#thank you Mr. Noto | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

pucketknife-blog · 6 years

Text

WE’LL CALL YOU~ self para [G]

↪ TAGGING: Noah Puckerman ( @pucketknife ); mentions of... pretty much everyone that manages a shop at JIH AND ELVIS THE DWARF MONGOOSE BLESS; ↪ LOCATION/TIME: NYADA Campus’ JIH Marketplace; May 11th & 12th; Friday afternoon and Saturday morning and afternoon; ↪ SYNOPSIS: It do take nerve! Puck tries his best at being “normal”. It starts with getting a job. Don’t call us, we’ll call you; ↪ WARNINGS: language if any, but nothing major. this is like 14 mini paras in one aka the longest para of all time rip my writing lol;

He’s got a pile of resumes in his hand and nothing but time ahead of him. He’s made sure to schedule every interview at least an hour apart from each other and split them into Friday and Saturday, even fit them to his classes so he doesn’t miss any more. Still, Puck’s hands are sweaty as he walks past Notos Towers as he heads to the JIH Market.

He doesn’t know what to expect. His eyes fall to his curriculum vitae, nothing on it but his personal data and one item that says “Trained Slayer” on it, the date of his thirteenth birthday, a dash, and the date of the sentencing. He downloaded a form from the internet trying to look professional, but it feels like he was reaching. He can’t even put himself as an A-ranked Slayer anymore.

He feels stupid.

However, it’s not like he has a choice. Puck likes eating. He likes being able to pay for his own expenses. He likes being self-sufficient. He doesn’t particularly like clothes, but he likes not getting arrested for walking around naked. Besides, at that particular moment in time, Puck doesn’t have anywhere to fall back onto. He’s on his own, and, even if the times were trying, a Puckerman never gives up.

( Even when other Puckermans are still debating if he could be considered as a Puckerman or not, that is. )

Ergo, him standing there, in a marketplace filled with laughing students, playing nice and being normal and getting a part-time job --or a few, if he manages to succeed.

The mere thought of what his father would say if he was still alive makes him sick to his stomach, and not for the first time in his life, he’s really glad his old man didn’t live long enough to see him where he is now.

He steps into the office of NYADA postal services, just a few people around coming and going, and he approaches the main desk to ask for the manager.

“It’s Amram Puckerman,” he tells the girl. “I believe they are waiting for me? I have an interview scheduled for today.”

She types something in her computer, then gives him a solid nod. “Yes, of course. You are welcome to wait for mr. McNaab right there,” he adds pointing at the chairs under a shelf of flying piggy bank deliverers. “Please, take a sit. He will be with you as soon as he’s free.”

He nods back and sits down, unsure of what comes next. What’s he supposed to do once inside? He’s never been in a job interview before. Are they going to ask him to fit him for a messenger bag? Is he supposed to know anything in particular? Is he overqualified? Or worse, is he underqualified?

“Amram Puckerman,” A whiny voice calls after him a moment later, and he stands up so fast the chair behind him menaces with falling back.

“Yeah, yes, here! I mean... That would be me.” He raises a hand awkwardly, and the old man peaks at him from over his rectangular glasses. They kind of look like envelopes, Puck thinks, but grandpa looks like he’s got little time to deal with bullshit, so he makes no comments and follows him into his office.

He keeps the introductions short, speaking only when he feels a question is directed towards him and hands his crappy resume. Mr. McNaab has to make a double take in between the resume and him a couple of times, but he doesn’t ask. He thinks that’s going to be something he needs to get used to. Maybe he’s read his name on the news. He wonders if that will affect his chances of making it in.

“So, tell me, Amram --may I call you Amram?” he asks politely putting the sheet of paper down and interlacing his fingers as he locks his bright honey-gold eyes on him. “Do you believe that the punctual delivery of mail can contribute to student happiness and health?”

Puck raises a brow.

“Excuse me?”

Mr. McNaab grimaces, but he repeats the question, this time slower. However, it doesn’t really help Puck to hear it again.

“I guess?” he answers. Mr. McNaab is not amused. “I mean, sure. Some students... need the support of their families, right. Like, their gifts? So it’s... like, super important... to get their shi- their stuff. On time. Sure.”

The old man’s expression doesn’t change as he speaks, and Puck can feel a drop of sweat slide down his temple.

“It’s important to keep people communicated,” he tries in a desperate attempt to fix it. “I’m sure it’s not easy to do it, but I’m willing to learn everything necessary to be good at it. I’m a morning person and I wake up before the sun is up, so if you give me a shot, you could have someone delivering mail even before the sun is out. I am also a really fast runner, so I can guarantee my deliveries will always be on time.”

Mr. McNaab nods slowly and his eyes go from Puck, to his resume, then to Puck once more. “Well, that’s most definitely something we like to see. At least you are willing to commit yourself to this job.”

“I am,” Puck adds quickly, almost talking on top of him. “I’m very good at following orders, and I don’t get tired easily --I’m in great physical shape.”

The old man dips his chin again.

“Good. Very, very good.”

He doesn’t say anything else as he stares at Puck intensely, and he squirms in his seat.

“So... Do I-” he starts, but Mr. McNaab raises a hand.

“Thank you so much for your time, Amram.”

Puck frowns, but presses his lips together and doesn’t say a word.

“We’ll call you.”

WITCHKEA looks just like a Common store he’s seen almost all over the country, full rooms in display for someone to point at and buy in it’s entirety. Puck doesn’t really understand what drives people to spend so much money in furniture when he’s managed to survive his whole life with a tent and a sleeping bag, but he’s still applying for a job there. Maybe he doesn’t get it, but he could probably lift one of those armchairs over his head without almost no effort at all --he thinks it’s a reason enough to get hired.

“Have you ever made a purchase at WITCHKEA, Amram?”

Mr. Edison Syven looks like 1800′s oil painting brought to life. His white blonde hair is slicked back into a high pony tail adorned with a white bow, at tune with his white vest and slacks. He walks among the furniture as a model would walk on a runway, fingers grazing at the items as if he was caressing them. Puck shakes his head as he follows him through the store.

“Here at WITCHKEA, we believe comfort is everything. Do you believe in comfort as a root for happiness?”

“Sure,” he shrugs involuntarily, and he’s happy Mr. Syven is more focused in wiping a spot on a mirror and smiling at his reflection than him.

“Tell me, mr. Puckerman, why do you think a properly furnished dorm room is essential to student success at NYADA?”

“Comfort?” he asks, and when the other man looks back at him with a raised brow he knows he should’ve answered that some other way. “I mean,” he clears his throat, “It’s important for students to feel at home so... they don’t get... stressed.”

Oil Paint Gent doesn’t seem to love his answer.

“Thank you, mr. Puckerman.”

“I’m really strong,” he adds in a desperate attempt to save himself, but something tells him he’s too late.

“We’ll let you know,” Mr. Syven smiles, yet the gesture never reaches his eyes. “Thank you for applying.”

He steps into Wholefoods Market and sees nothing but a line of cashiers, gazes blank as they pack groceries like robots. He swallows hard.

This was his future now, wasn’t it?

“Hello! Welcome to Wholefoods Market!” a thin redhead with a surprisingly low voice calls out excitedly, and his huge grin kinda makes Puck want to punch him in the face. “My name is Petey! How can I hep you today?”

He opens his mouth to ask for the manager, tell him he has an interview, let him know he’s desperate for a job, but nothing comes out. All he can see is Petey’s smile and the manic way in which he’s staring at him intensely, almost as if it was a hopeless cry for help. He turns his head to the cashiers, none of them smiling.

This was never gonna be his future.

“You know what, Petey?” Puck taps his shoulder a couple of times, offering a fake smile. “I’m good.”

He turns on his heels and walks out, leaving Petey and his crazy smiling as he waves him goodbye. First dead than dead inside.

“Amram Puckerman, here for an interview?” He leans into the counter as the cute girl on the front desk types into her tablet, sending her a seductive smile. American Witchpparel was never a place where Puck thought he would work, but seeing the girls that worked there really made him want to change his mind. “Here for your number, too, if you’re up to it,” he flirts shamelessly, smiling as the brunette looks up to meet his eyes.

“Mizra will see you now, Puck,” she smiles back, and he raises a brow at the use of his nickname. “What? I watched the NAO,” she shrugs and he can swear she’s batting her eyelashes at him before pointing to the office.

“Of course you did,” he winks as he straightens up. “I’ll see you later?”

“Maybe,” she singsongs, and he feels a boost of confidence. If he fucked it up, maybe she would speak up for him. Even if she didn’t, maybe he’d come back anyway.

“Hello, you must be Amram,” Mizra greets him as she opens the door for him and points at a chair. “You’re interested in becoming a part-time Sales Associate, if I’m correct?”

“Yes ma’am,” he nods handing her his resume before sitting down. “I... don’t have any previous experience, but I’m a quick learner.” And my smile can sell pretty much anything, specially to rich white girls, he wants to add, but he doesn’t. Just in case. So he smiles. He gives her his best, most seductive self and hopes that’s good enough.

“It’s exactly what we need! At least you’re honest about it!” she covers her mouth as she lets out a little snicker. Puck takes that as a win.

“So, Amram,” she starts sitting at the edge of her desk as she looks back at Puck. “What do you think about the phrase ‘dress to impress’? What does it mean to you?

Puck’s smile falters. “What’s it mean to me?” Nothing. Absolutely. Nothing. “Well... I’m more of a ‘dress for the occasion’ kinda guy myself...” he shrugs. “I see clothes as...” Annoying, most of the time. “A practical thing.” What.

“What?” Mizra asks.

“What.” Puck shrugs.

A long pause.

“I’m... not sure I follow...” she tries again, gently.

“I don’t really care how I look, I’m mostly into durable clothes. Like, the ones that won’t set on fire, or wont tore easily when I’m in the field?”

More silence.

“I’m not sure you will be a good fit for this job, mr. Puckerman.”

Puck gulps. “I can do this,” he says, then takes off his belt in a quick sweep, turning it into a whip.

Mizra jumps off the desk and yelps.

“OHMYAETHER, GET OUT!!!”

He doesn’t even try to ask for a second chance as he apologizes and puts his belt back on, hurrying out of the office. The door slams behind him and he sighs deeply.

Well, there goes working among the pretty girls.

“Cheer up,” the girl at the front desk tells him as he walks towards the door, and makes her way up to him, taking his hand in hers and pressing an American Witchppparel card with her number on it as she stands on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “You’ll do better next time. Call me,” she whispers in his ear before walking away, flipping her hair and swinging her hips as she walks back to her workstation.

He lets out a snort and grins to himself as he walks away, saving the number to his phone’s contacts. At least it was not a total waste of his time.

The smell of Cookery & Cauldron makes his stomach groan and bark, but Puck doesn’t let that stop him from trying to act professional as he introduces himself to Patrick and Ersatz Spitz. They seem nice enough, and the shop is inviting. It’s not his dream, but at least it’s not Wholefoods Market.

“What does being a good customer advocate mean to you, Amram?”

Puck has no idea what ‘customer advocate’ means, but he thinks it might have something to do with being a waiter. Patrick and Ersatz’ piercing blue eyes fall on him, and Puck thinks about having them looking over his shoulder every day at work, which doesn’t help him relax.

“I think customer service is super important,” he blurts out. “If you make people feel good enough, they’re gonna come back all the time. Even if the food is not good enough,” he shrugs.

Their smiles falter. Both Patrick and Ersatz Spitz wince a little bit.

“I’m not saying yours is bad!” he adds hurriedly. “I’ve honestly never eaten here before, but the smells right now are pretty phenomenal.” There is a pause of silence, only interrupted by Puck’s stomach protesting again. “Sorry. But, eh... yeah. It’s like, if you treat people well, you make them feel comfortable and at home, it just makes them feel good. They feel like they’re among friends, so they tend to come back for more, right?”

He looked back at the couple, who were now nodding at him silently.

“And I can juggle,” he reaches. “And I do a mean Barak Obama impression, too.”

Just give me chance, Puck begged in his head. All I need is one chance.

By the exchange of looks between the Spitz, he wasn’t sure if he was going to get it.

He steps into The Spa at NYADA taking a deep breath as he is welcomed by the scents and aromas of the place, its warmth seeping into his skin and making him feel relaxed for the first time in the afternoon. Even if he doesn’t know the first thing about Spas, he thinks this wouldn’t be the worst place to be working on the downtime. At the very least, he can predict he’ll be chill, something that he can’t say very often.

“Missus Graeme will see you now, Mr. Puckerman,” the boy on the front desk tells him, his cheeks blushing green as he smiles up at him. “Please, follow me.”

The changeling guides him through a long hallway, doors to each side with different signs that list the special treatments, until they get to the other side and he opens the last door to reveal Millicent Graeme’s office.

“You must be Amram,” she greets him with a smile as he takes both his hands in hers and kind of bows. Puck does the same, just in case. “Please, take a seat, love.”

He does as he’s told, smiling back at her without being able to help himself. Wow, this Spa place was powerful.

“Hi,” he grins. “Thanks for having me.”

Her eyes seem to sparkle as they crinkle in upside down half moons, “Of course, everyone is welcome here at The Spa at NYADA, dear boy.” She takes the resume the changelling hands her and reads it over, brow quirking and smile faltering only slightly.

“Oh,” she sighs, and Puck can swear she looks disappointed. “Well. That’s unexpected.” Still, she puts the curriculum down and looks back at Puck.

“Tell me, Mr. Puckerman, do you have experience or knowledge in physiology and therapy?”

He shakes his head. “I... have some experience in healing others on the field...” he tries. “I can also carry a lot of weight on my shoulders.”

Ms. Graeme lets out a soft, airy giggle.

“That is very interesting, dear. Now, can you tell me something about the scents, and essential oils that help you relax after a long day?”

“E-essential oils?” The only oils Puck knows about are cooking oil and the one that goes in the car. He stays silent for a moment. If he weren’t under the influence of whatever it is they put in the air in this place, he’d be nervous again. “I like the smell of cinnamon and mint,” he offers as a last resource.

“You are a such a sweet boy, aren’t you, mr. Puckerman?”

He raises a brow. He doesn’t know how to reply to that.

“Thank you for your time, love,” she smiles again.

“Okay...”

“I’ll let you know.”

He doesn’t know why he’s trying anymore, but as she smiles, he does the same, too. His smile stays on until he steps out of the shop, when it falls, just as his shoulders and the realization that that was probably a terrible interview. He hates reality.

He schedules his interview at Madame Jason's for Friday morning before his classes, and as the bells chime as he walks into the shop, he is greeted by Ermis Johannes themself.

“Good morning, Puck! The same as always?” they ask with a smile as they reach for their amazing Babka.

“Ye- wait, no, actually,” he stops himself. “I am here for an interview? I kinda need a job and I thought, what could be better than working in my favorite shop in the JIH, right?”

Ermis laughs as they walk around the counter and guides him to one of the empty tables near the window. Once they settle down, they reach out and take the sheet of paper Puck is holding out, brow arched as they read.

“It looks like you don’t have much experience with baked good, don’t it?” they snicker as they slide the page back at him.

Puck shrugs and gives them an apologetic smile. “I’m a quick learner? I can also make some mean-ass waffles,” he offers. “C’mon, I gotta be one of your best customers,” Puck smirks. “Maybe you’ll end up paying me in nothing but baked goods, huh? Seems like quite the offer to me...”

Ermis shakes their head, amused. “You are quite the character, aren’t you, Puckerman?” They roll their eyes at him. “I’ll give you a chance, just for that. How about you tell me about your favorite homemade family recipe, what does it mean to you?

Puck is taken aback by the question. In the back of his mind, an alarm rings. He can almost smell the fain aroma of freshly baked Challah, the taste of the Babka heavy on his tongue, double chocolate chocolate because he’s earned it. The faces are blurred. He can almost hear the voices speaking in gibberish, out of tune, calling his name, his first name.

He shakes his head. Too real.

“Does rice count as a homemade family recipe?” he only half-jokes.

Ermis laughs. “I’ll let you know, Puck. Now, c’mon, let me get you your Babka --aren’t you late for class?”

After class, he doesn’t even bother leaving his backpack in his dorm. Instead, he heads directly to Magical Best Buy and asks for the manager. Soon enough, Ayal Varfolomey walks up to him and shakes his hand. “You’re a little late, but it’s fine. We are in the down season, but we do not tolerate tardiness when school is on. If you want to work here, is important you know that.”

Puck nods, letting them know it was a one time thing of his course running late, and it won’t happen it again, but he’s not sure if Varfolomey is even listening.

“You don’t have any experience with altered electronics, I see...” Ayal points out as they rearrange their cufflinks.

“I don’t, but I’m a quick learner.” He seems to be saying that a lot in these interviews.

“I doubt it,” the employer dismisses him before looking into his eyes. “At least you’re a New Age. So, Amram, what’s your favorite kind of altered electronic?”

Puck doesn’t know how to react to someone like Varfolomey. In other circumstances, he would’ve probably walked away, but he had already walked out from another shop the day before, and his options were limited. He couldn’t take the risk anymore.

“Well, after being hacked when I came to NYADA, I started using magic antiviruses in my computer, so I’d say that’s among my favorites...” he points out, but by the way Varfolomey is raising their eyebrow told him he isn’t selling it. “I also bought a tiny necklace that works as a one tera disk.”

Ayal smiles, cold and clearly unimpressed.

“We’ll let you know, mr. Puckerman. Thanks for stopping by Magical Best Buy; may I interest you in our new collection of Gonzalo the Dragon USB flash drives?”

“Please, sing for us the classic Commons melody ‘The Candy Man Can’ from the iconic movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, while you glide around the shop on this rolling ladder!”

“Excuse me?” Puck blinks incredulously as he looks at Valent Antigonus, surrounded by his smiling employees.

“‘The Candy Man Can’! It’s my favorite song. Everyone here has done it!” he squeals excitedly as he points at the people around him, who nod eagerly. “Do you suffer from stage fright, mr. Puckerman?”

“Not really, I just...” he replies as he scratches his head. Antigonus stares at him, eagerment visible in his eyes. He shrugs his shoulders. “Alright. Let’s do this.”

Puck settles himself, grabbing the rolling ladder that sits to the side as Antigonus claps and cheers. “Go for it, mr. Puckerman! We believe in you!”

Oh, how wrong they all were in believing in him. Because Puck is not as well versed in Common music as he thinks he is, and he starts blurting out Christina Aguilera’s version of ‘Candy Man’ at the top of his lungs instead.

🎶 ‘I met him out for dinner on a Friday night He really got me working up an appetite He had tattoos up and down his arm There's nothing more dangerous than a boy with charm He's a one stop shop, makes the panties drop He's a sweet talkin' sugar coated candy man A sweet talkin' sugar coated candy man’ 🎶

He’s kind of getting into it, too, shaking his head to the imaginary music as he glides around the shop to the best of his abilities. He has to admit, it’s kind of fun.

It’s not what Valent Antigonus expects, but he respects the effort. He doesn’t tell him he’s got the wrong song up until after he finishes the first chorus.

Puck would feel stupid if gliding in that ladder wasn’t as enjoyable as it was. He kinda wants to have another shot. He kinda wants the job.

Familiarsmart is bigger than he thought it would be, and as he waits for the manager, Puck can’t help but look around. There’s a huge variety of unnecessary things for animals and familiars, a really cool cowboy hat he thinks would look great on Elvis included, and he’s about to grab it so he can see how much it is when someone taps at his shoulder.

“Puckerman, yes? I’m Saleem Katmandu! Why don’t you come with me? Let’s talk.” Her smile is warm, as it is the hand she places on his arm as she guides him to her office in the back of the shop.

The room is small but cozy, the soothing smell of incense heavy in the air. Puck takes a sit in a puff opposite the one she takes and tries not to look stupid as he sinks deeper and deeper into it, but he probably fails.

“So, you’re interested in working with us?”

He nods. “Seems like a really cool place to work, not gonna lie,” he shrugs a shoulder. “You guys have all kind of good stuff out there. I’m pretty sure Elvis would go bonkers if he saw it...” he smiles back at her.

“Is Elvis your familiar?” she asks excitedly interlacing her fingers and tilting her head. “I would love to meet him, if that’s okay with you.”

Puck wants to say no, that Elvis a hurricane and he will destroy everything on his wake, but her eyes glisten with hope, and Puck feels that denying her this would be like taking candy from a child. So, he smiles.

“Of course, I don’t see why not.” He reaches for his Grimoire inside his pocket, trying not to fall in the process and only half-succeeding. As the book lays on his palm, it starts growing in size until is about as big as his hand, and he opens it to summon him. A blink of an eye later, Elvis jumps out of the pages and lands on the desk to their side.

“FREEDOM!!” Elvis yells at the top of his lungs into Puck’s brain, but all that comes out of his mouth is a ridiculous squeak that makes Saleem giggle.

“Well, aren’t you a delight,” she smiles at Elvis as Puck silently begs him to not fuck up. “Elvis, do you want a snack?”

“Do I want it!” Elvis is quick to jump on top of Puck’s head and land on the manager’s extended hand, taking the treat into his little hands and chomping on it loudly.

‘Be nice, be nice, be nice,’ Puck repeats in his head. ‘Do not screw this up, Elvis, or I swear, you’re not coming out in a whole month.’

Elvis, however, doesn’t have time to listen to Puck whine. He’s all over that tasty treat ms. Nice Eyes hands him and is humming as he savors it. “This is SO good, you need to get me more of these, WOW. Hey, can I be her familiar instead?”

Puck rolls his eyes, “I think he really likes you.”

Saleem’s eyes don’t leave Elvis as she speaks, a kind smile plastered on her features. “I like him too... You’re a little sweetheart, Elvis, aren’t you?” She tickles his stomach with her finger, and Elvis pretty much melts in her hands.

“Ooh, yeah, right there,” he purrs, and Puck is a second away from snatching him away. His little foot taps against Saleem’s palm rhythmically as he leans into her touch.

Still, she doesn’t seem to mind it. She doesn’t even look back at Puck as she follows up with the interview. “Tell me, Amram, how did you meet? Why do you think your relationship with Elvis is important?”

Puck thinks about the question as he watches Elvis lay down on her hand, rubbing himself against her as he keeps making really weird sex noises in his head. Damn, he was a kinky fucker.

“We met way back when,” Puck starts, and then gives her a short version of the story. “He found me in a time of my life in which I felt very alone, and he... kind of became my best and only friend. He can be a bit sassy and annoying at times, because he’s super demanding and he won’t let me cut his nails and he keeps jumping on me and scratching me, but... at the end of the day, he’s always there, y’know? He knows what to say to make me snap out of a funk or encourage me when I need a buddy. He helped me get more in tune with my magic and myself, he helped me understand my powers and, even if he’s got quite the mouth, he’s always been very supportive... in his own way.”

He smiles, and Elvis looks back at him as he lays on Saleem’s hand comfortably and hugs her finger with his tiny hands. “Dude, that was so beautiful,” he mocks him. “C’mere, I wanna kiss your bald-ass head, I wanna smooch your ugly face.”

“Shut up,” Puck snorts rolling his eyes at him, but he’s still smiling.

“You two are adorable,” Saleem chimes in, and in that moment, Puck is sure she heard every singe word Elvis said to him. He doesn’t ask.

When he walks into his next interview in the Coughing Coffee, he’s feeling somewhat confident. He thinks his interview at Familiarsmart wasn’t as bad as every other he’s had this far, and even if he doesn’t want to go on record on it, he believes he might have that one in the bag. He would never tell him, but it probably was thanks to Elvis, who has once again had crept into his Grimoire --he has considered keeping him around, but upon second thought, he was pretty sure he didn’t have the manners to be freed in a public space like the one he was walking into right then, specially not during a job interview. Specially not with so many tasty treats displayed around.

With or without him, Puck is not feeling as crappy as the day before. For the first time since his sentencing, he thinks maybe he could make this work. Just being a student. Having a couple part-jobs to support himself. Get his degrees, at least major in Engineering and Jewish studies --he believes he can get somewhat of a normal job with those. He could design shit. He could fix shit. He could teach. He could blend in.

It’s not ideal, but he has an option. Quinn wasn’t wrong. He does have something to look forward to.

He introduces himself to the manager and follows him to a table far away in a corner of the shop. Mr. Yanick Haanraads sits up straight as he watches Puck closely, just as if he was trying to find what was wrong with him. Puck straightens up himself, smoothing a hand over his chest to fix his shirt, looking down to make sure there were no stains before he looked back at the other man.

“Well,” mr. Haanraads starts, his voice low and soothing, “Why do you want to work on the Coughing Coffee?”

Puck sighs, and he stops himself from shrugging just in time. “I think you guys have the best coffee in NYADA,” he chooses to say with a solid dip of his chin, and he’s not lying. He also think it’s the most expensive in school, but that’s beside the point. “I think, if given the chance, I could... learn to be an amazing barista.”

“Learn?” the man repeats, and he picks up Puck’s curriculum vitae and reads it, brows raising in surprise. “Oh. You don’t seem to have any previous professional experience brewing coffee or other hot beverages. I understand now.” He puts the sheet down and gives him a tight smile. The silence that sets between them makes Puck fidget in his seat.

“I make coffee in my dorm a lot,” he chimes in, and the manager nods.

“Of course you do,” he comes back, clearly unimpressed. “Tell me, mr. Puckerman, what type of coffee bean you consider to be the best and what’s, in your opinion, the ideal way to prepare it and consume it?”

Puck is startled by the question, brows raising in surprise. “Type of coffee bean?”

Yanick Haanraads arches a brow.

“Black?” Puck tries.

“Thank you for coming in, mr. Puckerman,” the man says politely, and Puck’s chest deflates. The interview is over.

“Thanks for your time, mr. Haanraads. I’ll show myself out.”

Dick's Sporting Goods seems like an easy bet, and Puck walks into the shop with much more confidence than he’s had in almost every other job interview he’s got this far. He’s not so much into sports, but he’s always been an athletic guy, he’s sure he could fit in Dick’s Sporting Goods with ease and almost no effort. That’s if he manages to get through the interview without screwing it up.

“Amram Puckerman,” he repeats for what it seems the hundredth time in the past few days as he shakes mr. Pertu Leoni’s hand.

“Ah, yes. Yes, we were expecting you, Amram,” the short man nods as he squeezes his hand. The Italian accent is heavy on his tongue, and his grip is much stronger than he thought it would be. However, even if the man didn’t smile up at him, he appears to be willing to give him a chance.

After a quick round of introductions and Puck letting him know a little about himself -what he studies, what sports he likes, what was he looking forward in a job- the manager looks back at him with intensity in his gaze. “So, tell me, are you a guy who likes to display your school spirit?”

Puck chews on his bottom lip and shakes his head. “Honestly, not really. I’m more of a solo player, most of the times.” He knows it’s not what the man wants to hear, but he hopes at the very least he values honesty. “But I have no problem in being a team sport when necessary. In fact, I was one of the Thundercats, the NAO semifinalists. I think you could say I was kinda getting into the school spirit?”

“Aha, aha, and, do you think sporting events are events are important to student unity?”

He doesn’t know how to answer that. Because, really, who cares about student unity. It’s not like this school will be the rest of his life. This is supposed to be nothing but a stepping stone in his path to success and eternal glory. Yet, he wants to do good. Working in Dick’s sporting goods sure sound better than WITCHKEA.

“I think so, yeah,” he replies, very little conviction in his voice, but he really wants to try. So, he appeals to the only thing he knows how to do well: he gets brutally honest. “The thing about sporting teams and sporting events is that with the whole team spirit, they give you a sense of belonging, and a sense of having something to fight for. Most of these kids, they’re not really used to fighting. Growing up in the field as a Slayer, I think it’s kind of different. We learn to trust ourselves, but also rely on others to achieve our goals. We are a team, because we have no other choice. Relying on each other, how well you can work among other people, can make the difference between living and dying. We train others to make ourselves stronger. Passing the torch is as much of an honor as it is to yield it, you know what I mean?” he sees himself drifting from the point and clears his throat. “What I mean is, sporting events are like the field I work on, but in a controlled environment. You get to learn about your own strength, and by being part of a team, you make each other stronger. You learn to share and to work together as a unit, which is really something many kids who come here never been through before. I think... it’s a healthy and ‘fun’ way to grow. And that’s... well, it’s nice. To belong somewhere.” He gives the manager a smile, sadder than he wishes it was.

“That is one way to put it,” the man nods solemnly. “Thank you, mr. Puckerman.”

He has no clue what that means for him, if his response was enough or if he had just buried his chances, but he knows for sure the interview is over.

“Thanks for your time, mr. Pertu Leoni. I’ll wait for your call.”

He notices the smell of dust and old paper heavy in the air as soon as he walks through the door of Grim & War, and he sniffles as he makes his way to the counter and rings the little bell. As he waits, his eyes drift to the floor to ceiling shelves stocked to its maximum capacity and wonders what kind of things are just sitting there. Puck has never been a big fan of books, but he can understand the appeal. Books aren’t practical, and he’s never been one to read more than what’s absolutely necessary for him (aside from Fight Cub). He respect books, of course he does. He just... rather watch the movie.

“Are you Amram Puckerman?” Mr. Moore smiles at him, lips pressed into a thin line. “It’s nice to meet you, my name is Lazarus Moore. I’m the manager of this store.”

As he tells him a little bit about the history of Grim & War, Lazarus leads him through a mini-tour guide of the shop, pointing at shelves and telling him which section is which and why, how to guide the readers from the best sellers that he wouldn’t buy, to the treasures in the back, those that make his eyes sparkle and sigh in content.

“What kind of experience do you have with magical texts and literature, mr. Puckerman?” Lazarus asks when the tour comes to an end and they stand on the front desk again, and Puck gulps as he works out a way of saying he’s not an avid reader in a way that doesn’t get him dismissed as a candidate for the job immediately.

“I guess you could say, I don’t have much experience with them,” he finally confesses with sincerity. “I’ve never been an super into reading, but I’m slowly but surely learning the appeal of a good book.”

Well, maybe not full sincerity. He’s running out of options, after all.

“My family likes more the kind of hands-on approach of learning, but since I started here, I’ve found myself relying on books and magical texts a lot. If you’d ask me the same question a couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to reply at all, but today... I wanna say, I’m a work in progress. I enjoy reading about things I find interesting as a hobby, specially things that revolve around engineering and constructing things. I’m trying to... train myself, if you will. Make it a habit, reading a little bit everyday.”

“It’s always a good way to start,” Lazarus nods and gives him a little smile. “Are there any books in particular you gravitate towards?”

Puck chuckles and shrugs a shoulder “I’m a bit basic when it comes to literature, so I was hoping maybe working here would somehow... educate me? You see, the only books I read are the Torah, text books on Slaying and weaponry and Chuck Palahniuk. Mostly Fight Club. Several times. Someone I care about gave me some books on engineering that have become my favorites, too.” He can see the manager is amused, and even if he knows he has little to no chance there, he takes that as a good sign. “But, I’m open to suggestions... Is there something you can recommend for me?”

Finally, Lazarus teeth shine through from in between his lips, flashing him his pearly whites as he nods in excitement. “I thought you’d never ask.”

He’s been in Jiggly's more than once before, sometimes with Finn and sometimes alone. He finds it to be a great place to unwind after a long week, so as soon as he walks in, he waves at the staff as he sits on the bar.

“The usual?” A blonde boy at the bar asks as he sets shot glasses in front of him, hand already reaching for the houses’ best Tequila, but Puck puts his own over the glasses and shakes his head.

“Can’t. I’m here for an interview, actually. Do you know where Bert is?”

“Office on your nine,” he points at it with his chin as he wipes the dust off the exhibited bottles. “You think you can keep up with me behind the bar?” he teases him with a smirk. Puck shakes his head as he stands up.

“Oh, Rudy,” he chuckles as he walks away, “You know no one compares to you, babe!”

He laughs as the blonde shakes his head, knocking on the door and waiting for the manager to let him in.

“Mr. Puckerman, no?” Bert asks once he’s sitting in front of him. His bushy brows take over half of his face, expression menacing as he glues his eyes to Puck’s. “Do you have any previous experience in bartending and mixology?”

He sighs softly as he tries to say ‘no’ in the nicest way possible. “It depends on what you call experience,” he chooses to say looking back at Bert. “I’ve done my fair share of bartending for the Guild, but no one’s ever payed me for it.”

Bert doesn’t laugh. Instead, the corner of his lip twitches up and he nods his head. “Funny. You’re funny. I like you. Tell me, what’s your favorite drink? Please describe the best way to make it for me.”

“Favorite drink?” Puck has always been into beer and tequila before fruity cocktails, but he’s lucky his father used to be such a big fan of a good Old Fashioned. “Is there anything better than an Old Fashioned? Just some good bourbon poured on a Angostura bitters saturated sugar cube, a slice of orange and a cherry... In my opinion, it’s even better if it’s a Maraschino Cherry, but my father preferred to use fresh ones. Whiskey works fine, too, but bourbon is ‘for real men’. Or at least, that’s what my dad used to say.”

“Your dad seems like a smart man,” Bert nods solemnly, and for the first time in his life, Puck silently thanks his father for literally beating that recipe into his brain.

He leaves the interview at Black & Deck Her for last, knowing it was going to be the easiest one. After two days of talking to people and begging them for jobs he doesn’t want, Puck finally gets to the one shop he really wouldn’t mind working at. As he watches the display of weapons sitting in the window, he finally feels at home. He’s got this one in the bag.

“It’s nice to meet you, ms. Deck Her,” he says with his most charming smile as he shakes her hand. “I’m Amram Puckerman, here for a job interview?”

“Ah, yeah,” she eyes him carefully. “The Slayer, ain’t ya? Yeah, Davis said something about ya stopping by...”

Puck tries not to take the way she’s looking at him personally, and hopes she’s not one of those people who think ‘Slayers are murderers’, but he’s pretty sure hating on the people who buy from you would be a stupid choice, so he chooses to believe that’s just the way she looks at people in general.

“Well, I’m very interested in the open position you have. Not only I have a good deal of experience with weapons, but I’m also majoring in engineering --I kind of want to expand on my weapon manipulation abilities and be able to create new weapons that are more effective and practical for the field.”

“Weapon manipulation?” she asks, a spark of interest glistening in the corner of her eye. “Do tell...”

Puck smiles and points at an empty cup on the table, “May I?” She nods, and the Slayer wraps his hand around it, an orange flash covering it for a second as it shifts into an RE-45 autopistol. He shows it to the manager, then closes his hand around it and the flash covers it again. He opens his hand to revel a classic Bowie knife, and when he places it on the table and moves his hand away, the knife turns back into the cup.

“That’s a first,” Hilda Deck Her quirks a brow at him. “New Age?”

“Yes, ma’am. Developed that myself,” he states proudly, and even if her face is inscrutable, he knows there’s no way she’s not impressed if she’s as much into weaponry as she is.

“So,” she blurts out a second later as she plops her elbow on the counter, chin resting on the palm of her hand. “What kind of weapons do you practice with? Why do you like them?”

“I’m trained in multiple fighting styles, so I have basic knowledge of how to use most traditional weapons -firearms, swords, the eventual bow and arrow, though personally I’ve always preferred a crossbow, knives and other things- but I usually lean into guns I can yield in one hand. I tend to combine a lot of body combat with weapons and magic, and the good thing about guns is that you can always use them with one hand and punch with the other,” he shrugs with a little smirk. “I think they’re practical, easy to use and effective. Plus, who can resist the smell of gunpowder?” he adds with a teasing wink. He doesn’t get much of a response, and he shrugs a shoulder as he continues. “If I don’t have a gun, my second choice would be a handy combat knife, mostly because of the same reason. They give me the freedom to fight freely and a good back-up plan in case things don’t work my way.”

Ms. Deck Her nods again, writing something down on his resume before she looks back at him. “Seems like you know your way around weapons, huh?”

Puck smiles at her. “I could always learn more. If you’d let me, that is.”

He really wishes she would.

/// Do you want to help Puck get a job? 👉🏿 Call me, maybe? The Survey. ///

#nyadajobs #paras #para: self #para: we'll call you

9 notes · View notes

elliotthezubat · 6 years

Text

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 97

from school plays, to plant priests

Asher: "So, where we going again?"

izumi: festival square.

Asher: "..." *starts walking in the opposite direction--*

izumi: *drags them by the hoodie* come on, it'll be fun!

Asher: *dragged, their shoes along the sidewalk* =___=; "There better be something I can beat with a stick..."

-elsewhere-

Damon: "W-Will you be there?"

soul: of course i will. *head pat*

Damon: QwQ *hug*

soul: *hugs*

becky: *hugs*

Hyde: *wipes a tear* "So precious."

soul: ^^;

Damon: "??? Uncle Hyde? Are you coming?"

Hyde: "Well, how many tickets?"

soul: we'll save you and licht seats.

Hyde: "Goodie! I promise not to be too harsh in my review."

Damon: "... 'Review'?"

Hyde: *holds up a press pass*

becky: -_-; how many jobs do you have?!

Hyde: OWO "I NEVER SLEEP!!!"

Damon: Q___Q *hides behind Soul*

soul: -_-;

-elsewhere-

zhanna: *looking through paperwork*

Coworker: <Busy day?>

zhanna: <yeah.> *sigh*

Coworker: <??? You slept at all?>

zhanna: <of course i did, why wouldnt i have?>

Coworker: ._.; ^^;

zhanna: <right.>

coworker 2: <hey, zhannya, you got a phone call from the states!>

zhanna: ?? <oh?>

Caller: <Hello? Miss Pushkin? Death City Insider here...>

zhanna: <yes, hello. what did you want to ask me?>

Caller:

zhanna: <oh, w-why thank you.>

Coworker: <Don't accept! Ask that they fly you in!>

zhanna: <i'm sure it'll be fine, i wouldnt mind that.>

Coworker: -3-

Caller: <Um...Did you want to come to the States?>

zhanna: <of course, i wouldnt mind.>

Caller: <Let me check with my boss, and we'll let you know which dates and times are available for your flight. I look forward to meeting you in person!>

-elsewhere-

Ogun: *hands a box to Nozomi* <That's the last of it. I think we're ready to get back on the road!>

nozomi: ^^

fang-hua: *waves*

Mr. Huo: *waves*

Ling: <Come back soon, Sister!>

shinra: ^^

Takeru: <Onward to the Renewed Land of Potatoes!>

Pan: *shifts gears on the van*

-elsewhere-

felisia: *looking around*

Patient 1: *looking uncomfortable, eyes darting around the room*

felisia:.... *looks down*

Patient 2: *reading a magazine* "Hmm..."

felisia: *cough* mm-mm....

Patient 2: "??? Oh dear--you okay?"

felisia: j-just nervous is all ^^;

Patient: "First time?"

felisia: it's....complicated.

Patient 2: "Oh...Sorry. But how are you?"

felisia: nervous, excited. not sure if i'll do a good job...

Patient 2: "Then I think you're feeling what most new moms do." *smiles*

felisia: y-yeah......

Patient 2: *looks at Felisia's fingers* "You knit?"

felisia: ah, y-yes. i do a lot of sewing and dressmaking too.

Patient 2: "D'aw! Imagine the outfits you'll make for your little...um...Boy or girl?"

felisia: a boy.

Patient 2: "A nice suit, then?"

felisia: i suppose.

Patient 2: "...Who's waiting to take you home, dear?"

felisia: well, my family. *smiles*

Patient 2: *nods* "Good! They excited?"

felisia: *she nods*

Patient 2: "...I think my kids are jealous..." ^^;

felisia: oh? how old are they?

Patient 2: "6 and 4."

felisia: oh that's nice. ^^

Patient 2: "Their aunt is watching them. What's your name?"

felisia: felisia.

Patient 2: "Helen."

felisia: *smiles* so do you know what you're having?

Helen: "A girl."

felisia: have you picked out a name?

Helen: ^^; "Not sure. Keep looking through those books. I'm so desperate I'm going to Tolkien."

felisia: ^^; i've already chosen a name for him, but it's a secret for now.

Helen: "Oh? Not even your family?"

felisia: not just yet.

-elsewhere-

Meme: *wipes sweat off her forehead* "One more log to chop."

mio: *in weapon form* *panting*

Meme: "??? Okay, break time..."

Enrique: *squeezing berries for juice*

mio: *changes back* *phew* im dead. *collapses onto the ground* =A=;

Enrique: *offers a cup of berry juice*

mio: *sips* ahh... thanks enrique.

Enrique: "Goh!" ^w^

Tezca: *in a horse mask* "Okay, I'll shoe the next one."

Horse: O_O;

-elsewhere-

Older Witch: *grinding herbs*

younger witch: i'm back.

Older Witch: "Welcome. You retrieve them?"

younger witch: got them right here.

Older Witch: "Were you seen?"

younger witch: i dont think so.

Older Witch: "Good...Good work. Did you see anyone?"

younger witch:....those shibusen brats are still hanging around.

Older Witch: "...Tch. Tourists." *tosses down herbs*

-elsewhere-

Yosano: <Well, you seem to be doing well.>

leo: thank you, doctor. *smiles*

Yosano: "You're welcome. Did the medicine help?"

leo: yes.

Yosano: *nods* "How are your ankles?"

leo: ?? my ankles?

Yosano: "Sometimes the weight gain can affect the lower extremities."

leo: really? well, not that you mention it, it has been harder to get my shoes on.

Yosano: "A little swelling...I'll pick you up some shoes." *flashes credit card* "I needed a shopping trip~"

leo: oh, i wouldnt want to trouble you-

*The credit card says D. Kunikida*

Yosano: "It's a business expense."

leo: ._.;

Gin: *pops in* "Please pick us up new socks."

Tachihara: "And soda."

leo: ._.;;; oh. oh goodness....

Yosano: "Excuse me, are either of you pregnant?"

Gin: "No."

Tachihara: "...I don't think?"

Yosano: ^^# "Then leave. Now."

leo: ._.;;;;;;;;

Gin: -_-;

Tachihara: Q_Q *backs away*

Yosano: ^^ "Leo, how's your back? We can get you more pillows, too."

-elsewhere-

Arthur: *looking out the window* "What's the first thing you'll do when we get back to Death City?"

shinra: give rel and iris the biggest hug.

Ogun: "D'aw..."

Takeru: "Give these fruits to Patty to try!"

fang-hua: i'll check in with how the 7th's been surviving.

Viktor: *still reviewing notes* "Determine why pi was in the Shintai..."

Arthur: "...Now when you say 'surviving'--"

Ogun: "How about you, Juria?"

juria: eh, same old.

Ogun: "Property damage?"

juria: perhaps.

Arthur: "And you, Nozomi?"

nozomi: research.

Ogun: "It'll certainly keep you busy..."

nozomi: yeah, no kidding. ^^;

Ogun: ^^; "And you, Tamaki?"

tamaki: im gonna practice my nun training.

Takeru: "Your fighting technique was incredible, too! I owe you my life..."

tamaki: ^^

Takeru: "And almost no bad luck or embarrassment!"

Arthur: "..."

Ogun: "..." *facepalm*

tamaki: ....dont jinx it, please.

*The van hits a bump in the road*

tamaki: ACK! *she fell out of the truck*

Ogun: O_O; "...YOU SEE?!"

Arthur: "Oh, no...Captain, Tamaki fell out!"

-elsewhere-

Helen: *looking uncomfortable*

felisia: are you alright?

Helen: "I-I think you better get the doctor here now..."

felisia: o-oh goodness. ._.;;; u-um, d-doctor?

Doctor John: "??? Oh, Helen! Let's get you to the room..."

Helen: "Y-YEAH! About time--AH!"

felisia: ._.;;;;;;;;;

Helen: *looks at Felisia* "I-I'm fine! It's going to be okay..." *weak smile*

felisia: *gulps*

Doctor John: "Nurse, prep the bed."

nurse: on it!

Helen: *panting, breathing*

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: *looking at the contest list* " 'Fashion show'?"

naho: i'm totes gonna enter.

Sakuya: "Ideas what to wear?"

naho: there's different categories for the show, so i'm gonna enter the 'cute' category!

Sakuya: "I see..." *taps her nose* "Gonna need the best dress to accentuate your cuteness."

naho: ^^

Sakuya: "Something in your closet, or something new to buy?"

naho: i have a few things~ ^^

Sakuya: "I bet..."

-elsewhere-

Mr. Noto: *raking the ground* "Phew!" *wipes his brow, looks at the setting sun* "...???"

-there is a truck in the distance-

Mr. Noto: "!!!" <They're back!>

Takeru: *outside the window, waving* <Hello!>

Pan: -_-# "Get back in the truck before your height hits a tree branch..."

mrs noto: !!! takeru!

Takeru: *laughing happily* <We solved the great potato case--> *falls out the window, landing on the ground, while the truck keeps moving forward*

mrs noto: D8> <my baby!!>

Mr. Noto: O_O;

Takeru: *sits up* <I'm okay.> ^w^ *he has a small nosebleed*

mrs noto: *HUGS*

Ogun: <Hello, again, Mr. and Mrs. Noto.> ^^;

Pan: *unpacking a tent from the truck*

fang-hua: <it's nice to meet you again.>

Mr. Noto: ^^; <Thank you for watching our son. Are you all okay?>

mrs noto: <please, come on in, dears. i was just about to get dinner ready!>

shinra: <more or less, yeah.>

Pan: *drops a box--picks it up, pockets it*

Mr. Noto: <Well, you'll need to eat up. How long you staying?>

fang-hua: <we'll be leaving the day after tomorrow.>

Mr. Noto: <Make yourselves at home. Fang-Hua, you visited your family?>

fang-hua: <yes. they're doing well.> ^^

Cow: *confused 'Moo?'*

Mr. Noto: -_-; <Please ask your friend to stop.>

-elsewhere-

Damon: *practicing his lines to himself again*

becky: *waits for him to finish before entering the room*

Damon: *stops* "..."

becky: *opens the door* hey, dad made pizza rolls.

Damon: "!!! O-Oh? Thanks..." ^^

-elsewhere-

Anya: "And how did you come to join the DWMA?"

kirara: it's a long story.

Anya: "...Oh." -^- "I suppose I can relate to that."

esther: ah yes, it was such a long time ago, i barely remember it, fufufu~ well, i met kirara at the DWMA japanese branch and we've been best friends since. we're practically like sisters~

Anya: "Awwwww! And what was the Japanese branch like?"

kirara: it was busy work. eventually we were asked to become teachers at the DWMA.

Anya: "Which subjects do you like to teach?"

esther: i teach battle strategy and kirara teaches mythology and japanese history.

Anya: "Oh. Ms. Mortes, could we review some strategies?"

esther: of course~

-elsewhere-

Konro: "So..."

Benimaru: "..." *nods*

kabuki: congratulations!

Benimaru: -\\\-;

Konro: *bear hug* TwT "I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU TWO!"

kirei: ^^;

Benimaru: -\\\\\-### "Let go."

Tsukiyo: T~T "D'aw..."

-elsewhere-

Nurse 1: *checking vitals*

baby: *crying*

Helen: TwT "There, there..."

Dr. John: "Your baby is healthy--and loud." ^^;

Helen: "Runs in our family."

nurse: have you picked a name?

Helen: *nods* "Kayla..."

nurse: what a sweet name. ^^

Dr. John: "I hope our other patients won't be too disruptive--we ran out of beds, so--"

Shotaro: *bandaged* ^^; "But Mana, I won two quarters!"

mana: -_-;

Helen: "I'm sure it'll be fine. Has my sister shown up yet?"

*Tiny footsteps are heard in the hallway*

???: "You're going the wrong way!"

mana: ?? *pokes her head out*

???: "I SAID I KNOW WHICH WAY TO GO! They said Room 417! *walking right past Room 417--and spots Mana* "?!! Mana?!"

mana: bryn?!

*BEAR HUG*

Bryn: "WHEN DID YOU HAVE A KID AT YOUR YOUNG AGE?!"

mana: >.<; i didnt! im here because my friend fell off an ice pillar and hurt himself.

Bryn: "..." *All Might laugh* "HA HA HA! Oh, the passion of youth..."

Shotaro: "Mama Mana! Mama Mana!"

mana: -_-; so what brings you?

Bryn: "This woman!" *hugs Helen* >W<

Helen: ^^; "Sis, please..."

kayla: gu?

ellie: auntie! *HUG*

Bryn: "And these little rugrats needed a 'sitter..."

Micah: "..." *pokes Shotaro's bandaged arm*

Shotaro: "OUCHIE!"

-elsewhere-

Takeru: "--and then they traded the potatoes they took with these delicious fruits!"

mrs noto: <oh my.>

Takeru: <But no one will be stealing from our farm again!>

Arthur: *whispers* <Except fire scorpions...>

shinra: *elbows him*

Arthur: >_<#

-elsewhere-

Meme: "That berry pie smells great, Tsugumi!"

tsugumi: thanks!

Meme: "Care for some, Any--"

Anya: O_O;;;;;;;

mio: um...anya? you ok?

Anya: "B-Battle strategies...Scary..."

-elsewhere-

Duncan: "So, what do you say? Be my meister~?"

girl: *MANIC LAUGHTER* no.

Duncan: QwQ "B-B-But I told you how awesome I am!"

girl: doesnt mean im impressed.

Duncan: "W-Well, you should be! Just wait--I'm going to show what an awesome weapon I am! And then you and every other girl in this academy will be around the block just begging me to be their partner--and I'll laugh in your face!" >_<

girl: *already talking to someone else*

Duncan: D : < "Nuts to this!" *turns, walks--into a wall*

genny:.....so lame. *nom*

Kanin: ^^; "It's hard not to feel some sympathy..."

lei-lei: ^^

Kazue: "..." *snore*

-elsewhere-

Yafeu: "..." *crumbles up a sheet of paper, tosses it* "...Damn it."

preston: mah, mah, you seem rathuh troubled.

Yafeu: "...Writing to someone."

preston: oh?

Yafeu: "...Orphanage, if you want to know!"

preston: ah, ah see.

Yafeu: "I just have trouble putting words on paper--SO IT'S REALLY HARD!" *slams his fist onto the table*

preston: perhaps trah typin' it on ah typewritah?

Yafeu: "It's the words giving me problems, not the device!"

preston: maybe get tutorin?

Yafeu: "... ... That's not a bad idea. Thank you."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "How is she?"

stocking: nervous.

Kid: *nods* "Have they induced labor?"

stocking: not yet.

Kid: "..." *holds her hand*

stocking: *rests her head on his shoulder*

Kid: *strokes her head*

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: *holds her hand*

felisia: *breathing hard*

Dr. John: "Time between contractions is narrowing...Get her to the room."

felisia: Q_Q;;;;

Mephisto: "It's going to be okay, darling--this is how to make sure our baby is delivered healthily..."

felisia: o-o-ok...

Dr. John: "Sir, you'll need to put on scrubs. Nurse, take him while we bring Felisia to the room..."

-elsewhere-

Emine: "Here, I brought you these." *hands Shotaro flowers* "I stole them from a patient who fell asleep."

Shotaro: "D'aw!"

Bryn: "Ha ha ha! You have some wacky friends." *nudges Mana*

mana: ..... *sweatdrop*

Bryn: "So, which one's your boyfriend?"

mana: *SPITTAKE*

Emine: "..." *points at Shotaro*

Shotaro: ^^; "Well, I am a boy and a friend."

Bryn: "Wonderful!" *grabs Shotaro's hands--and squeezes hard* "IF YOU BREAK HER HEART BEFORE OUR FIGHT, I'LL RIP OUT YOUR SPINAL CORD AND STAB YOU IN THE HEART WITH IT." ^^#

Emine: ("Hmm...Three bad deeds in one day. I'm doing quite well.")

mana: *covers her face* oh my gooooood....

Shotaro: OwO; "...I bite on bones so not to die from such injuries?"

Bryn: "??? Is this some young-people talk?"

Emine: *snaps a pic of Mana with his phone*

mana: it's....a long story.

-elsewhere-

Arthur: *rolls out his sleeping bag in the barn* "I will sleep here in the dragon's den."

Cow: O_O

shinra: ... *sweatdrop* classic arthur.

Takeru: Q_Q <Please don't upset her...>

nozomi: ^^;

Ogun: *finishes the tent* "All set here!"

tamaki: awesome!

Pan: *passes out sleeping bags*

juria: zzzzz

Takeru: "???" *sets sleeping bag down over her*

juria: *snort snore*

Takeru: ^^;

Pan: "We'll be up early to help around the farm."

-elsewhere-

Joker: *points at the map* "They keep their fortress out in the open so they can see anyone coming in..."

izzy: what a bunch of pompous assholes.

Joker: "Well, it is a religion that sees itself as above all other religions..."

izzy: someone needs to knock them down several thousand pegs.

Joker: "That's why I am seeking help. This is not a one-person job." *points to the underground* "Unfortunately, getting there underground is nearly impossible, especially after the Kishin attack years ago."

lust oni: darn, that limits our options...

Joker: "How many of you would be needed to knock down the door?"

izzy: well, we have a few powerhouses in our ranks.

Joker: "Hmm...Good. I think we'll grab someone else, too."

-elsewhere-

{*There's a boy sitting in an alley*}

{child: hey kid, you're on our turf.}

{???: "..."}

{child: what are you, stupid or something? this ally belongs to the sheep, now buzz off!}

{???: *mutters* "Shut up..."}

{child: eh? *grabs him by the neck* the hell did you say to me?!}

{Child 2: "Hey! Easy!" *pats his arm* "Just let the kid down easily, okay?"}

{child:... tch-}

{???: *silent* "..."}

{girl: what's your name?}

{???: "...Chuuya."}

{girl: nice to meet you, chuuya. my name's may. ^^ are you lost?}

{Chuuya: "...Don't know..."}

{may: ?? do you have parents?}

{Chuuya: "..." *shrug*}

{may:.....}

{child 3: where did you come from?}

{Chuuya: "I don't know."}

{may:....why dont you come with us?}

{Chuuya: "..." *grunts*}

{may: it's ok, we wont hurt you. *smiles*}

{Chuuya: >_>; "...Where?"}

{may: to the sheep's base.}

Chuuya: "..." *pulls up something on his phone: 'Sheep'*

mito: *asleep on his lap*

Chuuya: *it's just images of sheep* "..." *pets Mito, as he searches 'death city sheep'*

-nothing-

Chuuya: *sigh* "Damn it."

mito: *soft purring*

Chuuya: *strokes her* ("What happened to them...Are any left?")

-elsewhere, in the woods-

-there is a colony of large tents-

girl: we're back! and we brought supplies!

Boy: *holds up a paper bag* "Here..."

riko: alright, let's see. batteries, snacks, duct tape, bottled water. nice job guys.

Boy: *nods* "We tried..."

riko: hey, any supplies is good supplies.

Boy: "..." *nods*

riko: bring it to levy's tent so he can take stock on it, ok?

Boy: " 'Kay..." *moves to a tent* "Hello?"

???: "State your name!"

girl: albert hemmingsworth pendleton the third.

Boy: ._.; "...Zack?"

???: *throws open the tent* "I know those are not real!"

girl: hey, cut us some slack, levy, you know i have to tell a lie every day as my condition.

Levy: -^-; "It hardly makes you trustworthy...What did you bring?"

girl: *hands him the bag*

Levy: *checks* "Batteries, bottled water...Where's what I asked for?"

girl: what did you ask for?

Levy: "My tin of meat!"

girl: it's in the bottom.

Levy: *pulls it out--and rubs his cheek against it* ^w^

girl: weirdo.

Levy: *taps the tin* *makes lip noises* "Come here, sweetie! Dinner's here..."

Boy: "...How come he gets to adopt a stray, Hachi?"

hachi: i dunno.

*One of the boxes in the tent shakes--as a cat with one eye pops up*

hachi: hey miskit.

Miskit: *meow* *starts sniffing the can*

-elsewhere-

juria: *walking back to the farm with a stray dog following her*

Pan: "... ... ...What is that?"

juria: >->;;;;;; present for the notos.

Pan: "...'Present for the Notos'? How is that a present?"

juria: WHAT DID YOU WANT ME TO DO, LET IT BE SLAUGHTERED?! D8<

Pan: "Who would be killing a dog?! You expect that story to fly?"

juria: *GIVES HIM A LOOK*

mrs noto: ........^^; <we'll see if we can find him a home.>

juria: thanks. gonna hit the sack, lates. *walks off*

dog: o^o~?

Pan: "Of all the nerve..." <I'm sorry for her behavior...>

mrs noto: <it's fine.>

-elsewhere-

Patty: *walks into the waiting room, drops a pile of snacks* "...I may have broken the vending machine."

liz: -_-;

Kid: ^^; "It's the thought that counts..."

-SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAM-

stocking: OxO;

Kid: O_O;

Patty: "??? Did someone pass a watermelon?"

stocking: .w.;;;; that's natural, that's natural, that's natural... *shaking*

Kid: *holding her* "It's okay. Your mom is safe."

stocking: right, right. owo;;;

Patty: "Maybe take the drugs when they offer them..."

-elsewhere-

Meme: *pulls up another blanket* "Brr! Even though it's warmer weather than winter, the insulation in old buildings sucks..."

mio: *SNEEZE* =~=;;

Meme: "..." *hug*

mio: mmmmm *nuzzle*

Meme: *smooch*

mio: =///////=

Meme: "Same...I love you."

mio: love you too, meme... *nuzzles into her breasts* =/////= im so glad boobs are a thing.

Meme: O\\\\O "...Y-Yeah...Soft, huh?" ^\\\^;

mio: *purrs*

Meme: *strokes her head, hums lightly*

-elsewhere-

naho: *looking through her wardrobe*

Magaki: "...Anything?"

naho: almost got it. in fashion competitions, it's important to know what kind of theme your outfit will have, and to coordinate the proper accessories and color scheme.

Magaki: "And what theme is this outfit?"

naho: still working on it.

Magaki: "Hmm...Something 'cute'?"

naho: yep! the contest as a few different categories; cute, elegant, sexy, gothic, and costume.

Magaki: "...You're a bit too young to go for the 'sexy' category, young lady."

naho: >3< i'm older than i look, you know! i'm only 20!

Magaki: "...You look younger."

naho: i became a vampire when i was 18, so i guess so.

Magaki: "Hmm..." *looks at their hands, then at mirror--and sees nothing* "..."

naho:....hmmm....

Magaki: "Yes, well...Have you asked Lavender?"

naho: she said she'd do it too. ^^ i bet she'll look so cool on the stage! ^^

Magaki: "Sounds like fun...Do you think Tsubaki will?"

naho: i havent asked her yet.

-elsewhere, early morning-

baby: *crying*

felisia: *smiles*

Mephisto: TwT "Hello, little one~"

felisia: *strokes the baby's head* happy birthday, shion.

shion: *opens his eyes*

felisia: he has your eyes.

Mephisto: "And your cheeks..."

shion: ??

felisia: ^^

Mephisto: *strokes Shion's head*

stocking: *enters* we came in as fast as we could.

felisia: stocking, say hello to your brother, shion.

shion: ah?

stocking: *smiles* hey little guy. i'm your big sister. ^^

Kid: *watching* QwQ

-elsewhere-

Meme: *yawns* "Morning, everyone..."

tsugumi: morning!

Anya: O_O

Meme: "Everyone sleep well?"

ao: yes, though i did hear some odd noises in the night.

Tezca: *brushing his teeth...on the mask...while his mask has a cucumber mask* *pretending his voice is muffled by brushing* "Oh? What kind of noises?"

ao: like howls and scratches.

kirara: hmm..

Meme: "A squirrel got inside?"

Anya: "What squirrel howls?!"

tsugumi: hmm, lets take a nature walk!

Meme: "Yes!"

Tezca: "Watch out for bears."

kirara: -_-;

Anya: "Please tell me someone brought bug repellent...and bear repellent..." T~T

-elsewhere-

Takeru: *raking* <Here's where the new seeds can go!>

shinra: ah. *planting*

Ogun: *playing with the dog*

nozomi: hehe. ^^

Ogun: *tosses a ball* "Fetch!"

dog: 8D

Ogun: ^^ "Good pupper..."

-elsewhere-

Eijiro: "Here you go, little one!" *moving a ladybug outside on his finger*

Bakugo: -_-# "Is it gone yet?"

sero: yeah, it's out. you know, ladybugs are actually a sign of good luck.

Eijiro: ^w^ "Then maybe we'll have good luck at summer training!"

-elsewhere-

Dabi: "..." *chuckles*

twice: think up a good joke, fam?

Dabi: "Surprisingly, I'm looking forward to the next mission."

-elsewhere-

Takeru: <--and then the animals paid us back with these fruits, and this kitsune appeared, and Shinra was empowered by a woman in a black cloak-->

fang-hua: *covers takeru's mouth*

Takeru: OxO "Hmm?!"

mrs noto: <sounds like quite the adventure> ^^

Pan: <We're happy to have gotten through it unscathed.>

-elsewhere-

Kid: *packing the bag*

liz: you two gonna be ok?

stocking: *she nods* it'll just be for a while.

Kid: "And we'll be able to help around the house."

Patty: "??? ...I thought that was what maids are for--"

-chop-

Patty: >~< "OWIE!"

ellen: -_-#

Kid: ^^; "We'll be helping Stocking's parents, as well as the new baby."

lord death: should give you some more practice for when you have lil kiddos of your own one day.

Kid: .\\\\\.;;;;;

stocking: ^///^;;

Yumi: "Don't tease them..."

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *holds up a leaf* "And look at this specimen!" *it has a butterfly on it*

children: wooow!

Motojiro: "Soon this one will set eggs down, which hatch into--what's the answer?"

philip: cat-a-pillers?

sonia: actually it starts out as larvae.

philip: oh. ^^;

Motojiro: "Correct!" *puts a star stamp onto Sonia's worksheet*

sonia: ...thank you.

Motojiro: ^^ "You're welcome."

sonia: *nods and listens silently* ....

Motojiro: "And what butterflies consume for sustenance?"

sonia: *looks at one of the other kids*

Jakob: *yaaawn*

tom: flowers?

Motojiro: "More specifically, their nectar!"

maggie: ah.

-elsewhere-

Dr. John: "All set?"

felisia: i think so...how long do i need to recover?

Dr. John: "You'll be fine to move around after 2 weeks, but your perineum will need 6 weeks. We have your next appointment in four days."

felisia: i see.

Dr. John: "Just remember, my medical opinion is based on human physiology, so I may be over- or under-estimating. But call if you need anything or have any questions."

felisia: *she nods* ok.

Mephisto: *knocks on the door* "Your ride awaits~" *brings in a wheelchair*

felisia: ^^;

Dr. John: "Um, Mr. Pheles? Our hospital staff is the only one permitted to operate the wheelchair to guide Felisia out..."

Mephisto: Q_Q "...But it's custom!" *presses a button on the chair--and 'La Cucaracha' starts playing*

felisia: *trying to suppress laughter*

Dr. John: ^^; "Heh...Well, that'll be useful--around your own house. For now, Miss Blair and Mrs. Albarn--I mean, Sachiko will help."

felisia: thank you.

sachiko: ^^;

Blair: "Let's do this!" *grabs the wheelchair handles*

felisia: OwO;

Dr. John: -_-; "Blair. Go slow, especially around the corners."

Blair: -3-

-elsewhere-

-dazai's phone rings-

Dazai: *answers* "Hoi hoi."

???: you're osamu dazai, yes?

Dazai: "...Is this about a pretty woman? Please say yes."

???: .....i've been told you're good at getting information, correct?

Dazai: ^\\\^; "Well, I don't mean to brag..."

???: let me just get to the point. i have information on something big that's about to happen in death city. but i'm going to need you to help me in return.

Dazai: "...Yeah, this is boring me. Goodbye--" *moves to hang up*

???: shibusawa and dostoyevsky are about to make a move on death city.

Dazai: "..." *takes back the phone* "Those names again, please."

???: tatsuhiko shibusawa and fyodor dostoyevsky.

Dazai: "...What do you need?"

???: ...help me find my mother.

-elsewhere-

Belkia: "Aren't you all spruced up~!"

naho: *she's in a cute green and brown themed dress with matching ribbons and shoes* thanks. i decided to go for a mint chocolate chip theme.

Sakuya: *thumbs up* "Adorable."

naho: ^^

lavender: good luck today. ^^

Higan: "We'll be cheering you on."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "Hello?" *walks inside*

maid: welcome.

stocking: *waves*

Kid: "Greetings." *sets down luggage* "We are here to help the new parents."

maid: glad to hear. you'll both be staying in the young madam's room.

stocking: oh sweet. ^^ my old room.

Kid: "Excellent!" *follows Stocking*

stocking: *opens the door to her room* *inhales* ah...

Kid: "Good memories?"

stocking: i suppose. *lays down on her bed*

Kid: *closes the door behind him, lies down as well*

stocking: ....

Kid: "..." *holds her hand*

stocking: mmm.... u////u

Kid: "??? Stocking?"

stocking: hm?

Kid: "..." *nuzzles*

stocking: mmm... it's funny. thinking about how far our lives have come...

Kid: ^\\\^ "Heh...I was so nervous to talk to you..."

stocking: yeah....*hugs*

Kid: *hug, pat pat*

stocking:...*crying slightly*

Kid: "Stocking?"

stocking: j-just memories of the past...

Kid: "..." *nods* "I think I understand that..."

stocking: ......private school was a bad time for me.....

Kid: *nods* "Yes...And you're here now."

stocking: right...right......

Kid: "...Do you feel safer?"

stocking: *she nods*

Kid: "...Are there any regrets?"

stocking: .....when we were just children, i shouldnt have gotten mad at you back then...i would have loved to have been childhood friends with you...

Kid: "So would I...and I wasn't very, well, easy to deal with back then..."

stocking: i guess. *chuckles* but i find it more endearing now than i did.

Kid: ^\\\^; "Maybe with age, better qualities make themselves more obvious?"

stocking: i suppose, hehe.

Kid: "For example, your kindness only grows more every day."

stocking: aww. u///w///u

Kid: "I know everyone appreciates you...and so will your new brother."

-elsewhere-

Bryn: "I'm staying with my sister's family. You live near the hospital?"

mana: actually, we live in the kasamino district.

Bryn: "Oh? What's that like? I don't know the area..."

Emine: *mutters* "Given how lost she got..."

mana: *elbows emine* it's nice.

Emine: >_<#

Bryn: "Just you three?"

mana: there's lots of people, like yohei, chie, tuhl, saki, lin, medea, nea-

Bryn: O_O; "...Girl, how many kids you have?"

mana: they arent my kids! if anything _we're_ the kids... it's kind of like a boarding house in a way where we live.

Shotaro: "Like 'Hey Arnold'!"

mana: sort of like that.

Bryn: "I love that show! I put it on for the fam all the time! And you work 'round here?"

mana: mostly odd-jobs here and there.

-elsewhere-

Zeke: "Fashion show? Sounds trendy!" ^w^

Asher: *eyeroll*

lukas: 7///7;

Saria: *pat pat* "I'm sure it'll be fine..."

Duncan: "Ha! Like any of you would even win a competition like that." *bishie pose* "Not like me...I've done professional modeling!"

Zeke: "So, want to try out?"

Asher: "Hell no." *they are ignoring Duncan*

Duncan: D : <

Yafeu: "THAT KILIK RUNG GUY DID MODELING BEFORE! I HEARD HE DONATED THE MONEY TO CHARITY!"

axel: i thought is was lunge?

hibiki: eh. *shrug*

Yafeu: >\\\\<####

Duncan: *spots the sign up sheet* "..." *light bulb, devil horns* *smiles wickedly*

lukas: ??

Duncan: *writes onto it, sets it back, walks away whistling*

lukas: ??? *looks*

*Looks like certain NOT students just got signed up*

lukas: D8>

hibiki: huh.

Asher: "Oh, hell no! Grab it--"

*Someone on staff grabs it*

lukas: AHHHHHHHHH!!!! D8>

Saria: Q___Q

Zeke: "...Huh?"

axel: what just happened?

Zeke: "We're going clothes shopping, bro!"

axel: aw sweet!

-elsewhere-

Mantis: *obsessively rubbing the back of his hand along his face*

izzy: calm down, would ya? you're giving me the jeebies.

Mantis: "I'm grooming! I groom before missions, fights, and bed!"

izzy: okay then?

Mantis: *grunts, looks around* "And the rest of you all should get ready, too!"

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: *opens the door*

stocking: welcome back, guys.

felisia: *nods*

shion: zzzz

maid: KYA~! SO ADORABLE! >w<

felisia: shh!

Kid: ^^; "Can you blame them?"

felisia: ^^;

shion: ?? =A=

Mephisto: *whispers* "Hello, Shion~"

shion: *yaaaawn*

felisia: ^^

Kid: "He's so small..."

stocking: he kind of looks like a mini you, dad. (i fear for him.)

Mephisto: ^^ "You think so?!"

stocking: yeah, same eye-shape and all.

shion: =A=

Mephisto: "D'aw, I'm blushing~"

Kid: *looking at Shion* "???"

stocking: *sweatdrop*

Mephisto: "What do you think, Shion? Do we look alike?"

shion: ah.

Mephisto: "See? He agrees!"

stocking: whatever you say, dad. *sweatdrop*

-elsewhere-

Arthur: "I look forward to getting home. It'll be a welcomed return."

shinra: yeah. *yaaawn*

fang-hua: *packing*

Ogun: "Need any help, Fang-Hua?"

fang-hua: sure, if anyone wants to help, feel free.

tamaki: will do!

-elsewhere-

Kuro: *sipping the broth out of the ramen* "Ah." *holds up bowl* "More."

waitress: coming right up.

mahiru: TTwTT;

Kuro: *burp* "How's your money?"

mahiru: i may have to bury my wallet...

-elsewhere-

Yohei: *holding up Toru* "How's his outfit look?"

chie: he looks so handsome, dont you lil guy?

toru: rawr! *in a little dino costume*

Yohei: ^^ "Big dino!"

chie: ^^

Tool: "Good look, kiddo. What brings this on?"

chie: thought we'd get him dressed for the parade today. ^^

Tool: "Neat. I think I heard Kepuri saying something--"

Kepuri: "Out of my way!"

chie: OxO;

toru: ??

Kepuri: *in a bug-themed dress* "I got a competition to kill!"

akaderu: knock 'em out, babe.

nea: wait up for me! >3<

Shinoda: "You'll do great!"

Kepuri: "Then pick up your feet! I'm driving!"

nea: QvQ;;;

Tool: "..."

Yohei: "Relax. I put speed controls on the car..."

Kepuri: "I DISABLED THEM!"

Yohei: "..." *covers Toru's ears* "No need to hear Daddy's language..."

toru: ah?

nea: ....shinoda, hunny~ would you please drive us~? *puppy eyes*

Shinoda: "Of course~" ^\\\^

Kepuri: -_-###

chie: *sweatdrop*

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *falls onto a couch* =w=

leo: <busy day, motovya?>

Motojiro: *nod nod* <They learn so much...I hope.>

leo: *smiles and pats his head*

Motojiro: =w= <And how are you two?>

leo: <doing well, trying to take it easy...>

Motojiro: <That is valuable...> *sits up* <How may I help?>

leo: hmmm.

Motojiro: *suddenly full of vigor* *smiles*

leo: oh, um t-thank you. ^^;

Motojiro: "Of course--you're welcome! Shall I begin with dusting?"

-elsewhere-

Kanin: "Wow, that's unfortunate."

Kazue: *grunts*

hibiki: should be fun, though, i guess

Zeke: *holds up bowties* "Which one, bro? I'm going for an Eleventh look."

Asher: T~T

axel: hmm, go with the red in that case.

izumi: asher? you ok?

Asher: "...How the fuck am I supposed to afford a fucking outfit?"

Zeke: "But which red, bro? Cherry, brick, or scarlet?"

izumi: how about i get you something?

Asher: "I don't need your charity..."

izumi: its not about being charitable, dummy! it's because i'm your partner, and partners look out for each other!

Asher: "...Tch. Stop with the 'power of teamwork' crap, okay...Let's just get this over with...Like I even know what to wear..."

izumi: then we'll help you find out. ^^

Asher: *grumbles* "What a shit-show--"

Yafeu: "ENOUGH LANGUAGE! LET'S GO!" *picks up Asher over his shoulders and carries them*

hibiki: off to the mall we go.

axel: woot woot!

Zeke: "Awesome!"

Kanin: ^^; "It's nice how close they are, huh--"

Kazue: "Zzz..."

lei-lei: it's so sweet~<3

genny: it's nice. *taking notes*

Duncan: D : < *Grinch face* "THAT'S NOT HOW THIS PLAN WAS TO WORK! They should be at each other's throats!"

genny: duncan. you're a dick. fuck off.

hibiki: you know we can hear you dude, right?

Duncan: "... ... ..." *runs--into a wall*

Kanin: ._.; "..." *takes out a first-aid kit*

-elsewhere-

Meme: *watching birds* "That's another!" *marks it on her bingo card* "What a fun nature walk!"

tsugumi: ^^ *looking around for footprints or scratches on the trees*

Anya: *adjusts her bonnet, looking up through the trees* "Really bright out..."

ao: indeed.

tsugumi:... ??

Anya: "Oh? What?"

-seems to be some footprints-

Meme: "Human?"

tsugumi: seems more beast-like.

Meme: "Hmm..." *checking a guidebook*

tsugumi: maybe the source of the footprint is the same as the one making those noises??

Meme: "Hmm...Looks canine to me..."

ao: well, there are wolves in the area from what i've heard.

Meme: "Maybe that's what has gotten around, clawing up things at all hours of the night--"

Anya: Q_________Q

-elsewhere-

Iida: "I have made sure to pack only the essentials--yet I am struggling to locate an adequate first-aid kit."

bee maid: would you like some assistance?

Iida: "That would be appreciated--thank you!"

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: "So 1B is going too?"

sero: seems so.

Bakugo: "Shit...Like we need more extras there..."

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: *rocking the baby to sleep*

shion: zzz

Mephisto: =w= *yawn*

felisia: *resting her head on his shoulder*

Mephisto: *nuzzle*

-elsewhere-

*He opens his apartment door...*

girl: *groans*

Man: "..." *sets down a knapsack*

rosemary: fa.....the....r....

Man: "I'm here..." *sits before*

rosemary: *tries to look at him*

Man: *smiles weakly*

rosemary: .....

Man: "I'm almost ready. Just wait a little longer..."

-elsewhere-

Asher: "..." *unlocks apartment door*

mrs blythe: *asleep on the couch* *snoring*

Asher: "..." *quietly carries their bags to their room*

mrs blythe: *snort snore*

Asher: "?!" *looks back*

-still sleeping...-

Asher: *frowns, continues into their room*

-everything seems to be as it was that morning-

Asher: "???" ("Sis must be at work...")

-elsewhere-

sonia: *hiding in a blanket fort, reading*

Chuuya: "???"

sonia: hi papa.

Chuuya: "Hi. What an impressive structure!"

sonia: thanks...

Chuuya: "What are you reading?"

sonia: the hungry caterpillar.

Chuuya: "How is it?"

sonia: it's nice......*sigh*

Chuuya: "...You okay?"

sonia: still having trouble relating to the other kids.

Chuuya: "...I'm sorry. Did you have lunch with them today?"

sonia: *nod* i dont mean to sound vain when i say this, but i think i might be ahead of the other kids, academically? does that make me weird to them?

Chuuya: "No, not at all. Do they treat you as 'weird'?"

sonia: i dont think so, but i feel like i am...

Chuuya: "...I know this may not be encouraging to hear 'everyone goes through this,' and I won't pretend that what you've experienced is...typical. But I do know one thing..."

sonia: ...

Chuuya: "You're smart, compassionate, and caring. And those traits will give you all you deserve and want..."

sonia: hmm.....

Chuuya: "...You're so much like your mother..."

sonia:....want to come in?

Chuuya: *smiles* *nods* "I hope I'm not too tall to-- ... ... ..." TwT

sonia:....*rests her head on his lap*

mito: *mii*

Chuuya: *pets Mito, strokes Sonia's head*

sonia: love you, papa...

Chuuya: "I love you too, Sonia."

-elsewhere-

Takeru: *snoring*

Arthur: "Zzz..."

Ogun: "..."

fang-hua: ....

juria: zzzzzz.....

tamaki: finally, we'll be home soon...

Ogun: "It'll be good--but it'll mean getting to work with this new info--"

Pan: "And being careful who learns it."

Viktor: "..."

nozomi: ...

Ogun: "...Yes, sir. But when people learn about this, how will they react?"

Pan: "We'll have to anticipate that..."

nozomi: *nods*

Viktor: "..." *writes on his pad*

Ogun: "How you think your commander will react to your return, Fang-Hua?"

fang-hua: well, if a bit grumpy as he tends to be.

Ogun: ^^; "My sympathies..."

-elsewhere-

naho: the first day of the fashion contest was a success!

Sakuya: "Great work out there!"

lavender: congrats in making it to the next round. ^^

Black Star: "When's Round 2?"

naho: this weekend, for my next outfit, i'm thinking of doing a sailor type outfit.

-elsewhere-

Konro: *knitting*

Tsukiyo: "...I'm just...Wow, sir."

kabuki: ^u^

Konro: "Best to be prepared..."

Tsukiyo: "It's like 17 onesies, sir..." >_>;

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: *tossing in bed* "..." *sits up* =_= *gets up, walks to the kitchen*

atsushi: zzzzz

sylvia: *sleeping on the couch*

Kyoka: "Hmm..." *opens the fridge* ("Please let there be leftovers...")

-seems there is-

demon snow: ~seems you're in luck~

Kyoka: *takes out tofu, opens the microwave door*

sylvia: nnh....

Kyoka: *starts heating it, turns to check on Sylvia*

sylvia: ....

Kyoka: *sits by the couch while waiting for the tofu* "..."

sylvia: mm....miss- k-kyouka?

Kyoka: "Hello. Sorry. Did I wake you?"

sylvia: i-its ok...

Microwave: *ding*

Kyoka: "...Hungry?"

sylvia: *shakes head*

Kyoka: "Well, feel free to share..." *takes out the tofu and some soy sauce* "Sleep okay?"

sylvia: i guess.....

Kyoka: "That's good...Couch okay?"

sylvia: i-its much more comfortable than the floor was...

Kyoka: "...Oh..." *sets down the plate* "Maybe we can find a bed already..."

sylvia: i-it's fine, i-i wouldnt want to trouble y-

Kyoka: "It's only a little effort. We'll see what is available and affordable. I'm sure we can buy something. Any preferences?"

sylvia: *shakes head*

Kyoka: "Not even a waterbed?"

sylvia: n-no.

Kyoka: "Ah. I'm sure Yosano knows a bargain. And Kunikida can take some money out of Ranpo's snack budget..."

ranpo: *from his room* dont you muthafuckin dare

Fukuzawa: "Language."

Kyoka: "….We'll make it work."

sylvia: ...

Kyoka: "...Do you need more blankets, or..."

sylvia: i-i'll be ok...*tries to smile*

Kyoka: "...You need and deserve a good bed for good sleep."

sylvia:....c-can i...

Kyoka: "...?"

sylvia: s-sleep in....y-your bed? >///< s-s-sorry i-if that's t-too we-weird to ask-

Kyoka: "Yes, you may."

sylvia: O////O r-r-really??

Kyoka: "It's only fair: you need your sleep..."

sylvia: o-o-o-o-k-kay t-t-then....

Kyoka: "..." *finishes her meal, sets the plate into the sink* "..." *walks to her bedroom, leads Sylvia*

sylvia: *gulps, sweating*

Kyoka: *sets another pillow onto her bed, pulls back the blanket, lies down* "...Is there enough room?"

sylvia: *plops in* .////////////.

Kyoka: "..." >\\\> *pulls up blanket* "Warm enough?"

sylvia: *nod nod*

Kyoka: "Good..." *turns off the light* "Sleep well, okay?"

-morning-

Kunikida: *preparing breakfast*

aya: so, any plans for golden week?

atsushi: golden week?

Kyoka: "Japanese holidays also observed in Death City." *sips tea*

atsushi: ...i've never actually celebrated golden week before. ^^; but i do know my birthday is around the end of golden week.

Kyoka: "Then we can combine the two..."

atsushi: i guess.

aya: when is your birthday, even?

atsushi: may 5.

aya: you were born on children's day? lucky you!

Kyoka: *nods*

atsushi: ^^;

Kunikida: "Just because it is Golden Week does not mean our office will be any less busy." *sets down breakfast*

atsushi: *nods*

Kyoka: "Hmph. As long as it doesn't get in the way of Greenery Day..."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "May we get you anything?"

felisia: we'll need extra diapers and baby powder, also what kind of food would be best for him to eat? should it be organic??

stocking: easy mom, easy.

Mephisto: ^^; "I put in an order for diapers, and I'm reading a delightful book on food preparation--"

*The book is titled 'Making Babies with Excal--'*

Kid: *tosses the book out the window*

felisia: ._.;;;;;

shion: =A=;

Kid: -_-#

Mephisto: =3= “Rude.”

stocking: ^^;;

???: *a voice outside* "Ow...A book."

stocking: sorry 'bout that!

felisia: amaimon?

Amaimon: "That's me. Where have you been? I came here days ago..."

felisia: hospital.

shion: ah.

Amaimon: "??? ...Who is that?"

felisia: your nephew. ^^

Amaimon: "...Huh. Does it have all its limbs?"

stocking: of course he does. -_-;

Amaimon: "Hello, spawn. I am Amaimon."

shion: ama.

felisia: i guess that's your way of saying hello, isnt it, shion?

shion: ah.

Amaimon: "Hello, Shion. What are your abilities?" *starts typing on his phone*

stocking: uncle. he was literally born yesterday.

Amaimon: "Shh. I have to share this online..."

-elsewhere-

Neuhaus: *smiles* "You must be excited...The Festival."

michelle: *she nods*

Neuhaus: "I'll be ready in another minute. Best get your jacket..."

michelle:...*nods*

Neuhaus: *grabs his own* "I hope the weather holds out..."

-elsewhere-

Damon: *walks up to the stage*

soul + becky: *watching in the audience*

Hyde: *holding up a sign: "YOU CAN DO IT, DEMAN!" *the "E" and "A" are crossed out to fix the spelling*

licht: *in disguise*

Damon: O_O; "..." *looks at 'Dorothy'* "Of course, I don't know, but I think it'l get darker before it gets lighter..."

girl: do you suppose we'll meet any wild animals?

"Tin Man": "M-Maybe?"

girl: oh.

Damon: O_O "Animals that...eat straw?"

"Tin Man": "Some--most likely tigers--er, lions, tigers, and bears."

Hyde: *whispers* "Bullshit. Lions don't eat straw--"

Becky: shh!

-elsewhere-

sachiko: *looking at files*

Blair: "How're the patients?"

sachiko: fairly well.

Blair: "I just got the little ones to sleep..." *yawns* "Cat nap..."

sachiko: ^^

Blair: "I'm going on break. Can you cover?"

sachiko: sure thing.

*POOF*

Blair: *in cat form on Sachiko's lap* =w= "Zzz..."

sachiko: *sweatdrop*

Dr. John: "Oh, how cute!"

sachiko: one of those death city things, i suppose.

Dr. John: "Weird town..." *sits* "Speaking of, the festival's going on..."

sachiko: yeah.

Dr. John: "Is Izumi going?"

sachiko: i think so. *smiles*

Dr. John: "That'll be good--can't have her studying without a little fun."

sachiko: i think..this has been good for her.

Dr. John: "She's enjoying her lessons?"

sachiko: *she nods*

-elsewhere-

Asher: *adjusts collar* =^=

izumi: it looks nice on you. ^^

Yafeu: *devil-horn hand pose* "ROCK ON!"

lukas: *hiding*

Saria: *in a pink sweater, black skirt, and a scarf* "It's okay, Lukas..."

lukas: *steps out.....in a skimpy maid costume* TT~TT

Saria: "... ... ..." *nosebleed*

axel: dang.

Zeke: "Bro, we got our work cut out for us..."

-elsewhere-

Damon: ^^; "H-How was it?"

becky: you did great!!

soul: way to go, little man! *head pats*

Damon: T\\\w\\\T "Th-Thanks..." *hug*

becky: ^^

Hyde: *writing notes* "I think the scenery needed work, the musical score sounded like it was played off of someone's cell phone--"

becky: to be fair, it _is_ an elementary school play.

Hyde: "THE THEATRE IS SERIOUS BUSINESS! We need to hold every actor to a high standard!" *looks at 'Tin Man'* "You got at least 9 lines wrong--"

"Tin Man": Q_Q "..." *punches Hyde in the balls*

director: have you considered helping out with the school arts department?

Hyde: Q~Q *clutching his crotch, high-pitched voice* "Oh? Is there an opening?"

-elsewhere-

Kid: *wiping the floor*

felisia: l-like this? *attempting to breastfeed*

stocking: *nods* give the head plenty of support.

felisia: right.

shion: *suckling*

Mephisto: *in the kitchen, prepping snacks*

felisia: you hungry, baby?

shion: *lets go* ma!

Kid: *hearing outside* "Oh? Did Shion already say his first word?"

felisia: i-i dont really know yet. ^^;

Kid: "Well, sounded like 'Ma' to me...I'm just about done cleaning the hall and--UMPH!" *it sounds like he fell*

stocking: kid?! *runs out to check on him*

Kid: -_-# *he tripped over Amaimon, who is sitting in the hall, reading comics with 3 empty or half-empty cans of soda*

Amaimon: "...When are snacks?"

stocking: *helps kid up* -_-# if you're going to loiter, do it in your room, NOT IN THE HALL.

Amaimon: *whines* "But it's so far away..."

stocking: *picks them both up and carries them*

Kid: .\\\.

Amaimon: "???"

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *reviewing worksheets* "Hmm..."

ayako: *fiddling with a fidget spinner*

Motojiro: "Students are doing well with this lesson...How is the 'project' coming along?"

ayako: lookin' good.

Motojiro: *grins* "Marvelous."

-elsewhere-

Benimaru: "Hmm..."

kirei:....?? *notices someone approaching*

*It looks to be a set of priests?*

Benimaru: "..."

Konro: "Oh...Church of the Sun?"

reimi: hello, may we help you?

Apostle: *smiles...it looks fake* "Greetings. We are here to speak with Benimaru Shinmon."

reimi: any particular reason?

Apostle: "Regarding your shrine...and our Church."

reimi: ...

kirei: *looks at benimaru*

Benimaru: "..."

Apostle: "You see, um...heh, 'Sister,' we wish to preach the word of our savior to your people."

reimi: with all due respect, we already have-

Apostle: "No, you don't. What you have is an affront to our lord...and we want to show you the light..."

reimi: *sweating* i-i can take you to the shrine head-

Apostle: *smiles* "How lovely. I suppose it is true what they say about shrine maidens here: they will obey..."

reimi: ....

Benimaru: *watches* "..."

Apostle: "Now, be a good girl--" *puts a hand on Reimi's shoulder*

kabuki: is there a problem here? ^^#

Apostle: "??? Oh? Why would you say that...Are you from around here?"

Benimaru: "..."

kabuki: i'm a captain of the 7th.

Apostle: "Ah, well, this is a religious matter, not one for those engaged in low combat practices..."

kabuki: and that gives you the right to touch the young lady without her permission?

Apostle: *removes his hand, smiles* "It meant nothing! I'm just being friendly. Was I not friendly, Sister?"

reimi: *she doesnt say anything*

Apostle: *sneers* "See? She's fine. Now let her lead me to the shrine, and mind your own business: your appearance offends me."

kabuki: how so?

Apostle: "Are you even a real man?"

Benimaru: "..." *he's gripping the porch...and it's starting to splinter...*

kabuki: 100% XY chromosomes.

Apostle: "Ha! I find that hard to believe--"

*BOOM*

reimi: !!!

*Where the Apostle stood is now a line in the sand--before a loud crash is heard, and an outline of his body in the wall of someone's house*

Benimaru: *still sitting on the porch...his fist is flaming*

kirei: are you alright, reimi?

reimi: i-i think so...*shaking*

*Inside the house, the Apostle is collapsed, unconscious*

Apostle: X_X

Baby: *in high chair* "...Goo?" *flings food from spoon at the Apostle*

apostle 2: *picks the first apostle up and flees* this isnt over yet!

Benimaru: -_-#

mother: *hitting them with a spoon* <GET OUT OF MY HOUSE! OUT! OUT!> D8<

apostle: >~<;;

Baby: ^w^ "Ha ha ha!"

-elsewhere-

shinra: here we are, home sweet home!

fang-hua: i cant wait to get back to asakusa and take a long na-

*GLOMP*

fang-hua: AH!

Tsukiyo: *nuzzle* "I missed you!" >w<

fang-hua: ^^; hello fang-hua.

iris: *waves*

shinra: rel! iris! *HUG*

Relan: ^\\\\^ "Hey, there!" *hug*

shinra: i really misses you two a lot.

tamaki: how's everything on the homefront?

iris: we actually got two new recruits.

Relan: "We did, too...The 8th needed more power while you were out...But we got more help now."

shinra: oh sweet!

Patty: "TAAAAAAAAAAAAKEEEEEEEERUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!"

Takeru: OWO;

*CRASH*

nozomi: ^^;

karin: hey kiddo! *waves*

Ogun: "Heh--they're happy."

nozomi: auntie! *hugs*

Vulcan: *waves* "Yo."

karin: ^^

Ogun: "??? Um..."

nozomi: right, ogun, this is vulcan, he's also with the 8th.

karin: and you know who i am, right?

Ogun: "Right, Doctor--we met before." ^^

Vulcan: "??? 'Ogun'? Like the god of smithing?"

Ogun: "Yeah...Nice tats."

karin: so, how're things with you and my niece then~?

Ogun: "..." .\\\\.

nozomi: auntie! >///<;

karin: smells like a good sign to me~

Vulcan: "??? Doc, maybe don't tease them..."

Viktor: "..."

tamaki:... ?! kana?!

misery: hello~ kana wanted to greet you on your return.

Kana: *hug*

tamaki:.........................*hugs kana and sobs* TT~TT

Kana: >~< "I missed you, Big Sis."

Arthur: "..." *small smile*

???: "THERE YOU ARE, MY BOY!"

Takeru: *holding Patty in his arms* "!!! C-Commander!"

Honda: *bear hugs Takeru and Patty* "THERE YOU ARE! WELCOME BACK!"

hito: *salutes* welcome back.

Pan: "..."

Takeru: *awkward salute*

Honda: "OH, CAPTAIN PAN! Good to see you as well."

Pan: *salute* "Sir."

juria: tch-

Honda: "??? Oh! The ill-tempered one! What was your name, cadet?"

juria: your mom's ass-

tamaki: she's Juria Itagaki.

Honda: "Hello, Momsass Juria Itagaki!" *salutes* "A pleasure to meet you!"

juria:..................

tamaki: ... *sweatdrop*

Ogun: "..." *stifling a laugh*

-elsewhere-

Anya: "Then there's this mushroom..."

tsugumi: *nods nods*

ao: any signs of anything suspicious?

mio: so far none that i've seen

kirara: ...

Tezca: "Avoid the mushrooms that make you see fairies and elves..."

esther: and dont step on any fairy circles.

Anya: "???"

Tezca: "...I mean, you _could_, but you'd need a flyswatter--"

kirara: tezca no.

Tezca: =3=; "You don't let me do anything."

esther: ^^

kirara: i'm just making sure you dont get yourself hurt or arrested. again.

Tezca: "Joke's on you! I got this!" *pulls out a Monopoly card*

kirara:.......*sigh* -_-;

-elsewhere-

Hibana: *writing notes at the judge table*

Announcer: "Next in the Elegant category...ZEKE CALLAHAN!"

axel: you got this bro!

Zeke: *adjusts his tie, walks* ^^;

Boy in the audience: *claps*

uwabami: oh my, he's really rocking it out there.

Zeke: *poses*

Hibana: "Hmm...Seems to be trying too hard. A little nerdy..."

Girl in the audience: "Woo!"

Saria: *looking at the stage* "He's doing really well." *has tissue up her nose*

hibiki: not bad at all.

Zeke: *walks back to the backstage, gets beyond the curtains...and falls to his knees* "Oh, man, bro! I was so nervous, bro!"

axel: you were on point AF! *thumbs up*

Zeke: QwQ *fist bump*

hibiki: want a capri sun?

Zeke: *nod nod* "Thanks, Hibiki..."

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: "Welcome home, son."

shinra: *hug*

Akitaru: *pat pat* "How're you doing?"

shinra: exhausted. have lots to tell you about what happened.

Akitaru: "I look forward to it--so how about you take a nap first."

Petra: *adjusting glasses* -^-

shinra: will do... oh, you must be the new recruits! my name's shinra.

rita: *signing* <it's nice to meet you.>

Petra: "Rita has said 'It's nice to meet you.' I am Petra, and I suggest you deal with your jet lag by napping for no more than 6 hours so as to adjust yourself to the time zone change..." *checks her pocket watch*

shinra: um....okaaaay?

Akitaru: ^^; "Sister Petra is like clockwork when it comes to time..."

Petra: *signing for Rita, while staring intensely at Shinra* O^O

shinra:..riiight.. ^^;

Petra: "Hmph."

Ogun: *RAMBLE RAMBLE* "--talking animals!"

Vulcan: "SERIOUSLY?! Oh, man, I wish I was there! What about *RAMBLE RAMBLE blacksmithing talk*--"

Pan: *seated on a couch, holding a suitcase* ._.;

lisa: they seem to be getting along well. ^^;

miwa: oh hey! you're back!

sayu: BIG BRO SHINRA! *tackle hug* WELCOME BACK! ^u^

Pan: "Indeed. Ogun has a flexible personality to speak to many..."

Petra: "!!!" *dodges the tackle hug*

nozomi: *smiles*

Petra: "How large _is_ this division?"

tamaki: well, miwa and sayu are part of the mercenary fire brigade, squad 0.

Petra: "I see..." *looks at Tamaki* "A nun?"

tamaki: yes, i also work as a soldier. so i guess i'm like a battle sister. ^^

Petra: "Hmph. That explains the missing habit." *glances at Arthur* "..."

-elsewhere-

leo: *URK*

pushkin: *holding leo's hair out of the way*

Gin: "Easy..."

leo: *panting*

katya: yeah, i'd had mornings spent praying to the porcelain deities. but in my case, it was from being drunk as all hell.

Gin: "...Charming. Shall we call the doctor?"

leo: *cough* *pants*

katya: may as well.

pushkin: *holding leo up* steady now lev, we got ya.

leo: t-thank you...

Gin: *dials*

leo: *laying down*.........*crying*

Gin: "...Oh dear."

kouyou: *pats her back* there there.

leo: *sniff*

Motojiro: *walks in--and--* "!!!" <Leo?>

leo: *sniff* i-im ok...i-i think it's just the hormones...*smile*

Motojiro: *nods* "Please, rest...We'll have the doctor here soon..."

pushkin: *getting water*

Gin: *on the phone* "Yes...Okay. See you in a bit." *hangs up*

-elsewhere-

Tsukiyo: OwO; *spots the damaged house* "...What did Commander Hottie do while we were out?"

fang-hua: ...i'm back, everyone!

kirei: oh, fang-hua, welcome.

kabuki: how's your family?

fang-hua: they're well.

reimi: glad to hear...*sipping tea, her hands shaking*

fang-hua:...?? reimi? are you ok?

Konro: "...An unfortunate encounter." *smiles* "We're glad to have you home. We'll need you here now."

fang-hua: understood. i'll do my very best.

kirei: although for now, i suggest sleeping. you did have a long journey, after all.

fang-hua: isnt _that_ the truth...

Tsukiyo: ^w^ "Let's get you tucked in..."

fang-hua:.....*smile* (it was nice seeing my family again...but i think i'm home now.)

Benimaru: *walking by*

fang-hua: *nods* i'm back, commander.

Benimaru: "..." *small smile* "Kohana."

fang-hua: ^^; guess some things dont change.

Benimaru: "...Can I speak with you?"

fang-hua: of course, what's up?

Benimaru: "...For the time being, avoid the other brigades."

fang-hua: sir?

Benimaru: "The Church of the Sun encroached on Asakusa. We do not need more prying eyes while...while a lot is about to change here."

fang-hua: ...

Benimaru: "You saw the damage to the Ito residence? You can blame the Church for that."

fang-hua: ?! commander...what all happened here while i was gone?

Benimaru: "I don't know why, but the Church has increased its interest in us, I anticipate to proselytze."

fang-hua: hmmm....

-elsewhere-

juria: *mumbling*

*It sounds like a whine nearby*

juria: ?! (dafuq?) *glances*

*There's something shaking in a cardboard box in an alley*

juria: .___.;;;; (oh....oh fuck no.)

*There's a puppy inside, shaking, looking underfed*

juria: *sweats* oh no, dont you fucking dare try to make me feel bad for you. >////>;;;

Puppy: *saddest eyes--coughs*

juria: well what the hell do you expect me to do?! im not in a fucking position to be bringing a dog back to the ba-

Puppy: *nuzzles against her leg*

juria:.......... *picks up the puppy and runs* FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-

-at the 6th-

-LOUD KNOCKS-

Asako: "???" *answers*

juria: hey four-eyes, you got anyone where with dog allergies?

Asako: "?! 'F-Four-eyes'? I-I don't know--"

juria: *shoves the dog into her face* HERE! IT'S YOUR PROBLEM! DONT LOOK AT ME! *RUNS*

Asako: O_O; "..." *looks at the puppy*

Puppy: *shivers...licks Asako's face*

-elsewhere-

Kid: "He seems happy--and he looks adorable."

shion: zzzz

Kid: ^^ *tucks him in*

-elsewhere-

Bryn: *prepping dinner*

Helen: "Zzz..."

mr renouf: thanks again for coming over, bryn.

Bryn: "You're welcome--and she's my sister, and I get some frequent flyer points for this trip..."

mr renouf: glad to hear.

Bryn: "More travel for more competitions...How's work treating you?" *sets down two cups of decaf*

mr renouf: pretty well. i do have one frequent customer who gets really estatic when her packages arrive. i guess the mail is really important for some people, and i'm glad for that.

Bryn: "Good to be excited about your work--and people depend on the mail for good news."

-elsewhere-

Saria: OWO;;; "..." *awkward penguin walk on the fashion show stage*

Kanin: *in the audience, polite clap* ^^;

Duncan: >_>; "This is hardly as funny a prank as I thought it'd be..."

Hibana: *jotting notes*

saria's dad: you're doing amazing, sweetheart!

saria's father: YEAH! THAT'S OUR BUGBEAR! ^u^

Saria: ^W^;;; *awkward wave*

Hibana: "...Hm. Well, she has the 'cute' routine down..."

-elsewhere-

Pan: *sets down his suitcases...puts a long box on his bookshelf*

4th captain: welcome back, pan.

Pan: *nods* "Hello. Good to be back. Has the Commander requested my presence?"

4th captain: if you have anything to report back to him, then go on ahead. ^^

Pan: "I will..." *looks back at the box before departing for Commander Arg's office* *knock knock*

arg: come in.

Pan: "Captain Pan Ko Paat, returned from Qingdao, sir." *salutes*

arg: ah, welcome back. i take it the mission was a success?

Pan: "I hope. We have found new information that may lead us to answers regarding...Adora."

arg: !!! *right in his face* please. tell me. e v e r y t h i n g.

-elsewhere-

Tsukiyo: *drying her hair, setting down 2 cups of milk* "--and then with the Commander and the Mrs. getting pregnant--well, that's just shocking."

fang-hua: wow, congratulations to them. *smiles*

Tsukiyo: -3- "Yeah, yeah--but don't act like you aren't jealous, too."

fang-hua: why would i be jealous?

Tsukiyo: "You were crushing on the Commander, too, right?"

fang-hua: no! it wasnt like that!

Tsukiyo: *eyebrow raised* "For real?"

fang-hua: to be honest, i always considered the commander to be like an older brother.

Tsukiyo: "...Oh. Sorry. Didn't mean to misinterpret..." *sips milk*

fang-hua: it's fine, some people just view things in certain ways i guess. *side glance*

Tsukiyo: "...Yeah..." *smiles* "Did you change your hair again?"

fang-hua: i just let it down since i'm going to bed soon.

Tsukiyo: "Ah..." *finishes drying her hair* "Hope sleep will help you--you must've been exhausted..." *sits by her*

fang-hua: yeah.

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *sips water*

hans: i'm back with groceries!

Chuuya: "Let me help..." *takes some* "How was it?"

hans: it went well. got some more wine for johann, too.

Chuuya: "He packs it away, huh?"

hans: yes, we do have a wine cellar here, after all.

Chuuya: "... ... ..." *shaking*

hans: sir?

Chuuya: "IT'S FINE!" *clears his throat* "F-Fine..."

hans: o...kay then.

Chuuya: "Does our benefactor ever...share his wine?"

hans: hm? well, we have had drinks together. 7//7

Chuuya: "Would he be interested in sharing some with me?"

hans: oh? i could ask him to consider it. would you be interested in talking to him? i cant guarantee anything, such as him even being awake at the moment 7-7;

Chuuya: "I can try, thank you..." *gets up, walks to Goethe's room* *knocks*

goethe: the door's open.

Chuuya: "Excuse me, Mr. Goethe?"

goethe: hmm? oh you, you're...nalahara, right?

Chuuya: "Yes, 'Chuuya Nakahara.' Hello...So...Um...Wine."

goethe: you a fellow connoisseur?

Chuuya: "Incredibly so." *sits*

goethe: well, i just so happen to have a bottle of merlot in my stock.

Chuuya: "...May I sample just a bit?"

goethe: by all means, i am a generous hedonist, after all, hoho!

Chuuya: ^^; *uncorks the bottle, sniffs* "Ahh..." =w= "So fragrant~"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *comes off the runway* =\\\\\=;;;;

izumi: you did really good, asher!

Asher: "Th-Thanks...That was mortifying. They were whistling..."

lukas: ._.;;;

Saria: *still stiff, shell-shocked* OwO;;;; "Uh...Uh..."

lukas: is it too late for me to bail out?

Zeke: " 'Fraid not, bro-seph."

Saria: >\\\< "YOU CAN DO IT--I BELIEVE IN YOU!"

lukas: *gulp*

Announcer: "Next on stage in the Sexy category--Lukas Hollinger!"

lukas: *steps out* TT~TT;;;

Girl 1, Girl 2, Boy 1, Boy 2: "... ... ..." *nosebleed*

lukas: (KILL ME)

Hibana: "Wow, boy..."

uwabami: he certainly pulls the look off quite nicely.

Hibana: "You can say that, although 'boys in maid outfits' seems cliche. You should see the Eighth--it's like their alternative uniform."

judge 3: still his shy demeanor does add a layer of charm.

Hibana: "True enough..." *writes her score*

Yafeu: "YEAH, LUKAS!"

lukas: TT~TT;;;

Saria: =\\\\= "It's okay, Lukas..."

-elsewhere-

Man: *adjusting flower on his lapel*

-people seem to be enjoying themselves-

Man: *adjusts his tie, sweating a bit* *sighs*

woman: sir?

Man: "F-Fine...A bit thirsty, I'm afraid. W-Water?"

woman: there's a drinking fountain just a little ways down the path.

Man: "Thank you..." *nods, walks...* *takes out an empty bottle*

woman: *nods and walks off*

Man: *at the bottom of the bottle look to be seeds and some moss...he fills water into the bottle*

-elsewhere-

Bon: "Yo, Shiemi--got your drink."

shiemi: thank you, bon. ^^

Shima: "And thank you, Bon, for--" *reaches--and there's no drink with his name on it in the tray* OwO; "...Where's mine?"

Bon: "..." *sips long on his drink*

Shima: QWQ

unagi: you can have mine.

Shima: "...Thanks?" ._.;;;;

Bon: *judgmental look at Shima*

izumo: -_-;

Bon: "Oh, and yours..." *hands one to Izumo*

izumo: thanks. *sips*

Shima: "Tch...Happy couple."

izumo: we're not a couple! >_<#

Bon: "WHAT SHE SAID!"

Shima: *whistles innocently*

konekomaru: ^^;

Shima: "I don't know, man--I can feel the ground shaking under my feet~"

-rumble rumble-

Bon: "Wait...I can too--"

*BOOM*

izumo: ?!

shiemi: ???

-screams from outside-

Shima: "What the hell?!"

*It looks like...vines?"

madoka: !!! come on!

sayaka: *following*

Rin: *gripping his sword, running* "Can't we just have fun for once?!"

-outside, there are plant monsters-

Zeke: O_O; "...Bro, all those times we didn't eat our vegetables have come back to haunt us..."

hibiki: welp, guess it's our first official battle. axel, zeke!

axel: sweet! henshin-a-gogo, baby! *kunai mode*

Zeke: "What he said!"

hibiki: *runs out*

izumi: ...lets go, asher!

Asher: -_-# "Don't damage the clothes--we'll have to give up the deposit we made..." *transforms*

lukas: !!! s-saria!

Saria: "R-Right!" *transforms*

preston: yafeu, if ya'll'd be so kahind. [translator’s node; kind]

Yafeu: "IT'S NOT ABOUT 'KINDNESS'--IT'S ABOUT KICKING SOME PLANT ASS!" *transforms*

genny: i think i'll wait this one out.

lei-lei: *already running into battle*

Kanin: O_O; "Duncan! Let's go!"

Duncan: "?!!! M-Me?! Bu-But I can't do this! This is dangerous and--"

Kanin: "And your weapon form sucks."

Duncan: >_< "HOW DARE YOU--"

Kanin: *grabs Duncan by the ankles, running* "Let's go..."

Duncan: O_____O "H-H-Hey!"

genny: *slips out* (cant have my camera getting damaged, i need it for references!)

Duncan: *still getting dragged along the ground* "OW OW OW OW--"

Kanin: "Please transform already, please!"

Duncan: >~< *whines--as he turns into...a yoyo*

lei-lei: *punching and kicking away plant monsters* HIYA!

Kazue: *still sleeping in a row of seats* "Zzz..."

Plant Monster 1: *ROAR--*

Kazue: *sleep punch, knocking the Monster away*

-outside-

Rin: *slicing, as vines wrap around his ankles* "Darn weeds!" *slicing*

madoka: *shooting arrows at the vines*

Plant Monsters: *stack up on each other shoulders, rushing at bystanders*

Rin: "CRAP! Madoka, give me cover!" *rushes at the tower*

madoka: on it!

sayaka: *defending civilians from the monsters*

Rin: *swings at all targets--but gets pinned* "UMPH!"

Plant Monsters: *slobbering on Rin*

madoka: *shoots arrow at the monster*

Plant Monsters: *arrowed-up, slowed down, but not down yet--*

Rin: "You jerk!" *charges up his sword--*

???: "Naberius!"

*CRUSH*

*Plant Monsters are being decimated now*

Rin: "..." O_O;

*Standing behind the monsters is...Neuhaus*

madoka: mr neuhaus!

plant monster: *SCREEEE*

large spider: *attacking the plant monster*

Rin: "... ... ..." O______O;;;

michelle: is everything alright with you two?

madoka: we're ok, i think.

Rin: "Y-Yeah?"

Neuhaus: "What a disappointing student, Okumura. No better than your introductory courses."

Rin: >_<#

kyouko: *CHOP* you've been getting sloppy, rin.

Naberius: *petting Rin* "SOWRRY, YOUR HIGHNESS..."

Rin: T~T

michelle: ^^;

jorogumo: *returning to inside michelle's eye socket*

kyouko:....that's so horrifying.

michelle: i've gotten used to it now.

Neuhaus: *taps his own eyepatch* "Agreed."

kyouko: no time to stall now, we got more weeds to take care of.

Neuhaus: "Naberius! The plants only, no mortals!"

Naberius: "AY!" *picks up Rin, runs* "ONWARD, YOUR HIGHNESS!"

Rin: Q___Q;

madoka: *follows*

-elsewhere-

Zeke: "On your left!"

hibiki: *SLICE* how do you like that?

axel: hell yeah!

Zeke: "Bueno, Hibiki!" ^^

izumi: *looking* alright, hibiki and preston have the ones to the left and behind, and lukas is dealing with the one to the right-

lukas: *tied in vines* TT~TT;;

Saria: O\\\\O;;;

Asher: "...Define 'dealing'..."

izumi: ...so that means we deal with the one's ahead-

*STOMP STOMP STOMP*

Asher: "!!! Izumi!"

izumi: !!!

Plant Monster: *slams into Izumi*

izumi: *knocked back* AH!

Asher: *knocked out of her hand*

izumi: ngh...ow...

hibiki: izumi!

Zeke: "Hibiki! Incoming!"

hibiki: !!! *SLICE*

izumi: (come on, get up) *trying to get back up*

Plant Monster: *lunging for Izumi's head*

izumi: !!

Asher: "SHIT!" *reverts to human form, turns their arms into tonfas, blocking the attack* "GET UP, IZUMI, DAMN IT!"

izumi: *getting back up* ....

Asher: "Now do something!" *swings the tonfas, knocking back the Monster before reverting to weapon form into Izumi's hands*

izumi: !!!! (come on izumi, do something! please!) *tears falling as she screams and tries to attack*

Plant Monster: *swings an arm, easily knocking her away*

izumi: grk- dammit, god dammit just go DOWN ALREADY!!!

Asher: "That's not going to convince it! Get back before--"

Plant Monster: *swings vines at Izumi*

izumi: !!!

Asher: "!!! Oh God--"

-BANG BANG-

izumi: !!!

Plant Monster: *ripped apart*

preston: mah, mah, what a beastie.

Yafeu: "EASY TARGET, THOUGH! NOW SHOOT THE NEXT ONE!"

Asher: "..." *disgusted groan*

izumi: ...

-elsewhere-

Kanin: OwO; "...So...What do I do with you?"

Duncan: -____-;;; "I don't know. I'm a yoyo, so unless you have a strong soul--"

Kanin: >w>;;;; "Um..."

*Suddenly spikes form along the yoyo*

Duncan: O_O;;;

lei-lei: that's new.

Kanin: "Please, stay back. This may get spiky..." *swings the yoyo in a variety of tricks--ripping apart plant monsters* ^^;

lei-lei: that's quite impressive.

Duncan: "...Hang on...Are you--"

Kanin: *knocks down the Plant Monsters* ^W^; "Th-Thanks...Just a little thing I--"

*CRACK, SPLASH, SPLURT*

Duncan: *knocked away...with blood on himself* "..." *screams*

Kanin: OwO;;; "..." *his arm and shoulder were ripped off*

lei-lei: !!!!!!! KANIN!

-from the rooftop, there is someone watching-

girl: hmmm...

-back on the ground-

Kanin: "...Oh, um...Oh no! Um...Ah!" *bad acting* "I've lost an arm! I'm...Um... ..." *sad sigh* "..." *takes off his shirt* "Well, this is ruined..." *tosses it down*

Duncan: "WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCKING-FUCKETY-FUCK ARE YOU, YOU FREAK?!"

Kanin: "..." *frowns, takes off his glasses, hands them to Lei-Lei* "Hold these..."

lei-lei: oh, um…

Kanin: *looks up at the Moon* "..." *inhales*

lei-lei: !!! you're...

Kanin: *panting, until it starts to sound like--* *HOWLS, as his arm regrows from his socket--but hairier, as his face elongates, revealing him to be a werewolf*

genny: *looks*.... .///.

Kanin: *rushing on all fours, tearing plant monsters in his path*

Duncan: "Gross! Th-They let that-that _thing_ into this school?!!"

plant monster: *ROAR*

Kanin: *stops--and roars louder*

plant monster: OxO;

Kanin: *rushes through the path, knocking the plant monsters out of his way*

-elsewhere-

Plant Monster: *subdued by Nee, just looking up at them* ._.;

nee: nii! ^^

*Something is rumbling...as it looks like a blossom is forming up underneath the fashion show stage*

Hibana: "Ah, heck! What even is this town anymore...Pretty, though."

uwabami: ?!

shiemi: ???

???: "It is rebirth."

rosemary: *SCREEEEAM*

Hibana: *looks behind her--to spot the Man with the water bottle* "...That's not cryptic in the least. And who are you?"

*He removes his tie and shirt, revealing a reverend's collar underneath*

shiemi: !!!

Hibana: -_-# "Great...Someone else to bastardize 'god.' And what do they call you? Father Limp Dick--"

*A vine swings--knocking back Hibana*

Man: "Father Thorne. And I have my own mission..." *walks up to the blossom, guiding the girl*

Hibana: *crashes into the chairs, but conscious* "Ow...Okay, now I'm pissed!" *but gets tied down by vines before she can summon a flame*

uwabami: *attacking the vines with her head snakes*

???: X-SLASH!

-two flame slashes attack the vines-

Hibana: *gasps, finally able to move a hand to summon a flower, burning away the rest* "Thank goodness...'Bout time..."

mikami: are you alright, commander?

Hibana: *adjusts herself, brushing away leaves* "No. This was a new coat..." *tosses the coat away, pulling a fan out from the sleeve* "Good work, Mikami. Follow me...Girl! Stop that priest!"

shiemi: right! *follows*

Thorne: *still guiding Rosemary to the blossom, which is opening* "Rest in there...Just sit down and--"

shiemi: hey!

Thorne: *sighs* *looks back* "Please, this will only be a moment--"

shiemi: why are you doing this?

Thorne: "As I said...rebirth." *holds Rosemary close with paternal protectiveness*

rosemary: *groan*

shiemi: but why cause all this chaos? why hurt these innocent people who havent done a thing to you?

Thorne: "My child...To give her the life she deserves, it is not enough to cure the body, but to allow an utter rebirth from the soul. The production of these demons, for the sake of creating her new body, is an unfortunate but necessary byproduct."

shiemi: how do you know this will actually help her?

Thorne: "...Because I have the power to make it work." *snaps his fingers, summoning more demons*

shiemi: ...nii, we need nonoka!

*A flytrap springs out of Nii*

Thorne: "!!!"

-elsewhere-

*The plant demons persist, but it looks like their numbers have dwindled for now*

Rin: "Yeah, you better run!"

kyouko: *panting*....!!! oh boy.

Rin: *looks up* "...Ah, shiitake..."

*it's a giant mushroom*

madoka: *battle stance*

Rin: *grins, giggling madly* "Oh, this is great...I can't wait to make a dinner of this..."

Mushroom: "..." *lets out a 'purring' noise*

kyouko: i dont think it's too edible...

Rin: "What? Of course it's edible! It's a mushroom!"

Mushroom: *falls over...and rolls along its 'back'*

kyouko: !!!

sayaka: KATAMARI DAMACY!!!

Rin: "Ah, hell!" *runs, as the mushroom rolls down the street*

Mushroom: =w=

kyouko: got any plans?

Rin: "Do what Mario does--JUMP!"

kyouko: *jumps up*

sayaka: *follows* woo-hoo!

Rin: *slices his sword into an elevated bridge* "Hang on!"

*The mushroom, still purring, is rolling at them*

kyouko: *grabs one leg*

sayaka: *grabs the other*

Rin: *grunts, as he pulls up on the sword--and the mushroom misses them, continuing down the road*

sayaka: ok, so now what?

Rin: *pulling up* "Get up on this bridge...and find the source of this veggie madness..."

kyouko: right.

-elsewhere-

Shima: *swinging his staff, knocking back plants* "This area is clear!"

konekomaru: alright.

unagi: *panting*

Bon: "Hang in there, Unagi..."

Mike: *shaking the remains of a plant demon like a ragdoll*

-elsewhere-

'nonoka': *biting at the demons*

Thorne: "Why?! Why are you doing this?!"

shiemi: i wont let you hurt innocent people like this!

Thorne: "God already did that!" *a vine shoots out of his sleeve at Shiemi*

shiemi: *dodge*

Thorne: "I want my daughter back!"

rosemary: *groan*

Thorne: "...She was 14 when it happened..."

{rosemary: f-father...}

{Thorne: *holds her hand, kneeling his head, praying* "Lord, protect the soul of this child..."}

{rosemary: *vomiting* i think...something's wrong with me....}

{Thorne: "Please, Rose...Just hang on a little longer..."}

{rosemary: i'm scared....am i going to end up like mother?}

{Thorne: "..." *shakes his head* "No...No, I will make sure of that."}

{doctor: ...*sigh*}

{Thorne: "This can't be..."}

{doctor: we've done the best we could, but i dont think it will be enough for her...she might have a few years left, at most...}

{Thorne: "That is not sufficient!"}

{doctor: i really am sorry, all i can suggest now is just to be there for her...}

{Thorne: "..." *sets down his Bible, picks up another book* "I assure you, I will..."}

Thorne: "This demonology...It allows for the reconstruction of the body, starting from the soul itself."

shiemi: is this...what she would have wanted?

Thorne: "...What? Of course it--"

shiemi: look at her! how do you think she feels about all this, in this state?

Thorne: "A state that will end in her rebirth! That is what I want for her! What I...want..."

shiemi: you didnt even think about what she wanted, did you?

Thorne: "...No..."

shiemi:....

Thorne: "...I had tried to resurrect her...I want her to live..."

shiemi: ...i can understand you want that for her, but for her to live like this?...

Thorne: "...I can't just let her die..."

shiemi: ...flowers are beautiful, but they dont live forever, and eventually, they wilt away. but they do leave behind seeds, and the cycle begins again. even if it's cruel, there's still hope for something beautiful to be born again.

Thorne: "..." *weeps*

rosemary: fa...the....r....

Thorne: "..." *holds her* "My child..."

rosemary:....*she closes her eyes* ....

Thorne: *crying* "...'Ego dimittere te'..."

rosemary: *she smiles as her body wilts into dead vines* *there are a few seeds left behind*

Thorne: *falls to his knees*

shiemi:...*she pats his back* i think...she forgives you.

Thorne: "Rose..."

shiemi: *she looks at the seeds* maybe you should plant these.

Thorne: "..." *scoops them up*

-elsewhere-

Rin: "Get back heeeeeere!"

Mushroom: Q_Q *rolling away*

kyouko: *running along the rooftops* ok, it's heading to an intersection! if you can stop it there, then we're golden!

Rin: *aims his sword* "Let do it!" *leaps* "AAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!"

Mushroom: Q_____Q *loud shriek*

kyouko: NOW!

Rin: *flames on*

*SLICE, FA-WOOM!*

Mushroom: X___X *sliced apart*

kyouko: guess there's not mush-room for this demon here, huh?

Rin: "...Ha!" *cooks a slice*

kyouko: you sure you want to eat it?

Rin: "Why not? What harm could it do to a demon?"

sayaka: i'll try it. *takes a bite*...................

Rin: "How is it?"

sayaka:.........*she's tearing up*

Rin: "???"

sayaka: *opens her mouth- she's breathing fire*

kyouko: ._______. holy shit.

Rin: "?!!!!" *leaps back*

sayaka: TT~TT my mouth tastes like burning.

Rin: "..." *sets the mushroom slice down* "Jeez...We could bottle this stuff as a new hot sauce..."

sayaka: it tastes like a ghost pepper from the center of the sun!

-elsewhere-

Zeke: *hugging Axel* "Bro, I was so scared, bro!" T~T

axel: did you see that shit just now!? that was so awesome! hibiki was like- SLASH SLASH VREEN! and preston was like- BANG BANG!

izumi: .....

Asher: "..." *sitting with her* "How's your head?"

izumi:...could have been worse...

Asher: "...What happened back there?"

izumi: ....*sigh* my first actual battle, and i screwed it up... *hides her face in her lap*

Asher: "..." *carefully pats her head and shoulder* "You're okay...That's the first step..."

izumi: i guess.....i was trying to be strategic, and it ended up screwing me over...i feel like such an idiot...

Asher: "So, strategy more than instinct?"

izumi:.....*sigh* guess i need to practice more, huh?

Asher: *nods* "Both of us."

izumi:...are you ok?

Asher: "..." *looks at stain on their outfit* "...I'll live."

-elsewhere-

Sid: "Get me a report of what happened here! Get clean up teams on 1st, 3rd, and 5th! And--" *looks* "...What the heck?"

Kanin: *still in werewolf form* OwO; "...Hello, Mr. Barett." *wave*

nygus: huh, well i'll be.

Sid: "...Kanin. I think you've not been entirely honest with us."

Kanin: ^w^; "I suppose not, sir..."

Duncan: -_-#

marie: still, we've had stranger things happen. so a werewolf student isnt too odd, but it is rather rare.

Kanin: "I-I didn't feel comfortable sharing it, given how others would...look at me." *awkwardly shifting*

lei-lei: i dont think it's too weird.

genny: i dont think it's weird either... 7///7;

Kanin: "..." >\\\\> "C-Could I get a shirt? Turning back to human without one is kind of embarrassing..."

nygus: here.

Kanin: *slips it on--while turning back to human* "Th-Thank you, Miss Nygus..." ^\\\^;

marie: but in less fortunate news, the 3rd round of the fashion show will need to be on hold until the stage is rebuilt.

Sid: "Well, that's a shame. Hope the judges aren't too mad."

-morning-

kirako: *in the hospital room*

Dazai: "..."

Dr. John: "Well, well...Looks to be--Oh, wait, did you want to know?"

kirako: ...sure.

Dazai: *nods*

Dr. John: "Looks to be a boy."

kirako: *smiles*

Dazai: "That's great!" *smiles*

-elsewhere-

Spirit: *hug* "I was so worried!"

izumi: *hugs*

Spirit: "How are you? Do you need to go back to the infirmary?"

izumi: ....can i stay home today? i dont...feel too well...

Spirit: "Of course. Want me to bring anything?"

izumi:...can i have some cake?

Spirit: ^^ "Of course...I can pick some up in a few minutes."

izumi: ok...

-elsewhere-

Asher: *trying to get out of the apartment* "I'm going out!"

cassidy: *pulling them back* no you're not! you need to rest!

Asher: >~< "I can rest at the arcade!"

cassidy: you can go to the arcade _AFTER_ you get some more rest!

Asher: *grumbles, whines* "This sucks..."

cassidy: ....*sigh* i'm just worried for you.

Asher: "..." *nods* "Sorry. Just felt locked up. Even makes me want to go to school..."

cassidy: i know...want to watch one of our DVDs?

Asher: "..." *nods* " 'Jedi'?"

cassidy: sure thing. *smiles*

-elsewhere-

Saria: "Dad, I'm fine, really..." ^^;

saria's dad: *HUGGING HER* oh we were so scared! i'm just so glad you're alright!! TT~TT

saria's father: ^^; babe, you're gonna crush her. ^^;;;

Saria: O~O "Ow, ow, ow..."

saria's dad: oh my gosh i'm so sorry! D8>

Saria: "It-It's fine..." ^^;;;;

-elsewhere-

shiemi: and that's what happened.

Mephisto: "I see...It sounds like you de-escalated the situation well enough."

shiemi: *she nods* what will happen to mr thorne, then?

Mephisto: "That pending an investigation regarding the amount of damage and injuries his demon summoning caused...I'm sure a good word put in for him may help."

shiemi: *she nods*

Amaimon: "I expected nothing better from my wife." *in a tuxedo*

stocking: *PUNCH* behave you. *drags him away by his hair spike*

shiemi: ._.;

Mephisto: "Please excuse my rude sibling--he is a bit jumpy since my newborn came into this world..."

shiemi: oh, i've heard about that! would it be inappropriate to ask to see him? ^^;;

-elsewhere-

shura: …

chelsea applebee: it's gotten that bad already?

shura: damn, i dont think we were prepared for this...

seiya: it's like theres no end to them...

chelsea applebee: but you have to admit...

-on their phones, thousands upon thousands of baby pictures of shion, sent by mephisto-

chelsea applebee: he's sooooo cute! >w<

shura: =_=; i swear, my phone's gonna just explode if this keeps up.

Yukio: "I know how to solve this..."

shura: oh?

Yukio: *holds up a hammer* "I blessed this to remove all baby photos sent through the magical telecommunications network!"

shura: you're not smashing my phone!

-elsewhere-

Thorne: *sitting in a cell* "..."

stocking: ....tea?

Thorne: "O-Okay..."

stocking: *hands him a cup* it's chamomile, hope you dont mind.

Thorne: "...I like chamomile...She liked it...I think...I don't know anymore."

stocking: ....

Thorne: *he's holding his satchel of seeds*

stocking:....where do you think you'll plant them?

Thorne: "I don't know...Will I even have a chance to?"

stocking: ...if you arent able to leave, then one of us will plant them for you, would that be ok?

Thorne: "..." *nods* "I'm just afraid of trust...How do I know to trust you here?"

stocking: ....*sigh* do you need more time to think on it?

Thorne: "...Could you come back when you know where you'll plant...and can assure me that she'll...that they'll be protected?"

stocking: i will.

Thorne: *nods* "Thank you..."

-elsewhere-

Zeke: Q~Q "I swear, we're fine! See? No bruises!" *holds up arm to the webcam*

mrs callahan: seems you two had quite a busy night. ^^

axel: oh you should have seen us, mom! we kicked major plant ass! it was so epic!

Zeke: ^^; "We did alright, Mom..."

mrs callahan: *she smiles* you two are growing up now, and we're so proud of you.

Zeke: QwQ "Aw, Mom..."

-elsewhere-

Petra: *looking at her watch* "..." *sighs* *pulls out a musical triangle--and starts beating it*

Arthur: *bolts up in bed* "H-Huh?! Siren's calls!" *swings a plastic sword he slept with*

shinra: zzzzzzzzzzz.........

Petra: "..." *sets down the triangle, walks to Shinra's door--and puts a mecha arm over her own* "Aim..."

shinra: *leg twitch* *snores*

Petra: -_-## *signs* "Hand me the blowhorn..."

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: "Man--what a mess. When're they going to get the show back on?"

naho: when the stage gets fixed up, but it does give me a change to better coordinate my next outfit!

Belkia: "Yay! A plant theme could be...appealing!"

naho: nah, too soon for that. but i do have something in mind, and belbel said he'd help me with it too!

Belkia: ^w^ "Ready to help!"

-elsewhere-

Burns: "We've received a report." *puts it down on the table: it's a folder labeled '7'*

dia: *examining*

*Looks to be a dossier from the Church of the Sun on Benimaru*

dia: ...

Burns: "Stay on alert, be careful when interacting with anyone from Asakusa."

dia: understood, sir.

Burns: *nods* "Any update on our monitors following those returning from China?"

-elsewhere-

Kanin: *gobbling eggplants and tofu* *holds up an empty plate* "Another dish, please!"

lei-lei: more rice, please!

waiter: coming right up.

genny: *looking at her pudding* ...

Duncan: *having a glass of sparkling water--with a curly straw* *siiiiiiip*

Kazue: "...So, what did I miss while sleeping?"

lei-lei: plant battles mostly.

genny: *nod nod*

Kazue: "Neat. And you figured out Kanin was a wolf?"

Kanin: *gag* OWO;

lei-lei: OwO

genny: .....INEEDTOUSETHERESTROOM! *flees to the bathroom*

Duncan: "...Who even let you into this school? Your kind are wanted by Lord Death."

Kanin: ._.; "...One reason I hid it..." *looks down at his plate*

lei-lei: i can understand why you'd be worried. one of my friends is actually a witch. and besides, death city is a place of second chances.

Kanin: *nods* "A-And I wanted to be here, to learn how to use my skills to help others. I don't want people to get hurt..."

Duncan: >_>;

lei-lei: we believe in you, kanin! you can do it!

Kazue: *nods*

Kanin: ^\\\\^; "Th-Thanks..."

Duncan: "..."

genny: b-back… 7////7;;;;

Duncan: "What the hell were you doing in there--"

lei-lei: *CHOP*

Kazue: *holds up a kunai threateningly*

Duncan: X~X

Kanin: ._.;;;

-elsewhere-

Anya: *reading* "--and the likelihood that those executed were really witches remains in doubt."

tsugumi: ...

Meme: "M-Maybe we can focus on the immediate task--like how we still can't find the source of those scratches?"

ao: perhaps the culprit is nocturnal.

Anya: "Oh, a late night stake-out?"

Meme: "??? With Dew?"

mio: *gulp*

Meme: "..." *holds her hand*

mio: r-right. .//.;

Meme: ^^

Anya: "Let's find a spot for the evening..."

-elsewhere-

Takeru: *holding up fruit* "PLEASE ACCEPT THESE FRUITS AS A GIFT AND ITS SEEDS, MR. AND MRS. DEATH!" *bows, holds out the fruit*

Patty: ^w^

Yumi: ._.;

lord death: why thank you, takeru. ^^;

Takeru: OwO *nod nod nod* "Plant them, and let me know how they taste!"

-elsewhere-

Falcon Witch: *stirring a bowl--then drops a ladle of soup into smaller bowls* "Eat up."

squirrel witch: thanks for the meal!

Falcon Witch: *nods* "Fill up--you'll need it."

Squirrel witch: *she nods*

Falcon Witch: "Any progress on your reading?"

squirrel witch: i think we have a lead to where they were buried.

Falcon Witch: *stops* "...Map it for me as soon as we finish."

squirrel witch: *she nods*

Falcon Witch: "..." *shivers*

-elsewhere-

Asako: ^^; "I almost have 'house training' done..."

kayako: have you thought of a name for you new friend?

Asako: "I wasn't sure yet...They are our golden lab for the lab." ^^;

kayako: hmm, well, i'm sure you'll think of something soon.

Asako: " 'Goldie'?"

kayako: it does fit.

Asako: ^^ "Goldie, it is."

-elsewhere-

Neuhaus: "Feel better?"

michelle: i think so...

Neuhaus: "...You helped a lot of people."

michelle:...*smiles*

Neuhaus: *smiles back* "...Hungry?"

michelle: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *sipping dark coffee* "Ah..." *rubs his head*

naoya: rough hangover?

Chuuya: ^^; "Maaaaaaay have over-done it."

sonia: *putting jam on a slice of toast* want one, papa?

Chuuya: "That would be delicious, Sonia."

sonia: any flavor in mind you want?

Chuuya: "Strawberry, if you have it."

-elsewhere-

Sid: "Welcome back to class, Izumi. How are you?"

izumi: doing a bit better, i guess.

Sid: "Well, I've re-scheduled 3rd period for study hall for class, so just go at your pace today."

izumi: thank you sir.....

Asher: *seated in fourth row* "..." *waves*

izumi: *waves*

Zeke: *looking around* "???"

Yafeu: "MAN, CLASS IS GOING TO BE SO BORING AFTER A FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!"

lukas: TT~TT;;;

Saria: "It's okay...It happens to the best of us...I think." ^^;;;

Sid: "Okay, settle down. We have a new student today."

izumi: oh?

Asher: "..."

Kanin: "?"

Kazue: "Zzz..."

Duncan: "..." *whispers* "She's short."

girl: hello, my name is Amelia Lowell. please take good care of me. *she bows*

Sid: "Welcome, Amelia. Please have a seat."

amelia: *nods and sits in a corner seat*

Sid: "We'll start today reviewing last week's test, so take notes and open your textbooks to review which pages to re-read..."

Saria: "She seems a little shy..."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "One clean blanket for you." *hands it to Felisia*

felisia: thank you, kid. ^^ .....how do i wrap it again? ^^;;

Kid: "I think you start by folding one corner of the blanket down about the length of your hand..."

felisia: ok.

Kid: "... ... ... Actually, maybe a little straighter--" *trying to fix the fold* "No, still not quite..."

felisia: um... ._.;;

stocking: kid, breathe.

Kid: OwO;;; "...Right! Sorry. um, set him down now onto the blanket..."

felisia: *doing so*

Kid: "Oh, wait, do it diagonally..."

felisia: ._.;;;;

stocking: *pats kid's shoulders- both of them* easy kid, easy.

Kid: *inhales, sighs* "R-Right...It is to be diagonal, though..." *tenses* "Fold the right side first to cover him."

stocking: want me to help her, kid?

Kid: *nod nod nod* *covers his eyes*

stocking: ok, fold it like this.

felisia: *following along*

-after a few moments-

stocking: there you go.

felisia: *smiles* thank you both, so much.

Kid: *nods* "Y-You're welcome."

stocking: need anything else?

felisia: i think i'm ok for now.

stocking: ok. we'll just be around then. ^^

Kid: *nods* "Anyone need a drink?"

felisia: some water would be fine, or should i have milk?

Kid: "Both are good, as is fruit juice."

felisia: right, i just want to know what will help the baby be healthy.

Kid: *smiles* "How about a platter with options?"

felisia: i suppose i'll go with that. ^^;

Kid: *nods* "Okay...Be right back."

stocking: *follows* you ok, kiddo?

Kid: "J-Just...annoyed with how I am..."

stocking: *she rubs his back* you're trying your best, and i'm proud of you for that.

Kid: *sniffs* "R-Really?"

stocking: *she smiles and nods* i'm here for you, whenever you need me to be.

Kid: "..." *holds her hand*

stocking: *kiss*

Kid: ^\\\^ "Th-Thanks..." *smooch*

-elsewhere-

Hibana: "What a hot mess...Can't even have fashion shows without dumb fights."

gabriella: at least it was against plant monsters and not among the competitors. ^^;

Hibana: "True--I don't need a repeat of Milan 6 years ago..." *looks at her nails* "Can't afford to break another..."

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *has set up multiple soda bottles* "Let's discuss sucrose!"

children: oooooh!

wilhelm: are we gonna do the mentos thing?!

Motojiro: "..." *slowly holds up a tube of Mentos* ^w^

wilhelm: *eyes light up* yesssss!

Kafka: *watching from afar* *cringe*

Walter: "Ah, let them have their fun!"

Motojiro: *opens each bottle* "Put on your rain slickers, kids!"

hans: bad memories of the twins releasing a mentos bomb in your office that one time?

Kafka: "DAYS! OF WINDOW CLEANER!!!"

hans: ^^;

Motojiro: "FIRE IN THE HOLE!" *drops the Mentos in*

*BOOM*

children: *cheering*

Walter: *looking up* "It's so pretty! Like sugar and colors and a water show all in one!"

etta: neato!

Kafka: *grunts*

*A strong wind blows...*

leroux: i guess you could call that a real soda fountain.

etta: *giggles* good one, roro! ^^

Kafka: "..."

Walter: "Ha!"

Kafka: "Of all the--"

Motojiro: OwO; "Um...At that velocity, the soda stream may--"

*SPLAT*

Kafka: *drenched*

leroux: oh dear.

etta: .w.;

Kafka: -~-; "..." *licks his lips* T~T "Delicious...and so sticky."

-all the kids (sans sonia) are laughing at kafka-

Kafka: *covers his face, trying to rub away the soda*

Motojiro: ^^; "Maybe don't laugh at the adult, children...Let's now discuss why the reaction took place..."

Walter: *hunting for tissues* "I got nothin'..."

-elsewhere-

Meme: *drops off a bag* "Time to make late night snacks!"

tsugumi: awesome!

Anya: "Some fruit cups, perhaps?"

Meme: "I found great berries along a path..."

ao: ooh. *checks guidebook*

Anya: "So what's our plan?"

tsugumi: keep our eyes and ears peeled for anything out of place.

Meme: *looks around* "We'll have a good vantage point here."

mio: ok.

Anya: "Anyone want to hazard a guess what we'll find?" *smashing berries*

tsugumi: a monster?

Meme: "A bear?"

mio: wolves?

Anya: "All good guesses...We'll need to be armed." *pulls out a tranquilizer blow-pipe*

mio: >-> tsugumi, she does remember the two of us are weapons, right?

tsugumi: ^^;

Anya: *puffs her cheeks* "Can either of you knock someone unconscious?"

mio: .....well, i think if i use my hammer- *hammer arm*

Meme: "Just don't shatter the bear's head."

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: "...This news is troubling. You think it's accurate?"

shinra:...*solemn nod*

Akitaru: *sighs* "Okay...This is some earth-shattering info, son."

shinra: i'm really trying not to break down and cry like always. i really, really am....

Akitaru: "Hey, none of that right now..." *pats his shoulder* "This is some tough information to hear..."

shinra: ....

Akitaru: "Unfortunately, we can't verify it just on what you heard in the Link: we need more evidence."

shinra: *nod*

Akitaru: *sigh* "It's going to make going to church feel more uncomfortable...If we tell them what you found, I don't know how they'll respond."

shinra: .....

Akitaru: "...Give me a few days to figure this out, see whether there's someone at the Church I can ask on the, um...DL?"

shinra: ok. i'm still trying to wrap my head around it too...

Akitaru: *nods* "Could you go see Squad 0 about something?"

shinra: sure thing.

Akitaru: *nods* "Let the squad leader know. I'm going to talk to the nuns..."

shinra: ok then.

Akitaru: *nods, walks to the living room*

-elsewhere-

Konro: "How was your rest?" *passes a cup of tea to Fang-Hua*

fang-hua: great, very much needed...*sips*

Konro: "That's good. Ready for patrols?"

fang-hua: yep.

Konro: *walks* "Has much changed while you were out?"

fang-hua: *glances at some building repairs* i take it the commander's been busy as always?

Konro: ^^; "Wouldn't be normal if he wasn't...Although, there's something different this time."

fang-hua: ?? how so?

Konro: "Aside from the pressures of impending fatherhood? ..." *slaps his hands on his cheeks, shifts* "Oh my God, they're going to have a cute little baby!" >w<

fang-hua: *steps back a bit* ._.;;; (the commander and kirei's child...) *imagine spot of a small kid with an inferno behind them and glowing eyes* (oh jeez...)

Konro: "..." *clears his throat* "So, the pressures of increased responsibility have affected his aim and the intensity of his power..."

fang-hua: mm, mm...(maybe they'll inherit kirei's kindness?) *same imagine spot with the kid now having a gentle expression* (THAT DIDNT HELP MATTERS AT ALL!!!)

Konro: "??? Fang-Hua? What's wrong?"

fang-hua: ?? oh, n-nothing at all, captain. ^^;;;;

Konro: "Okay...Well, take it slow getting back into work. I'm sure your report will be fascinating when I get to read it."

-elsewhere-

shibusawa: *reading, humming to themselves* ......

Nox: "..." *clears their throat*

lux: *peeeeek* whacha reeeading~?

Nox: -_-

shibusawa: just a novel.

lux: you read that one a lot, is it good?

shibusawa:...i suppose. i already know how it ends of course.

Nox: "As to be expected. So why return to it?"

shibusawa: perhaps because it's an interesting story...*sigh*

lux: you've had to have read everything in this study by now, master shibusawa. you need new reading material =3=

shibusawa: perhaps, but i'll likely figure how it ends based on what all i've seen before.

lux: =3= .... *lunges*

shibusawa: *dodge*

lux: =~= ... >~< NO FAIR! i can never surprise you!

Nox: "Lux, please." *sets down a tea tray*

shibusawa: chamomile and biscuits again? thank you. *nom* and i take you brought the child her dinner as well?

Nox: "Of course."

shibusawa: good. *sips* ....i wonder if death city will truly have what i'm searching for.

Nox: "All in good time, I'm sure. Yes, Lux?"

lux: indeed big bro indeed! ^u^

Nox: "..." *small smile*

shibusawa: *sighs and sets the book down* (i think i did have that something briefly, but it's gone now...and _she_ is what's left of that)

-elsewhere-

Asher: *puts notebook back into backpack* *yawns* "Well, that was surprisingly informative for once..."

Zeke: *folding paper* "Yeah! And we had a study break to kick back!"

amelia: *still taking notes*

Kanin: "???" ("Must be dedicated...")

lei-lei: you ok?

amelia: *still note taking* just fine. how about you?

Kanin: ^^; "Class did end a few minutes ago, so okay..."

Duncan: *eyeroll*

amelia: that's nice.

izumi:.....so.....

Yafeu: "WHAT ARE WE DOING AFTER SCHOOL?!"

Asher: -_-# ("Loud...") "...Food."

izumi: where to? wendy's? pizza hut?

genny: i cant have gluten.

Kanin: "Vegetarian, please."

Saria: "Hmm...Well, there's one place Dad goes to..."

amelia: ?

Saria: "It's small but has a range of dining options." *smiles*

lei-lei: sounds great!

amelia: shall i join you?

Duncan: *muttering* "Tch. I could find something better..."

Saria: "The more the merrier!" ^^

-elsewhere-

Shima: "Woo, that was some battle out there at the Fashion Show. I'd love to tell you all about it over a drink~"

izumo: *drags him off by the ear* =_=#

Shima: Q__Q

Bon: *sighs* "Cleaning up is the real pain..."

unagi: *trimming*

Rin: "Good job, Unagi." *picks up plant trimmers*

unagi: thank you.

shiemi: *smiles*

Rin: "Although, I think we could have a great topiary here..." *imagines a Rin topiary* -w- "Hee hee hee..."

unagi: ..... *imagines a princely shima topiary* =///=

Shima: "???"

Bon: "Knowing our luck, it'd be Sir Pheles designing one..."

izumo: .......*excalibur face*

Shima: "..." *imagines a sexy Mephisto topiary* "..." D : < *strangles Bon* "WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT?!"

Izumo: *CHOP*

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: "So, that's the report I received from Tamaki and the others. This information is not to leave the Eighth until I say so."

rita: ....

maki: understood.

Petra: *looks like she's fuming*

iris: sister petr-

Petra: "You think for a second there is any truth to this malarkey?!"

iris: ...

Petra: "We're supposed to accept some story by, what, some sort of Vulcan mind-meld?!"

Vulcan: *sneezes*

Akitaru: ._.;;; "..." *looks at Iris and Tamaki*

tamaki: well it's better than having no information at all, right?

Akitaru: "And we know looks can be deceiving. Many of us are members of the Church and don't want to jump to conclusions..."

Vulcan: -_-; "The Church doesn't even give my family credit for the Amaterasu..."

rita: <then what do we do?>

Akitaru: *nods to Petra to sign for him* "I'm having Squad 0 start their own investigation, keeping an eye on the Church to see whether there is some information that could corroborate the China story."

rita:.....*nods*

Akitaru: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Saria: "Everyone has their order ready?" *sets down her menu*

Asher: *looking around*

Yafeu: "THIS PLACE LOOKS NICE."

Zeke: *grabs more free breadsticks*

izumi: *looking at her menu*

*the menu includes pastas, salads, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers for individuals or groups*

Kanin: *tapping a finger along vegetarian options*

amelia: i'll take chicken salad.

Zeke: "The house burger--hold the onions, please."

axel: bacon fries please!

Yafeu: "STEAK!"

hitomi: ok, coming right up. ^^

Asher: "...So, where're you from, Amelia?"

amelia: ...out of town.

Asher: "..."

Duncan: "Gee, that's helpful."

amelia: sorry, i'm not one for small talk.

Asher: *shrug* "Same for some of us..."

izumi: ^^;;

Zeke: "I'm kinda bummed we didn't get skipped a few grades for that fight, though. We survived and all--or maybe get a medal..."

hibiki: we're still just learning the basics. you dont just become a pro overnight.

Zeke: "Yeah, but I kinda think we learned some basics. Y'know, like when those Quirk kids fought supervillains?"

axel: oh yeah, that was some tight shit!

Asher: "Yeah, if you're looking forward to dying."

amelia: ...

Zeke: "Hey, come on..." ^^;

izumi: ^^; asher, do you want some of my fries?

Asher: "..." *nom*

-elsewhere-

Older Witch: *listening outside* "..."

squirrel witch: *bringing meat out to a shed*

Older Witch: "Be careful..."

squirrel witch:....*leaves the basket of meat by the door and backs away*

*growling is heard*

squirrel witch: din-din time!

*A claw reaches out, grabbing the food*

squirrel witch: *steps back in the house* *phew*

Older Witch: "Hmm...Faster reaction time."

-elsewhere-

Cementoss: *laying down more cement at the old fashion show stage*

worker: thanks again for helping us.

Cementoss: "Heroes are always happy to lend a hand." *thumbs up*

-elsewhere-

Thorne: *sits in his cell*

shura: brought you tea and a visitor.

shiemi: ...

Thorne: "...Ah. The shopkeeper."

shiemi: you can call me shiemi.

Thorne: *nods* "Shiemi..."

shiemi: ...so how are things here?

Thorne: "...Given the circumstances, hardly as bad as everything else."

shiemi: hmm...

Thorne: *clutching his satchel*

shiemi: you havent planted them yet?

Thorne: *shakes his head* "Still debating the best location...Not even sure how to plant someon--...something like this."

shiemi: well, it's important that they get a good amount of soil, water, and sunshine.

Thorne: *nods* "Yes...I was more focused on planting those blossoms in the Nether, where there was no light..."

shiemi: im not sure that would be wise. if these plants are from her, then maybe plant them somewhere she likes?

Thorne: "...When she was young..."

shiemi: *listening*

Thorne: "...the garden she loved..."

shiemi: that sounds perfect. ^^

Thorne: *smiles...crying*

shiemi: *offers tissue*

Thorne: "Th-Thanks..." *wipes his eyes*

shiemi: no problem. *smile* *she looks so much like her...*

Thorne: "..." *stares*

shiemi: ?? mr thorne?

Thorne: "?! S-Sorry..."

-elsewhere-

Pan: *exits the Commander's office* .______.;;;;

captain: how was it?

Pan: "...I need to sit for a bit..." *shudders*

captain:...........that bad?

Pan: "The Commander is still on a tear about 'Adora.' This trip has only excited him."

captain: yeowza.

Pan: *sighs* "I think I'll get a drink..."

-elsewhere-

Yafeu: *groans* "I'm so full...I couldn't have another bite..."

Zeke: "Oh, the dessert menu--"

Yafeu: "I HAVE A SIXTH STOMACH FOR ICE CREAM!"

Asher: "..." -_-;

genny: i'll pass.

Kanin: ^^; "Wouldn't hurt...Amelia?"

amelia: chocolate parfait.

Saria: "Ooo, good choice! Hmm...Lukas, want to split a cookie?"

lukas: um... sure.

Saria: ^^ "Allergic to peanuts, or would a snickerdoodle be okay?"

lukas: just a sugar cookie please.

Saria: "That sounds delicious."

Duncan: "Velvet cake."

Kazue: "Zzz..." *holds up a sign: 'Slice of lemon pie'*

hibiki: maybe some macarons.

Asher: "...Izumi?"

izumi: i'll go with some ice cream.

Asher: "Ah."

Kanin: *waves for the waitress*

hitomi: all set for dessert? ^^

Kanin: "I think so...And a slice of carrot cake, please."

-elsewhere-

Anya: *holding binoculars*

tsugumi: *stretching*

Meme: "Zzz..."

-ROOOOAR-

Anya: "!!!!"

Meme: *falls over* "Wh-Wha?"

mio: *gulp*

tsugumi: welp, we found our culprit, l-let's go!

kirara: not without us you dont!

Tezca: *has a smoking cigarette hanging out of his bear mask, dressed like Rambo, holding a water gun* "Let's do this..."

kirara: *sweatdrop*

esther: fufu, do you really thing we were going to let you girls have all the fun~? ^^

Meme: "Oh, well that should be helpful." ^^

Anya: O_O;

ao: shall we be off now~? ^^

Tezca: "Onward! Let's do this, Enrique!"

enrique: gao! >u<

Meme: *follows them through the woods towards the noise* "Mio, transform!"

mio: right! *hammer-axe mode*

Anya: "Tsugumi!"

tsugumi: right! halberd form up! *weapon mode*

mio:....WHAT WAS THAT?!

tsugumi: thought i'd try something new. ^^;

Anya: "...Uuuuuum...Okay?"

-elsewhere-

Nayumi: "Fun. But how do we make sure the Church isn't noticing us?"

miwa: we could use disguises!

Nayumi: "..." *looks at her own outfit* "I guess I would stand out, even like this..." ^^; "What kind of disguises?"

miwa: that would be a work in progress.

misora: i volunteer~! ^u^

Nayumi: "Yay."

sayu: yippie! ^w^

Nayumi: "Maybe civilian attire..."

serina: sounds good.

Padma: "Just don't go overboard..."

-elsewhere-

Meme: *trying to steady her breath, looking around*

-something is visible not far off-

Anya: *gulp*

kirara: *waiting*

*growl*

ao: here it comes!

Meme: *tightens her grip* "Be ready...We need to just disable it, unless..."

Anya: *nods*

-the figure moves slowly towards them-

*it sounds like something slithering through the leaves*

mio: !!! look out!

Meme: "?!!"

*Meme's ankle is caught, knocking her onto her back*

mio: meme!

???: *roar*

*it sounds like a claw is coming for Kirara's head*

kirara: *dodges and tosses an ofuda*

*RIP*

*the ofuda is tattered, landing on Kirara's face*

kirara: !!!!

*a claw grabs Kirara's throat*

kirara: GRK-

esther: !!!

Anya: *slices*

???: *shrieks*

kirara: *cough* thank you, anya.

Anya: *smiles, but shaking* "Of course...We need to contain this beast..."

*the figure hides in the shadows, but its snorting can still be heard*

Meme: *back on her feet, checking her ankle* "I-I think I got scratched..."

mio: are you going to be ok?

Meme: "I-I think so..." *stands, her leg wobbling* "Yeah."

mio: *changes back, holding her up*

Meme: "Mio, what if it comes back?"

mio: i'll protect you. even if i'm scared, im more scared of losing you.

Meme: "...Mio..."

*Something wet drips down*

Meme: *her eyes widen* "..." *looks up*

tsugumi: !!!! anya!

*It's saliva...coming off the horns sticking out of the beast's mouth*

Anya: "!!! Tsugumi! The branches!" *leaps swinging the weapon* "Mio! Run!"

mio: *helps meme to get away*

Meme: *limping with Mio*

Anya: *slices through the branch*

???: *ROARS, falling down and landing in the bushes*

ao: tsugumi!

tsugumi: got it! *scythe blade enhance*

ao: HA! *SLICE*

*SPLURT*

*the beast is bleeding*

ao: *phew*

???: *growling, clawing at the floor...it is revealed in the moonlight, looking like the back and tusks of a boar, a long tail with a tip at the end, and the claws and mane of a lion*

tsugumi: ....

Beast: *howls at the Moon*

tsugumi: um...what....exactly are you?

???: *choking out words* "Chi..."

tsugumi: !!!

ao: kae?

Anya: " 'Kae'?"

???: "Chi...mera..."

kirara: !!!

esther: and here i thought chimeras were extinct.

Anya: "??? What's a chimera?"

esther: a being that is several animals fused into one being.

Meme: "Who would do such a thing? Did those animals die?"

tsugumi: can you tell us who did this to you?

???: *growls* "No..."

tsugumi: .....

Anya: "Can't, or won't?"

???: *grunts*

Meme: "Hey, we're sorry to attack you. But we just wanted to not get killed...We may have to restrain them so they can't hurt anyone--"

Anya: O_O;

esther: allow me~ *iron maiden arms holds the beast in place*

Beast: O_O *confused grunt*

esther: *her eyes widen with excitement*

Anya: ._.; *hides behind Ao*

ao: ....do you know who made you like this?

Beast: "W-W-Witches..."

tsugumi: ....

Anya: "From the old times?"

Beast: "..." *looks away*

esther: *tightening her grip*

Beast: *gasps* "STOP!"

kirara: *places an ofuda on esther* sai-na-men-go san-nee-o!

esther: *faints*

Beast: O_O;;; "...What?"

tsugumi:...so...what now?

Meme: "...Maybe ask more nicely which witches?" *slaps hands together* "Pretty please~" ^w^;

-elsewhere-

Rin: *knocks on Pheles Manor door*

maid: yes?

Rin: "Yo! Is the new mom here?"

maid: yes, but she's resting at the moment.

Rin: "Ah. Well, I brought someone eager to help!"

maid: oh?

Rin: *points to Ukobach, who is on his shoulder*

maid: ah, i see. *she nods* right this way.

Ukobach: *tugs on Rin's ear*

Rin: "Ow! I heard her!" *follows* -3-

-elsewhere-

#death city days

1 note · View note

tentoriwrites · 7 years

Text

Strong

At long last! @dear-mrs-otome‘s sonfic! I’m so not worthy and this by no means lives up to your quality content. I hope you do like it at least a little bit!

After both Toshiie and Hideoyshi confess their love, MC must find the strength to decide on her own terms who she really loves. Then, and only then, can she pull herself out of the middle.

Requested Song: London Grammar - Strong

I just can’t believe someone who can take her brother’s place as a poison taster could ever think she was weak… No, that is someone who is far stronger than I could ever hope to be… If she would simply give me the chance, I would prove it to her.

“I love you.” Toshiie’s words rang in her ears overlapping with Hideyoshi’s voice. Both confessing in the depths of the night while the sky was enthralled by the moon’s dance. She looked up at that same bright moon hoping it would give her the answers she sought.

“Come with me to Noto…” Toshiie had asked of her after hearing his assignment. “It’s not safe for a woman alone in the castle.”

With every fiber of her being she wanted to go with him so she could be sure he stayed safe. But, her fear and loathing of war gave her pause. “But what about Lord Hideyoshi?” She had asked naively. “He’s my friend too; couldn’t he look after me while you’re gone?” Toshiie’s disapproval of this idea was clear on his face the moment she started to speak. Although he didn’t agree with it, he knew that Hideyoshi would look after her just as well as he would… And he knew precisely why. That meant Toshiie didn’t want to give the monkey any unnecessary advantages. But, in the end he left without her.

“I’m going to be late!” She berated herself as she barreled down the road to Kiyosu as fast as her legs would take her. She came to an abrupt stop when she saw Toshiie atop his horse at the front of the troops. “Inuchiyo! Please wait!” She yelled as loud as her breathless lungs would afford her. It was enough; he stopped his horse, getting down and meeting her part way.

“I don’t really have time for dramatics right now.” He grumbled as he looked down at her. She leaned heavily on one knee as she reached a tiny silk pouch out with the other. It was pink to match his kimono with a crudely embroidered dog’s face on it.

“Please come back to me.” She begged as she looked up at him desperately. His brows furrowed together as he ran his fingers over the pouch. “You were getting this blessed at the temple, weren’t you?” She nodded slowly, a bashful blush on her cheeks. A small gasp escaped his lips when he felt a bump in the pouch that shouldn’t be there.

“Is that part of the one that broke?” His voice cracked when he asked.

“That way we’ll both be there to protect you.” She answered with a smile fighting back her tears. He pulled her into a quick embrace, a blush painting his cheeks a faint pink.

“Stupid… It’ll be a cold day in Hell when death takes me…” He replied pushing her away. “Have some ohagi waiting for me when I get back.” He went on with a confident grin. She smiled brightly and nodded. Several pairs of eyes watched the exchange from the castle gates. “What’re you grinning at, Monkey?”Toshiie growled as he tucked the omamori into his armor above his heart.

“Nothing… nothing…” Hideyoshi replied with his typical smile. “Be safe, Puppy. She’ll be sad otherwise.” Toshiie clicked his tongue as he got on his horse again. He glanced back to where she was standing, smiling like a fool and waving. He gave her one last, soft smile before spurring his horse onward.

Now, as she basked in the gentle glow of the moon, tears prickling the corners of her eyes, she was faced with another impossible decision. Earlier that day, it was announced Hideyoshi and all his men would be leaving for the middle territories.

“Come with me and be the head chef in my new castle!” His invitation was offered light-heartedly enough but it held so much more weight for her. “You’ll be safe there. You’ll be in charge of the whole kitchen!” He tried to entice her but it did little to alleviate the storm of conflicting emotions raging within her.

“But what if something happens to Inuchiyo and I’m not here when he returns?” He just smiled in the face of her distress.

“Give it a day to think it over. We’ll be leaving as quickly as possible so any longer and you might not have time to get packed.” Then he was gone, his Cheshire smile, transposed upon the moon as she gazed up at it.

“Excuse me for a while…” She had said as she took her leave from dinner that night. An action that did not go wholly unnoticed. “I'm wide-eyed and I'm so down caught in the middle….” She sighed as her gaze drifted down to the garden. “I've excused you for a while, while I'm wide-eyed and I'm so down caught in the middle…” She searched the garden for answers but the only conclusion she had was it didn’t seem to matter what she thought, neither of them would listen. “When a lion, roars would you not listen? If a child, a child cries would you not forgive them?”

The tears started flowing from her eyes as she felt so weak and helpless. Unable to reconcile her desire not to be alone with her desire not to pick sides. “I might seem so strong… I might speak so long… but… I've never been so wrong…” She sighed through her tears. “There’s no way I can make a decision like this on such short notice.”

Unbeknownst to her, the conversation she was now having with the night air had not gone unnoticed. Castle walls had ears and more than one had heard her pained conversation. “Is something bothering you?” Lord Mitsuhide’s voice rang out, startling her from her thoughts abruptly. “The move perhaps?”

“The move?” Her confusion to his knowing exactly what was wrong displayed itself clearly on her face.

“Yes, if you have reservations, you should voice them to Lord Hideyoshi now. He may be able to make accommodations for your concerns before you leave.” He explained warmly, smiling lightly.

“You make it sound like I’ve already made up my mind to go.” She sighed looking back up at the moon.

“You mean… you have not?” Mitsuhide was the one to sound confused now. Her gaze drifted back to him. “Lord Hideyoshi made it seem as though it was your idea you go with him. Lord Nobunaga already gave permission for you to go.” He paused for a moment. “I suppose he did not say so directly…” He added hastily.

“If I told you I am afraid of being alone here at the castle would you think me weak and childish?” She asked with a downcast gaze. “I want to be here for both of my friends. To support them as best I can. Yet, I can do nothing to support either of them.”

“Friends?” Mitsuhide mulled over the word a few moments. “Then you do not share the same feelings for them that they have for you?” She slowly shook her head no.

“Then stay here and continue to serve Lord Nobunaga. If they really care about you as much as it seems, it will give them a reason to return here. To you.” Her eyes opened wide in time with her head rising. His advice had been so simple and yet so perfect. “Further, by staying here you’ll get news of how either of them are faring faster.” He added, a smile finding its way to his face as her tears abated. “Besides, they say absence makes the heart grow fonder. If you find yourself missing one of them more than the other, perhaps that will speak to your true feelings.”

“That is a wonderful idea!” She chimed after a sniffle. She wiped the tears from her eyes with her sleeves and put on a smile. “Thank you, Lord Mitsuhide.” She bowed deeply but Mitsuhide brushed it off as a trifle.

She took her leave from Mitsuhide and went to her room. With a blue pouch adorned with a poorly embroidered monkey head on it, she went off to Hideyoshi’s room. He invited her in readily when she announced herself. He looked at her expectantly when she sat down across from, rigid and formal. She took a deep breath before reaching out to take his hand in one of hers. She placed the pouch in his palm, an uncharacteristic resoluteness on her face.

“What is this?” He asked looking at the pouch curiously, very quickly eying the monkey and smiling. “You made this just for me?” There was a lightness in his voice as he ran his fingers over the embroidery. Just like Toshiie, he felt the out of place lump. His eyes drifted up to hers once more.

“My Father gave me a hairpin before he died. It was my favorite.” She explained quietly. “But it broke right before I came here. I kept the pieces so I could feel like he was still with me, protecting me. I want him to protect you too.” He was clearly surprised by this explanation but, before he could get the wrong idea, she pressed on.

“Please come back to me safe, Lord Hideyoshi.” With that she got to her feet and left the room. It was quite the feat to leave Hideyoshi with naught to say.

“Just when I think I have you all figured out…” He finally sighed with a smile as he clutched the omamori tightly.

A few weeks later, she saw him off with a smile and a wave. He waved back, palming the omamori, and smiling. “A promise is a promise!” He called before spurring his horse on. Her smile faded as quickly as his image on the horizon. The worry in her heart marked her features as she breathed out slowly. With a heavy heart and heavy steps, she went back into the castle. All this still not going unnoticed by the castle’s eyes.

She threw herself into her work around the castle to distract from her loneliness. It quickly earned her the respect of those around her and didn’t go unnoticed by Lord Nobunaga or Mitsuhide.

“You have been working very hard lately. Please, try not to overdo it.” Mitsuhide chided gently with a look of exasperation as she rushed to and from around the castle. She stopped, looking at him oddly a moment before she burst out laughing.

“Forgive me for saying so, Lord Mitsuhide…” She gasped trying to catch her breath. “I believe you are the last person who can fault someone for working too hard.” He looked back at her with the same odd look she had just given him. Suddenly, that look faded into a smile.

“I suppose you’re right…” He chuckled, shaking his head. “If you keep this up, I may need to leave the castle in your capable hands while I’m gone. Which, is why I’m here. Hideyoshi’s campaign in the middle territories is not going well and I am to reinforce him for a while.” His expression grew grave, the whole air around him tense. The news made her grip on the papers in her hand weak. He took them from her slowly before she could drop them. “If there is a message you would like delivered, please give it to me when we leave tomorrow.” He started to smile gently again. “Everything will be all right. They are fighting to get back to someone they hold dear. There is no greater source of strength for a man than that.” She smiled despite the painful tears rolling down her cheeks.

“Having three dear someone’s did not give my Father the strength to return to us, Milord. Please forgive me if I find your words hard to believe.” She replied with a quick bow before hurrying away. Mitsuhide grimaced and smacked himself on the forehead with the papers in his hands.

It all came tumbling down the day Toshiie returned from Noto. They had lost, terribly, caught between a flooded river and the armies of Uesugi Kenshin. Toshiie was much worse for the wear, rendered unconscious for days after his return. If anyone had asked her, she couldn’t count the hours she spent crying even as she worked through her normal routine, praying silently with each passing moment for him to wake up.

He did wake up, in time, but, he was not the same when he did. Try as she might, she could offer him no comfort. She could not undo the past. She could not take away the guilt he felt for his failure.

She found herself in the garden once more, having a one-sided dialogue with the moon. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes again. Just as before, Mitsuhide happened upon her as she stared up at the waxing moon overhead. “Excuse me for a while. Just turn a blind eye.” She replied when he stopped.

“Your stare is still caught right in the middle.” Mitsuhide sighed with a sad smile. “I have wondered for a while… I have a feeling deep down, you're caught in the middle…”

“Yeah… I might seem so strong. I might speak so long. But, I've never been so wrong…” Her gaze cast itself downward again.

“I believe, there are different kinds of strength in this world.” Mitushide began as he sat next to her. “Each of those strengths has a place and a purpose. You just need to figure out what your strengths are and then capitalize on them to the fullest.” There was a long silence between them before he went on again. “You may not be able to carry all their woes and worries but, you can give them the strength to carry them on their own.”

The words sank into her, settling deep inside her heart. “Yes. I think you’re right.” She started laughing again. “You always have the answer though. That’s why Lord Nobunaga depends on you so much, isn’t it?”

“Well I would say that exactly…” He brushed it off with a bashful laugh.

“Please, eat something. You’ve been out for so long…” She murmured pleadingly to the sullen face of her friend. When the pleading didn’t work, her face screwed up into frustration. “FINE!” She yelled, garnering the attention of everyone in the room. “Have it your way!” Boldly she reached out and grabbed the flesh on his arm between her fingers and pinched hard.

“OWE!” He yelped and before he could say anything else she shoved the spoon in his mouth. He looked at her with utmost irritation as he chewed on the porridge she so unceremoniously forced on him.

“You can sit here and wallow all you want.” She went on as he swallowed, her voice quiet but firm. “But wallowing won’t change the past or bring back the dead. If you’re going to sit here and waste away do it on your own time.” She shoved the bowl into his hands and moved to leave. Weakly, weaker than she had ever felt from him, Toshiie grabbed her sleeve.

“I told you it would be a cold day in Hell before death took me…” He muttered before taking a bite of food. “Sorry I made you worry…” She sighed, finally finding a reason to smile as she watched him scarf the food down at alarming speed. “Can I get some more of this?” He asked sheepishly, avoiding her gaze.

“Sure…” She took the bowl from him and filled it back up. “In a few days time you’ll be ready for those ohagi I promised you.”

“Pfft… I can eat all the ohagi you can make right now!” He beamed nudging her with his elbow.

Toshiie was just starting to come around when Hideyoshi returned from the middle territories. Although his campaign there had been a success, it was clear there was sadness lurking in the depths of his brown eyes. It wasn’t until several days later she found out what the cost of his success had been. She knew all too well the hurt of losing someone you care about; however, she was failing to express that to him in a meaningful way. She was about to despair when she remembered something.

“Lord Hideyoshi. I made some of your favorites! Bekko-ame!” The cheer in her voice was swallowed by the oppressive silence that followed. After a moment, she heard fabric shuffling against the floor and Hideyoshi opened the door. Though he smiled all the same, it was clear he was faking.

“Thanks…” He replied reaching out and taking one of the candies. “Hanbei really liked your bekko-ame too. I don’t know if he ever told you.” The thin veneer of happiness in his voice failed to fully hide his sadness.

“No… but I suspect since he kept bringing back empty jars that I must have been doing something right.” She replied handing Hideyoshi the jar. “This was the jar I always put them in. I think he would like you to have it.” Hideyoshi gripped the jar just a little tighter. “I suspect that was his favorite recipe too.” She added with a smile.

“I can see why.” He replied, a smile more genuine than the last working its way to his face. “They’re very good.”

“Thank you for keeping your promise, Lord Hideyoshi. I’m sorry that it cost you so much.”

“Thank you for giving me something to come back to.”

Things gradually settled down around Kiyosu in the weeks that followed. There was only one thing left to do. In the midst of all this, she had made her decision. She knew who resided in her heart now. She also knew she had to use this opportunity to tell him.

“I might seem so strong.” The voice on the other side of the door sighed as she stopped outside it. “I might speak so long but, I've never been so wrong.” She never expected to hear those words coming from him of all people. But, she supposed, everyone has moments when they feel weak. Though she didn’t know what might be causing him to feel this way, she had just what he needed to feel better.

“Come in.” A quizzical voice answered when she announced herself. She slid the door open bringing a tray piled high with food in with her.

“I heard you were working very hard lately. So, I brought your favorite food, milord. Onigiri with bonito flakes.” She slid the tray towards him slowly, a bashful blush on her face. “You need to keep your strength up, Milord.” Mitsuhide slowly reached out and took one of the onigiri from the tray. When he did, he noticed a small silk pouch there, a crudely embroidered cat on it. He had seen her give one to Toshiie, he knew exactly what it was. And yet, something told him this was different.

“Am I to understand, you would like to offer your strength to me?” He wondered replacing the onigiri in his hand with the omamori.

“If you have need of it.”

“I will gladly accept any strength you are willing to give me. Now and always.”

#slbp #slbp hideyoshi #slbp toshiie #slbp inuchiyo #slbp mitsuhide #light angst #mostly fluff #fanfiction #fanfic #songfic #some tissues may be required

55 notes · View notes

weirdsciencecomics · 5 years

Text

STRANGE ACADEMY #1

SKOTTIE YOUNG • HUMBERTO RAMOS (A/C)

CHARACTER SPOTLIGHT VARIANT COVER BY TBA

DESIGN VARIANT COVER BY HUMBERTO RAMOS

VARIANT COVER BY J. SCOTT CAMPBELL

VARIANT COVER BY HUMBERTO RAMOS

VARIANT COVER BY SKOTTIE YOUNG

VARIANT COVER BY JEROME OPEÑA

A SORCERER SCHOOL FOR THE MARVEL UNIVERSE!

The Marvel Universe has mysteriously changed in such an alarming way that Doctor Strange has done what he’s avoided for decades; he’s opened a school for young sorcerers. Young people from around the world with aptitude in magic have been brought together in New Orleans to study the Mystic Arts under Strange, Brother Voodoo, the Ancient One, the Scarlet Witch, Magik, Hellstrom and ALL your favorite Marvel magicians. But with all the new magical threats, is it too late?!

40 PGS./Rated T …$4.99

SPIDER-WOMAN #1

�� KARLA PACHECO • PERE PéREZ (A)

CLASSIC COVER BY JUNGGEUN YOON

NEW COSTUME COVER BY JUNGGEUN YOON

VARIANT COVER BY ARTGERM

VIRGIN VARIANT COVER BY ARTGERM

VARIANT COVER BY KAARE ANDREWS

VARIANT COVER BY RON LIM

HIDDEN GEM VARIANT COVER BY CARMINE INFANTINO

VARIANT COVER BY PEACH MOMOKO

VARIANT COVER BY J. SCOTT CAMPBELL

VILLAINS VARIANT COVER BY TODD NAUCK

VARIANT COVER BY BRUCE TIMM

COLLAGE VARIANT COVER BY MR. GARCIN

WEB VARIANT COVER AND BLANK VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE

DIE CUT VARIANT COVER BY CHIP KIDD – USE DIAMOND CODE DEC191017

SPIDER-WOMAN IS BACK, AND PULLING NO PUNCHES!

Jessica Drew hasn’t been feeling like herself lately (she’s not a Skrull, we promise). When the angry, irritable, and unwell Spider-Woman takes a simple security gig to help get back on her feet, she finds herself besieged by unknown forces out to destroy everything around her. What’s wrong with Jessica? Just how DID she get this job? And who are these violent lunatics who keep trying to blow her up? WHO CARES? Does Spider-Woman have someone to punch? THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS.

An explosive new series that pushes Spider-Woman into new heights of action and adventure from the mad minds of Karla Pacheco and Pere Pérez, this is the Spider-Woman book you’ve been waiting for!

40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

SPIDER-MAN NOIR #1 (OF 5)

MARGARET STOHL • JUAN FERREYRA (A)

Cover by DAVE RAPOZA

VARIANT COVER BY RON LIM

VARIANT COVER BY JAVIER GARRON

VARIANT COVER BY MARK BAGLEY

MURDER AND MYSTERY IN THE MIGHTY MARVEL MANNER!

DATELINE, 1939!

As the specter of war looms on the horizon, SPIDER-MAN: NOIR fights the good fight at home, stopping the injustices of a more friendly-neighborhood variety. But after a dame is murdered at The Black Cat nightclub and all clues point overseas, Spidey will have no choice but to board the next flight to Europe and kick off a globetrotting adventure through yesteryear of the Marvel Universe!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

HELLIONS #1

ZEB WELLS • STEPHEN SEGOVIA (A/C)

VARIANT COVER BY WHILCE PORTACIO

VARIANT COVER BY WOO DAE SHIM

HIDDEN GEM VARIANT COVER BY JIM LEE

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

ORANGE VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE

BAD IS THE NEW GOOD!

When Krakoa opened their doors to all mutants and forgave all past crimes, they might have known they’d have to accept some of their worst foes into the fold… but they didn’t plan for what to do with them. Not to worry—Mister Sinister knows what to do with the troublemakers. Meet his new Hellions: Scalphunter, Wild Child, Empath, Nanny, Orphanmaker, Psylocke…and Havok?! Under Sinister’s direction, they are sure to become productive members of mutant society. Writer Zeb Wells (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, NEW MUTANTS) and artist Stephen Segovia (WOLVERINE: MANIFEST DESTINY, SUPERIOR CARNAGE) bring you the team you’re going to hate to love!

48 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

CABLE #1

GERRY DUGGAN • PHIL NOTO (A/C)

VARIANT COVER BY W. SCOTT FORBES

VARIANT COVER BY Nick Bradshaw

HIDDEN GEM VARIANT COVER BY TBA

VARIANT COVER BY SKOTTIE YOUNG

BLACK BLANK VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE

THE DAWN OF REBELLION!

Cable was a grizzled old veteran of the wars to save the future… and he will be again. But for now, he’s a young mutant living in paradise leading a life of adventure! Nathan Summers, son of two of the most powerful mutants on Krakoa, has a destiny leading the youth of mutantkind in rebellion… so why not start now? Gerry Duggan (MARAUDERS, DEADPOOL) and Phil Noto (STAR WARS, POE DAMERON) bring us young Cable as we’ve never seen him before!

48 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

WOLVERINE #2

BENJAMIN PERCY • ADAM KUBERT (A/C)

Variant cover by DAVID FINCH

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY Gerald Parel

GOD LOVES MAN KILLS VARIANT COVER BY MARCOS MARTIN

THE WORST IS BACK!

Wolverine has never been one to back down from a fight — not even a combined assault from Lady Deathstrike, Sabretooth and Doctor Cornelius — but the Flower Cartel might have enlisted his worst and greatest foe: Logan himself.

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

INCREDIBLE HULK #182 FACSIMILE EDITION

Written by LEN WEIN

Penciled by HERB TRIMPE

Cover by HERB TRIMPE

CONTINUING THE FIRST APPEARANCES OF WOLVERINE!

Completing one of the most famous Hulk sagas of all! The INCREDIBLE HULK #180-181 FACSIMILE EDITIONS reintroduced you to Wolverine, who joined the Hulk in a three-way tussle against the monstrous Wendigo! Now find out what happens next as Wolvie’s bosses take matters into their own hands! But the puny humans only succeed in making the Hulk even angrier — and set him on a collision course with the super-powered escaped convicts known as Hammer and Anvil! Prepare for a surprisingly touching chapter in the Hulk’s endless wandering, as the jade giant makes a friend…and learns the meaning of loss. It’s one of the all-time great Marvel comic books, boldly re-presented in its original form, ads and all! Reprinting INCREDIBLE HULK (1968) #182.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

THOR #229 FACSIMILE EDITION

Written by GERRY CONWAY

Penciled by RICH BUCKLER

Cover by RON WILSON

CONTINUING THE FIRST APPEARANCES OF WOLVERINE!

The mighty Thor and his staunch ally Hercules face a demonic threat like no other! As a string of strange deaths confound the police, the Asgardian and the Olympian join the investigation. The victims all referred to an enigmatic “he” with their final words — but what dread threat could they mean? As a shadowy menace presents himself, one deadly enough to devastate even the Prince of Power, the mystery only deepens — but who…or what…is he who dwells in darkness? Prepare to know terror in the haunting debut of one of the Marvel Universe’s most terrifying Fear Lords! It’s one of the all-time great Marvel comic books, boldly re-presented in its original form, ads and all — including the ad that gave readers a glimpse at Wolverine before his first appearance! Reprinting THOR (1966) #229.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

X-MEN: GIANT-SIZE – MAGNETO #1

JONATHAN HICKMAN • BEN OLIVER (A/C)

VARIANT COVER BY ESAD RIBIC

HICKMAN & OLIVER MASTER MAGNETISM!

Jonathan Hickman continues his one-shots showcasing some of Marvel’s best artists! This time, he teams with Ben Oliver (ULTIMATE X-MEN,

THUNDERBOLTS) to bring a tale of Krakoan Ambassador and Master of Magnetism, Magneto! Krakoa may be only for mutants, but mutants still

need to deal with the human world around them. Magneto has a plan for that.

40 PGS./ONE SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99

X-MEN/FANTASTIC FOUR #3 (OF 4)

CHIP ZDARSKY • TERRY DODSON (A/C)

VARIANT COVER BY MARK BROOKS

Flower Variant Cover by MEGHAN HETRICK

A nation of mutants’ lives is at stake while FRANKLIN RICHARDS makes a momentous decision! Will the FANTASTIC FOUR and X-MEN just

stand by and allow it to happen?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

X-MEN #8 & #9

JONATHAN HICKMAN • ISSUE #8 – RB SILVA (A)

ISSUE #9 – LEINIL FRANCIS YU (A) • CoverS by LEINIL FRANCIS YU

ISSUE #8 – GOD LOVES MAN KILLS VARIANT COVER BY MARCOS MARTIN

GET READY TO RUN!

The New Mutants are back from space, and they’ve brought intergalactic trouble with them! The Brood! The Shi’ar! The Starjammers! The Imperial Guard!

32 PGS. (EACH)/Rated T+ …$3.99 (EACH)

EXCALIBUR #8 & #9

TINI HOWARD • ISSUE #8 – WILTON SANTOS (A)

ISSUE #9 – MARCUS TO (A)

Covers by MAHMUD ASRAR

ISSUE #9 – GOD LOVES MAN KILLS VARIANT COVER BY MARCOS MARTIN

HARK! THE HUNT FOR TRUTH

Excalibur emerges from the woods with a journey before them. Their destination: Starlight Citadel.

32 PGS. (EACH)/Rated T+ …$3.99 (EACH)

NEW MUTANTS #9

JONATHAN HICKMAN • FLAVIANO (A)

Cover by MIKE DEL MUNDO

GOD LOVES MAN KILLS VARIANT COVER BY MARCOS MARTIN

A NIGHTMARE BECOMES REAL!

With Krakoan confidence, the youth of mutantkind are ready to take on any challenge the world has to throw at them – but when reality itself betrays them, what hope is there for the NEW MUTANTS?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

X-FORCE #9

BENJAMIN PERCY • JOSHUA CASSARA (A)

Cover by DUSTIN WEAVER

GOD LOVES MAN KILLS VARIANT COVER BY MARCOS MARTIN

REAP WHAT YOU SOW!

In the heart of South America, X-Force finds a problem growing that threatens to destroy everything they’ve built… and one of their own might be responsible.

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

MARAUDERS #9

GERRY DUGGAN • STEFANO CASELLI (A)

Cover by RUSSELL DAUTERMAN

GOD LOVES MAN KILLS VARIANT COVER BY MARCOS MARTIN

PEST CONTROL!

A very small attack on Krakoa grows into something much bigger, thanks to Yellowjacket! Can Captain Kate’s crew swat him before his sting pays off?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

ROAD TO EMPYRE: THE KREE/SKRULL WAR #1

ROBBIE THOMPSON • MATTIA DE IULIS & JAVIER RODRIGUEZ (A)

Cover by PHIL NOTO

VARIANT COVER BY RON LIM

EMPYRE IS COMING!

The build-up to Marvel’s massive event series of the spring begins here—but in actuality, it began a millennia ago, with a challenge on the moon! In the wake of INCOMING, everything has changed for the Kree and the Skrulls. And out in the cold on Earth, the Warner family (MEET THE SKRULLS) need to work out what has happened and what it means for the future of their family and their race! And that means educating their kids on just how the Kree and the Skrulls first went to war!

40 PGS./ONE SHOT/Rated T …$4.99

MARVEL #1 (of 6)

ALEX ROSS, KURT BUSIEK, STEVE DARNALL & SAJAN SAINI

ALEX ROSS, STEVE RUDE & FRANK ESPINOSA (A)

Cover by ALEX ROSS

VARIANT COVER BY STEVE RUDE

Thirty years ago, Alex Ross had a vision of a new series showing the Marvel heroes in a way they’d never been seen before. The first realization of that idea became the blockbuster MARVELS — but today Alex finally brings about his original vision: An anthology of stories by unique, exceptional talents, many of whom are doing Marvel characters for the very first time. Over this showcase series you’ll see work by such artists as Adam Hughes, Bill Sienkiewicz, Dan Brereton and more, linked together by an overarching story by Alex and Steve Darnall. This inaugural issue kicks it all off with superstar artists Frank Espinosa (Rocketo, Looney Tunes) telling an unusual Spider-Man story and Steve Rude (Nexus), teaming up with Kurt Busiek (Marvels, Avengers) for an Avengers story, framed by Alex and Steve Darnall (Uncle Sam, Marvels) presenting a tale of the dread dreamland Nightmare, and his threat to the entire Marvel Universe…and possibly beyond. A once-in-a-lifetime assemblage of talent — you won’t want to miss a single page!

40 PGS./Rated T …$4.99

SUB-MARINER: MARVELS SNAPSHOT #1

ALAN BRENNERT WITH KURT BUSIEK • JERRY ORDWAY (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS

VARIANT COVER BY JERRY ORDWAY

VARIANT COVER BY GABRIELE DELL’OTTO

HIDDEN GEM VARIANT COVER BY JACK KIRBY

It begins here — a series of specials that show us Marvel’s greatest characters from the Golden Age to today, all through the eyes of ordinary people! Project curator Kurt Busiek (Marvels, Astro City) has brought together an amazing assemblage of talent to bring you a total of eight new and unusual viewpoints on Marvel history and Marvel heroes, two per month for the next four months. To kick it all off, best-selling novelist and Emmy Award-winning TV writer Alan Brennert (L.A. LAW, TWILIGHT ZONE) and superstar artist Jerry Ordway (All-Star Squadron, Crisis on Infinite Earths) to tell a story of Marvel’s debut superstar: Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner. It’s 1946, and the boys are back from World War II. But they haven’t left the battlefields behind, as reporter Betty Dean discovers when she and Namor reunite for an outing at Palisades Park, only to find themselves under attack. Also featuring the All-Winners Squad. A dramatic, unexpected and revealing tour through the Marvel Universe by a cornucopia of amazing creators.

40 PGS./ONE SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99

FANTASTIC FOUR: MARVELS SNAPSHOT #1

EVAN DORKIN & SARAh DYER WITH KURT BUSIEK

BENJAMIN DEWEY (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS

VARIANT COVER BY BENJAMIN DEWEY

HIDDEN GEM VARIANT COVER BY JACK KIRBY

Our tour through Marvel history continues, showcasing Marvel’s greatest characters from the Golden Age to today, all through the eyes of ordinary people! This time, writers Evan Dorkin & Sarah Dyer (Beasts of Burden, Space Ghost: Coast to Coast, Superman: The Animated Series) and artist Benjamin Dewey (The Autumnlands, Beasts of Burden) tell the tale of the ten-year high-school reunion of the Fantastic Four’s own Human Torch. His hometown of Glenville, Long Island is going wild, and we see it all through the eyes of the Torch’s ex-girlfriend Dorrie Evans and reporter Marcia Hardesty – the preparations, the Torch’s long history in town, the festivities and more. But there’s a strange distance between Johnny Storm and his old schoolmates, one Dorrie knows all too well and Marcia is determined to get to the bottom of. Featuring ex-villains, strange souvenirs, a weenie roast on the beach and, of course, the hulking Inhuman hound known as Lockjaw! Don’t miss the festivities!

40 PGS./ONE SHOT/Rated T …$4.99

MARVELS X #3 (OF 6)

ALEX ROSS & JIM KRUEGER • WELL BEE (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS

VARIANT COVER BY WELL BEE

There’s something hunting the last boy on Earth. Something that doesn’t want him to be the cure and restoration of humanity. And no matter what Spider-Man or Daredevil or even Doctor Strange do to try to protect him, they can’t save him from an entire world of monsters. Alex Ross, Jim Krueger and Well Bee continue this fantastic prequel to the EARTH X Trilogy.

40 PGS./Rated T …$4.99

OUTLAWED #1

EVE L. EWING • KIM JACINTO (A) • Cover by PEPE LARRAZ

Wraparound Variant Cover by Tony Daniel

Variant Cover by CORY SMITH

VARIANT COVER BY ANNA RUD

EXPLODING FROM THE PAGES OF INCOMING!

In the wake of a devastating tragedy, the United States passes a law that will shake the Marvel Universe to its core. The world has had enough of teen heroes. The crackdown has begun. And the lives of Marvel’s next generation will never be the same again. EVE L. EWING and KIM JACINTO launch a new era in this game-changing event one-shot that will send shockwaves across the Marvel Universe! You won’t want to miss this one!

40 PGS./ONE SHOT/Rated T …$4.99

IRON MAN 2020 #3 (OF 6)

DAN SLOTT & CHRISTOS GAGE • PETE WOODS (A)

5th Color Fluorescent Ink Cover by PETE WOODS

CONNECTING VARIANT COVER BY SIMONE BIANCHI (3 OF 6)

HEADS VARIANT COVER BY SUPERLOG

VARIANT COVER BY RON LIM

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

“The Kill Switch”

Stop uploading this content! I said STOP, bit-head! What is your malfunction?! Why are you still scanning this?! GO OFFLINE! Fine. You kept going. Happy? You just uploaded the software patch that will END the Robot Revolution. Great going there, Sparky! The countdown’s started. There’s nothing left to do now but wage all-out war against the fleshies! Screw on your best attachments, rust bucket, ‘cause we’re storming the tower! Time to take the fight straight to IRON MAN himself! KILL THE MASTER PROGRAMMER! DEATH TO ARNO STARK!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

2020 MACHINE MAN #2 (OF 2)

CHRISTOS GAGE & TOM DEFALCO

ANDY MACDONALD & Mike Hawthorne (A)

Cover by NICK ROCHE

VARIANT COVER JUAN JOSÉ RYP

Machine Man is fighting to save his true love, but will he be able to defeat – himself?! Outdated and overpowered, Machine Man goes head-to-head with the updated X-52 model! Will Machine Man be able to overcome or will he find himself paved over in the name of progress? Plus, part 2 of a backup story by legendary Machine Man writer, Tom DeFalco and artist Mike Hawthorne!!

40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

2020 FORCE WORKS #2 (OF 3)

MATTHEW ROSENBERG

JUANAN RAMÍREZ (A/C)

VARIANT COVER BY TOM TENNEY

War Machine, U.S.Agent, Mockingbird and Quake have joined forces to fight against the robots for human survival as Force Works! But when the team finds themselves infected by Deathlok technology and turned into robots themselves, will that prime directive stand? Or will they find themselves turning coat and bringing about humanity’s end?!

32 pages/Rated T+ …$3.99

2020 RESCUE #1 (OF 2)

DANA SCHWARTZ

JACEN BURROWS (A)

Cover by PACO MEDINA

Variant Cover by JEN BARTEL

Pepper Potts moved on from Tony Stark. She’s getting her life together, finding her place in the world. Unfortunately, that’s exactly when Tony Stark decides it’s time for a full-tilt, full-blown meltdown. And if Pepper can’t suit up and save the day, Tony is toast.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

2020 IRON AGE #1

TOM DEFALCO, CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL

& FONDA LEE

NICK ROCHE, MATT HORAK

& DAMIAN COUCEIRO (A)

COVER BY CORY SMITH

VARIANT COVER BY RAHZZAH

The Robot Revolution rages on! But as the fighting escalates and convictions are put to the test – is everyone committed to their cause or is there more going on than meets the eye? Don’t miss out on this collection of epic adventures from both sides of the conflict featuring Machine Man, Doctor Shapiro and Alkhema. From industry legend Tom DeFalco & Nick Roche, Christopher Cantwell & Matt Horak, Fonda Lee & Damian Couceiro!

40 PGS./ONE SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99

MARVEL TALES: SILVER SURFER #1

Written by GERRY CONWAY & ROY THOMAS

Penciled by JOHN BUSCEMA & SAL BUSCEMA • Cover by INHYUK LEE

VIRGIN VARIANT Cover by INHYUK LEE

The Sentinel of the Spaceways rides the cosmic waves as we celebrate the legacy of the House of Ideas with the era-spanning MARVEL TALES! This anthology series shines a spotlight on fan-favorite characters, features timeless stories and highlights some of our most impressive talent from the past eight decades. First, the Silver Surfer aids the mighty Thor in conflict with the deadly Durok in a heavyweight team-up from the legendary creative team of Gerry Conway and John Buscema — from THOR (1966) #193! Then, Roy Thomas and Sal Buscema pave the way for the creation of Marvel’s greatest non-team, the Defenders, when they assemble the “Titans Three” in SUB-MARINER (1968) #34-35! Can this trio of powerhouses — the Surfer, Namor and the Hulk — stop squabbling long enough to battle…the Avengers?!

80 PGS./ONE SHOT/Rated T …$7.99

IMMORTAL HULK #32

AL EWING • JOE BENNETT (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY PATCH ZIRCHER

The gentle giant XEMNUTM has come to EARTHTM to fight evil – as the INCREDIBLE HULKTM! And YOUTM can join him – as he battles ROBERT BANNERTM, the STRANGEST MAN OF ALL TIMETM! (HULKTM is a trademark of ROXXON ENERGYTM. For a brighter tomorrow.)

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

IMMORTAL HULK #33

AL EWING • JOE BENNETT (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS

VARIANT COVER BY JOE BENNETT

VIRGIN VARIANT COVER BY ALEX ROSS

VARIANT COVER BY LOGAN LUBERA

VARIANT COVER BY RON LIM

SPIDER-WOMAN VARANT COVER BY CORY SMITH

HIDDEN GEM VARIANT COVER BY WALTER SIMONSON

VARIANT COVER BY Steve Skroce

PURPLE VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE

Celebrating 750 ISSUES of the INCREDIBLE H%LKTM! Something is wrong. Something has compromised the simulacrum. EXTRA-SIZE HULK-SM&SHING ACTIONTM! Banner is refusing to yield. Something is wrong. PLUS! ENTER – THE THOUGHTFUL MAN! Something is wrong. Something is wrong. Something is wrong.

56 PGS./Rated T+ …$5.99

CAPTAIN AMERICA #20

TA-NEHISI COATES • JASON MASTERS (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY BEN CALDWELL

ALL DIE YOUNG!

The ramp-up to CAP #25 begins!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

CAPTAIN MARVEL #16

KELLY THOMPSON • LEE GARBETT (A) • Cover by MARK BROOKS

CONNECTING VARIANT COVER BY INHYUK LEE (5 OF 5)

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY DAN PANOSIAN

“THE LAST AVENGER” CONCLUSION!

It’s all come down to Captain Marvel versus Vox Supreme! Since discovering her Kree heritage, Carol Danvers has struggled to reconcile her human and her alien sides. Now she must fight for both — or lose everything. But Earth’s Mightiest Hero has a new plan…will the power of the Avengers be enough to save the world?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

SAVAGE AVENGERS #11

GERRY DUGGAN • BUTCH GUICE (A) • Cover by VALERIO GIANGIORDANO

The horrific secret of Kulan Gath’s power is revealed. Steel yourself, True Believers, this one is a bummer for the ages. Plus, Dr. Strange & Elektra did what last night?

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

AVENGERS #32

JASON AARON • ED MCGUINNESS (A/C)

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY MIKE MCKONE

EARTH’S MIGHTIEST VILLAINS!

What do the King of Atlantis, the Lord of the Vampires, the deposed duke of Hell, a mysterious Russian assassin and the secret boss of Washington, D.C.’s greatest super-team have in common? They all really hate the Avengers. And so there came a day, a day unlike any other, when Earth’s mightiest villains found themselves united against a common threat.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

FANTASTIC FOUR #20

DAN SLOTT • SEAN IZAAKSE (A) • COVER BY NICK BRADSHAW

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY EMA LUPACCHINO

EMPYRE IS COMING!

The Mole Man and his biggest Kaiju return to the surface, with all of their righteous wrath aimed at one man… Wyatt Wingfoot! How can the Human Torch and Sky possibly save him? Y’know, this really would’ve been a good time to have brought ALL of the Fantastic Four! Also this issue: Meet a never-before-seen Elder of the Universe! Who are they, and how will they change the FF’s life… forever?

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

VALKYRIE: JANE FOSTER #9

JASON AARON & TORUNN GRØNBEKK • CAFU (A) • Cover by Mahmud Asrar

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY AUDREY MOK

THE FALL OF ALL-FATHER THOR!

Valkyrie and Thor have discovered a vast and terrible secret buried deep in the Earth, one that has haunted Asgard for eons. The Røkkva, a magic older than the gods, has broken free from its long prison. And one man seeks to turn it to his own gain. He just needs to get rid of Valkyrie first — and what better way than at the hands of Thor?!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

ATLANTIS ATTACKS #3 (OF 5)

GREG PAK • ARIO ANINDITO (A) • Cover by ROCK-HE KIM

Variant cover by NICK BRADSHAW

SWORD OF THE SIRENAS!

As the tenuous peace with NAMOR collapses, WAVE and AMADEUS search their souls and measure their allegiances – and end up on opposite sides of the war! What happens when the dream you thought you were defending turns out to be your ally’s greatest nightmare? Young heroes grapple with impossible conflicts with the fate of three great civilizations in the balance!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

TAROT #4 (OF 4)

ALAN DAVIS • PAUL RENAUD (A/C)

Variant Cover by ALAN DAVIS

VARIANT COVER BY STEPHEN MOONEY

Merged into a single amalgamated band, the combined heroes of the amalgamated Avengers and Defenders race against the clock to put everything right – as the final card begins to turn.

40 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99

AVENGERS OF THE WASTELANDS #3 (OF 5)

ED BRISSON • JONAS SCHARF (A) • Cover by JUAN JOSÉ RYP

Variant Cover by Gerardo Zaffino

A FULL MOON RISES ON THE WASTELANDS!

The AVENGERS have assembled! But so has BARON BLOOD and his legion of vampires! The saga continues with more revelations and a SURPRISE reappearance of a hero of the Wastelands to guide the new team!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

DR. STRANGE #4

MARK WAID • KEV WALKER (A) • Cover by PHIL NOTO

The return of Dr. Druid!

What has brought Doctor Strange’s fellow sorcerer back from the dead, and has he truly renounced all magic as he claims? Or is something more sinister brewing in the halls of the McCarthy Medical Institute?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

STAR #3 (OF 5)

KELLY THOMPSON • JAVIER PINA (A)

Cover by Carmen Carnero

Variant cover by RAHZZAH

THE FIGHT FOR THE REALITY STONE IS ON, AND WHO CONTROLS IT…CONTROLS THE WORLD!

The universe is Star’s command…IF she can figure out how to control her powers. And the race is on – because the galaxy’s greatest hunters are hot on her trail. The Reality Stone is one of the most powerful weapons in this or any world, and currently, the only way to obtain it…is to kill the woman called Ripley Ryan.

32 PGS./Rated T+…$3.99

THOR #4

DONNY CATES • NIC KLEIN (A) • Cover by OLIVIER COIPEL

Variant cover by RYAN STEGMAN

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY JAVIER GARRON

THOR’S GREATEST ENEMY – AND THE UNIVERSE’S ONLY SAVIOR – REVEALED!

The Black Winter is coming – the end of the entire vast universe – and only one entity can stop it. The only one who has survived it before, Galactus the World-Eater, has come to Midgard…in search of a herald for the end of everything.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

ANT-MAN #3 (OF 5)

ZEB WELLS • DYLAN BURNETT (A) • Cover by EDUARD PETROVICH

The threat of Macrothrax and the impending invasion looms large! With no choice but to call the Avengers for help, will Ant-Man be able to convince them to take both this threat and himself seriously? Plus, when a certain web-slinging hero joins the investigation, will the stage be big enough for two wise-cracking crime fighters? Guest-starring Spider-Man and the Black Cat!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

FALCON & WINTER SOLDIER #2 (OF 5)

DEREK LANDY • FEDERICO VICENTINI (A) • Cover by DAN MORA

Variant Cover by PACO MEDINA

Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes are on a mission: to identify and stop the next leader of Hydra. To do so, they’ve got to make their way from one end of a high-speed train to the other…and every carriage is filled with assassins. Eight carriages. Eight kinds of killer. All aboard.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

HAWKEYE: FREEFALL #4

MATTHEW ROSENBERG • OTTO SCHMIDT (A)

Cover by KIM JACINTO

Daredevil tips Hawkeye off to the formation of a new task force. They have one mission: to stop the dangerous new Ronin before he tears the city apart. Clint joins up, but he can’t help but notice that Ronin gets results. Whose side is he really on? And as Hawkeye’s own hunt for the Hood intensifies, he’s about to find himself in the sights of one of his most dangerous foes of all time…

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

REVENGE OF THE COSMIC GHOST RIDER #4 (OF 5)

DENNIS “HOPELESS” HALLUM • SCOTT HEPBURN (A/C)

VARIANT COVER BY CULLY HAMNER

VARIANT COVER BY LOGAN LUBERA

Cosmic Ghost Rider’s soul hangs in the balance!

Lost to the ravages of space, will Cammi be able to claw her way back to Cosmic Ghost Rider in time to keep him from making a deal with the devil?Or will Cosmic Ghost Rider damn the whole galaxy to hell to get what he wants?

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

NEBULA #2 (OF 5)

VITA AYALA • CLAIRE ROE (A) • Cover by JEN BARTEL

VARIANT COVER BY JAVIER RODRÍGUEZ

Marooned on an unknown planet, Nebula has been stripped of her memories! Struggling to find out where she is, what hope does Nebula have of finding herself? And more importantly, will Nebula be able to recover her wits before her infamous reputation puts her in someone else’s crosshairs?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #3

AL EWING • Juann Cabal, Chris Sprouse, Nina Vaqueva & Belén Ortega (A)

Cover by IVAN SHAVRIN

VARIANT COVER BY RON LIM

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY DECLAN SHALVEY

The Guardians saved the Galaxy – at great and terrible cost. And now, they have to break the news… to the Guardians. Four artists tell three stories of two bonds broken, one born again…and the birth of the West Spiral Arm Guardians!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

GWEN STACY #2 (of 5)

CHRISTOS GAGE • TODD NAUCK (A) • Cover by ADAM HUGHES

VARIANT COVER BY Ryan Brown

VARIANT COVER BY HUMBERTO RAMOS

VARIANT COVER BY TODD NAUCK

Gwen’s dad is hurt, in the hospital and implicated in corruption charges. But what is a high school student of the month/class president candidate/science team captain supposed to do about that? Gwen isn’t the type to sit on her hands even if it means crossing the Crimemaster and worse!!! Don’t miss this in-continuity tale that will change the way you look at the most-beloved Marvel character of all time!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #41

NICK SPENCER • RYAN OTTLEY (A/C)

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY LEE GARBETT

Spider-Man needs to know WHAT BOOMERANG IS UP TO and he (and you) will finally get their answers this issue! What does it have to do with Mayor Kingpin? And who are all those eyes looking at our hero and his lousy roommate?

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #42

NICK SPENCER • RYAN OTTLEY (A/C)

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY TONY DANIEL

Well, knowing what Boomerang is doing sure didn’t help. Spidey and Boomerang are in trouble in a VERY BIG WAY.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

SPIDER-HAM #4 (OF 5)

ZEB WELLS

WILL ROBSON (A/C)

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

WHAT IS HAPPENING?!

Spider-Ham might finally know who is causing all this ruckus in his Universe! But is Ham alone enough for a meal? Wait, what? Let’s try that again: BUT IS HAM ALONE ENOUGH TO STOP (REDACTED VILLAIN NAME)?!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: THE DAILY BUGLE #3 (OF 5)

MAT JOHNSON • MACK CHATER (A)

COVER BY NIKO HENRICHON

VARIANT COVER BY Rahzzah

Shrinking revenues, kidnappings, one dead body that points to more crime and also implicates a hero! The journalists at the Bugle have their hands full – and they’re about to be targeted by the most powerful man in the city. Why has Mayor Wilson Fisk set his sights on the paper? Don’t miss what might be his most devastating scheme yet!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

AMAZING MARY JANE #6

Leah Williams • Carlos Gómez (A) • Cover by Paulo Siqueira

VARIANT COVER BY GREG LAND

WELCOME TO NY, MJ!

After the CAN’T-MISS events of AMAZING MARY JANE #5, your favorite redhead is back home! First stop: Spider-Man! But has her relationship with Mysterio changed things with the love of her life? Next stop: a press tour! Complete with iconic New York guest-starring gigs, and OH NO WHAT’S THAT?!?

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

GHOST-SPIDER #8

SEANAN McGUIRE • IG GUARA (A)

Cover by TAKESHI MIYAZAWA

Rock and roll dreams come true! It’s all eyes on THE MARY

JANES as Gwen takes the band on a rip-roaring multiversal concert tour! But not all those eyes belong to starstruck fans. There’s something symbiotic and sinister stirring in the Prime Universe – and GWENOM may have a part to play…

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

SPIDER-VERSE #6 (OF 6)

JED MACKAY

ZÉ CARLOS (A)

Cover by DAVE RAPOZA

The conclusion to SPIDER-VERSE is here!

All the various threads of this series (Miles Morales, Spider-Man Noir, SP//dr, Webslinger, Spider-Ma’am, and all the other Spider-People and Spider-Sonas) come together to re-spin the Web of Life and Destiny! But the journey won’t be easy, so don’t be surprised if all the spiders don’t make it through alive!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN #16

SALADIN AHMED • CORY SMITH (A) • COVER BY JAVIER GARRÓN

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY PASQUAL FERRY

MORALESES VS. MONSTERS!

Miles is taking on his biggest responsibility yet–babysitting his new little sister, Billie Morales! But fussiness and feeding are the least of their problems–there’s SOMETHING UNDERGROUND! Meanwhile Miles’ uncle Aaron made a deal with a different kind of beast–ULTIMATUM–and he’s about to get bit.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

MORBIUS #5

VITA AYALA • MARCELO FERREIRA (A) • Cover by SKAN

CONNECTING VARIANT COVER BY JUAN JOSE RYP (5 OF 5)

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY PYEONG JUN PARK

For years, Michael Morbius has looked in the mirror and seen a monster. Thanks to his recent tampering with his own genes, that horror has become a reality. Can his immortal bloodlust finally be satiated – and at what cost?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

RAVENCROFT #3 (OF 5)

FRANK TIERI • ANGEL UNZUETA (A) • Cover by KYLE HOTZ

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

Ravencroft is fully staffed, but who thought it was a good idea to put these people in charge of helping inmates? Watch as John Jameson attempts to keep the beasts at bay!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

SCREAM: CURSE OF CARNAGE #5

CLAY McLEOD CHAPMAN • CHRISTOPHER MOONEYHAM (A) • Cover by RYAN STEGMAN

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

SPINNING OUT OF ABSOLUTE CARNAGE!

With Eddie Brock nowhere to be found, Andi Benton – the new SCREAM – will have to tangle with a monstrous creature at the bottom of the bay all on her own! But what exactly IS that monster? Where is it from? And what is its connection to KNULL, THE GOD OF THE SYMBIOTES?!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

VENOM #24

DONNY CATES • MARK BAGLEY (A/C)

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY ROCK-HE KIM

THE WAR WITHIN! VENOM ISLAND CONTINUES!

Cletus Kasady may be gone, but CARNAGE is another story – and its evil has infected Venom and the entire ISLAND OF BONES. As every living thing on the island hunts him, Eddie Brock may have no choice but to burn it – and everything he holds dear – to the ground…

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

SYMBIOTE SPIDER-MAN: ALIEN REALITY #4 (OF 5)

PETER DAVID • GREG LAND (A/C)

Variant Cover by ALEX SAVIUK

VARIANT COVER BY RON LIM

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

THE FATE OF THE FUTURE IS IN SPIDEY’S HANDS!

Can Spider-Man fix reality, or is he doomed to live in a world not his own?!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

BLACK CAT #10

JED MACKAY • KRIS ANKA (A) • Cover by J. SCOTT CAMPBELL

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY TBA

Felicia and Logan on the run from all matter of Madripoorian murder squads! Kade Kilgore, former head of the Hellfire Club, current boss of the criminal capital of the world, has marked them for death and you won’t believe who comes to collect!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

MARVEL’S AVENGERS: CAPTAIN AMERICA #1

PAUL ALLOR • Georges Jeanty (A) • Cover by STONEHOUSE

Variant Cover by Dale Keown

CAPTAIN AMERICA BATTLES BATROC IN THIS NEW PREQUEL TO THE UPCOMING VIDEO GAME, MARVEL’S AVENGERS!

Since World War II, Steve Rogers has fought for the side of good as CAPTAIN AMERICA! As one of his last friends from the war is laid to rest, Cap must contend with the mysterious robbery of a high-tech weapons company. But what is BATROC THE LEAPER planning, and how will this technology change the FUTURE of the AVENGERS? The journey to MARVEL’S AVENGERS continues with a mystery and an adventure that sets the groundwork for an inciting incident in the upcoming video game!

32 PGS./ ONE SHOT/Rated T+ …$3.99

MARVEL’S AVENGERS: BLACK WIDOW #1

Christos Gage • Michele Bandini (A) • Cover by STONEHOUSE

Variant Cover by Greg Land

THE SUPER SPY STARS IN THE FINAL ADVENTURE BEFORE THE LAUNCH OF MARVEL’S AVENGERS!

Former Russian spy Natasha Romanoff has joined SHIELD, but when a spectre from her past resurfaces, where do her loyalties really lie? And what is the source of her deadly feud with the villainous TASKMASTER? Solve the mystery in this adventure leading up to the upcoming MARVEL’S AVENGERS video game as we explore a key episode from the dramatic saga of the woman called BLACK WIDOW!

32 PGS./ ONE SHOT/Rated T+ …$3.99

MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN: THE BLACK CAT STRIKES #3 (OF 5)

DENNIS “HOPELESS” HALLUM • LUCA MARESCA (A) • Cover by SANA TAKEDA

Variant Cover by CARLOS PACHECO

HAMMERHEAD’S REVENGE, AND THE SECRET HISTORY OF SPIDER-MAN AND THE BLACK CAT!

PETER and FELICIA’s past revealed! In the present, HAMMERHEAD makes good on a deadly threat to the Black Cat! The all-new Gamerverse story continues with an unforgettable chapter in the saga of Marvel’s Spider-Man!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

DEADPOOL #5

KELLY THOMPSON • GERARDO SANDOVAL (A/C)

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY MIRKA ANDOLFO

A KAIJU HAIKU!

Deadpool loves monster! Monster SPRINGS city attack! What to do, Deadpool?!

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

BLACK PANTHER AND THE AGENTS OF WAKANDA #7

JIM ZUB • LAN MEDINA (A) • Cover by CARLOS PACHECO

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY IBAN COELLO

FIN FANG DOOM!

A trio of space dragons attacks Avengers Mountain, and now the Agents of Wakanda are all that stand between their epic reptile

rage and…FOOM?

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

BLACK PANTHER #22

TA-NEHISI COATES • DANIEL ACUÑA (A/C)

Variant cover by Kaare Andrews

THE INTERGALACTIC EMPIRE OF WAKANDA – “WAKANDA UNBOUND” part 4 THE GOD KILLER AWAKES!

N’Jadaka’s vast army nears Wakanda Prime on Earth — and now even the gods are despair of their chances against him. But Bast will not abandon her avatar, the Black Panther…even if she has to recruit an outsider to save him. The Goddess makes an unexpected ally as the war grows desperate!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

GHOST RIDER #6

ED BRISSON • JUAN FRIGERI (A) • Cover by AARON KUDER

Spider-Woman Variant Cover by JUNGGEUN YOON

DESIGN VARIANT COVER BY AARON KUDER

VERSUS THE SORCEROR SUPREME!

As far as Johnny Blaze is concerned, there’s one man who had the power to pull him outta Hell, but that man chose not to lift so much as a finger for him, and that man’s name is Doctor Stephen Strange! So now Johnny’s got a can of whupass with ol’ Stevie’s name on it!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

DOCTOR DOOM #6

CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL • SALVADOR LARROCA (A/C)

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY MIKE MAYHEW

After uncovering the Symkarian plot against him, Doctor Doom seeks an “insurance policy” that will ensure his reign over Latveria forever. Before he returns to his homeland to wage a one-man war on those who usurped his throne, he embarks on a covert mission to find a secret and powerful device with an unlikely ally, Kang the Conqueror—all while being pursued by mercenaries hired to kill him on sight.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

JESSICA JONES: BLIND SPOT #5 & #6 (OF 6)

KELLY THOMPSON • ISSUE #5 – MATTIA DE IULIS (A)

ISSUE #6 – Marcio Takara (A)

Covers by VALERIO GIANGIORDANO

ISSUE #5 – VARIANT COVER BY MARTIN SIMMONDS

ISSUE #6 – VARIANT COVER BY MARTIN SIMMONDS

BLINDSPOT Part 5!

Jessica’s hunt for a deranged serial killer comes to an explosive and bizarre end.

BLINDSPOT Part 6!

In the aftermath of a brutal investigation, Jessica reunites with her family for a much-needed break. Since Jessica Jones and Luke Cage got married, there’s been nothing they couldn’t handle together. But that’s about to change…

32 PGS. (each)/Parental Advisory …$3.99 (each)

DAREDEVIL #19

CHIP ZDARSKY • MARCO CHECCHETTO (A) • Cover by JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO

SPIDER-WOMAN VARIANT COVER BY MIKE DEL MUNDO

Hell’s Kitchen is hanging by a thread—and that thread is Daredevil! Owl makes his play while Mayor Fisk watches from the sidelines.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

RUNAWAYS #31

RAINBOW ROWELL

ANDRÉS GENOLET (A)

Cover by KRIS ANKA

CANON FODDER CONCLUDES!

The most battle-heavy issue of RUNAWAYS (and possibly ANY COMIC EVER) is here and you won’t believe your eyes. Doc Justice and the J-Team (i.e. the Runaways) has their most dangerous mission and it does not end well for anyone. The Runaways end this issue very very different from where they started it.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

MAGNIFICENT MS. MARVEL #13

SALADIN AHMED • MINKYU JUNG (A) Cover by EDUARD PETROVICH

This town ain’t big enough for the both of ‘em. Or is it? There’s a new hero in Jersey City! Introducing FADI FADLALAH, A.K.A. AMULET! What secrets is this gentle giant hiding? Is he friend or foe? And why’s he showing up now, just when Kamala got her life back on track? Read and find out, True Believer!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

STRIKEFORCE #7

TINI HOWARD • GERMÁN PERALTA (A) • COVER BY JUAN JOSÉ RYP

SHOWDOWN ON DEADPOOL’S MONSTER ISLAND!

There are still hundreds of shape-shifting Vridai sneaking their way through Midgard — and Strikeforce is the only team that can recognize them. But when Blade and his team go hunting on King Deadpool’s Monster Island, they’ll find the worst monsters of all may be the ones in the mirror!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

AERO #9

ZHOU LIEFEN & AMY CHU

KENG (A/C)

AERO SUITS UP FOR HER BIGGEST BATTLE YET!

AERO meets one of the Marvel Universe’s best and brightest when IRON MAN makes a surprise visit! But is he friend or foe? And the secret origin of the mysterious Madame Huang is finally revealed!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

SWORD MASTER #9

SHUIZHU & AMY CHU

GUNJI (A/C)

FORGED IN STEEL!

SWORD MASTER has learned how to be a hero the hard way… He’s been haunted by the past and under attack in the present. But the introduction of two new players will change everything…

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

PUNISHER: SOVIET #5 & #6 (OF 6)

GARTH ENNIS • JACEN BURROWS (A) • Covers by PAOLO RIVERA

ISSUE #5 – VARIANT COVER BY TBA

ISSUE #6 – VARIANT COVER BY TBA

The soul-chilling end of PUNISHER: SOVIET is here. Frank and Val have fought side-by-side against not only a Russian mob but also against the tide of history and these issues will make you see The Punisher (and possibly the world) differently than you do now.

32 PGS. (EACH)/Explicit Content …$3.99 (EACH)

CONAN: BATTLE FOR THE SERPENT CROWN #2 (OF 5)

SALADIN AHMED • LUKE ROSS (A) • Cover by Mahmud Asrar

Variant Cover by BEN CALDWELL

VARIANT COVER BY John Tyler Christopher

THIEVES IN THE NIGHT!

CONAN has reached his treasure…only to find the BLACK CAT has beaten him to his prize! It’s a cat-eat-cat world as one thief has to outrace another on the trail of the mystical Atlantean artifact! Plus: MEPHISTO’S sinister scheme could spell dire consequences for both!

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #14

JIM ZUB • ROGÊ ANTÔNIO (A) • Cover by E.M. GIST

Variant Cover by Tommy Lee Edwards

THE DEADLY TRAP IS SPRUNG AS “INTO THE CRUCIBLE” CONTINUES!

CONAN, equipped with only his strength and wits, must survive the deadly traps of the Great Crucible! With a cadre of contestants against him, and only a local boy named DELIAN to translate, can anyone or any THING be trusted?! Who is really playing who…?

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

DARK AGNES #2 (OF 5)

BECKY CLOONAN • LUCA PIZZARI (A) • Cover by STEPHANIE HANS

Variant Cover by JAY ANACLETO

MAYHEM, A MASKED BALL, AND MURDER MOST FOUL!

AGNES and ETIENNE enter the lair of the beast—sneaking into the palace of DUKE D’ALENCON, even as his agents hunt for them! But when a murder victim turns up in the court, will they escape notice or be drawn deeper into the labyrinth of disaster forming around them?

All this and the return of a ghost from Agnes’ past!

32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTERS #1

ETHAN SACKS • PAOLO VILLANELLI (A) • Cover by LEE BERMEJO

Variant Cover by MICHAEL GOLDEN

Variant Cover by Dave Johnson

Variant Cover by KAARE ANDREWS

Movie Variant Cover also available

Blank Variant Cover also available

VALANCE’S FIRST APPEARANCES, ALSO AVAILABLE…

NEVER BETRAY A BOUNTY HUNTER – ESPECIALLY IF IT’S BOBA FETT!

Years ago, VALANCE and fellow bounty hunters BOSSK and BOBA FETT took on a mission that went sideways in a bad way after Valance’s mentor, NAKANO LASH, violently betrayed them. Valance’s team barely escaped with their lives. He never thought he’d face his old mentor ever again…until Lash finally resurfaces under mysterious circumstances. Every bounty hunter in the galaxy wants a piece and Valance is hell-bent on getting to the prize first. He has score to settle—but so does Boba Fett! ETHAN SACKS (OLD MAN HAWKEYE and GALAXY’S EDGE) and PAOLO VILLANELLI (VADER: DARK VISIONS and JEDI FALLEN ORDER – DARK TEMPLE) are teaming up to bring you the bounty hunter adventure you’ve been waiting for this March!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTERS #2

ETHAN SACKS • PAOLO VILLANELLI (A) • Cover by LEE BERMEJO

VARIANT COVER BY PHIL NOTO

EMPIRE STRIKES BACK VARIANT COVER BY CHRIS SPROUSE

BOUNTY HUNTERS DRAW FIRST BLOOD!

Cyborg bounty hunter VALANCE will stop at nothing to find his old mentor, NAKANO LASH, after her stinging betrayal years earlier. But other bounty hunters have taken the job after a vicious crime lord put out the hit. Everyone’s got a reason to go after the traitorous Nautolan. BOSSK, BOBA FETT and a slew of new killers are hot on Lash’s trail. Can Valance get to her first? And what could have possibly made Lash break her word and betray her fellow hunters? The truth could shake the foundations of the criminal underworld in the galaxy!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

STAR WARS #4

CHARLES SOULE • JESUS SAIZ (A) • Cover by R.B. SILVA

EMPIRE STRIKES BACK VARIANT COVER BY CHRIS SPROUSE

VARIANT COVER BY DANIEL ACUñA

CATASTROPHE IN THE CLOUDS!

LUKE SKYWALKER, LANDO CALRISSIAN and LEIA ORGANA have returned to CLOUD CITY! They each left things on BESPIN they desperately need – a weapon, a friend, and crucial information. But the city is swarming with IMPERIALS, under occupation by an EMPIRE desperate to steal its resources. Things did not go well for the trio the last time they visited this place. This time… might be even worse.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

STAR WARS: DARTH VADER #2

GREG PAK • RAFFAELE IENCO (A) • Cover ByInhyuk Lee

VARIANT COVER BY RAFFAELE IENCO

EMPIRE STRIKES BACK VARIANT BY CHRIS SPROUSE

THE FACE OF THE QUEEN!

In the wake of the shocking revelations of The Empire Strikes Back, DARTH VADER continues his quest for revenge against everyone who hid his son Luke from him. But when his search takes him deep into his past, he uncovers a hauntingly familiar face that will challenge everything he knows.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF KYLO REN #4 (OF 4)

CHARLES SOULE • WILL SLINEY (A) • COVER BY E.M. GIST

Variant Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI

SINS OF THE SON

The Rise of KYLO REN concludes, as BEN SOLO, once the Jedi’s greatest hope, is swallowed by the Dark Side. It is his destiny – and if there was ever another path, SNOKE and the KNIGHTS OF REN made certain he could not see it. From Ben, to Ren… and now he is lost.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

March 2020 Marvel Comic Solicits STRANGE ACADEMY #1 SKOTTIE YOUNG • HUMBERTO RAMOS (A/C) CHARACTER SPOTLIGHT VARIANT COVER BY TBA…

1 note · View note