks into the kitchen* "Good morning..."

stocking: morning hunny~ anything you want?

Kid: *smiles* "Some pancakes with sugar?" *hugs her*

stocking: that sounds lovely~

Kid: "Hee hee..." *nuzzles* "Thanks, sweetie."

-elsewhere-

Danglars: -^- "..." <Do you really think I'm this stupid?>

lucian: .....

Danglars: *holds up an empty milk carton* <Hermine has not bought more! She never came home last night--where is she?!>

lucian: ...<staying with relatives?>

Danglars: <Why didn't she tell me?!>

lucian: <well to be fair, you would have just ignored her.>

Danglars: <?! How dare you!>

lucian: <i'm just being honest.>

Danglars: <Really? How's this for honest?!> *throws the empty milk carton at Lucian*

lucian:...<throwing trash at me isnt going to make your problems disappear.>

Danglars: <Then this will: YOU'RE FIRED!>

lucian: ....<with all due respect, the only reason i stayed is for your family's sake, so that your wife didnt lose her mind and kill herself and eugenie. but all i have to say is; kindly go fuck yourself and die.>

Danglars: <?!!! Y-You insubordinate traitor!> *reaches for Lucian* <Did you take my wife?!>

lucian: grk- <i d-did nothing!>

Danglars: <You probably had a thing with her, you thief! Give me back my money!>

lucian: <i have not! *shoves him off* and besides, i'm not even into women!>

Danglars: <URK! Is that so?! That's just your cover!> *swings his fist--*

lucian: !!! *dodges*

Danglars: *screams--as he falls down the stairs*

lucian: <sir, if you dont calm down, i'm going to call the police!>

Danglars: <CALL THEM! I'LL TELL THEM YOU KIDNAPPED MY WIFE!>

lucian: *ignoring him*

Danglars: <I'll have your head! I'll make sure you get the guillotine! I'll--> *tries to stand, falls* <...Ow.>

lucian:.... <i'd get you help, but from what i recall, i'm out of a job, so i'm just going to pack my things and mosey on out of here. toodles~>

Danglars: *LOUD ANGRISH* <I'LL HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR THIS! Ow...I need a doctor...>

-elsewhere-

mercedes: .....

-knocks-

mercedes: ??

Albert: <Papa?>

mercedes: <wait here, baby.> *opens the door* <yes?>

Police Officer: <Mrs. Mondego?>

mercedes: <yes?>

Police Officer: *takes off their hat* <We wanted to let you know something about your husband...Would you like to sit down?>

mercedes: <...please, do come in...>

Police Officer: *enters* <...> *looks at Albert* "..." *sighs deeply* <Ma'am...As you know, your husband was taken into police custody...>

mercedes: *nods*

Police Officer: <...Last night, an officer found your husband in his jail cell, unconscious.>

mercedes: !!!

Police Officer: <Medical attempted to resuscitate him...I'm sorry. They were not able to...>

mercedes: *covers her mouth in shock*

Police Officer: <...We are investigating the cause of death at this time...>

mercedes: ......

Police Officer: <...Do you need a moment?>

mercedes:...<y-yes..please...>

Police Officer: *nods* <I'll be outside...> *exits*

mercedes:...*hides her face in her hands, crying*

Albert: <??? Mama?>

mercedes:...*picks him up and hugs him*

Albert: "..." *holds onto her, looking contemplative*

mercedes:...<papa...papa's gone to heaven now...>

Albert: <Papa? Gone?>

mercedes:...*sniffs and kisses his head* <it's just you and me now...>

Albert: <...Mama...> *reaches for her face*

mercedes: <...we're gonna make things work out, i promise...>

Albert: <...> *sniffle*

mercedes *rocking him, humming*

Albert: *small baby cries before closing his eyes, calming down...*

-elsewhere-

Lucian's Friend: <Good morning, ma'am and young lady!> *smiles*

eugenie: *eating waffles*

hermine:...*nods* <g-good morning>

Lucian's Friend: ^w^ <Was the bed comfortable? I could get a different pillow until the new one comes in the mail...>

hermine: <i-it's fine, really.> *looks out the window*

*Forecast today in Rome looks to be sunny...*

hermine:...*small smile* <thank you again, erm->

Lucian's Friend: <Cavalcanti.>

hermine: <right, right. i really do appreciate this.>

Cavalcanti: <Well, when Lucian called, I was a bit anxious...I mean, not every day I have visitors...> ^^;;;

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "Sonia? Breakfast..."

sonia: ....

Chuuya: "??? Sonia?" *checks on her*

sonia: *hiding under the covers*

Chuuya: "..." *sits on her bed* "Hey."

sonia:....

Chuuya: "...Need to sleep a bit longer?"

sonia:...*weak nod*

Chuuya: "Okay...Whenever you're ready, come out for something to eat--whatever you want. Need some water?"

sonia:...*nod*

Chuuya: *smiles* "Okay. Be right back..." *exits the bedroom*

miyuri: ~?

Chuuya: "Miyuri, hungry?"

miyuri: mmhmm!

Chuuya: "I'll cook up some breakfast after I get Sonia some water..."

miyuri: ok!

Chuuya: *pours a glass of orange juice for Miyuri* "You can start with that..." *pours a glass of water, grabs a warm washcloth, too, and goes back to Sonia* "Sonia? Here you go..." *holds out the glass*

sonia:...*small sips*

Chuuya: "Need a warm towel for your neck?"

sonia:...im ok....

Chuuya: *nods* "...Want to talk?"

sonia:...i dunno...

Chuuya: "..." *nods* "How about you read something after you wake up? Anything I can get you?"

sonia: ....

Chuuya: "...Would you like me to step out and let you sleep?"

sonia:...*nod*

Chuuya: "..." *nods...hugs her* "I love you, Sonia."

-elsewhere-

[kpopperreaction]

Omegaverse chapter 9

Warning: angsty chapter (I am still not very good at writing angst so it may suck), also mentions of sexy times. Enjoy~!

YoonMin

A typical morning at the Min-Moon household usually consists of 20 minutes of cuddling (and sometimes 30 minutes of morning sex), homemade breakfast, getting dressed and a goodbye kiss before heading to their jobs; but this morning is different from normal. Yoongi wakes up to Sungmin’s side of the bed ice cold and neatly made as if no one had been there in hours. The alpha male gets up from the bed and walks out to the kitchen to see if maybe he was making breakfast for them. To his surprise, no one was there but a plate of waffles covered in plastic wrap with a note next to it is sitting on the kitchen island.

“Hey baby. Sorry I wasn’t there when you woke up but I got called in early. I made you something to eat before I left so I’ll see you tonight. Love you~!! ^*^” the note reads and Yoongi smiles softly at the little kissy face (yes, that is what it is. Don’t laugh) then he begins to eat by himself. The alpha puts away the dirty dishes in the sink and starts getting ready for work, but stops hearing his phone go off with a call.

“Hello?” he answers, not really looking at who is calling him then his eyes widen at the voice and the words spoken, “WHAT!?” *A bit later; JinMin*

“OW, PINEAPPLES, PINEAPPLES!” Jimin yells making his fiancé freeze his actions and go up to his side. Jin grabs one of the water bottles and one of the fruit bars on the night stand then helps the other sit up before he go into subdrop.

“Minnie, what happened? Did I hurt you?” the elder beta questions opening the water for him and worried when the other chugs down half the bottle in one go.

“You didn’t hurt me persay, but I got this sharp pain in my lower hip area right before you entered. It was like I got hit with something there. What could it mean?” Jimin asks with nervous eyes and his hands are held, “the last time I got a pain without me doing something was when Taetae got that concussion.”

“Minnie, I’m sure it is nothing. Maybe you ran into the desk in the office again and didn’t know it,” Jin says and kisses his forehead with a gentle smile, “let’s get showered and ready for lunch with our families.”

The two head to the bathroom hand-in-hand and don’t hear their cells ring then their apartment phone ring.

“You’ve reached Jin and Jimin. We can’t come to the phone right now but we will call you back when we get the chance~!” the answering machine stated then beeps.

“Jin, its Yoongi! I need you to call me ASAP! Something has happened!” the message says then the line goes dead.

 HoHae

Jihae stands by the stove cooking some lunch for him and Hoseok then smiles feelings arms hold his waist from behind pulling him into a slightly broad chest and he turns off the burner.

“Good morning Hobi~. Did you sleep well~?” the omega asks turning in his arms and smiling up at his mate. The beta pouts and leans down to gently press his lips against the other’s lips. The omega whimpers at the beta’s dominance and he melts at the slightest touch he is given. Jihae squeals when he is lifted up onto the counter and the elder gets in between his thighs rubbing them slowly and sensually.

“I love when you wear one of my shirts over your briefs. It always seems like you wanna do something naughty,” Hoseok purrs and leans in to kiss again, but groans hearing his cell ring from their bedroom. The omega gets off the counter and heads back while the beta finishes up the food. As he begins to plate it, he sees the younger walk out visible paler than normal and the elder rushes over to him.

“What happened Jiji?” Hoseok questions and pulls the other close seeing tears form in the corners of his eyes, “Just breathe and tell me what is wrong.”

“T-there was an accident H-Hobi,” Jihae sobs and feels his mate freeze at those words.

VMon

“KIM TAEHYUNG, I’M GONNA KILL YOU!” the alpha yells and grabs his running boyfriend by the waist with a goofy smile, “WITH CUDDLES~!”

“No, not with your stubble! It itches where you nuzzle me afterwards!” the beta giggles and he tries to playful get away from the other. Namjoon smiles and lies on the couch with the slightly shorter male on top of him while playing with his hair and touching his face.

“How did I get so lucky to be with a beautiful person such as you?” the elder asks sincerely and he chuckles as the younger hides his face in the other’s chest, “aigoo, you are so adorable Tae~!”

“Shut up hyung! I am not cute as you are!” Taehyung yells, but is slightly muffled by the fact that his face is still in his chest and he looks up with a pout on his features. The two break in to laughter and they hear Namjoon’s phone, which is on the coffee table next to them, go off and the beta sits up so the alpha can grab it.

“Huh, I wonder why they are calling me,” the elder states then answers it, “Hey, what’s up?”

Taehyung watches as his boyfriend’s face turn from blank to confusion to concern in a few seconds flat and he moves to a different cushion so the other can sit up.

“Hey, you aren’t making any sense. Calm down and tell me, as slowly as you can, what is going on,” Namjoon says as calm as he can and his eyes widen hearing what the person on the other end of the line says, “alright. We will be there soon. Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”

The beta worries seeing the other’s look and he takes his hand tightly in his own making the alpha look at him.

“What is going on Joonie?” the younger asks and he finally notices that the other is shaking heavily.

“We gotta go to the hospital. Something happened,” the elder says and they get their stuff while heading out the door.

*At the hospital*

A figure paces slowly back and forth while in the waiting room and they have a sling over their left arm and bandages on their right arm, around their right leg and around their head.

“MISU!” a voice yells and the Japanese male looks up to see Yoongi running over to him.

“Hyung,” the omega whimpers and is hugged gently so he isn’t hurt even more.

“What happened Misu? When you called me earlier, you were freaking out so much,” the alpha questions quietly so he doesn’t freak out the other.

“J-Jungkook wanted t-to drive to p-practice for his test so i-I said we could. W-we were driving and s-someone r-ran a light. A-all I remind after that i-is someone hugging me t-tight to p-protect the baby then I w-woke up to the doctor c-checking my belly,” Misu stutters while tears fall from his eyes and he sobs, “K-Kookie has been in s-surgery for a-almost t-three hours now!”

“Misu, it’s ok. None of this is your fault and everything will be alright,” Yoongi says and gently holds his friend while trying to calm him down.

“Yoongi hyung, Misu hyung!” taehyung yells as he and the others run into the waiting room. Jihae pushes past the others and hugs the crying male while Jin pulls Yoongi to the side to hear what happened.

“Misu, it’ll be ok. We are here for you,” the elder whispers comforting and he wipes the tears from the younger’s eyes. Everyone sits together for hours as they wait for word on their friend’s condition and finally, a doctor walks out in surgical clothes.

“Jeon Jungkook’s family?” the doctor questions and looks around. Misu stands up with some help from Jihae and Jimin.

“I-I’m his mate….is he o-ok?” the omega asks and nervously holds onto his friend’s hands.

“We were able to stop the bleeding and get him stitched up. He is doing fine and you are welcome to go to his room now,” the doctor says and gives a soft smile seeing the boy relax at the words then walks away to help other people.

“Do you want us to go back with you Misu?” Jin asks concerned for his pregnant friend.

“No, I’ll be fine. You guys go and get some rest. Thank you for sitting with me until now,” the Japanese male says and waves as everyone begins to leave.

*At Yoongi/Sungmin’s apartment*

The alpha male sighs tiredly and walks into his apartment later on after picking up some food for him and Sungmin. He stops seeing that there are no lights on and he wonders if the elder went to bed early then he heads to their bedroom.

“Hey babe, why are-“he stops seeing all of the drawers and the closet open with all of the beta’s clothes gone, “no…”

Yoongi goes around the apartment and finds everything that belonged to his boyfriend gone then he stops at the bed to find a note again. He picks it up with shaking hands and sits down to read it.

“Yoongi, by the time you find this, I will be long gone. I can’t do this anymore and I don’t feel like I belong with you anymore. You deserve someone so much better than a stripper and you deserve to be with someone who you can be happy with all the time. Goodbye forever Moon Sungmin,” the note states and Yoongi crumples it up. He throws it across the room while sobbing and he hugs the pillow that still slightly smells like his boyfriend.

(Ok, I officially hate myself! Why do I make Yoongi suffer!? So, off that sad note, I am gonna give you guys some hints on what the miniseries will be about~. If someone guesses right, I will dedicate the chapter to them, so please guess~! The hints are 1: it is my favorite genre to write, 2: it’ll be about my favorite kpop group, and 3: it’s gonna be my favorite type of au to write~. Thanks guys~!)

[eyez-ff-blog]

○○ eyez | four

January 28, 2015

It was a superficial sleep. He had woken up an hour ago but had no plans to leave the comfort of his King sized bed. His sheets smelled like Argon Oil and fresh detergent, and the heat circulating throughout the apartment was comforting. There was a bittersweet taste to this day—he never really disliked his birthday, but today was a bit different. He made it another year, that was sweet. But now it dawned upon him...he had made it to his 30th.

“Wake up big man,” He heard Melissa’s sing-song tone, and he opened his eyes briefly, blinking as he tried to adjust his vision to the light. He glanced up and he smirked briefly as he noticed the tray in her head.

“Ah, shit...” He mumbled as he slowly moved to sit up in bed. “Look at you being nice to me for once,” He joked before she sat the tray on his lap.

“Happy Birthday, J,” She leaned down and kissed his forehead before she pulled back. “Go ahead and eat and get yourself together. We’ve gotta go and run errands before the party tonight,” She instructed, and he nodded as she hurried out of the bedroom.

He stared down at the covered plate, and he pulled it back to survey the food she had prepared—two Belgian waffles, scrambled egg whites with cheese, and two slices of bacon with two small links of sausage. On the side was an unopened bottle of strawberry milk and a glass of cranberry juice. He noticed the dark blue envelope and a black box with blue ribbon tied around it.

He bit into his lip before he opened the card first, pulling out the card before he realized it was custom made—more than likely she got the idea from Pintrest or one of her Facebook groups. Included on the cover were 30 pictures of him throughout the years. He chuckled softly as he momentarily reminisced about some of the events the pictures came from. “Crazy,” He said as he opened up the card, reading over the message quietly:

Happy Birthday to my love, my life. My best friend, my delight. My soulmate, my teacher, my equal. My confidant, my shoulder to cry on. My light, my student, my laughter, my pilot. My lover, my mechanic. My handyman, my honey. My entrepreneur...my husband. I love you, J! – Mel

It was short but he knew that unlike his music, Melissa wasn’t always good with words. She was more of a showing type of girl and the attentiveness of the creative card made him feel a sense of joy. He decided to eat first, then open his gift—inside was a silver Rolex watch with a Carolina Blue face.

After he ate and got out of bed, he went to take a shower before he got dressed in a simple t-shirt and some sweat pants. After picking out a pair of Jordan sneakers to wear, he slipped on the watch before he smiled to himself. Once he got his wallet and other things, he dusted his hands across the top of his head before he exited his bedroom and headed towards the common area of the apartment.

Melissa was sitting on the couch as she talked on the phone, glancing up only when Jermaine entered the room. “Yes, we’re about to come and get the cake now, actually. Okay. Thank you so much,” She hung up the phone before she stood to her feet, grabbing her purse. “You ready to go?” She asked.

“Yeah. C’mere,” He mumbled as he pulled her close, and she let out a fit of giggles as he kissed all over her face slowly. “Thank you for the watch and the card. Shit was dope,” He said with a chuckle as he hugged her tightly.

“You’re welcome! I saw it when I was out with my girls and I knew...I had to get it for you,” She looked up at him with a broad smile, and he nodded approvingly as his hand rubbed up and down her back.

“You knew. But let’s go—I know you on a schedule and shit,” He shook his head before he chuckled, gently patting her behind before the two of them headed for the front door.

The majority of Jermaine’s day was spent with Melissa doing errands for the house party they were to throw that evening. Between grocery shopping and accepting calls and texts of birthday wishes from friends and colleagues, it was a pretty chill build up to what would probably be a nice evening.

Once they got back home, they began to prepare the house for the party—while Melissa cooked, Jermaine cleaned. Once they finished their respective jobs the two came together to decorate. Mel insisted that they had a nice set-up, and although Jermaine didn’t really care for that, he decided not to complain since she was going out of her way to do it. It meant something to her, so he would be a good sport.

It was about an hour until the party’s designated time when the house was completely finished—blue and white decorations were all around, with food and drink tables full of items. For the appetizers were various finger foods such as hot wings, cheese and crackers, and chips and dip. Amongst the “main course” items were chicken spaghetti and Caesar salad. Melissa had sodas, juices and water, along with J’s favorite type of liquors and a sangria punch in a bowl. The centerpiece was the dessert—a large white sheet cake with white buttercream icing. On the cake was a sugar-brushed picture of J’s latest album cover, with the words “Happy Birthday Jermaine” written on it.

Now that everything was together as far as the decorations, the couple got themselves ready for the party. While Melissa sat at her vanity doing her hair, Jermaine was in the closet still trying to figure out what to put on. “Baby,” He called out before he stepped out, running his hands down his slender torso. “I really have no fuckin’ idea what to put on,” He announced.

“I figured that you’d put on something simple,” She glanced over as she surveyed over his dark washed jeans and Timberland boots. “Wear one of your jerseys or something. Unless you’re looking to actually dress up for once,” She raised her eyebrows, and he shook his head slowly.

“Mm...” He walked back into the closet before he grabbed his Tar Heels jersey. Walking back out towards the dresser, he grabbed a white t-shirt before sliding it on, putting the jersey on afterward. He sat down at the end of the bed as he watched Melissa finish her hair, and she smoothed out any stray hairs before she stood up.

“Okay, so how’s this?” She asked, turning around to model her outfit for Jermaine. He glanced over her attire, nodding slightly at the way her black cocktail dress hugged against her body. Paired with the pair of black pumps, she looked like she was actually going to a party.

“You look beautiful,” He stood up before he leaned down and gave her a quick peck to the lips. “Might have to hurt a nigga tonight,” He joked.

“Oh sure,” She laughed as the two of them cleaned their room and then headed out towards the living room.

Within the hour people began to arrive at the apartment, and what was once a quiet space was an apartment bustling with activity and liveliness. It wasn’t a huge gathering—just people from the label and their spouses along with Jermaine and Melissa’s mutual friends and a couple of their neighbors. Some were eating, others were drinking and talking, while a couple were watching ESPN on TV or listening to music. Everyone seemed to be having a nice time.

“So, how’s 30 feeling? I know you feel old as hell,” Cody asked as J and the boys sat on the couch watching TV.

“You just can’t be asking grown folks questions,” Bas joked before he shook his head slowly. “But for real, I do wanna know. Does it feel different?”

“Nah...not really,” Jermaine shrugged as he lifted the bottle of Budweiser beer in his hand, taking a swig of the liquor before he glanced around the room. “I’m much closer to the AARP club though, so that’s something to look forward to,” He sarcastically replied.

“So proud of my son. He’s growing up,” Ibrahim sniffed dramatically to try to act as if he was crying. “Done got married, now he old as shit. Before long he’ll be popping out a baby,” He wiped at his face as Dame let out a laugh.

“Honestly, it’s gonna be Cody hoe ass first,” Dame said, before all of the men began to laugh.

“Fuck all y’all niggas,” Cody shook his head before the doorbell sounded throughout the house. “I got it!” He stood up and Jermaine furrowed his eyebrows as he stood up, downing the last of his beer.

“This nigga would answer a door in my house,” He chuckled dryly before he maneuvered to the kitchen, throwing away his empty beer bottle. He grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler before he walked into the living room, seeing that Beija had arrived.

His eyes were transfixed on her as he noticed her attire and the way she had presented herself for the evening. Her long black trench coat was open, giving him a glimpse of her black sweater and jeans. The high-heeled boots she had on gave her a bit more height, and as Cody politely took off her jacket, her body shape was hard to ignore. But the next thing that he couldn’t keep his eyes off of was her long and flowing hair. Her curls had been straightened out and now her hair seemed to flow down towards her round behind. Her make-up was on point as always, looking completely natural aside from the slight glow to her cheeks and forehead.

“Hey, Jermaine,” He snapped out of his trance when Beija began towards him, and she smiled up at him as she handed him a card and a small box. “Happy Birthday,” She nodded respectfully.

“Thank you, ma. I appreciate it,” He said as he noticed Melissa approaching him. He reached for her before he pulled her to his side.

“I didn’t notice we had a new guest,” Melissa smiled at Beija before holding out her hand. “I’m Melissa, his wife,” Jermaine wasn’t sure if she was saying that as pleasantry or as warning.

“I know who you are,” Beija chuckled softly as she gripped Melissa’s hand to shake. “I’m Beija—I work as an intern for Dreamville,” She introduced herself.

“Oh, okay! Well it’s a pleasure to meet you. Go ahead and get comfortable—food’s over there, drinks are in the kitchen,” Melissa explained, and Beija nodded slowly.

“Thanks a lot,” She said before she parted from the interaction quickly. Jermaine felt oddly relieved that it was over, but he couldn’t place a finger on as to why.

“I didn’t know she was coming,” Melissa retorted, and J inwardly winced. That was why. He knew his wife and how she was—she pretty much knew everyone in the label and the fact that a stranger coming into her home and addressing him before anyone else probably had her taken aback.

“Well I was going to introduce you two tonight,” He mumble before he kissed her temple. “Don’t do this tonight. Please,” He mumbled.

“I’m not doing anything,” She said before she gently patted his chest, glancing at him with a slightly vexed expression before she pulled from his body. “Okay everyone, let’s light the candles and get ready to sing to J!” She announced, making everyone congregate around where the cake was located.

After lighting the candles and singing, J blew out the candles and cake was served. After getting their food, the boys were back on the couch, with Beija sitting between Dame and Ib as they went back to watching television.

“Y’all so cute, look at them matching,” Ib joked a bit at the fact that Dame was basically wearing the same type of outfit as Beija.

“Right? Best dressed couple of the night,” Cody spoke before eating a forkful of cake.

“Shut up—y’all get on my nerves,” Beija chuckled as she sat down her plate to take a sip of the sangria she had gotten.

“Oh, so you don’t wanna match with me?!” Dame tried to act upset, but his stifled laughter pretty much ruined the agenda. “I see how it is,” He chuckled.

“You know I love you, but not like that and not that much,” She tapped the top of his head before J let out a snort.

“You gone let her play you? Damn, can’t relate,” Jermaine playfully boasted.

“Oh?” Beija raised her eyebrows as the boys began to laugh. “Don’t get cute because it’s your birthday, gramps. You all can get flamed and I’ll start with you, Jermaine,” The boys began to egg her on as Jermaine stared at her, letting out a light chuckle.

“Oh you gonna start with me? I’d think about that first—you can’t check me when you over there looking like a glazed chocolate donut. Face just shiny as fuck, look at ya,” J joked.

“At least I look delicious! You over there looking like a dusty cotton swab! I wouldn’t even try to talk no type of shit,” Beija countered, and the other men were in a fit of laughter.

“A’ight, a’ight. Stop, before you hurt my feelings,” J laughed along with the group before he felt a hand against his shoulder. He glanced up and smiled when he saw Melissa. “Wassup, baby?”

“Making sure you good. Y’all over here being mean to my baby again?” She playfully scolded.

“I’d love to say I got J’s ass tonight but nah. That’s B being rude as hell,” Ib laughed.

“Man, y’all snitches too! I cannot take this,” Beija laughed softly before she shook her head. “J’s a big boy, he can take it,” She smiled.

“Gotta be gentle with this one. He’ll cry about it later,” Mel joked. “But you good over here, Beija? I’m sure the guys are boring you, and me and the girls were about to start a game of Spades,” She offered.

“Oh, no thank you. I’m a shitty partner, but I’m good over here, thank you,” Beija said with a nod, and J glanced up as he noticed the look on Mel’s face.

“Go kick some ass for me, though,” J chuckled, and she looked down at him with a small smile before she nodded, kissing his temple before she walked off.

“But you just beat us at Sp—...” Bas gently smacked Cody’s shoulder before he could finish his sentence. The young man looked at his friend with a questioning expression, and Bas shook his head before Cody grew silent again.

“Anyway,” Ibrahim quickly changed the subject. “I got the final details for the tour together—I’m thinking late March is the best time, and we can take over the summer,” He explained.

“Oh that’s wassup. You comin’ with us, right B?” Dame asked.

“I planned to. All my last classes are online—I will only be gone to come back to New York for graduation, but I’ll be there,” She said.

“Oh, shit—will we miss it while being on tour?” Bas asked.

“Don’t know yet, I’ll have to see. If y’all miss it, it’s okay; I won’t be mad because I’ll know why,” Beija said with a nod. “But I appreciate y’all caring enough to speak about it and want to come,” She smiled softly.

“Of course, ma. You family,” Ib smiled as he gently patted her shoulder. “Just know when you come back from it we gotta turn up one time. Just...slightly though, because niggas getting old,” He joked.

“I forget all of you are grandfathers now,” Beija joked before she shook her head. “The only turning up I wanna see is on that stage, honestly. That will make me the happiest,” She admitted.

“See, I told y’all she loves us,” Bas chuckled.

“She love me the most,” Dame beamed, and the men laughed when she smacked him across his chest.

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 69

in which all hell breaks loose...

-early morning- Kid: *yawn* stocking: *making waffles* Kid: *sniffs* "Smells great..." stocking: thanks. want anything on them? Kid: "Strawberries?" stocking: on it~! -elsewhere- Spirit: *pours coffee* "Here you go." sachiko: thanks. Spirit: "You're welcome." *sets down bacon and eggs* "How's today look?" -elsewhere- Chuuya: *opens the closet* ("Now I just have to hide this gift on the top shelf--") *looks up...he can't reach it* "..." *lowers his head* Y_Y …… *light bulb* *floats up* YYWYY;; *sets the gift down* *lowers himself, closes the door* "There." -elsewhere- Magaki: *in a dark room, curtains closed, studying a newspaper* ("I got another killed...Security increased...") *closes the newspaper, folds it...stands up, and walks by a hallway of mirrors along the wall* -silence- Magaki: *approches the kitchen, opens the fridge, removes a bottle of dark red liquid* -...- Magaki: *sips* -...- Magaki: "..." *grimaces* "Ugh..." *grabs some milk* "Need to favor this crap." -elsewhere- Akitaru: "Everyone got their assignments?" shinra: yep. tamaki: *nods* iris: mmhmm! nozomi: yes, sir! Relan: "Yes, sir." Vulcan: *nods* Arthur: *bows* Takehisa: "When you are finished, file your report." everyone: yes sir! Akitaru: "Dismissed!" *smiles* -elsewhere- Yohei: *looking outside* mana: *playing in the snow* Shotaro: *tossing a snowball in the air--and let it hit himself in the face* "Hee hee..." Emine: *lying in the snow* chie: seems they're enjoying themselves. Yohei: "Yeah..." *slight shiver* chie:...*kiss on the cheek* Yohei: "..." *holds her hand* "Th-Thanks..." -elsewhere- Wes: "Good work, Licht..." licht: thank you. Wes: "I think we'll be ready in time for the performance...but..." licht: ? Wes: "Why is your friend lying on top of the piano?" Hyde: *lying back* =w= licht: ==# shit rat, get off of there. Hyde: "Can't I be your muse~" -elsewhere- Hibana: *in a pair of slacks, buttoning up her shirt, then putting on a tie* "How do I look?" gabriella: *thumbs up* nice *nosebleed* Hibana: "..." *smirks* "Your nose is bleeding." gabriella: !!! *puts a tissue to it* .////.; Hibana: *leans forward--smooch* gabriella: =///////////= -elsewhere- Sanjuro: "Tsubaki..." tsubaki: dad... *hugs* mrs nakatsukasa: *hugs* <welcome home, sweetie.> Sanjuro: ^^ *hug* Black Star: *looking at the map* "I think we go this way--" *walks into the wall* "...Ow." tsubaki: ^^; jetlag? Black Star: "Ow...Maybe. Oh, hey Mr. and Mrs. Nakatsukasa." mrs nakatsukasa: ^^; Sanjuro: "Hello, Black Star. Not yet oriented?" Black Star: "Give me an hour--I'll have this world wrapped around me!" -elsewhere- Aizawa: "Have your permission slips turned in by the end of the week..." momo: *nods* tsuyu: got it. Iida: "..." Izuku: *looking at his list of options* ochako: do you hear someone running- Mineta: "I don't hear anyt--" *Door slams open--crushing Mineta against the wall* ochako: O-O; All Might: "I AM HERE--HAVING DASHED DOWN THE HALL TO BOW!" *bows* -staaaare- Izuku: "A-All Might!" *stands up* Aizawa: "...What is it now?" All Might: "I MUST SPEAK WITH YOUNG MIDORIYA!" *grabs Izuku by the collar, pulling him from his chair and dashing back down the hall* Izuku: YEEEEEEEeeeeeeee….. *his voice fades out as he is dragged* tsuyu: *blinks* satou: d-did that just...? Mineta: *whimpering from behind the door* "Heal me..." -and so- Izuku: "Your teacher?! And he knows about your Quirk? Why didn't you mention it earlier? And...are you okay?" All Might: *nervous smile* "Y-YES!" *holding his leg down* "STAY DOWN, LEG. STOP SHAKING...OH, NO, WHY IS HE SEEKING YOU OF ALL PEOPLE?!" Izuku: .____.;;; "...Should I not accept--" All Might: "YOU MUST ACCEPT! IT'LL GIVE YOU A NEW PERSPECTIVE!" Izuku: *hair blown back from the shouting* .______. "...Okay." -elsewhere- Kunikida: *dialing* "...Answer already..." aya: is he sick? *worried* Kunikida: "I wish I knew. He usually answers..." -the phone answers- yana: who is this? Kunikida: Yes, hello. Is Katai there?" yana: no, he's at the doctor's. he broke his ankle. Kunikida: "!!! How does he break his ankle?! He lies down all the time..." yana: hey, i dont know man. Kunikida: "...Who is this?" yana: just a family friend. Kunikida: "...Where was he admitted?" yana: he didnt say, he just asked me to watch the house for him. Kunikida: "He didn't say--but he has you watching his place? Then you won't mind if I stopped by." yana: sorry, im really busy with tidying everything. i bet you he tripped over the trash or something. Kunikida: "Well, good luck cleaning--he can be disorganized." yana: thanks. *hangs up* .....<just where did mr hackerman go? or his body.....> -elsewhere- Akutagawa: *standing on rooftop* "...I don't see them." naoya: lets see here.... -perspective- they're in the alley next to the hardware store. Akutagawa: "Exit points?" naoya: just the entry way and a fire escape... Akutagawa: "You take the entry, I'll take the fire escape." naoya: on it. *heading down* Akutagawa: *uses Rashomon to stilt-walk over the buildings to the fire escape* -in the alley- Escapee #1: "Crap crap crap!" naoya: howdy there, chucklefucks! Escapee #1: Q~Q escapee 2: *grabs a pipe and charges* naoya: *grabs the pipe and is trying to force it out of his hand* Escapee #1: *backs away--then feels someone tap his shoulder* O____O Akutagawa: *tapping with Rashomon* "You don't want to try this, friend." escapee 2: !!!! -CRACK- escapee 2: *screams* Akutagawa: "See? Don't try that." *picks up Escapee #1 by their legs* Escapee 1: "EEEK!" naoya: now... *chokes escapee 2 with the pipe* what to do with you two.... Escapee 1: "DON'T KILL US!" naoya: so you'll come back quietly? Escapee 1: *nod nod* naoya: see, that wasnt so hard was it- escapee 2: *elbows her and tries to run* naoya: urk- Akutagawa: *sighs--and tosses Escapee 1 at 2* -she shoots him in the leg- Escapee 1: "EEEEEEEE--" escapee 2: AHHHH!!!! *CRASH* Escapee 1: X_X Escapee 2: *groans* naoya: god...god dammit. never an easy job, eh, akuta? Akutagawa: "No...Not very bright, are they?" *offers a hand* naoya: *smiles* thanks. -elsewhere- yana: .... pushkin: <what're you lookin' at?> yana: *points to ivan and zoey* them. pushkin: ?? <what're they doing?> yana: trying to show off for the boss. zoey: *nuzzles fyodor's leg* master~<3 Ivan: *massaging Fyodor's shoulders* <Let me know how to please you, Master~?> Fyodor: ….. yana: <neither one of them wants to admit defeat, so they just flaunt their affection towards him while he's just indifferent. they're like two, sad little peacocks...> pushkin:...........<that's actually pretty funny.> yana: <indeed it is, pushkin. indeed it is.> Fyodor: "???" katya: <oh dont be such a goddamn baby, pyotr! your finger will be fine!> Fyodor: <Could you keep it quiet?> katya: <WELL SOME OF US HAVE TO ENTERTAIN OURSELVES _SOME_HOW! IF I DONT GET TO KILLIN' SOMETHING SOON, IM GONNA FLIP SHIT!> pushkin: easy now. Fyodor: *sighs* <Leo, please sew up some dolls...> leo: understood. Fyodor: <Katya, use the dolls as targets.> katya: *griiiiiiin* leo: <please try not to bite their heads off again.> katya: <i aint promisin' shit.> leo:....*sigh* <close enough...> Fyodor: "Now, where were we--" *shudders* "Too hard..." zoey: *pouts and nuzzling his thigh* Ivan: *glares...his hands slide under Fyodor's collar to his bare shoulders* Fyodor: "Hm." -elsewhere- Medusa: *stares* "...If I have to make one more gingerbread house, my fingers are going to fall off..." neian: *chewing on her rag* Medusa: "..." *pats her head* neian: babu! Medusa: *light smile* -elsewhere- PlushFix: =w= "Aw, paradise..." kinuta: *chuckles* hina: *taking a drag on her cig* damn. Akua: *trying to shield against the sun* =_=; PlushFix: *resting along Kinuta's leg* =w= kinuta: cozy? PlushFix: "Could be cozier..." mimeca: *as a crab on her head* =w= Akua: *stares at the crab* -_-; kinuta: *picks him up.......putting her between her breasts* PlushFix: *muffled* "HEAVEN!" saku:.....tch- <idiots.> Akua: "Shameless." >_> -elsewhere- Jacqueline: "??? You okay?" kim: yeah, just felt sick all the sudden... Jacqueline: "..." *places a hand on her forehead* -elsewhere- atsushi: *looking at the flyer* Lucy: "Thinking of going~?" atsushi: !!! YESPLEASE! Lucy: ^^ "Good." *takes his hand* atsushi: o////w////o; Lucy: "We get to dress all fancy, too." atsushi: oh wow. Lucy: "Maybe you can borrow a suit..." atsushi: i'll see what i can do! Lucy: *looks down* "And I'll need something, too..." atsushi: ^^;... *glances at kyouka* ?? Kyoka: "We will need pretty dresses." Lucy: "Something poofy!" -elsewhere- Izuku: "--so I'll be visiting with a mentor for my internship." inko: that's wonderful! Izuku: ^\\\^ "I'll be out of the house for quite a bit..." inko: where abouts? Izuku: "Th-The older part of town." inko: please do be careful, i hear some unsavory sorts hang around that area... Izuku: *nods* "I'm going to be heading there with a friend, since it's on their way to their internship..." inko: that sounds nice. ^^ -elsewhere- Kid: *humming* stocking: im home...*slumps to the floor, asleep* Kid: O_O *bends down, picks her up* stocking: zzzzzz.... Kid: *takes her upstairs to their room, sets her down gently in bed* "..." stocking: =w= kiddo~ Kid: *smiles, strokes her hair* stocking: =///w///= Kid: *lies beside her* stocking: *snuggle* Kid: *holds her, hums lightly* stocking: u//////u Kid: *closes his eyes* -elsewhere- Dazai: ( . ) w ( . ) naomi:....what? Dazai: "...Cooooooloooors." naomi:....kunikida! he found the mushrooms again! Kunikida: "Damn it!" *pulls out a mallet* -elsewhere- Anya: *covered in snow* tsugumi: you ok? Anya: -_- "Brats did this to me..." kana: no regrets. Anya: >-<# -elsewhere- Black Star: *holds up empty plate* shop worker: ._.; Black Star: "I want more of this. And a meal." shop worker:.... *blinks and looks at sanjuro* tsubaki: v~v; Sanjuro: "J-Just, um..." *picks a plate* "We'll take this...and any information you have." -elsewhere- Akutagawa: "Are they talking?" higuchi: they're in interrogation now... Akutagawa: "Will they live long enough to talk?" higuchi: hopefully... Akutagawa: "Hmm..." *listens to the door* naoya: alright. now how did you get out? Escapee #1: Q~Q "A-A spoon?" naoya: *raises a brow* Escapee #1: Q_____Q "A-A lot of d-digging...Took a long time to dig with...a spoon?" naoya:.....oi, tachi! were there any holes in their cell? Tachihara: "Hell no." Escapee #1: Q__________Q naoya: gee, how interesting....*laughs and twists their wrist* DONT BULLSHIT US! Escapee #1: *screams* "Th-They called us!" naoya: who's _they_? Escapee #1: *gasping* "Th-They had masks--" naoya: ?? what did these masks look like? Escapee #1: "It-It had tiny eyeholes! And something like a cross along one eye?" naoya: ?? ... Escapee #1: "His voice was raspy..." naoya: hmm... hirotsu: is there anything else you remember? Escapee #1: "H-He wore a cross?" hirotsu: hmmm... Escapee #1: "H-He told us to get away--keep running..." hirotsu: .. Escapee #1: "I just wanted to leave...go home..." hirotsu: ... *he glances at mori* Mori: "Hmmmm...No." Escapee #1: "!!!!" -elsewhere- Kuro: =_= *digs deeper under blanket* mahiru: .....*glances at the clock* Kuro: "You waiting for someone?" mahiru: my uncle still isnt home yet.... Kuro: *yawns* "Probably busy at...whatever he does." mahiru: .... -a few days later...- fukuzawa: ... *walking along the streets of the city, admiring christmas decorations* ..... ?? (thinking: blood?) -the blood leads to an alley- fukuzawa: ..... *gripping his sword handle and enters* ..... *No one is in the alley* fukuzawa:.....*examining the blood* *A separation in the air can be felt behind Fukuzawa, as if someone is about to slice at him* -barehanded blade block!- fukuzawa: so you're the culprit then.... -he elbows the assailant in the gut- *Masked Assailant bounces back, holding a sickle* fukuzawa: ?? Mask: "Death...to ability users--" fukuzawa: targeting ability users, are you? *sigh* and to think, this city is supposed to be a safe haven.... Mask: "Saves the user who brings danger wherever he goes..." fukuzawa: ....!! Mask: *swings the sickle again* -clang- fukuzawa: ... Mask: *trying to hold his own against Fukuzawa's sword--then seems to slide under* fukuzawa: ??!! Mask: *swings the sickle* -clang clang- fukuzawa: grk-...*cough* w-what? Mask: "Death will come for you, as it does us all. The ways of death are many: wounds, illness, loneliness...and..." fukuzawa: *coughing* Mask: "Poison." fukuzawa: *collapses* urk-...w-what did you- Mask: *holds up the sickle--then leaps up, seems to form dark flashes at his feet as he goes higher* "A beautiful winter night...to bleed upon the snow." fukuzawa: d-damn...*passes out* -morning- atsushi: *checks his phone* Kyoka: "??? What is it?" atsushi: hm..... !!!!!! kyouka, come on! get dressed! we need to get to the agency right now! -at the agency- ranpo: ............ fukuzawa: *laying in bed, alive, but his breath is shaky* secretary: it's awful… secretary 2: i cant believe someone managed to get a hit in on him, let alone do this... Kunikida: "We are hunting for any more information..." atsushi: .... yosano: ..... *glances at dazai* -elsewhere- hirotsu:...damn. they arent here either...*on communicator* how is everything on your end, sir? -elsewhere, mori and elise ware walking along- ruby: *patrolling* pearl: ... dia: hmm... Officer: *walking by* elise: are we there yet, rintarou? Mori: "Just one more shop~" elise: ugh, that's the 15th tailor today =3= Mori: "Please? It won't be a long walk..." elise: *grumbles* fiiine, but it's the last one for the day. =3= Mori: "Would you rather the car?" elise: yeah yeah, let's just get going already! >3< Mori: *opens the door, enters, closes* elise:.... !!!! RINTAROU WE NEED TO GO- *BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM* dia: !!! ruby: holy moley! -elsewhere- Dazai: *in the alley, examining the floor where Fukuzawa was attacked*…. -elsewhere- elise: *floating, holding mori by the collar* ugh, this is so lame! Mori: ._.; "...Our car..." elise: cant believe someone would put a bomb in there! >3< *lands on the ground* how lame! -in the alley- Akutagawa: *following blood drops in alley* -silence- Akutagawa: "Where could he have gone?" ???: "Eternal..." Akutagawa: "!!" Mask: "Death..." Akutagawa: "So, the dog hunts, just to kill his prey...To kill all ability users. Insane." Mask: "...I will kill….for the sake of my beloved…" Akutagawa: "And you are all bark..." *unleashes Rashomon* Mask: *leaps* *Mask dodges, seemingly unscathed* Akutagawa: "Blood...Your attracts. I know you. And where to strike--" *Mask's mask was sliced, dropping to the ground* Akutagawa: "...As I thought: blood reverend of the Guild." Hawthorne: "..." -on the street, the 1st brigade has secured the area of the burning car- Mori: ^^;;; "Quite a spectacle, eh?" elise: =3= Officer: "Sir, please--we need to get you and your daughter away from this crime scene..." elise: ?? Officer: "How did this explosion even happen?" Mori: .w.; "My daughter put orange juice in the gas tank?" elise: *gives him a look of 'are you fucking kidding me?'* Mori: "She said, 'Daddy, I want Mr. Car to have a drink'! Isn't that right, Elise Sweetie?" elise: dont drag me into this! D8< Officer: "Well, if it was an accident--" Mori: "Oh, it was! It totally was!" ^^ Officer: "--then we have a problem." *shiv* Mori: "..." elise: ......!!!! *The hat falls, revealing...* Fyodor: "..." Mori: *falls down* "E-Elise..." elise: *chasing after him* dia: ?? ...*turns to see....* ..........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fyodor: *running towards Dia* dia: .......*unable to speak, too stunned to move* Fyodor: *he seems to be...smiling* *passes Dia* ruby: did someone just run past? dia:.....*collapses to her knees, eyes wide, pupils shrank.....she's trembling* pearl: dia? dia?! -in the alley- Akutagawa: "You used your blood to step on air, literally." Hawthorne: "..." *The blood at Akutagawa's feet bubbles* Akutagawa: "!!!" *Akutagawa uses Rashomon to block Hawthorne's blood scythe* Akutagawa: "You used to be more straightforward in your attacks, Priest--hardly as deceptive to need a mask, or to use anything but your words and direct attacks." Hawthorne: "..." Akutagawa: "You said you intended to restore that which she lost--that woman I attacked. Is that why you have targeted me?" Hawthorne: "...Who is the Priest?" Akutagawa: "...!!!" -elsewhere- Fyodor: *tosses his police uniform, opens a locker and puts on his coat--* "..." <Where's my hat?> ???: “Hello~!” Fyodor: "..." -_-# Dazai: *waves* “Looking for this, Dosty~?” -someone holds a scalpel to his neck- zoey:....that doesnt.....belong to you..... Dazai: "..." *takes Zoey's hand--and holds it* "Young woman. May I entice you to join me in a--" zoey: *snarling* Dazai: .w.; "...You know what? Here--" *shoves the hat onto her* "It didn't suit me." *looks at Fyodor* Fyodor: "...You anticipated I would be here--" Dazai: "And blocked your one exit! I didn't see her coming, though." zoey:....master....s-shall i....dispose of him...~? Fyodor: "No." zoey:....*removes the scalpel and backs off* of course... Dazai: "...You're the one trying to kill the heads of the two parties involved..." Fyodor: "..." Dazai: "..." *smiles* "Where do I sign up?" zoey: ?? Fyodor: "...Ha." Dazai: "Kidding! I just want to know the poison you used." *evil grin* "I wanted to find it the easier way." Fyodor: "...You know then?" Dazai: *nods* "I know. I know your plan: to eliminate your competition. By poisoning the two heads of the ability user organizations--assassination--is what someone with limited resources would do." Fyodor: "How did you arrive at that conclusion?" Dazai: "Because if I had nothing, it's what I would do." Fyodor: "Hm. So you think we're alike." *smiles* "Very well. That poison assures mutual destruction: you will destroy yourselves." zoey: ...*smiles* Dazai: "???" Fyodor: "This virus-type ability will eat away the hosts' organs. But if either host dies before 48 hours, the ability ends." Dazai: "...To save the director, the other host must die." -elsewhere-.... Chuuya: "..." {fyodor: I can predict every movement you take…so I know you will accept my offer. Because without that girl, you are a mess. And you want her to live the life she was denied. And all it takes is this book–to make your dreams into reality.} Chuuya: "...Even if we wanted to work around him, 2 days is not enough time. We...have to give into this demand." -in the alley- Fyodor: "Fools. Humans, even when they know they are still being manipulated cannot stop killing. A sin. That a god must cleanse from this world." zoey: ah~ so wonderful, master~<3 -she kneels at his feet, like a loyal pet- Fyodor: *pets Zoey's head* Dazai: "...Right. Anyway, 'God,' your plan is A-plus--except the part where you realized I can negate the ability--" Fyodor: "You would need contact with their internal organs--which is suicide, as it will spread the virus." Dazai: "...'Suicide.' *smiles* "I think you underestimate what the Agency can do." Fyodor: "True. And I could underestimate your ability." *BANG* Dazai: "..." *blood is coming from his chest* zoey:...his vitals....werent shot... Dazai: "..." *falls to his knees, then face-down* Fyodor: "You still have a part." *walks by Dazai, picks up his hat* "Come along, my dear." Dazai: *sitting up* zoey: !!!! *holding a scalpel to dazai's neck* ..... Fyodor: *holds up his hand* "Zoey, please." zoey:.....*backing up* ...... Dazai: *chuckling* "Humans _are_ sinfully stupid." *smirks* "What's so wrong about that?" Fyodor: "...! You knew the sniper was there?" Dazai: *getting up* "Because...I know what that book does...It lets you write your reality onto its blank pages." Fyodor: "...To make a world without the sin of ability users." Dazai: "Give it a try--if you can." zoey: ....master fyodor....our god....he'll bring us to the promised land.....ah...it feels wonderful~.....so wonderful....to carry his baby inside me.... Dazai: "..." .________.;;;; "...Girl? You're fucked up in the head." atsushi: dazai?! where are you?! Fyodor: "Zoey. Come along. We have a promised land to create." zoey: of course...~ -elsewhere- ranpo: ................................ fukuzawa: *laying in bed* ...... -in the mafia headquarters- higuchi: ........*glances at a door*.......(thinking: now is as good as a time as any.......) *she approaches the door*........ Mori: *passed out* higuchi: .........*breathes and reaches for the knob* ..........*hard gulp and quietly opens the door* ..... Mori: *slight groan* higuchi: !!! *silently sneaking into the room*....*phew*......??? (thinking: is this....a surgery room?....) *she spots the closet...._that_ closet* ........*shaking*..... *mentally preparing herself for what lies beyond.....she opens the door*....*winces as she sees the decapitated head* (thinking: god....i knew it would be bad but....it doesnt even seem real.....) Mori: *grunts* higuchi: !!! *backs up*.....*noticing the vials* .....*examining* (thinking: the blood samples.....what are you planning, mori?) *There are notes* higuchi:.....*looking at them* Mori's notes: "--to change life itself." higuchi: ??? *looking at more notes* Notes: "-and until I can determine how to change her age--" higuchi: (thinking: does he mean elise?) Notes: "--isolating the mitochondria would be key to unlocking the aging process." higuchi: ....(thinking: has he gone crazy?) Notes: "I found the perfect candidate." higuchi: ...... *her stomach drops* w-what? Notes: "Higuchin's tests were flawless, a perfect match." higuchi: f-for what....? Notes: "--to give Elise the life she deserves." higuchi: ..... -elsewhere- yosano:....it's just as he said, the virus is slowly eating away at him.... Tanizaki: "... We should..." naomi: ?? Tanizaki: "Kill Mori." yosano: it'll be risky, given the amount of firepower the mafia has. Kunikida: "..." ("And Dazai is at a hospital...") kirako:..... ranpo: ..................... kenji: ranpo looks really sad... yosano: yeah.....the director's the closest thing he has to a father...... atsushi:.....*looking out the window* ..... !!!!!!!! Chuuya: "..." atsushi: um guys? we have a situation... Chuuya: "Atsushi!" kenji: oh! we have mafia visitors! naomi: !!!! shit, we're surrounded! Chuuya: "I am here for a deal!" atsushi: sorry we're closed right now! Chuuya: "YOU DON'T GET TO HIDE BEHIND STORE HOURS!" atsushi: um.....*looks at the other agency members* ideas? QuQ;;;; Kunikida: "..." *stares at his book* ("They have us surrounded...They intend to kill, and we can't afford to. And we can't have them learn the full extent of our abilities for the element of surprise...We need a last minute plan..." ranpo: dont rush it, kunikida. you're the director's star pupil, right? yosano: ranpo? ranpo: the director told me something. 'get a hold of yourselves' yosano: ah! he's awake? ranpo:....no, but i heard him mumbling. -ranpo looks at kunikida- ranpo: what do we do, temporary director? give me all the important info! Kunikida: "!!! ...Okay. Follow." -on the roof- naoya: i see someone by the window. it's some blonde kid. kenji: *whistling* Chuuya: "Hmph. He's too strong for one person." naoya: let's see here......*using perspective on kenji* oh shit! Chuuya: "?! What?" naoya: it's not just farmer boy, they got their whole main force down there! Chuuya: "...To protect that one room..." naoya: your orders, chuuya? Chuuya: "...Get all of our forces." naoya: on it. -inside- Tanizaki: *standing* hirotsu: .... Chuuya: "We can fight you one on one, or a direct attack?" Tanizaki: "...Neither." naoya: ??? *Lined up are the Agency members...who seem to shiver and waver in the light* naoya: what the fuck?? t-then how did- *All but Tanizaki fade...revealing a hole in the wall* naoya: son of a bitch. hirotsu: sacrifice one's self to save the rest. how noble. Akutagawa: "How is a decoy noble?" hirotsu: what say you, boy? naoya: 'what say you'? what year do you think this is, gramps? Tanizaki: "...I am not a decoy. I stayed to give you a message." -elsewhere- atsushi: what?? ranpo: that's right. catch the ability user that spawned the virus. if we fight the mafia head on, people will get hurt, or worse, killed. we just need to play by different rules. if we beat the user, or have dazai touch them, then both parties win. if what the rat's leader said is true, then this 'criminal friend' cant get out of the city easily. all public routes are being supervised by people such as the DWMA, the special ability's department, fire brigades, and the life. and the mafia has the back ways all blocked. atsushi: so then... ranpo: get the info on ability user criminal counter-measures. if i have that, it should be enough. -elsewhere- Black Star: "--and then punch this criminal in the face!" tsubaki: ^^; tokyo chief of police: .... <i....see...> Sanjuro: "We do need to track this criminal first...Tsubaki, I want you to track this neighborhood." tsubaki: understood. Black Star: "Can pick up a meal there, too." tsubaki: ... -elsewhere- atsushi: .....this place is pretty run down... -there are vagrants all over the place...- Kunikida: "Just up ahead...; atsushi: ...*glances at one child* child: ..... atsushi: .......(thinking: it almost feels like the orphanage here....) -soon, they approach a tunnel leading to an underground area- -in one underground building, there is a man doing some cooking and listening to christmas music- man: just hear those sleigh bells jingling~ ring-ting-ringling too~ *whistling* *The phone rings* man: *picks up* 'yello? ???: "Get out! You've been found!" man: !!!! *he runs to a communicator* kids! they've caught up to us! im counting on you all to keep them here! kids: !!! man: *running to an escape hatch* -and so- atsushi: ...!!! there he is! *tiger limbs and chases after him* Kunikida: *follows* man: *still running until he turns a corner* atsushi: *still running* Kunikida: "!!! Atsushi, wait!" atsushi: !!!! -BANG- atsushi: *has caught the bullet with his teeth* ..... ooow, that tingles. people were not made to bite metal. Q_Q odasaku:....*stunned* Kunikida: -_-; "Pull yourself together, brat." odasaku: ..... *his stomach drops* atsushi:.... !!!!!!! -several children are armed with guns- man: im counting on you guys! child 1: you go ahead, big brother! -they start shooting- atsushi: *picks up kunikida and retreats to a safer distance* wha...what the hell. odasaku: *still completely stunned....* Kunikida: "Children...with machine guns...One bullet would kill their tiny bodies..." atsushi: what kind of people are we dealing with?? isnt there a way to get past them without shooting them? Kunikida: "Yes..." *opens his book* "Quickly." atsushi: *runs* Kunikida: *summons a tear gas grenade* *tosses* -PSSSHT- kids: *screaming* atsushi: *runs in* child 2: *holding his gun up* atsushi: !!! *BANG* child 2: *screaming and clutching his shoulder* AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT HURTS!!! atsushi: !!!!! Kunikida: *aiming his gun* *frozen* atsushi:...shit, come on! let's go! -after making it a ways down the tunnel- atsushi: .... Kunikida: "..." *slams his fist against the wall* atsushi: !!! kunikida? Kunikida: "Is this hell?" atsushi:....i honestly dont know... but if we bring him to yosano then maybe- Kunikida: "I KNOW!! ... I know." atsushi:.....something isnt adding up. i figured he'd undoubtedly fight back, but... Kunikida: "--why not use his ability?" atsushi: .... odasaku: come to think of it, there werent any alarms or locked doors.... atsushi: .... Kunikida: "...! Atsushi...don't move." atsushi: .....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! child: *they have a grenade collar on* p-pwease...don hurt...big bwubber.... *sniffles* Kunikida: "Atsushi...find another way around. I'll stay..." atsushi: *runs* child: *sniffles, and crying ghibli tears* Kunikida: "..." ("Willing to use a child to explode this tunnel, cave us in...") "..." *leans down where he stands* "We are not going to hurt your brother. I promise." child: *sniff* -elsewhere- Shousaku: "...I know you didn't kidnap me for a concert." Fyodor: "..." *keeps playing* zoey: *outside the door, listening and rubbing her stomach* Fyodor: "Actually, a mutual acquaintance brought us together." *smiles* Fyodor: "I want to know what happened between you and the Agency." Shousaku: "..." *lets out a laugh* "That man, Kunikida? He's the real deal. You can't break that ideal." Fyodor: "..." *smiles* -elsewhere- Kunikida: "...Hey?" child: ..... Kunikida: "Do you like magic?" {child: *answering the phone* h-hewwo?} {Fyodor: "If that awful man pulls out a notebook, expect he is dangerous.”} child: !!!! *grabs the string* Kunikida: "!!! No--" -.........- -BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM- Kunikida: *stunned* -outside atsushi: *tackles the man* you're not going anywhere! man: p-please, dont hurt me. i just..i just wanted to leave the past behind me! atsushi: what? man: s-some guy. i-i was targeted by a hit man. t-these guys were killing off anyone who witnessed a hit and run i saw... t-then this foreign guy started giving me all these weapons and shit. atsushi: then your ability- man: i-i dont have any abilities! you have the wrong guy! atsushi: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! man: p-please, dont hurt my little siblings, they're all i got left! -....- -the dust clears, and the splattered remains of the child is strewn about the rubble...- Kunikida: "..." *falls to his knees, his glasses fall off--the lenses break* -all he is able to do is scream out in agony- -...- man: *showing them a paper* atsushi: !!! the info is all different... ranpo: looks like this guy in the picture is the real deal......but this one is all a lie too. yosano: so it's all a wild goose chase... -in the mafia HQ- hirotsu: *takes a long smoke* *sighs* it's been a long time since the mafia has been out for blood like this. naoya: yeah, no shit, even your mustache is stressed out. hirotsu:....what? naoya: 737 *whistling* hirotsu:.... riiiight. -in mori's room- Mori: *barely breathing* Chuuya: "..." -chuuuuya~- Chuuya: "!!!" rain?: *laying on the floor* ...... Chuuya: "N-No..." rain?: what are you waiting for chuuya? now is.....the perfect chance....to make him pay....for what he did to me....to make him pay....make him pay....makehimpaymakehimpaymakehimaymakehimpay -her eyes are completely black, with and inky fluid dripping from her eyes, nose and mouth…- Chuuya: *shudders, steps back--his hand knocks over a scalpel* rain?: chuuyaaaaaaa....*crawling over to him, dragging her body* dont you love me? -more of her start to come out of the walls and floor- -chuuya i miss you so much- -i love you- -chuuya- -it's so cold- -its s o c o l d h e r e- -kill him! kill him! kill him!- -make him suffer how i suffered so much- Chuuya: "..." *he has fallen to his knees, his hand near the scalpel* -do it- -he's sleeping right there- -cut his fucking throat- -do it- -kill him- -cut him open- Chuuya: "..." *snatches it, bolts up* d             o                    i                t Chuuya: "..."*raises his hands* *slam* Tanizaki: *slams the door behind him, runs forward--and stops* !!! Chuuya: !!! "...How did you get free? And get a switchblade?" Tanizaki: "...Why do you have a scalpel to his neck?" Chuuya: "...If I asked you to say he died naturally--" Tanizaki: "Why?" Chuuya: "...I asked you first!" Tanizaki: "So I can save the director and--YOU DIDN'T ASK!" Chuuya: "JUST LET ME HAVE THIS!" Tanizaki: "No, I'm gonna do it!" *grabs Chuuya's wrist* -elsewhere- fukuzawa:.......*groans* nnh...w-where-? ???: "You're awake? Stay down--you're still feverish." fukuzawa: huh?...oh...you-*coughs* you're atsushi's girlfriend, right? Lucy: *nods "Lucy. Kitten asked me to bring you here to Anne's room." fukuzawa: *tries to sit up* grk- Lucy: "Hey! I just told you to lie down! Do you want Anne to sit on you?!" fukuzawa: please...*cough* tell them...not to fight the mafia. -in mori's room- *Blood drips* kouyou: ..... golden demon: *stabbing tanizaki* Tanizaki: "!!!" *coughs* kouyou: do forgive me, child.....*looks at mori* i fear that if he dies....the mafia will revert to it's detestable old ways... Tanizaki: *his body falls--and collapses into bright snow* kouyou:......*she looks at chuuya* Chuuya: "...He wasn't...?" kouyou: .... !!! golden demon! golden demon: *slicing at tanizaki* Tanizaki: "!!!" *covers his face with his arms* *CLASH* kouyou: !!!! k- Kyoka: *hard stare* -the door slams open- mafioso: boss lady! are you ok?! Kyouka: *grabs Tanizaki--and jumps* mafiosos: *aiming their guns* kouyou: dont! you might hit kyouka!! Kyoka: *looks to Demon Snow, opens her phone* "We need a landing..." demon snow: ~understood~ kouyou:..... -elsewhere- ranpo: alright, pull up. atsushi: *opens the door* kyouka! tanizaki! over here! Kyouka: *carries Tanizaki inside* Tanizaki: *groans* yosano: are any of you hurt at all? Kyouka: "No." Tanizaki: *struggling to move* yosano: easy now. ranpo: what's new? kenji: looks like they're evacuating their boss through the underground. Kyouka: "Hmm...We can't infiltrate that as easily as I did the Mafia HQ..." atsushi:....lucy told me that fukuzawa said something. 'dont fight the mafia.' ranpo: it wont be easy finding our mastermind. and a full on assault would risk our lives.....what will you all do? Kunikida: *silent, without his glasses* atsushi: so we either have to fight or run away...? ranpo: if the mafia knows where the director is, they'll resort to kidnapping loved ones of the agency, and threatening to kill them off. atsushi: so people like lucy, kirako, naomi, aya, and others are all at risk... Kunikida: "..." *opens his mouth* "I--" Tanizaki: "I'll do it." atsushi: tanizaki? Tanizaki: "...If we try to protect one person, we'll get another one hurt." yosano: i'm in too. mori and i were once classmates in medical school, i think he'd agree to an ending such as this. Kyouka: "He is frightening...but I know the Mafia, and I can use that knowledge for the sake of the Agency." kenji: i dont know if it's wrong or not, but if everyone's helping, i'll help too! ^^ ranpo: kunikida? what will you do now? Kunikida: "...” ranpo: The director ordered us to 'protect the balance of peace of this city.' His purpose is to protect people from this mastermind's destruction of this city. tell me, will you bend the 'rules' to go after that guy? Kunikida: "..." *covers his face* atsushi: kunikida.... Kunikida: "If we continue to 'bend the rules,' more innocent people will die!" atsushi:.... ranpo: kunikida. you're the strongest and most virtuous person in the agency. that's why _he_ wanted to break you first. ranpo: dont forget that. atsushi:.... odasaku: *shaking* i dont want innocent people to die either. if you fight the mafia, you're just playing right into his hand. atsushi: ...... Kunikida: "..." *stays seated, lowers his head to his knees* atsushi: kunikida.....katai said he would investigate the rats, right? Kunikida: "Yes." atsushi: then wouldnt he know something? Kunikida: "...If we bend the rules and pursue this mad mastermind, another child will die." atsushi: we wont let that happen. i dont want to be someone who fights people. i want to be someone who protects people! odasaku:...*small smile* Kunikida: "..." *reaches into his pocket, and removes a new pair of glasses* "Then the way to honor that child...is to save this city." -at the mafia HQ- kenji: heeeeeave *flips the floor* HO! yosano: HYAAAAAH!!! -in the alley, with chuuya- Chuuya: "!!! They broke through the first floor?! Damn it--hold the base!" -chuuuuyaaaaa~- Chuuya: "?!!!" rain?: *crawling onto his back* why didnt...you just kill him? Chuuya: *doesn't move* "...Rain...Don't ask me..." rain?: dont you...love me anymore? -she looks at him, with those same black, bloody eyes- Chuuya: "I...know you're not her..." -someone is at the end of the alley- ranpo: fancy seeing you here, mr fancy hat~ Chuuya: "...Agency scum..." ranpo: if you join this battle on the mafia's side, our chances of winning are pretty slim down to nothin' so it's up to me to stop you then, eh? Chuuya: "...Insane." ranpo: y'know, my buddy tanizaki told me something interesting. he said when he busted the door in, there you were, holding a scalpel to the mafia boss's throat. do you really......think killing him will bring that girl back? *CRUNCH* ranpo: ?? *The pavement cracks under Chuuya's footstep* ranpo: ... Chuuya: "You pathetic brat...You man-child..." *lifts his head, eyes burning* "You have no idea what she went through!" -he’s shaking- ranpo: oh? bet my super deduction could find out... Chuuya: "...Figure this one out, Boy Detective: how not to get CRUSHED!" -at katai's place- atsushi: mr katai?! hello? Kunikida: "..." atsushi:....??? he isnt here? Kunikida: *steps forward, clenching his fist* atsushi: ...kuniki- *KUNI-PUNCH!* atsushi: holy fuck- -the hole in the wall reveals...a hidden camera.- Kunikida: "Katai kept it as a record in case of emergencies." *shakes his hand...* atsushi: i dont know if i should kink-shame that or.... Kunikida: *intense glare* atsushi: OxO;;; Kunikida: *plugs the camera into the laptop* -the video shows katai on the night he talked to keek.....and fyodor shooting him in the back- atsushi: !!!!!!!!! Kunikida: "!!!" *pulls back the futon--* -there is a blood stain....but no katai- -elsewhere- kim: is he awake yet, jackie? Jacqueline: "N-No...He's still pretty banged up--" Katai: *groans* ???: wakey wakey, mr~ Katai: *moans* "Hmm...What?" blair: *sitting on top of him, in a nurse outfit* hello~ ^^ Katai: o\\\\w\\\\o "...Okay. I know I have died now." kim: god dammit blair! >-<; blair: just trying to help <3 kim: *unamused* Jacqueline: .\\\. "Maybe get off of the patient?" Katai: "Wh-Why is there a cat nurse on me? Who are you people?" blair: *getting up* kim: some guy found you shot in your room and brought you here. blair: kimmy here healed your injuries, so you should be good to go then ^^ Katai: "Shot?...!!!" *pulls up his shirt* -there is a slight scar- kim: we're just glad he found you when he did, otherwise you'd be a goner... Katai: "...Healing? Black cat...!!! Wh-Why save me?" blair: consider it me doing a friend a favor~ *winks* Katai: .\\\\. *pulls blanket up over his nose* "I-I'd like some w-water, please? And I have to--!!! I have to call the Agency! I know where _they_ are!" -in the mafia HQ- higuchi: .... (thinking: mori....trying to turn elise human? but why?) ..... ?? (thinking: a doll? isnt this-) *A hand covers Higuchi's mouth, pulls her inside a closet* higuchi: !!!! Kyouka: "Move, and you're cut." higuchi: !!! i thought you gave up on killing? Kyouka: "I do not do so without reason. If you do not give me the information I seek--" *The blade leans closer to Higuchi's wrist* higuchi: go ahead, i've been prepared for such a thing... Kyouka: "...Too bad. Demon Snow..." higuchi: *wince* *SLICE* Kyouka: "!!!" higuchi: ?? Kyouka: *falls through the floor, where a triangle has been cut out by dark energy* higuchi: !!! w-wha- Kyouka: *falls to the floor below, doing a three-point landing* *looks up* "...You." Akutagawa: "...Do you remember...when you left the Mafia?" Kyouka: "Yes. A van in the desert." Akutagawa: *nods* "You thought you could destroy me there, even at the cost of your own life." *holds Rashomon ready to stab* "Do you still think that is your only path to victory?" higuchi: ryunosuke! Kyouka: *sends Demon Snow to slice at Akutagawa before he can attack* higuchi: !! Akutagawa: *blocking...and smiling* *calls to Higuchi* "Tell them upstairs...Leave this to me." *smiles wider* "Fighting someone with a spine will be good for me!" -elsewhere- ranpo *dodging* Chuuya: "Stand still, you short-pant sugar-chugging brat!" ranpo: *whistles* man, i struck a nerve with you eh? no wonder dazai can beat you so easily. Chuuya: "!!!" *yells, pulls back his fist, and swings at Ranpo's mouth* -something catches his hand.....a book?- ranpo: say, do you like mystery novels? Chuuya: *grunts* ("My fist...is stuck?!") ranpo: the cast is half a cast of people, half of them are blood thirsty killers. in this book world, abilities wont work, see you on the other side, mr fancy hat~ Chuuya: "!!! No! I can't! Son--" -they both get caught inside the book- karl: *picks the book up and heads up the fire escape to where poe is...* Poe: *holds the book...passes a hand over the cover* "I was surprised Ranpo asked for such a risky strategy...I was getting this book ready for the publisher, but now it's being used to hold him and that Mafia person with the goofy hat..." karl: *chitter* Poe: "This showdown story...will pit them against killing machines. The Mafia hat-man could die...or Ranpo could die...or both..." *shivers* karl: *pap pap* -meanwhile- *CLANG CLANG SLASH* demon snow: *slashing* Akutagawa: "Insufficient." Kyouka: "???" Akutagawa: *wraps Rashomon around Demon Snow* demon snow: !! Kyouka: "!!!" Akutagawa: "You are an assassin: you are not designed for direct attacks--they put you at a disadvantage. How can someone who is in the shadows ever enter the light? How can you ever be in the Agency? How did _you_ ever _get_ to join _him_?" Kyouka: "...'He' showed me something that you should learn." Akutagawa: "???" Kyouka: "I am not the person you knew..." demon snow: *phases out from the restrictions* Akutagawa: "!!!" *tries to block* ("How can the physical stop the intangible...?!") -slash slash- Akutagawa: *blocks--then feels a presence behind him* "!!!" Kyoka: *behind him with blade at his neck* Kyoka: "Goodbye." *SWHISH* -elsewhere- fukuzawa: ....nngh? Lucy: "Zzz..." fukuzawa: *sitting up and winces* grk- ???: it's raining bullets here dammit! -in mafia HQ- yosano: atsushi! kunikida! where are you two?? atsushi: *on walkie-talkie* no good, katai's missing, and we found blood. yosano: !!! damn. right now isnt the time for grieving. as long as they keep up- -the gunfire has stopped?- yosano: ?? *peeks* oh you got to be fucking shitting me. *Motojiro stands* Motojiro: *sneers* -elsewhere- Kyouka: *stunned* Akutagawa: *intense unblinking stare* *has caught the blade in his hand, wrapped in Rashomon: his Demon Armor* Kyouka: *struggles to press the blade in--but it won't budge* *CRUNCH* *Akutagawa's grip shatters the blade* Kyouka: *leaps back--and her eyes reflect back light* Akutagawa: *watches her eyes* "You've certainly changed, Kyouka." {Kyouka: "That ability...can cut anything."} {Akutagawa: "...What about it?"} {Kyouka: *her eyes are dark and lifeless* "...Kill the demon, to avenge my parents. And kill me."} {Akutagawa: "..."} Akutagawa: "Where is that revenge that was once in your eyes?" Akutagawa: "You have tried to eliminate yourself, kill yourself, die in so many ways. I never saw this value for your own life in your eyes." Kyouka: *falls to her knees, tearing up* "How can you know this?" {Dazai: *smirks* "Or you can join me. And I can give you that revenge you seek."} {Ryu: *stares*} Akutagawa: "...There was someone with those same eyes." Kyouka: "...Who were they? What happened to them?" Akutagawa: "...The same as you: they joined an organization, found purpose--and gone went their death wish." {atsushi: i just wanted to show her she deserved to live!} Akutagawa: "..." Kyouka: *unable to move* Akutagawa: "I'm happy for you." Kyouka: "!!! ..." *bounces up and away* walkie talkie: get out of there! the lemon cakewalk is approaching! -elsewhere- ayako: ho-dee-doo agency peeps! Motojiro: *giggling* "Three days!!!" yosano: ?? ayako: three days of hard work baby! yosano: (thinking: what are they talking about?) Motojiro: "It took so much of my time I forgot to wear underwear today!" yosano: *trying not to gag* ayako: shall we begin the experiments for today? Tanizaki: "This is our chance, Doctor. We can make a straight line--" yosano: wait...something isnt right? ayako: but first, safety procedures! *aims a grappling gun to the ceiling* HENSHIN-A-GO-GO, BABY! *zips on up and puts on a protective suit* Tanizaki: *gets down* Motojiro: "LEMON! CAKE! WALK!" *BOOOOOOOOOM* BOOOM!- yosano: fall back! he's a walking bomb! ayako: *muffled cheering from the protective suit* Motojiro: "This is an empty world! Your happiness is just brain synapses. It is only through science that you can get closest to the truth!" yosano: pull back! everyone pull back! -elsewhere- fukuzawa:......*puts his cloak over a sleeping lucy and takes his sword* .....*begins walking away* Lucy: "...I won't stop you." fukuzawa: ?? *looks back* Lucy: "I'm not a member of the Agency... but I don't want to see my friends there killed. If you can save them...Can you at least tell me what is your plan?" fukuzawa:....just visiting an old friend. -elsewhere- miura: mori's missing. this isnt good. higuchi: ??? hirotsu: i dont think we should be afraid. miura: ?? hirotsu: mori may be a twisted man, but he is still the head of this mafia. and he intends to protect it... -in an abandoned house...- Mori: *approaches the entrance, opening it carefully, before entering* fukuzawa: ...... Mori: "Ah, this location brings back memories." fukuzawa: indeed.... no one else really knows this place still exists but us. Mori: "Which is why I anticipated you would meet me here." fukuzawa: did your subordinates follow you? Mori: "Perish the thought. I do not want another fight between our organizations." fukuzawa:....its amazing how much can change in 12 years... elise: *appearing, in a nurse's outfit* Mori: "Yes...And yet, some things don't change." fukuzawa: ....*gripping his sword* elise: *floating, ready to attack* fukuzawa: bring it... -elsewhere- aya: ugh, this is so lame! i wanna be able to fight too! >n< Naomi: "I know. But you also know that the others have got this." *trying to put on a smile* kirako: mii still isnt home. im getting really worried...*urk* *throws up in the trash can* aya: yuck! kirako: *panting* a-aya...could you..bring me some water? aya: can do! *goes to get some* kirako: ....i guess im sick from the nerves....whenever mii goes missing for a while, something bad always follows suit... Naomi: *rubs her back* "Don't over-do it...And don't exaggerate this. Mii will be fine..." kirako: m-maybe....if the director really has gone missing... mii:....*watching from the window, and flees before being seen* -at the hospital- man: yes, i hear a mr 'osamu dazai' is staying at this hospital? Nurse: -_-# "Yep. I've heard." man: would you be willing to release him into my custody for the time being? *holds up a business card. 'Masuji Ibuse; CEO of Salamander Publishing'* i'm his benefactor! Nurse: "...I'm going to need more than a business card. Like talking to him..." -_-### nurse 2: i already told you, im not going to inject air into your blood stream! D8< masuji: found him! Nurse: *serious voice* "If you get him out of here, I'll owe you for life." masuji: leave it to me! *eye glint....even though his eyes are closed* -elsewhere- elise: *attacking fukuzawa with giant needles* fukuzawa: *slashing and dodging* i see your tastes are still as repulsive as ever. Mori: "Dear Elise...Be gentle with him." -slash slash slash- fukuzawa: ..... *slash slash dodge* Mori: *smiles* ("The Silver Wolf. Once the deadliest assassin of any government, his word moves faster than the eye...") {fukuzawa: a bodyguarding mission?} {Mori: "I heard you were capable."} {fukuzawa: well, im currently trying to start up a detective agency...im only here because mr natsume told me to...} {elise: *coloring and humming*} {Mori: "Well, if you aren't working right now, then you're skills will get dull!"} {fukuzawa: -_-# } {-the door slams open-} {man: oi, doc! my friend has been injured! you got to help him out!} {Mori: "...Very well. But this is neutral territory: I will treat all, even the one who shot him--so don't bring your fight in here." *clears hospital bed* "Get him here."} {fukuzawa:.....(thinking: something doesnt seem right here....why would mr natsume want to keep him protected?) } {...} {man 2: ugh, how annoying. he's way too stubborn to die...} {*Mori is handcuffed to a bar*} {Mori: "I have to scratch my nose..." T_T } {-WHACK-} {man 2: cut the shit, doc, this place is neutral ground, right? so you probably got info on all sorts of people. either spill the info or we spill your guts...} {man 3: now, the port mafia's armory, where is it? their leader has gone onto a rampage, and anything can easily be blamed on them, especially if we use their weapons.} {Mori: "...And unleash disaster onto this city. Tell me, where are you from?"} {man: that's not your business, <friend>} {Mori: "Ah! Now I remember! Last week, you attacked a medical transport truck, carrying drugs for the black market." *assumes a darker stare* <I like all of this city--the light and the dark. But you parasites disgust me.>} {-the door opens-} {fukuzawa:....} {man: ?! t-the guards-} {fukuzawa: they're dead.} {man 2: you back off asshole, or i'll blow his head right off!} {fukuzawa: have fun.} {Mori: D:< "WHY?!"} {fukuzawa: because you're lolicon scum.} {men: ..... KILL HIM!} {*SPLURT*} {man 3: *grk-*} {Mori: *holding his scalpel*} {fukuzawa: .....i'd say you have terrible bedside manner, but the mental images would scar me forever.} {Mori: "Give me some credit: I did get him to reveal their base, yes? I suggest retribution and counter-attack. It's what Natsume would want..."} {-...-} {fukuzawa: .....} {Mori: "...You're upset."} {fukuzawa: so much for 'you'll do just fine on your own'... there was far more people here thant you said there would be...} {Mori: "Which meant I only had to put in half the effort. Helpful, yes?"} {fukuzawa:...still. it was one battle. as long as the port mafia is still in control, people will keep getting hurt.} {Mori: "...Boy, you are innocent."} {fukuzawa: ??} elise: *attacking mori* -SLASH- elise: ah- -elise is cut into pieces- elise: rin....ta....rou..... *she vanishes* Mori: *frozen, just staring* fukuzawa:..... -*sniffles*- rintarou?: *sobbing* i dont wanna be alone! Mori: "All alone..." tomoe mori: that...that thing isnt my son....it has its fathers face. it makes me sick just looking at it. Mori: *covering his ears* "Quiet..." shizuka: hehe, mr mori~ *standing on top of a chair with her arms outstretched* Mori: "...Oh God..." shizuka: *leans forward and collapses, leaving a large blood splatter and her decapitated body and head behind* Mori: *falls back, inching back along the floor* rain: you have no one to blame but yourself for this. you tried to play god with your own ability for your own selfish desires. ougai sr: you have an obligation, rintarou. you need to live so you can continue our family legacy. former mafia boss: if you die, the mafia will be brought to chaos. you musnt allow that. Mori: *clenches his fists, shaking* fukuzawa: mori? -but....rintarou is a good boy....right?- fukuzawa: ....mori? -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- -rintarou is a good boy, right?- Fukuzawa: mor- *FWIP* fukuzawa: !!!!!!! -several birds are scared off from outside- fukuzawa:....*collapses, a scalpel in his throat as he bleeds out* ah-...ah.... Mori: "Forgive me, Fukuzawa..." -meeeew- fukuzawa: *looks over to see....mii* mii: *mreeeeeow and streeeeetch* Mori: "A dirty trick...to get you to fall. A pity." mii:....*approaches the two* fukuzawa: c...cat... mii: *staaaaaaaaaare* -FWOOOOOSH- souseki: what in blazes do you two hooligans think you are doing?! fukuzawa: !!!!!! n..na....tsume? Mori: ._. "S-Sir?" souseki: *BONK* honestly! let a retired man live his life in peace! why do you think i left the three of you in charge for anyway? >3< Mori: "...How did you find us?" fukuzawa: sir please, im literally dying. souseki: cat-like instincts, of course! mr katai found the rat's hide out with the help of a newly found friend! fukuzawa: ka...tai? souseki: indeed. he's in the van right now. these rats are a cunning sort, let them slip out from our grasp, and it may not be so easy to find them again. now, what will you two do? fukuzawa: then...the others? souseki: i've already informed them. you have 12 hours left to make a decision. your organizations are strong in their own rights, not fit to be devoured by rats. Now both of you will prove that to me! Mori: "...I will instruct the Mafia." *turns* fukuzawa: mori......just...who are you, really? Mori: "..." *turns his head back* -there is a twisted smile on his face, but his eyes are those of a frightened and lost child- fukuzawa: .... -and so- atsushi: so then, this 'KEEK'... Dazai: "--is being held by the Rats." atsushi: and she's going to help us find the virus user and fyodor? Dazai: "Yes, she's going to help you both." atsushi: wait, both? Akutagawa: "Hello." atsushi: ._____O WHY?! IS HE HERE?! Dazai: "You two are going to save Director Fukuzawa's life!" Akutagawa: "..." atsushi: and the mafia boss-? Dazai: -_-; "I mean, if we have too..." Akutagawa: "...It is unfortunate." atsushi: uh.....oookay then? owo;; -seems they arrived- atsushi: we're this far away from the city? -there is a tunnel at the bottom of the hill. the sign reads 'Zverkov Mining- Dazai: " 'Cause Death City used to have mining operations signed on by someone else..." atsushi: so what's the plan? Dazai: "Their coal mine hideout is miles down, likely full of traps. Catch the virus ability user--or we lose the Director." atsushi: so the virus user is our main objective. Dazai: "And Fyodor only second." atsushi: so then keek is 3rd priority.... Akutagawa: "...This interloper is a grave concern..." atsushi: well....let's go for it then, right? -and so- Kunikida: "We're here." atsushi: damn, guards are all over the place... Kunikida: "Our intelligence says the guards have their vitals tied into their communication devices: if they are injured, that information is sent immediately to their source." atsushi: (thinking: so that leaves knocking them out. out of the question.) *SLAM* atsushi: MEEP! h-hey! akutagawa! where are you go- Akutagawa: "...Despite everything, you should know two things about me. First, I will not wait for you to hurry up. Second, get in my way, and you're dead." atsushi: ..... Akutagawa: *summons Rashomon--and uses it to jam down into the ground* atsushi:....!! shit! *tiger jumps in after him* man: ?? <you hear something?> Man #2: <I heard you say, 'You hear something.'> man: <fuck you misha.> -inside- atsushi: hey, wait up! dazai said we were supposed to work together on this! Akutagawa: *keeps walking fast* "...No. I have to prove myself." atsushi: ?? but- Akutagawa: "To Dazai. And to you." atsushi: ..... listen, i might not know all your circumstances, and i know dazai hadnt been the best teacher to you, but i think you can be better than just killing people mindlessly. Akutagawa: "...'Mindless'? Did you...just call _me_ mindless?" atsushi: ._.; Akutagawa: *Rashomon swirls around him* "I was a fool...to think I could work with you on this. What if I just kill you here, insist you died in battle against the enemy? Maybe then you and Dazai will respect me..." atsushi: how can i respect you if i'm dead?! and if we fight here now, the enemy will be alerted and escape! Akutagawa: "..." *stare* atsushi: why do you always resort to killing everyone in your way? you never try to improve as a person, no wonder dazai abandoned you! Akutagawa: "..." *stare intensifies* odasaku: i think you may be going a bit far there. atsushi: (thinking: wha-) odasaku: look. *CLICK* atsushi:......(thinking: shit) Akutagawa: "...Is that so?" atsushi: *wince* Akutagawa: "..." *turns swiftly* atsushi:....*imagining himself as a donkey* wait, akutagawa- ???: <nah, im technically here illegaly. gives me a place to stay, y'know?> atsushi: .____.;;; (thinking: ssssHHHHIIIIIIIT) Akutagawa: "..." *summons Rashomon* pushkin: <what the fu-> *SMACK* *GRAB* pushkin: O-O;;;; atsushi: !!! Other Guy: QXQ atsushi: wait, dont kill them! Akutagawa: "..." *has Rashomon covering their mouths* "If you speak without being asked to, or if I feel any resistance--I will kill you immediately." pushkin: QxQ *Intercom*: "Yo, 48, 49! Your vitals are a bit high. What's up?" pushkin: o-o;;; Akutagawa: "...Speak. But carefully. Your lives are barely worth a cent." pushkin: ^-^ just thought we saw a snake, that's all. hahaha! *Intercom*: "...Hmph. Whatever. I don't care whether it was a snake or you two running around--just make up for this lost time now. Over." *crackle* pushkin: *phew* so you're the black coated hellhound of the port mafia, right? atsushi: could you tell us where the virus user is? pushkin: *sweats* i didnt even know someone like that was here! we're just doing it for the money! *ZIP* pushkin: O-O;;;;;;;;;; *trembling* *squeaky voice* mother. Akutagawa: "Next time, it will be your ear." pushkin: h-hey! i dont even know what kind of place this is! atsushi: hey, take it easy! he's gonna pee himself. pushkin: D8< Other Guy: "Too late..." Q~Q pushkin: *scoots away* DUDE! D8< Akutagawa: "Explain this facility." pushkin: i think it used to be a mine, that's all i know! we're just foot guards! Akutagawa: "So you're trash." atsushi: why do you have to be so bluntly rude? Akutagawa: "Because we have to eliminate these useless impediments. Why, did you have a better idea?" atsushi: see, this is your problem! you kill first, ask questions later, the hell are you, a goddamn lawnmower? Akutagawa: "And you think you're invincible now, you bastard. When this is over, I'm turning you into a tiger rug." atsushi: see! that! that's what im talking about! when this is over, we need to teach you something other than killing people! pushkin: jeez, what's with these two? atsushi: you just shush! pushkin: OxO;;; Akutagawa: "You move, and I'll chop off your leg--" *freezes* "...I'll hit you really hard in the jaw." pushkin: that's- ...um....well, i remember seeing these heavy duty steel doors around that direction. maybe he's hiding in there? there's this really high tec fingerprint scanner too. Akutagawa: "Take us there--and the Port Mafia will reward you." pushkin: ^w^ sure thing! (thinking: this is way scary! i hope kati is having better luck...) -elsewhere- leo:... katya: uuugh, my feet hurt! we need a ride. and so- leo: *waving her arms by the side of the road* Motorcyclist: "???" *pulls over* leo: please help, my sister collapsed all of the sudden. katya: *laying face down* Motorcyclist: "?!!!" *gets off his motorcycle* "Let's help her up--" katya: *she smirks* -BANG- Motorcyclist: "..." *falls* katya: *as if in a split second, she is now behind them, holding a gun to their head* thanks chump. we'll just be taking your ride now~ leo: are you sure you can drive? katya: of course. i've been on tons of joyrides. leo: like the zambon- katya: dont. leo:...right. *sitting behind her, holding her waist to hold on* katya:.....(thinking: why do i feel like i've been beaten?) -underground, in a trailer- Fyodor: "..." *sips tea* Ivan: "How is it, Master~?" Fyodor: "Excellent as always, Vanya." -the phone rings- Fyodor: *answers* "Yes?" mafioso: both the mafia boss and agency director are MIA. only 9 hours have passed. their locations are unknown. Fyodor: "The house?" mafioso: empty. i-i told you the info, now please, help me disarm this thing! -he has a bomb collar on his neck- Fyodor: "Right, sorry. First remove the blue wire." mafioso: *doing so- *BOOOOM* -he collapses, dead- -his death rattle can be heard over the phone- Fyodor: "..." *sets the phone down* -a message comes over the communicator- katya: <boss man, we secured a ride and are heading to miss executive's estate now.> Fyodor: <Good. Remember what to do.> katya: <it shouldnt be too hard to find. the girl will lead us right to her> -elsewhere- atsushi: wow, it's even bigger in person. pushkin: phrasing, boom! *ahem* iiii'll just be going now. atsushi: how does it look, katai? Katai: *webcam* "This independent power grid will be tough, given network speeds over that portable." Akutagawa: "Our priority therefore should be finding the enemy's location, not unlocking a door that's taking time we need to find the virus uswe--before the bosses die." Katai: "Roger that, brother!" atsushi: -_-; Akutagawa: "..." (" 'Brother'?") -a voice chirps in from the phone- keek: hello? atsushi: ah! you're keek, right? keek: yes. do you need any help? Katai: "Can you hack this electrical grid?" keek: i should be able to. atsushi: how are you- keek: im using the phone of their mechanic. when i leeked the rat's location the last time, their mechanic, sasha, took the fall for me and was killed. i want to at least pay her back somehow. Katai: "..." *sniff* keek: h-hey! d-dont go getting misty eyed on us now! we-we need to focus, ok? Katai: "Y-Yes!" *typing* atsushi:.....hey, akutagawa? Akutagawa: "What?" atsushi: why do you think dazai wants us to work together? Akutagawa: "Don't overanalyze it: he chose the best combination with the highest success rate." atsushi: ....well, we did succeed on the moby dick.....although that girl.....*shakes his head* nevermind... Akutagawa: "..." {Akutagawa: *shudders, staring at the dead Rain*} {Chuuya: *holding her, sobbing*} Akutagawa: "...Whatever. Besides, you are Dazai's most trusted subordinate, so of course you'd be here." atsushi:....i...i guess......do you think....we could have saved her? {headmaster: someone who cant save one person doesnt deserve the right to live!} atsushi: .... Akutagawa: "...She was in pain." atsushi: .... keek: ok! you're in! atsushi: really?! Katai: "Um, Big Bro? Atsushi?" atsushi: yeah? keek: BEHIND YOU! pushkin: *holding a gun up, grinning* atsushi: !! *jumps to push akutagawa out of the way* -BANG- -the bullet grazes akutagawa's cheek- pushkin: oopsies~ i missed. but that's just fine! your faces are priceless! HAHAHAHAHA! Akutagawa: *growls* pushkin: *jumps into a mining cart* toodle-loo, motherfuckeeeeeers~<3 atsushi: h-HEY WAIT! *begins running after him* pushkin: *cackling as he rides off* atsushi: oh no you dont! Akutagawa: *collapsed* atsushi: !!! akuta- pushkin: didnt you ever hear not to underestimate small scratches?! Akutagawa: *summons a small bit of Rashomon as a shield--which collapses* "Wh-What...?" atsushi: w-what? !!!! (thinking: the virus?!) -elsewhere- sonia: .... Kouyou: *strokes her head* sonia: im scared. and my neck really itches. Kouyou: "Let me check..." sonia: *showing the back of her neck....nothing seems to be there....right?* Kouyou: "..." *traces a finger* sonia: *upon closer inspection, there seems to be a faded scar...* higuchi:.... !!! *has her guns out* Kouyou: "What?!" katya: how's it going <bastards?> we have an appointment with your miss executive if you dont mind~ *she has her guns out* leo: *has a knife* sonia: !!!! higuchi: i dont think so! katya: want to bet? *grins* Kouyou: "...Oh, please." *summons Golden Demon* higuchi: *aims* katya: *smirks* 10 seconds. -time seems to stop around her- -10.....9...- katya: *aims her gun at higuchi, so that the bullet grazes her* -3...2....1...- -once time resumes, the bullet grazes- higuchi: AH! *SWOOSH* katya: !! -CLANG- leo: *blocking with her knife* Tachihara: "Jeez, they let anyone in here..." katya: oi, lev, they let the bitch squad in. leo: katya, please focus. Gin: *holding a sword* Tachihara: "...I got the gremlin." katya: YOU WANNA DIE, PUNK?! Gin: *rushes* leo: please, make this quick. *clang clang slash bang bang* katya: you assholes are lucky i like toying with my foes first, otherwise you'd already be dead. hirotsu: how did you even find us here? katya: ask the brat, or rather the tracker our medic put in the back of her neck! higuchi: !!!! Kouyou: *tenses* sonia: ...... katya: why do you think fyodor left you as a loose end, brat? leo: ...... Kouyou: "Golden Demon...KILL THEM ALL!" golden demon: *slashing at leo, even decapitating her* leo: ......i only wish it were that easy. Gin: "!!!" katya: *knocked out of the window* fuck! *using her grappling gun to keep herself up* shit, that could have been bad. leo: *picks up her head and reattaches it* higuchi: what the actual fuck?! leo: my ability.....my curse. -back underground- -waltz of the flowers plays over the radio- Ivan: =W= -the walkie talkie speaks- pushkin: <oi! gon! the orders have been carried out.....gon?> Ivan: <Shh...I'm listening...> pushkin: <i infected the intruders, now what?> Ivan: <Master says: "Find your own exit."> pushkin: <seriously?! that's cold, even for him! what happens if i get caught, huh?> Ivan: <Of the Rats, only three are here: you, myself, and Master. That man-child cannot find us. And I have no interest protecting anyone but Master~> pushkin: <you really dedicate yourself to him, eh?> Ivan: <It is bliss.> pushkin: <bliss?> Ivan: <Pure happiness.> pushkin: <i know what it means, gon. jeez, i bet you'd cut off your own face for him, right?> Ivan: <If Master asked, I'd peel it off and give it to him.> pushkin:...... <gon, i meant that as a joke. jeez, you really are crazy obsessed, you _and_ the medic.> Ivan: <DON'T YOU EVER COMPARE ME TO THAT TROLLOP!> pushkin: <ow! too loud......you know she's actually pregna-OH FUCK!> Ivan: "???" <What is a pregnofuc?> pushkin: <tweedle-dumb and tweedle-dumber are catching up with me!> Akutagawa: *holding his face* atsushi: you're not getting away that easy! -BANG BANG- pushkin: <GON HELP A BRO OUT HERE PLEASE!> atsushi: *idea* *lifts up akutagawa and tiger runs for him* pushkin: OwO;;;; OH FUCK! atsushi: hold on tight! Akutagawa: "!!!" *holds on* atsushi: *running*....!?!?! are you sniffing me?! Akutagawa: "No...I'm just out of breath...Is that a new shampoo?" atsushi: DAMMIT AKUTAGAWA THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR YOUR OBSESSIVE CRUSH ON ME. pushkin: ....nope, not gonna touch that. Ivan: *intercom* <...Are you making fun of me?> pushkin: <no! not at all.> Akutagawa: "Quiet. Go more quickly, or I'll ride you harder." pushkin: ..... PHRASING! *BOOM* atsushi: HOLY TOLITO! pushkin: took you long enough, gon! Akutagawa: o_o *pulls up on Atsushi* atsushi: *skids to a stop* what the fuck is that?! Ivan: "It is a gift from Master that is not fit for such uncivilized intruders..." atsushi:....then why are you showing us this? Ivan: "Because now that you have seen it, I have to kill you." atsushi: well now you're just being a dick. *runs after the cart* -outside- kenji: a whole bunch of cars are leaving the mine tunnels! Dazai: "..." Tanizaki: "Give chase!" Dazai: "Ignore them." kenji: ?? Tanizaki: "What?! Why?" yosano: there's a figure in a hood surrounded by guards, they're walking on foot. Dazai: "Ignore them, too." yosano: but- Dazai: "These are distractions to thin our numbers." yosano:...... -on ground- zoey: *in the hood, carrying Q on her back, who is hidden by the hood* Q: will papa be joining us? zoey: soon, sweetie. when he's done, he'll join us. you, me, and your baby sibling~ -in the tunnel- atsushi: *running* pushkin: i dont think so, kitty! *tosses something at him* atsushi: ACK! it is a paper with something written on it- pushkin: just a lil something for gon to loot from your corpse! atsushi: i dont think so- *PUNCH* atsushi: *knocked back* shit! o-ow.. *wince as the sigil of the virus is on him* f-fuck... Ivan: "All sides covered..." atsushi: *looks behind him* Ivan: *swirls together a rock spire* "I'll be kind enough to end this quickly--" *STABBED* Ivan: "!!!" atsushi: !! Ivan: *coughs...* Akutagawa: "Even the earth you stand on is thine enemy..." *tosses Ivan's corpse down* atsushi:.....something...doesnt seem right......!!!??? that's- *CRUNCH* Akutagawa: "?!!!" *looks at the corpse* "...A clay doll?" *The rock wall crumbles...a person emerges* atsushi: oooooh fuck. Ivan: "My master...brings happiness wherever he goes. Any who oppose him are the evil that must be expunged..." -outside- kenji: there's someone walking alone. i cant see their face. Dazai: "All troops--go after that person! It's him!" ???: !!!!! person: alright, game's over- .....!!!! Dazai: "Report!" person: FUCK! this guy....it's not him! it's some stranger! ???: *trembling* Dazai: "!!!!" *shaken* -underground- atsushi: *coughing* s-shit... Akutagawa: "Get up, damn it..." atsushi: *trying to stand* -quicksand forms around them- atsushi: !!! Ivan: "I think it is time we go our separate ways..." atsushi: *struggling* (thinking: i cant die here...i just cant...) Ivan: "Your strengths are impressive--so I'll let you fight to your end. I would honor your memory--but really, only one man deserves all my attention. You will be forgotten." *turns* <Goodbye.> *walks away* Akutagawa: "..." atsushi: dammit.....i cant die here.....the others....they're waiting for us.... Akutagawa: "...Why?" atsushi: we cant just let them wonder what happened to us. we have to stop those guys! Akutagawa: "No. I mean what I asked you earlier...Why do you fight?" atsushi:....i want to prove......i have some reason for living.....that man.....he's still in my head....still hurting me.......but there's someone else too. however, he's trying to help me. he tells me 'i shouldnt be someone who fights people. i should be someone who protects people.' Akutagawa: "...Rashomon." atsushi: ?? *Rashomon wraps around Atsushi* atsushi: ?!?!?! Akutagawa: "...I need _you_ to protect someone...and if you do not, I will never forgive you." -elsewhere- ranpo: ah, so many. im almost done finding them, but some of them are still evading us. Chuuya: *growls* ranpo: how you holding up, mr fancy hat? Chuuya: "...I'm going to throttle you..." ranpo: ...you're worried about that little girl, your daughter, right? Chuuya: *glare* ranpo: dazai showed me a picture. she looks a lot like her dad...i think we both know who that is.... Chuuya: "The hell is wrong with you? How can you be so...blunt?" ranpo: i just have a detective's understanding of things. Chuuya: "...I need to get home." ranpo: and you will. but im going to need your help too, ok? if not for you, then for your daughter, if not for her, then for her mother. {rain: please.....dont scare me like that anymore...} Chuuya: "...Okay, genius. What are you thinking?" -elsewhere- Ivan: ^u^ *humming* -something can be heard- Ivan: "???" *turns* "...Wait..." -wait, where the fuck did atsushi go?- atsushi: *behind where ivan is looking, in a black rashomon coat* hey. Ivan: "?!!!" *turns--* *summons a golem--* -no one?- Ivan: "..." <What the f--?> -PAWNCH- atsushi: gotcha! Ivan: D: *knocked into his own golem* -elsewhere- pushkin: *running* (thinking: this place is too crazy. 'grand chamberlain'? what even is that?! i need to get out of this place!) -the sun is rising- pushkin: !!!! (thinking: the way out! im getting out of here! wait for me out there kati-).....eh? Motojiro: "Hello~" hirotsu:.... kenji: hiya! higuchi: ... naoya: sup. ayako: mehehehehehe~ fukuzawa:..... pushkin:.......oooooohhhhhh crap. yosano: so you're our virus user, correct? pushkin: ^-^;;;; hhheeeeeeey everyone~ ^^;;;;;;;;;; please dont hurt me! have a little mercy, for the holidays? fukuzawa:.....very well. *grips fist* merry christmas, you filthy animal. pushkin: QuQ;; -too violent- pushkin: @-@ Dazai: "..." *taps Pushkin's nose* "Boop." -the virus vanishes- atsushi: *phew*.... naoya: hey kids. atsushi: MEEP! naoya: relax, jumpy, im here to help you guys find keek. Akutagawa: "...I'll take my Rashomon back now." -and so- keek: *shaking, still holding the phone* naoya:........shit....their medic fucked you up.... keek:.....*tears falling* atsushi: it's ok. we're getting you out of here... Akutagawa: "..." naoya:.....dammit! dost flew the coop. fucking hell. atsushi:.....*glances at ivan* ?? Ivan: "Hee hee hee..." naoya: the hell're you laughing at, beaky? Ivan: "I feel bliss." naoya: even though you lost? Ivan: " 'Lost'?" *giggles* "The fact that you are here shows _you_ lost." atsushi: what do you mean? Ivan: *smiles* "Who told you that you would find Master here?" -elsewhere- Fyodor: *blows over his hot drink* waitress: do you need anything else for today, sir? Fyodor: "No, thank you." -elsewhere- atsushi: so then the radio.... Ivan: "Codes." naoya: you may be fucked in the head, but that's pretty damn clever, i'll give you that much. Ivan: "I'm _blessed_ in the head." naoya: the fuck're you talkin' 'bout, beaky? Ivan: "He _improved_ my brain--removing the part that creates unhappiness~" naoya *stunned* what the fuck?! atsushi: !!!!! keek:.... naoya: *kicks him in the stomach* you people are fucking SICK!! Ivan: "Ow! ... Hee hee hee..." naoya: shit...and i thought mori was fucked up....those notes....*shudders* atsushi:...!!! ah! right! *pulls the note out, it's in russian*......i dont understand this.... Ivan: "Oh, you fools..." naoya: well then YOU read it! -<hey gon, the medic's pregnant. thought you should know. ~pushkin>- -it also has a crude doodle of pushkin's grinning face- Ivan: ……………………………………………………………….. atsushi: what? what does it say? Akutagawa: "??? What is he--" *RIP* Ivan: *has ripped out of Akutagawa's Rashomon* naoya: HOLY SHIT! Ivan: "I'M GOING TO KILL HER!" keek: !!! atsushi: OH CRAP RUN! Ivan: <I'm going to smash that fucking cunt into paste and then smear it along the walls!> Akutagawa: "..." atsushi: i dont know what he's saying, but it doesnt sound good! naoya: AKUTA MOVE DAMMIT! Akutagawa: "..." *slaps Ivan back and forth with Rashomon using a nearby table* Ivan: "I will--" *smash* "I will--" *smash* "STOP HITTING ME WITH FURNITURE!" Akutagawa: *drops a vase on Ivan's head* Ivan: "..." Akutagawa: "You seem obsessive. It is not healthy to focus on one person like that. Stop it." Ivan: "..." atsushi: ..............REALLY?!? *GOLEM-PUNCH* naoya: GUYS! MOVE IT OR LOSE IT! Akutagawa: *smashed face-first into the wall* "..." Ivan: *WHITE-EYE SCREAM* atsushi: *grabs akutagawa and runs with naoya and keek to the minecart* let's go!! Ivan: *roar of rage as he sends golems after the minecart* Akutagawa: X.X keek: *screaming* atsushi: DO NOT BE OUT COLD RIGHT NOW! Akutagawa: "..." *groans* atsushi: we could use your rashomon shield here! Akutagawa: *trying to sit up* "...Am I dead?" naoya: not yet, thank god, but we have a situation! HELP US ON OUT HERE! keek: *whimpering* naoya: easy there, kiddo, we're almost out. atsushi: come on! Akutagawa: "..." *grabs Atsushi's hand* atsushi: ?? Akutagawa: *flings him up* atsushi: *MREOW* D8> Akutagawa: *blasts Rashomon as a line directly at the Golem* "RUN!" atsushi: *running* WHAT NOW?! *Rashomon wraps around Atsushi's head* atsushi: *muffled yelling* Akutagawa: "TIGER FANGS! BITE HIM!" atsushi: .....ok then! *biting through the golem and kicking ivan back* Ivan: "UMPH!" atsushi: akutagawa! pull me back! Akutagawa: *does so--swinging Atsushi upward* atsushi: woah! naoya: hang on, kids! -the mine cart heads up the ramp and skids to a stop outside- *As the mine cart descends, Akutagawa pulls down Atsushi* atsushi: YEEP! Akutagawa: *catches Atsushi* atsushi: awawawawawa @_@ yosano: !! Dazai: "...Oh, shit...How you going to explain this to Lucy?" atsushi: wha-..... *SCREAMS* LUCY SAVE ME! Akutagawa: *intense stare* "...Maybe you could wear Rashomon again in the future?" atsushi: i would prefer not to thanks.....i need a long nap. winter vacation cant get here sooner. keek: *sniffles* Dazai: "??? ...Oh no..." keek: im.....im finally outside....*she starts crying* Dazai: "...Yosano?" Akutagawa: "...Who?" yosano:......how long have you been there? -keek explains- yosano:.....damn. that's too long.....there's not much i can do for her now... keek:.......can i....go home now? -at the cafe- Fyodor: *listens to the radio* Melville: "I see this town is taken by rats..." Fyodor: "??? Wh-Who are--" Melville: "...You owe me. A lot." Fyodor: "...I have no idea who you are. Good day--" Melville: "Moby-Dick is my ability." moby: T3T# Fyodor: "..." *slight smile* "Then I hope its departure left you devastated." Melville: "Oh, I'm not at all. But he may be." Fyodor: "???" Fitzgerald: "Greetings, Old Sport." Fyodor: … Melville: *sips his drink* Fitzgerald: "After the expenses I paid to hunt you down, and the cost of damage from Moby-Dick--you owe me a tidy sum. Although that look of shock is worth a million dollars." *smirks* ango: we'll be taking it from here, mr fitzgerald. -several armed soldiers aim their guns at fyodor- Fyodor: "..." *gets down to his knees, puts his hands behind his head* ango: you have the right to remain silent, anything said and done here will be used against you in city court. Fyodor: "...May we depart?" guard: *putting cuffs on him, grabbing his wrist* Fyodor: "...Heh." -slprt- guard: *collapses* Melville: "!!!!" guard: !!! Fitzgerald: "..." ango: hands where we can see them! try anything funny and we will shoot! Fyodor: "...I will follow your orders. Just tell me where to walk." ango:....very well..... -that afternoon- kirako: well, fyodor's been detained. atsushi:.....(thinking: i dont like the feel of this....something's wrong...) Tanizaki: Q~Q "We're so fired..." kenji: but tanizaki, we arent on fire. Tanizaki: "STOP BEING SO LITERAL!" Kyouka: "..." *puppy dog eyes* ???: hey guys, what's up? Tanizaki: "W-We have to figure out how to make sure the Director doesn't learn we attacked the Mafia-" ranpo: oh, he already knows about that. naomi: ranpo?! where were you?! ranpo: i was in poe's book again. i got out. mr fancy hat got out too, his daughter was waiting for us, she got really mad at poe and kicked him in the shin. naomi: ouch. ranpo: and if you're worried about being fired, dont, cuz he's not. though he did say he wanted to talk to us later. atsushi: any idea where dazai is? ranpo: he's making a delivery... -elsewhere- -knocks- Mrs. Harue: *looks through the eyehole* "..." *lets out a small gasp before opening the door* keek:.....m-mom..... *she's in a wheelchair* Dazai: "..." Mrs. Harue: "..." *breaks down crying, reaches for her hand* keek: *shaking and holding onto her, crying* Mrs. Harue: "Kiku...I'm sorry..." keek: i-im home....im home now.... Mrs. Harue: "Y-You are..." *hugs her, crying* Dazai: "..." *steps back* -elsewhere- sonia: ..... Chuuya: *has a black eye* sonia: papa, your eye got hurt. miss akiko can fix you. Chuuya: O_O; "...I'll let it heal on it's own." ^^; sonia: ok. miss akiko make the itchy thing in my neck go away. the bad people put a thing in my neck to find me. Chuuya: "...I'm happy they fixed that..." ("...They were using us, all this time...") sonia:.....grandma and the others got three of them.....but miss leo.....i dont think miss leo's a bad person. Chuuya: "Why's that?" sonia: she seemed sad. and she asked them not to hurt miss katya or mr pushkin. Chuuya: "Well, they do work together...People tend not to want to see people they work with hurt." -in mafia holding- pushkin: *groan* am i dead? leo: no. pushkin: ngh? lev? izzat you? leo: yes, please dont move too much, i just patched you up. pushkin: thanks. leo: ... pushkin:...lev? where's kati? leo:.....about that. katya: *wearing a muzzle and strapped to a gurney ala Hannibal lector* *ANGRY MUFFLED RUSSIAN SCREAMING* pushkin: .___.;;; leo: when we were caught, she got frustrated and started beating everyone up. pushkin: kati? you ok? katya: <<LETMEOUTIMGONNAKILLSOMEONE!!!>> pushkin: O.O; leo: katya, please dont scream so much. katya: <<nyeh?> pushkin! they caught you too, huh?> pushkin: yep. katya: <<come get this muzzle off>> -one muzzle removal later- katya: so we got beat, huh? leo: i dont know. katya: well, im glad you didnt die. i would have gotten worried, jerk. pushkin: d'aww. *A door opens down the hall* leo: ..... katya: oh great, who's gonna be the first shmuck? Gin: *enters* leo: ... pushkin: who's this punk? Gin: "Are you comfortable?" katya: you tell me, <fuckwipe> leo: i suppose. pushkin: eh, better than nothi- *CLENCHED* pushkin: GRK- leo: !!! katya: OI! LET GO OF HIM, BITCH! Gin: "Quiet." *turns back to Pushkin* "The boy with the dark hair: why did you attack him?" pushkin: boss's orders, why? Gin: *tightens her grip* "Why him specifically?" leo: please, stop it! pushkin: l-like i said, boss said, to eliminate intruders- Gin: "..." *tosses Pushkin back* pushkin: *cough* katya: LET ME DOWN FROM HERE SO I CAN KICK YOUR BITCH ASS INTO NEXT WEEK! Gin: "..." *looks at Leo* "You. How many others are there?" leo: ........ Gin: "Is anyone going to come for you?" leo: ......i dont know. they dont know where we are.... Gin: "...How do you contact them?" leo: we dont have any means to do that, since you confiscated our communicators, plus the signal on them was cut. Gin: "Cut by whom?" leo: our leader, most likely. katya: <BASTARD SENT US ON A GODDAMN SUICIDE MISSION!> D8< pushkin: um...kati- katya: *SCREAMING OUT LOUD WITH WORDS FAR TO VULGAR FOR ME TO TYPE HERE* *pant*...*pant....*pant*..... pushkin: you ok there? you get it all out of your system? katya: =A= *replying grunt* leo: ....*sweatdrop* Tachihara: *peeks over* "...Yo." leo: ?? katya: oh greeeeeat, THIS asshole again! Tachihara: "How y'all doing?" pushkin: in jail. 'cept the ninja. leo: *sweatdrop* Tachihara: "Cool, cool..." *stares at Leo* leo:... ?? Tachihara: "What's your story, beautiful?" leo: e-excuse me? ._.; Tachihara: "What you in for? Maybe I talk to the boss and get you out for good behavior..." leo: i-i really dont- Motojiro: "I'm here!" leo: e-eh? Tachihara: -_-; katya:...*gives pushkin a 'wtf' look* pushkin:...*shrugs* Motojiro: "And I want to share with you science's greatest achievement. What do you think that is?" leo: um...i-i, er- pushkin: oh! a bottle that you squeeze and it gives the middle finger? OuO katya: a gun that shoots knives? Tachihara: "Infinity booze?" Motojiro: *holds up a lemon* leo: .... Motojiro: "Note the perfect color and shape! It is the ideal!" leo: .....um.... ._.; katya:...is this guy on coke or some shit? Motojiro: "I'm high on science!" leo: um..... *blinks* pushkin: im confused, and im gonna take a nap. Motojiro: *stares at Leo* leo: ....y-yes? Motojiro: "...Want to bake a cake with me?" leo: um...arent i a prisoner here? Motojiro: "I'm sure we can work something out~" Tachihara: .-.; "...Was 'baking' code for something?" katya: go asking us. pushkin: *asleep* Motojiro: "I will take you away from this life, to a farm upstate, where the lemons roam free along the Nevada grasslands." leo: ....................................*blinks* Tachihara: "Dude, I saw her first!" leo: u-um... ._.;;;; Motojiro: "Well, obviously, I am learning from your errors to reenact the experiment with greater success!" *CLUNK* leo: ah... ._.; Gin: -_-# "Ignore them." *drags them away* leo:...... naoya: *sigh* just cant help themselves in front of a pretty face. leo: ..... -elsewhere- Ivan: "..." *smacks his head with his fists* -silence- Ivan: "..." *sobs, collapses to his knees* -that girl doesnt mean a thing to him. he told you himself, remember?- *Golem rises* golem: ~master has a reason for doing this, right?~ Ivan: "H- He has to...Or this is all...empty." golem: ~right! he has to! so dont feel sad, vanya! he'll come back for you for certain!~ Ivan: "...R-Really?" golem: ~he promised he would! you heard him, right? right?~ -elsewhere- Kunikida: "...The hell?" aya: mail call! atsushi: .____________.;;;;;;;;;;;; Dazai: "What'd we get?" atsushi: *trying not to faint* ranpo: 'manhasset security'....oh sweet! Invites! Kunikida: "Into the den of our enemies?" atsushi: 'consider them a pre-apology gift' .......... Kunikida: "...That's ominous." atsushi: .____.;;;;; Dazai: "Huh." atsushi: ...oh, dazai, you said you wanted to ask me something? Dazai: "I wanted to know...what was it like working with Akutagawa?" atsushi:......*excalibur face* Dazai: "That bad?" atsushi: ...... {atsushi: six months?} {Akutagawa: "Then I will kill you."} {atsushi: ....i dont get it. you love me, yet you want me dead.} {Akutagawa: "...I love you. But you do not want me. So, if I want to possess you, I have to kill you before anyone else can have you."} {atsushi: that's really messed up, logic......look, you've been hurt in the past. i get that, but like you said, you arent bound by the past. all you can do is go forwards. i think we can help you get better about all of this.} {Akutagawa: "...How?"} {atsushi: dont kill anyone in those six months, and we'll give you a chance.} atsushi: and that's what happened... Dazai: "..." *smiles* "A Mafia member not killing? Huh..." odasaku:...*faint smile* -inside- kirako: i dont know what to say. yosano: well, just tell him up front. kirako: i guess.... atsushi: kirako? are you feeling any better? kirako: well, yosano took a look at me. and well....is dazai with you? Dazai: *pops up behind Atsushi* "What up?" kirako: well, i figured out why i've been sick for the past few days. yosano: *gives him a look* Dazai: ?? kirako: *inhales and sighs* dazai, im pregnant. atsushi: *looks at dazai, then kirako, then back at dazai* naptime~! *faints* Dazai: *catches Atsushi* "...Babies?" *faints as well* kirako: ....*facepalm* Kyoka: *pops up behind couch* "I knew it." yosano: h-how did she- Kyoka: "I'm. Every. Where. ..." *opens a bag of chips with "Rampo" written on it* -elsewhere- dia: ......*in the elevator, heading down* ...... ???: "..." dia:......*staring at the floor* it's been a while.... Fyodor: *smiles* <I'm glad you remember me. You look well.> dia: ..... <i honestly wish i could forget...> Fyodor: <...I have given you nightmares?> dia:....*still looking at the floor, biting her lip* Fyodor: <Who found you? Or were you homeless?> dia: <the uniform should explain it.> Fyodor: <What rank are you?> dia: ........... Fyodor: *smiles* <I still remember that little girl...> dia: *grips her sleeves, trying to keep calm* Fyodor: <I would hope I look better now. I mean, at least I'm not covered in blood~> dia: *hard gulps, sweating slightly* <you're behind bars, you cant hurt me out here.> Fyodor: <Is that right?> dia: ..... Fyodor: <I guess I'll just have to get used to my new home. If you have been able to adjust here, I suppose I can, too.> dia: .... *Something falls behind her* dia: *jumps back and looks* *It's an empty metal cup* dia: .....*trying to recompose herself* Fyodor: "Some of the other inmates can be quite disorganized, leaving their utensils lying around." dia: ......i just have one thing to ask of you. why? the staff, i understand, but why the other children? Fyodor: "..." <Because how would I grow otherwise?> dia: ..... <did you kill anna too?> Fyodor: <...No.> dia:.... <where is she now?> Fyodor: *smiles* <Why should I tell you?> dia: ........ Fyodor: <A trade, perhaps.> dia: ?? Fyodor: <I tell you were Anna is, and you do something for me.> dia: ..... <what do you want?> Fyodor: <A message.> dia: ?? Fyodor: <I'll need time to write it out. Just think about it, and come back and see me.> dia: .......*exiting* .....*still shaking* Fyodor: *sighs* -elsewhere- vivian: are you ready, torry~? ^^ Kishiri: "All set! Where to?" vivian: how about the mall? kayoko: ..... *glares and gives kishiri the 'im watching you' sign* Kishiri: "Okay, but on one condition." *then notices Kayoko* ._.;;; "Um...N-Nevermind." ^^; "Let's get going." *holds her hand* vivian: yay! ^u^ Kishiri: Q_Q ("I just wanted something fun, then that person glared at me...") tao: *hanging by her monkey tail in the tree* they gonna be ok? kayoko: they'd better be. Hibana: "Something up?" kayoko: i dont trust that boy. gabriella: neither do we. Hibana: "...Join the club." *holds up a bottle of wine* -elsewhere- Black Star: *staring into koi pond* tsubaki: *sigh* still no sign of this demon. i feel we've been here for days.... Black Star: "Well, we got one more spot to check--" *spots someone* "Oh, hey, look at that person." tsubaki: ?? *glances over* *There is a person cloaked in white, holding an umbrella* tsubaki: ....something's wrong..... Black Star: *glances at them, then the pond* tsubaki:....black*star......there's.... Black Star: "Yeah?" -the person in white....isnt reflected in the pond- Black Star: "...That's freaky..." tsubaki: .....!! it's them! Black Star: "!!! Let's do this..." tsubaki: *sword form* Black Star: "You're coming with us!" Magaki: *sighs* <About time.> *holds their umbrella--and jabs it at Tsubaki's blade form* tsubaki: *screams* Black Star: "Tsubaki!" Magaki: "!!! Wait..." *leans forward--and inhales* tsubaki: ??!! Magaki: "..." *smiles, opening their mouth--revealing sharp teeth* tsubaki: !!!!!! Magaki: <The Uncanny Sword finally has returned...> tsubaki: ?!?! <what?> Magaki: *grabs the sword bare-handed--sending light through it* tsubaki: ?! Magaki: *closes their eyes* "Yes...Multiple abilities, right? Multiple weapons...I want..." Black Star: *trying to kick Magaki away--* -tsubaki changes back- Black Star: "Wow!" *falls back* tsubaki: ... ???!!!! w-what? i cant...the sword.... Magaki: "..." *holds out their hand...it lights up* tsubaki: .... !!!!! Magaki: *fashions a version of the Uncanny Sword along their hand* "...It's a start." *The pool reflects just the portion of the Uncanny Sword, not their entire body* tsubaki: ?!?! what....what even are you? Magaki: "..." *smiles, showing their teeth* "I think you're familiar with my kind..." tsubaki: .....a vampire? no....you dont seem like a subclass, or a servamp..... Magaki: *chuckles* "Servamps, subclasses...Is that all you know? You're experiences with them is so limited." *sniffs* "But...given how you smell, maybe you _are_ more experienced with them than I thought." tsubaki: *uneasy* Magaki: "I have missed so much...Sunlight. A reflection. But your abilities can unlock so much in me...I want it all." tsubaki: *looks over at black*star* Black Star: "Not a chance!" *rushes at Magaki* *tackled* Black Star: *knocking her into the sunlight* "I got you--" Magaki: *screams, as they are lighting up on fire--which is also burning Black Star's hands* tsubaki: ...!!! black*star, stop! Black Star: "Ow!" *With Black Star distracted, and their body injured--Magaki bites into Black Star's neck* tsubaki: !!!!! STOP IT! *attacking magaki* Black Star: *blood pulled out from him, as he holds his burnt hand to his neck* Magaki: *backs up, kicking at Tsubaki--Black Star's blood has restored them from the burning of the sunlight* tsubaki: black*star, are you ok?? Magaki: *backs away into the shadows* Black Star: "I-I'm fine..." *blood is still pouring from his neck wound* tsubaki: we need to get you to the hospital! *Magaki has already disappeared* Black Star: *shakes his head, barely able to focus* "N-No...Capture...them..." -elsewhere- Akutagawa: "..." naoya: how're you feeling? Akutagawa: "...How do you get stronger?" naoya: like physically or something else? Akutagawa: "...That quicksand person could have drowned me. And my...attention on the Were Tiger is making me weak." naoya: hey, its ok to make mistakes, akuta. Akutagawa: "...How do you learn from mistakes?" naoya: aah, that's a good question. Akutagawa: "For example, he made me promise something." naoya: oh? Akutagawa: "No killing." naoya: ah... and what did he say he'd to in return? Akutagawa: "...He'd consider...um..." naoya: ?? Akutagawa: "...A relationship." naoya: ...you really like this boy, huh? Akutagawa: "...I don't know. I want to try at least." naoya: ...then you just leave the murder to me, kiddo. ^^ Akutagawa: "..." TT_TT "Thank you." -elsewhere- Lucy: "How did it go?" atsushi: well, we managed to stop the virus. and i did have that talk with akutagawa. here's hoping it goes well. *sighs and lays on her lap* Lucy: "..." *strokes his head* "Whatever happens, we'll deal with it." *small scratch behind his ear* atsushi:....im sorry. i know, im not really the fairy tale prince you might have hoped for, but i really do like you a lot. *hugs* Lucy: *hug, strokes his back* "Hey. I know it's not the best compliment I can pay, but maybe it's like Beauty and the Beast...Tiger." atsushi: ... .///w///.; -elsewhere- Dazai: *holding an ice pack to his head* yosano: well? feeling better? Dazai: "...How did this happen?" yosano: trust me. you _know_ how this happened. 7_7 Dazai: -_-# "...What do I do?" yosano: well, kirako's going to need a lot of support and help from us all. the least you can do is help as well. Dazai: "...I'm not the father type. That's...I didn't have role models...None that are still here..." yosano: well, once upon a time, neither was fukuzawa, yet here he is now. Dazai: "...Fukuzawa wasn't handling babies. Minus Kunikida." yosano: then i suppose it will be a learning experience for all of us. Dazai: *groans* "I'm an idiot." yosano: ?? Dazai: "Getting Kirako pregnant. I'm not ready for this. She's going to hate me...like everyone." yosano: now now, she doesnt hate you. Dazai: "I got her pregnant because I didn't put something on my Little Dazai--if it was me, I'd hate me." yosano: ....*sigh* dazai, so you made some mistakes, everyone does. Dazai: "..." *turns over on the couch* yosano:.... well, you get some rest then. it's been a long night for all of us. Dazai: *stares at the couch's cushions* -elsewhere- Tachihara: "No sign of the boss?" higuchi: no. still missing in action. hirotsu took up the helm of temporary leader until we find him....... Gin: "..." Motojiro: "But he'll be back. Right?" higuchi: ....probably. kouyou: he has to, right? i mean, he wouldnt just abandon us...would he? Tachihara: "...Want to take bets?" -elsewhere- Katai: TTWTT aya: nice to finally meet you, mr katai! i'm aya! *holds out her hand to shake* Katai: *takes her hand carefully* "As well. I-I'm not used to being away from my home..." aya: well you're back now! right kunikida?....kunikida? Kunikida: *staring blankly* aya:....kunikida? are you ok? you've been acting weird since you got back. Kunikida: "I-I'm...I'm..." aya: ......*looks at katai* Katai: "..." *clears his throat* "Aya, I have some food we could share?" aya: ok! i'll see what we got-... *sniff* >x<;; Kunikida: "...Katai, when did you last _clean_ your place?" Katai: .\\\. "Um...A week before I was shot?" aya:....dude, this expired two months ago! Katai: "I was busy researching!" T_T -elsewhere- Black Star: *unconscious in hospital bed* tsubaki: ...... Doctor: <He lost a bit of blood. Those burns will need time to heal...> tsubaki:....*covers her mouth and sighs* <i see.....> (thinking: i could have stopped this...why didnt i-?) Doctor: <I will update you on his recovery. But it may be some time...> -elsewhere- sonia: *petting mito* mito: *mewl* Chuuya: "..." *shudders* sonia:.... ?? papa? Chuuya: "...Yes?" sonia:...do you want to pet mito, too? Chuuya: "..." *nods, pets Mito* mito: *purrs* sonia:.....*hugs* were you scared, too? Chuuya: "Yes...So much." sonia: but you're ok now, right? Chuuya: "...Yes." *hug* sonia: im ok too. Chuuya: "Th-That's all I want..." sonia: ...can we watch some christmas movies now? Chuuya: "Heh...Sure. I got a few tapes pulled out..." -elsewhere- Mori: "..." -the old clinic is silent...still....stagnant...- Mori: "..." *pushes a chair* -some dust falls from being disturbed- Mori: *looks under the desk...and sees a crayon* {elise: hey, rintarou?} {Mori: "Hmm? Yes, Elise?} {elise: do you think i might ever grow up?} {Mori: *playful* "Why would you want to do that?"} {elise:....just thinking about stuff, i guess. i mean, you got to grow up, but i didnt.} {Mori: "But you get to be young..."} {elise: ...*sigh* i guess...} Mori: *picks up the crayon, sets it among the dust on his desk...stares at his hand* -silence- Mori: *looks up, seeing a cracked mirror...he can see wrinkles under his eyes* "..." -elsewhere- Burns: "Where did you run off to?" dia: ....my apologies, commander. a-a personal matter came up....i-i'll refrain from letting that happen again.... Burns: *nods* "If it could not be helped...I left paperwork and mail with you: review and complete it." dia: understood, sir. *One letter is addressed to Dia* dia: ?? *examining it* *The return address is listed as "Mr. Bartleby c/o The Tombs" in New York City. There is a small symbol next to this address--it looks like a whale* dia: ?? *opening it and reading* *Mr. Bartleby*: "Dear Ms. Volkov: My supervisor has come into possession of some documents regarding your prior stay at a facility in Russia. We think they would be valuable towards one of your future meetings with an associate of ours. Please meet with them at the address listed to receive these materials." dia: ......*examining the address* *The address is a Deathbucks near the courthouse district* dia: .... -elsewhere-