#i really should learn to check these things when im outlining or writing the chapter. and not during last minute editing........ oops

[mellowthorn]

nothing like checking the timeline of a book for a fic and realizing your age calculations were like three years off lol

#its fiiiine #it won't affect any of the released chapters thank god. just means that one time skip will have to be a lot longer than i initially intende #i really should learn to check these things when im outlining or writing the chapter. and not during last minute editing........ oops #anyway. just spent the last two hours skimming through fools assassin and now my head hurts. i should eat breakfast maybe #personal post

[limonium-anemos]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love 💖

thanks for the ask @bluesundaycake !!! 💖 also thank you @cauldroncake for the tag!! i gib u smooches

i'm not much of a writer lmao but here they are in random order:

as flowers bloom (hidden wip) / hp, tomarry, same age au

There was something quite ethereal in that moment.

And he thinks, oh.

- started writing this wip back in june 2020; was supposed to be a hanahaki au, managed to write a draft until chapter 4 but i got so lost with it. it's a fave because this was the first work i've tried writing in a linear manner, with an outline and a plan (i'm more of a pantser) and went all out with descriptive writing. i was so happy with the feedback when i posted it. hopefully i can get back to it and rewrite 🌟

they will burn (oneshot) / hp, tomarry, soulmate au, fem!harry 

(Fire. A blaze steadily rising, a fervent whisper of—)

(–I know you.)

Harry suspected it within the week of keeping the diary. This Tom Riddle, Slytherin Prefect and Head Boy, too smart and too charming—

“You’re my soulmate.” she says.

And he is.

And you are mine, he knows.

- my first tomarry fic lmao; the amount of hits and kudos christ sdgasd i did not expect it at all??? i always reread this and try to remember like, wow there's something in here people like??? so whenever i end up with a new wip/idea i look at this fic and remind myself “you did great before!!! you’ll do well!!” while also lowkey suffering from too many ideas he he ehhe

we rattle this town, we rattle this scene (oneshot) / snk, ereri, modern setting

“You might’ve said no.” Levi says.

Eren scoffs.

“We’ve been dating, like, since high school Levi.”

- this fic was probably my first fluff??? fic?? idk i dont remember anymore. i wrote this back in 2017 while i was (procrastinating) studying for board exams lmao. this was practice for dialogue and i’m pretty happy about it?? my goal was to practice transition from one character to another and idk i think it kinda worked ashgdhasd

i remember printing out fic chapters from a couple of other snk fics, highlighting sections and lines of dialogue i really admire and loved!! and said i should try that

cam u kiss me (wip) / hp, tomarry, gamer au

"I'd say it was a pleasure, but—" TM started to say.

aintnosnitch Today at 1:28AM

get rekt u grimy peanut we won so fuck off

*

Online games, boys and hopefully, a goddamn kiss.

- writing this fic was...something...an experience...this was the first fic i ever had a beta? ??? (actually seagate didnt need to look this over but she did) and let me tell u like, i learned a lot ashdgasj i’ve never had someone look over my writing while im still writing it, and giving suggestions and pointing things out. this wouldnt come out as it is without help lmao. i would write a sentence and seagate would make it flow better; i translate my thoughts and seagate made sure it isnt whack (english is not my first language), checked that my tenses isn’t all over the place, that i dont get lost with characterization etc

would i get a beta again? probably. i’ll make sure to finish a draft first before letting them look it over 😄

dizzy on the comedown (oneshot) / hp, tomarry, same age au, fluff

Tom and Harry visit Hogwarts after the war.

- this is all my fluff powers!!! all of it!!!! i love the comments in this fic!!! instant smile on my face!! im just assuming the people who read this just went uwu and somft and squish 🤣

but also lmao, this fic was stressful to write! i remember struggling to finish this since this fic was pure “pantser“ fic. there is so much to improve on this one; i don’t think it’s my best writing but also not the worst??? idk it’s a so-so for me but im happy that people like it, so thank you!!!

again thank you for the tag and ask (pahn and dia)! tagging these lovely writers too!! (no pressure!)

@riddleandpottersittinginatree @cardio-vore @mishqua @phoenixmaiden-writing @literaryavalanche @hikarimeroperiddle @vestiges-of-light @penmanner @azuredreammira @exarite @vanillaghost @immxrtalbi @circleofplanets @marvolord @greenbriars @isleoffanfiction @childotkw

#tomarry #harrymort #tag meme #hp #replies

[slightlyrebelliouswriter23]

Hi, I'm currently working on a novel for school, and im having a little trouble writing fluff chapters (though those are usually my favourite to read in books 🤷‍♀️) do you have any advice?

Plot 101: Writing the Emotional Undercurrent

Hi there!

First, I think it’s important to clarify that the “fluff” chapters @hugeolnerd is referring to are not the fanfiction category of “Fluff” (I checked with her just to be sure).

In novel writing, fluff chapters are the chapters which fall between major plot points. These are typically the scenes that have lower stakes and less action—but this doesn’t make them any less important to the plot.

I. Two Stories In One

There are many ways to outline a story, but I think where a lot of people go wrong when they think about plot is thinking of it as one continuous line with one peak. Like this:

While this is a bog standard plot outline, and one you can certainly use if it works for you, it doesn’t quite cover the nuances of story writing. And if you’re struggling getting from Plot Point A to Plot Point B, this outline doesn’t really tell you much about how to get there.

If you’re facing difficulties writing these in-between scenes, it probably means you’re more focused on the surface level of the story, rather than what’s going on underneath.

I like to think of a plot as being two stories in one. The first being the Action Story (i.e. everything that’s happening on the outside) and the Emotion Story (i.e. what is happening with your main character(s) internally). 

So when I’m drawing a plot outline, it looks something like this:

As you can see, there are two plots happening alongside each other. The green line represents the action plot while the blue line represents the character’s emotional journey.

If you’re looking for a more organised plot outline, you can use one with one line but different coloured dots sitting above and below the line, like this:

In this one, the action plot points are green and sit above the line (or surface of the story). The emotional plot points are blue and sit below the line (or surface of the story).

Now, not every plot outline will look the same in terms of shape, so the ones I drew above don’t have to be the stencil you use for your plot. But when you’re talking about fluff chapters, you’re most certainly going to be focused on that blue line or those blue dots.

II. It’s All About Character

I’d argue all plot is about character, but especially your blue plot line.

The emotional plot is all about your main character. So make sure you have a really good sense of who your character is and what drives them. 

This doesn’t mean knowing the minute details like what their favorite foods are, what their star sign is, or what they eat for breakfast every morning. This means answering three important questions:

What lie do they believe?

What do they want most in this world and what can I do as the writer to keep them from getting this thing?

What lesson do they have to learn in order to achieve that thing?

Often times, the “lesson” they’re going to have to learn is that the lie they’ve been told isn’t true. Your character won’t learn this lesson all at once. It’ll take a combination of emotional and physical plot to get them there. But learning this lesson is what I would consider the “Emotional Climax” of your plot.

The questions above are what you’re going to focus on during these “fluff”/emotional chapters. Once you’ve answered these questions for your character, you can get down to the specifics of the fluff scene.

III. The Purpose of Fluff Scenes

When you’re trying to come up with ideas for fluff scenes, one of the main questions you should ask yourself is: What purpose would a fluff scene serve at this point in my plot? 

There are more than a couple answers to this:

Emotional scenes help your character figure out what they need to figure out to get them to the next action-based plot point. 

They can work to build the world you’ve created, showing small but important details about the character’s lives.

They help the character/readers untangle what just happened in the previous action-heavy scene. 

They can also help the readers understand more fully the established relationships between your MC and other characters in the story.

They can help build new relationships between two characters.

Fluff chapters also give the reader a break from action-heavy scenes with high stakes. Think of the emotional scenes as a chance for the reader (and character) to breathe. I would advise having at least one emotional or “fluff” chapter for every one or two action-heavy scenes to keep the balance.

Maybe your MC strengthens their bond with another character. Maybe another character says something to them that sticks and drives them to their next move. Maybe they realise something about themselves that changes the way they conduct themselves in action-heavy scenes.

At the end of the day, no matter if it’s an action-heavy scene or a fluff scene, it should show something about/to the character. It should serve a purpose. Arguably, no scene is “just fluff”. If you’re doing your job right as an author, every scene should be working towards furthering either a physical or emotional journey for your MC.

Hope this helped! Happy writing.

-Em 🖤🗡

Writing Tip Masterlist

Fic Masterlist

Celebrate 2K with me!

#thanks for the ask love!! #writing #writing tips #writing advice #writing plot #writing character #writeblr #writer things #writer's life #writer's problems #writer's desk #novel writing #writer #plot #character #writing tip masterlist #why is a raven like a writing desk? #asked and answered #em answers #hugeolnerd

[starlightshore]

im kinda want to get into this sort of thing so is it okay to ask u a few questions? if not just delete this, but here goes? would u reccomend game maker studio 2, and how hard is it to use in ur opinion? and is there anything u wish u knew at the beginning of making ur fangame?

aw anon you’re so sweet! don’t worry about asking about this, its really exciting to make games and trying new things! i would not say i’m an expert, and i wouldn’t even say i know gml like. at all. i just understand a how the code is used, but now what the code itself is or what to type exactly. like, i understand the theory more so than actually doing it. which is, eh, fine? i’m getting by, and i’m still learning. i’ve only been using gms 2 for 2 months now.

also, i’m using a fangame engine! i feel its kinda like cheating lmao, but its just meant to be a framework to build your own thing off of. and i still need to learn gms2 to use it, and i plan on doing more advanced and complicated things (ie: changing how battles even work structurally.) so. i’m not good at gsm2 yet, but uh, really once you understand coding its not any harder than i’d imagine w/ other professional game engines. compared to unity, i like this better because it seems built on the idea of making 2d sprite games. its SO much more simpler and the userface (while. i’m not a fan of how it has its workspace but whatever) is simple and easy to grasp.

i can’t say for certain if i recommend game maker. its very pricey and doesn’t go on sale often. (big sales i mean, it goes on 15% somewhat frequently) i really, really recommend doing your research first. 

so here i talk about what game engines i’ve used over the last year. (also i hear Godot is good!)

at the end of that post i said this: “TLDR; figure out what kind of game and story you want to tell/make. i could of saved a year’s worth of work if i just sat myself down and realized i wanted to make a completely new fangame separate from my old blog stuff. and that i wanted to make an rpg specifically.“

and so! past me has good advice. figure out the scope and what story do you want to tell. with AL, I know it has 2 chapters, and rn i’m only concentrating on chapter 1. chp 1 has 7 nights and one area where you fight enemies. its very story/character driven and is more so like. a deconstruction of the rpg genre than an actual rpg game. (i know that the word deconstruction is over used as hell, but it is what this is.)

it builds off the themes of the original, while focusing on things that i want to focus on and develop. ut, at it’s heart, is about stories and grief, i’m just taking it to a different extreme and angle.

uh, anyway, i really wish i knew what i wanted to make and understood the source material more and what i wanted to make. i’ve. thought really really hard over what UT means, what message toby was trying to convey, how he did it and what I thought about it. understanding what YOU want from and for your project is the most important thing. WHY do you want to make this? WHAT do you want people to feel and think about when playing? or even, after playing? it doesn’t have to be super deep either.

so, figure out what you what to make, and then you can work on the how. really plan your story, but honestly i wouldn’t recommend planning it in super big details right off. also, super helpful to have a friend help you brainstorm and plot check things for you. (shout out to my friend the sniffer

anyway, don’t plan things TOO detailed because things are GOING to change no matter how well you plan! just try to get get an outline done, then rewrite it 5 more times and then MAYBE you’ll be ready to tackle a more detailed version. then write it 5 more times. i can’t stress enough how important planning is, and how you shouldn’t expect everything to work out even on draft 10! things will work, and when they do, draft 10 is going to look like bad awful nonsense cause you’re at draft 20 now and everything is much more coherent and better. games aren’t written or consumed all at once on the fly. its not a piece of fanart, a fanfic, a comic. its not updated more than once. its out, and then its just out. plan for it.

and real quick, don’t worry about art assets! depending on how you do the art, that’s most likely going to change and its going to be polished LAST. i could go more into how you should think of art when game developing, but thats another topic. just. honestly use shitty art assets and worry about it later.

kris’ place holder sprite for deltarune ^ it don’t need to be pretty, it needs to be practical.

second advice: start SMALL!!! i feel i should of done this, and frankly i probably will have to sit down and do this lmao, basically, you should make boring small games to learn the basics. I know, i know, nobody really wants to recreate asteroid when you got big ideas of making stories and animations u wanna make. but like. you really need to figure out how the program works and how the code works in theory and practice.

ok so like, think of coding like this. i got this from a skillshare video series, so uh. i’m going to retell this but in a shittier and likely less nuanced way. sorry

ok so imagine. you’re telling this guy who is trying to get to Gary’s house. now, Gary’s house is just down the road, few houses down, now, you can tell this guy that and he’ll likely find the house just fine. but if you’re telling a robot it’s not going to understand what “down the road” means. what road? how long? it needs instructions that are simple and work in a language it understands.

so you tell the robot “go down two houses, stop at sign until x seconds pass, turn right, go forward 1 house, turn ect. stop at house, ring doorbell. IF Gary answers, go inside; ELSE: do not go inside, wait;

so this what i mean by understanding the theory behind the code rather than the code itself. yes there’s complexities and differences in each language, but they’re ALL based on the same concepts. different program languages are less like different speech languages, but rather different dialects of the same. (uh, like us english vs uk english) its just different rules and “spellings” of the same core concepts.

next advice: don’t be afraid to ask for help! but also! do so within reason! if people are OPEN for helping, be sure do so in the right environment and within what time works for them. compensate people for the time and effort if you can. ALWAYS try to figure out the solution yourself first. often with coding, it can be a simple solution that you could of thought of yourself if you took the initiative to. google is your friend, youtube is your friend! (ok, youtube isn’t, but in this case! yes!) the answer might not always be easy to find, and its perfectly fine to look for help but its good to at least try on your own first!

speaking of which! LEARN LEARN LEARN! be ready to devote A LOT of time to watching and reading about game development. this goes to every game making program, not just gms2. i watch. so many videos on gms. i rec having the video play at 1.5x or 2x speed to cut down time. obvs you still need to retain the information, so speed might be not a good idea then. and its REALLY GOOD to pause and type out the code and follow along. but its also good to just understand the concepts, and theres no harm in rewatching once you’ve understood it  better at a different speed.

things WILL click and work out for you, and its going to be a very time consuming and long journey to get there. i LOVE making this game and telling this story but I also had no idea what i was getting into! and i probably will have more advice once i’m further in, (i’ve only used gms 2 for 2 months!) but thats the best i can say for now! i hope you pursue your dreams and start making things!!! you can do it!!! 

the best time to start is yesterday, the second best time is right now! even if you put a little effort into it everyday, you’ll  build up progress and you can learn SO MUCH over time and theres this whole world of possibilities out there! the world NEEDS your story and your perspective, and i think creating it in anyway you can is necessary for humanity! your work will mean something to someone someday, and i am so excited for you to start your journey!

#i know u probs meant gms2 specifically but this got a little out of hand lmao #long post #personal stuff #sams replies #Anonymous

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 120

into the nether we go! (again)

Ragnarok: -_______- *gritted teeth* "Thank you, come again...GAH, THESE CUSTOMERS ARE THE WORST!"

kyouko: tough first day?

Ragnarok: "I hate these flipping customers and want to kill them."

kyouko: well, murder's illegal, so best you can do is grin and bear it.

Ragnarok: "..." *CREEPY BIG-TEETH DEMONIC GRIN*

kyouko:.... ._.

-elsewhere-

Danro: *slams open the door to his office...secretaries are seated, doing various tasks and talking until he marches in*

secretary: *looks up*

Secretary 2: "!!!" *stands up, salutes* "SIR!"

secretary: *does the same*

Danro: *salute* "At ease..." *marches by--then stops to look at photos* "...Wait, is this a new one of little Melody? How did she get so big?!!!"

secretary 3: yes, she starts kindergarden this September.

Danro: "How time flies! Congratulations! I'm sure you're worried sick to send her away!"

secretary 3: it is pretty scary, but im sure things will work out, right?

Danro: "..." *nods* "Good...Good attitude...I have work to finish. Take a message if anyone calls--unless family."

secretary: yes sir.

Danro: *marches into his office...sits down at his desk...buries his head in his hands*

{baby!maki: dada! up! up!}

{Danro: "Hee hee! As you wish..." *lifts her up, making an airplane ZOOM noise*}

{baby!maki: *laughs*}

*drip drip*

Danro: *shedding tears onto his desk*

-elsewhere-

Takehisa: "..."

{Takehisa: *drops his suitcase* "Well, here we are."}

{Akitaru: *staring up at the dilapidated cathedral* "...BEAUTIFUL!" *turns to Maki* "Isn't that right, cadet?! Or, um...Oze."}

{maki: just maki is fine, u-unless that's too unprofessional-}

{Takehisa: "You should refer to your commanding officer as 'sir,' or 'Commander Obi,' cadet."}

{maki: s-sorry sir!}

{Akitaru: *slaps Takehisa on the back* "Relax, Hinawa! We're firefighters! What, the military didn't take the stick out your butt when discharging you?"

{Takehisa: "...There is nothing up there, sir."}

{Akitaru: "...Maki, be honest--is he always this relaxed?"}

{maki: not that I can remember?}

{Akitaru: *smiles* "Then we'll need to do something about that!" *drops his bags off his shoulders--all 15 of them* "Starting with giving our new haunt a paint job!"}

Takehisa: "..." *shifts a photo hanging on the wall, showing the three of them in paint-covered overalls in front of the cathedral*

-elsewhere-

miyuri: papa? what's 'IKEA'?

Chuuya: "A furniture store."

miyuri: oooooh! is that where you got mito's castle?

mito: *at the top of the cat tower, lounging in the sunlight*

Chuuya: "Yeah, actually, it is..."

miyuri: WOW!

Chuuya: "They have a lot of furniture, but I did an online order--I didn't want to get lost in the store."

miyuri: ??

Chuuya: "Oh--Ikea's pretty big, almost like a maze trying to get through it all."

miyuri: REALLY?! OwO

Chuuya: "..." *smiles* "Like a castle full of furniture. And even has a restaurant inside."

miyuri: CAN WE GO?! OwO

Chuuya: ^^; "It's kind of a long visit...You'll need some comfortable shoes."

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: *adjusts his sunglasses, waiting outside the toilet stall* "..." *knocks* "Hurry up in there--I don't have all day to babysit you."

Q: going to the poooottyyyyy~ going to the poooottyyyy~

Akutagawa: "And now they're singing--goddamn it..." *checks his phone*

-elsewhere-

Yosano: *examining ice cream flavors* "Hmm...I think this one--the black cherry."

naomi: ooooh! fancy!

Yosano: "What about you, Maki?"

*seem to be sorbets, yogurts, different toppings*

maki: i'll go for vanilla.

naomi: you ok, maki?

Hyde: "Always a popular choice!" *scoops some up*

maki: THANK YOU!

Yosano: ._____. "...That's quite a reaction to just vanilla. Seriously, what's up?"

maki: whatever do you mean? IM JUST FINE! *forced smile*

Hyde: "...Ma'am, you don't need to stab the ice cream--the spoon is plastic..."

naomi:....listen, if you're on your cycle, you can just tell us, yosano's a doctor and this is totally natural, you don't have to be ashamed.

maki: no, it's not that.

Yosano: -_-; *pats Naomi's shoulder* "Excellent tact...Is something wrong at work?"

Hyde: *has already covered his ears*

maki: well, for starters, my brother is a complete asshat and my dad just doesn't get my choice to join the 8th brigade and- *she rambles for a bit*

Tanizaki: *still standing behind them, holding boxes and shopping bags* "Yep, brothers can suck..." T~T

naomi: *listening to maki ranting and nodding*

Yosano: O_O; "Um...I empathize, and it's great you're not letting your family tell you what to do...But you're an adult--they have no control over you."

maki: exactly! but try telling my old man, he's so stubborn!

hyde: yeah girl, guys are dicks sometimes.

maki: we weren't talking to you?

hyde: solidarity, fam.

Yosano: "..." *sweet smile* "And you're tenacious--not giving up on what you want despite what someone thinks."

maki: thanks, yosano.

-ping-

naomi: ?? oh! naho just sent us a link to the new chapter of her fanfic!

maki: LEMME SEE!

Tanizaki: "OH LORD, NO!"

Hyde: "..." *puts on a helmet, hides behind the counter* ("Not dealing with her writing again...")

naomi:...…*inhales* niccccceeeeee.

Yosano: "..." *glances over their shoulder*

maki: she's really improved since first chapter. im proud of her.

Yosano: "Has she been writing long?"

-elsewhere-

Arthur: *standing in his boxers, arms extended to his sides* "Is this almost over? I feel cold." *he has sensors taped onto him*

Viktor: *checking monitors* "Just confirming my theory--the 8th managed to attract some of the most powerful pyrokinetics, I guess out of dumb luck."

Akitaru: "...Let's just say 'luck,' okay? So, what have you learned?"

Viktor: *holds up an 8th jacket* "You know how Haijima makes fireproof clothes, and yet Shinra keeps burning through his shoes and Tamaki burns through...everything else?"

komori: *holds up a note* <your point being?>

Viktor: "I got curious trying to figure out the maximum temperature, and here's what I found..." *pulls down a curtain, on which he has taped heat-signature outlines of...* "Arthur has almost no resistance to flames on his body despite his pyrokinetic abilities. Shinra does better but only at his feet, meaning he is susceptible to fire on other extremities. But Tamaki, as shown here, has almost total resistance to fire anywhere on her body. You could toss her into an open fire with her suffering no physical damage."

Akitaru: "Gee, isn't that lucky."

tamaki: ._.

shinra:....so in theory, we could burn her at the stake like joan of arc and she'd be fine?

tamaki: SHINRA!

shinra: .-.; sorry, that was uncalled for.

Iris: "Kind of heretical, too."

Petra: -_-#

Viktor: "I do want to keep testing how high the temperatures can get. That's why I had Vulcan make this..." *pulls down a curtain, revealing--* "The Incinerator 4200!"

*The Incinerator has a tiger design to it*

shinra: 0_0;

Viktor: "Who wants to be the first volunteer? Shinra? You can just dip your feet in." *kicks the side, as a foot massager pops out--on fire*

shinra:.... Q~Q;;;;

-elsewhere-

Takigi: *checking the underground maps before looking down the street*

takigi's partner: *looking around*

Takigi: *points* "That stairway--that's the spot where the latest victim was found."

takigi's partner: hmm

Takigi: "The chief seemed really concerned about this--seems like they got the order from higher up to check into the Nether..."

takigi's partner: not to sound intrusive, but your sister was in the nether some time ago, did she tell you anything?

Takigi: *nods* "It's come up in conversations. It sounded like she was embellishing some things, but it's backed up by the 8th's report...even if the 8th isn't exactly more reliable."

takigi's partner: still, they were at the sight of a lot of major events recently.

Takigi: "...Because they keep running recklessly without thinking."

takigi's partner: ...so how is she doing?

Takigi: *DEATH GLARE*

takigi's partner:..... >->;

Takigi: *still frowning, as he looks down the steps* "...That door...You can still see the blood splatter."

*there's police tape around the crime scene*

takigi's partner: criminy, my mom would be rolling in her grave if she knew i was down here.

Takigi: *removes the tape--then grimace* "Ugh--assuming the smell wouldn't wake her up first..." *pulls out his flashlight and gun, before opening the door* "Get ready..."

takigi's partner:.....

Takigi: *studying the paths* "Don't get lost here..."

takigi's partner: *looking around*

*there's something along the floor...*

takigi's partner: hey, take a look at this...

Takigi: "?! Scorch marks, scratches--and fresh, too..."

*CLANG...RATTLE...in the distance*

takigi's partner: ?!?! what was that? *aims his light*

*the maze shows a sign: "Boiler Room ----> "*

takigi's partner: *looks at him*

Takigi: "Why would it still be running here..." *leads the way to the boiler room...* "Cover me..." *kicks down the door*

takigi's partner: DCPD! GET DOWN!.....!?!?!??!

*it's...a lab? there are terraria with animals and plants, a bloody gurney and...a skull in a glass case?*

Takigi: "...Why didn't the police find this..."

takigi's partner: who could this even belong to...some mad scientist?

Takigi: "There are enough of them in this town--hell, just in Haijima...!!! Look! The reports talked about using bugs to induce SHC."

takigi's partner: then, that would mean the white hoods had been here...

*something shift in the shadows, a bit of light reaching Takigi's eyes*

Takigi: "?!" *swings around, aims* "DCPD! FREEZE!" *takes a step forward--*

*CRUNCH*

Takigi: "???" *glances down* "?! The hell?!!"

takigi's partner: SHIT! an infernal?....it's not moving, though.....

Takigi: "An Infernal shouldn't be this well preserved if dead--it should be just ashes...Why is the core still intact..." *still aiming at the shadow* "Step out. Now!"

-beep....beep...beep...beep-

Hood: *steps out--with a bomb strapped to their chest!*

takigi's partner: !!!! WE NEED TO GO, NOW!

*BEEEEEEEEEEP--*

Takigi: "?!!! GET BACK--"

-elsewhere-

*a street level, the ground shakes, as an explosion can be heard*

kyouko: ?!?!? what the hell? !!! *summons her diamond barrier to keep a shoe rack from falling over* *phew* yikes....you alright, sir?

Customer: *holding onto a box of shoes* "Y-Yeah...Was that an earthquake?"

Ragnarok: "...The earth quaked. So, yes. Moron."

*a sewer grid cover had flown up--and landed on a short young adult--*

Mineta: X______X

kyouko: ...well, no one got hurt at least.

Customer: "True...Sorry, I'm in a bit of a rush--I better check with my commander." *sets down the box at the register, dials his phone...*

-back underground-

*there's fire...there's smoke...the lab is demolished...metal pipes broken and litter the floor...steam escaping out of the broken pipes...*

takigi's partner: *coughing* ugh...oze! oze, are you alright??!

*Takigi's partner is bleeding from the forehead, barely able to stand--but he looks relatively unharmed...*

*there's a crater in front of his partner...*

takigi's partner: !!! oze!!

*in the crater is Takigi, in the Yamcha position...he doesn't look too good...*

-elsewhere-

Haumea: *smiling to herself* "Arrow, the blush, please~"

sho: nnnn.... *he's barely conscious*

arrow:....and this benefits us, how?

Haumea: "Ain't it, though~? It's like our own little family. What do you say, Sho?"

sho: .........

Haumea: "That's right..."

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: "... ... ..." *hangs up*

karin: ??

Akitaru: "That was the hospital, looking for Maki."

karin: what happened?

Akitaru: *sighs* "I need to call her--her brother got caught in an explosion."

karin: !!!!

-elsewhere-

Yosano: "Just set them down anywhere."

Tanizaki: *does so--and falls onto the couch*

maki: i think i picked this one out...

naomi: sounds about right..

Yosano: "I'm glad they wrapped this one up--never too early for some birthday shopping."

Tanizaki: "Zzz..."

*the Agency phone rings*

kirako: armed detective agency, kirako haruno speaking, how may i help you?.......oh...one second. maki! it's your commander!

maki: oh? hey commander, what's up?

Akitaru: "Maki...Something's happened."

maki: .........

Akitaru: "Your brother Takigi is in the hospital--"

maki: !!!!!!! *her eyes widen as her hand shakes*

Yosano: "???"

-elsewhere-

Spirit: "Heading to bed, kiddo?"

izumi: yep.

sachiko: make sure you brush your teeth!

izumi: will do!

Spirit: "Night, Izumi."

-elsewhere-

Asher: *slides the window up, climbs down the fire escape quietly...*

-it's fairly quiet, but a family a few windows down seems to be watching a movie on the tv-

Asher: "..." *quiet sigh before getting down to street level...looks back at the apartment*

-a few mice scurry into their hole, carrying food bits in their mouths-

Asher: "..." *closes up their jacket before walking down the street*

-a can is knocked over-

Asher: *looks behind them, arm extended--*

kazue:.........

Asher: "??? Kazue? The hell you doing out?"

kazue: *holds up a sign* <on patrol, you?>

Asher: "...Sneaking out. Wait, 'patrol'? What do you do?"

kazue:....<that's classified for the most part.>

Asher: >_>; "Tch, okay, sure...Need company?"

-elsewhere-

Blair: *in cat form* "Who are we missing?"

mito: <sorry im late everyone!>

banjo: <ayyy mito!> ^w^

Natsume: "Now, remember how we practiced."

-the cats start meow-singing-

sayaka: how do these cats have such talent?!

Kuro: *joining in the harmony*

Bakugo: *covering his head with a pillow, groaning*

-morning-

Asher: *sniffles, yawns, looks around*

-sunlight peeks through the broken windows and cracks in the ceiling in a warehouse-

Asher: "...?" *sits up* "Kazue? ...Please tell me you're not hanging up like a vampire bat or something."

kazue: *sleeping against a pole in the corner*

Asher: "..." *checks their phone*

-elsewhere-

mina: hmm, oh! the new chapter of 'Manami Love Panic' just posted!

Jiro: "??? For real?"

mina: yep! ^^ looks like they're starting a summer vacation arc now!

Jiro: "Timely." *leans on Mina's shoulder, reading over it*

-elsewhere-

Takigi: *sitting up on a bench in the hospital hallway*

sachiko: mr oze! what are you doing out of your room?!

Takigi: "I got bored. I was thinking of visiting some other patients, taking a walk, maybe taking in a round of ping-pong--"

sachiko: need i remind you what you are in here for? burnt face, burnt forearm, left arm fractured, bruises all over, some injuries will take three months to heal!

Takigi: "Tch. I'm fine--Oze's heal quickly. How about you take a walk and cool off before you get an aneurysm."

sachiko: now liste-

Dr. John: *pat pat* "How about we leave Detective Oze alone for a bit, Sachiko?" ^^;

sachiko:...hmph. alright. but i better see you back in your room, mister! *gives him the 'im watching you' sign*

Takigi: "All in good time..." *waves her off*

???: causing trouble again, honey?

Takigi: O\\\\\O *turns around* "Sw-Sweetie muffin?!"

takigi's GF: ^^ *hands him a bento*

Takigi: "Oh, wow--this looks incredible! Thank you! D-Did you get my voicemail? I didn't hear from you..."

-elsewhere-

maki:......

Takehisa: "...Have you eaten?"

maki:...yeah..

Takehisa: "...The doctors promised to call it there were any changes. And you are on leave if you want..."

maki:.....ok....

Takehisa: "...I'm sorry."

-elsewhere-

Sid: "Kazue, Asher--you're late."

Asher: -_-;

kazue: ....

Sid: *groans* "Have a seat--get notes from your classmates after...Now, we return to the discussion about limb-weapon displacement--"

Asher: *sits with Izumi*

izumi: you ok?

Asher: "..." *nods* "My sister didn't call did she?"

izumi: she did actually.

Asher: >_<; "I'm in deep shit, huh?"

-elsewhere-

Hajiki: *hanging from the flagpole* "WHY AM I UP HERE?!"

hito: i was about to ask the same thing.

Hajiki: "I CAN'T REMEMBER, AND I AM SCARED I WILL LOSE MY GRIP AND FALL! IS THERE A...THAT THING WITH THE...WOOD STEPS?"

hito: you mean a ladder?

Hajiki: "YES, A LADDER, PLEASE!"

-elsewhere-

Kouyou: *looking at the menu* "Hmm..."

miyuri: wooooooow! *shiny eyes at what all is on the menu*

*the kids' menu lists 'dinosaur chicken nuggets'*

miyuri: are there dino-chickens?!

Kouyou: ^^; "I think they just cut the chicken into dinosaur shapes..."

miyuri: oooh.

Kouyou: "Sonia, you hungry?"

sonia:... i think i'll just get a cheeseburger and some fries.

Kouyou: *nods* "I'm intrigued by the tsukemono--"

???: "WOOF!"

sonia: ??

Otis: *pants, looking through the gate between the restaurant patio and the sidewalk*

miyuri: puppy!

Kouyou: "!!! Careful, Miyuri--"

Otis: *fits his nose through the gate posts*

miyuri: hi puppy! ^w^

Otis: *pants, licks her hand*

miyuri: *giggles* ^w^

Kouyou: -_-;

sonia: h-hello sir...

Keller: *holds onto Otis's leash* "Howdy. Old Otis isn't giving you any trouble, is he?"

Otis: *nuzzle*

sonia:....he sees to be doing well...

Keller: *nods* "Good."

Kouyou: *clears her throat*

Keller: "..." *tugs on Otis's leash*

miyuri: bye bye, puppy. *waves*

Otis: "WOOF!" *walks off with Keller*

-elsewhere-

Daisy: *sets down a bagged lunch with 'Daisy' written on it in marker* -_-# "Any of you say a word, and you get a spork to the eye..." *takes out a bagged sandwich--and a note drops out with it* "..." *groans*

louisa: ??

Daisy: *groans* "Damn it, Mom...Your parental units ever do embarrassing stuff..."

louisa: well, it's been a while since i spoke to them, so....

Daisy: "...Sorry." *offers half a cookie*

-elsewhere-

Axel: *running track against classmates*

zeke: yeah! woohoo!

Yafeu: *almost running into Stephanie's lane* "WATCH IT!"

stephanie: sorry~

Monica: *sitting on the stands with Genny* "The hell you ain't running?"

genny: PE is not my strong suit.....

Derek: "Hardly an excuse--you'll just fall behind at that rate." *has a timing chart*

lei-lei: *waves to genny*

Monica: "YOLANDA--MOVE YOUR ASS!"

-elsewhere-

Medusa: *passes her hand over a vial to spread out its vapor*

stheno:.....so what's the plan exactly?

Medusa: "Numbers."

stheno: ??

Medusa: "To win this war, we must win hearts and minds--increase our forces, our numbers."

stheno: as in recruiting people?

Medusa: "In so many words, yes. I'm trying to locate the nearest one..."

-elsewhere-

Takigi: *on the phone* "No, you tell Sansa to take this up with the chief--we need to find what was down there!"

nurse: mr oze, you have a visitor.

Takigi: "I'm at work--tell them to wait."

nurse: it's your father.

Takigi: O______O "...I'll call you back." *hangs up, stands up--and grimaces in pain* "AH!"

Nurse 2: "... ... ..." *whispers* "They're like little forests--above his eyes!"

nurse: shh!

Danro: "TAKIGI! YOU LOOK AFRIGHT!"

Takigi: "I-I'm fine, sir!" *salute--with the wrong arm* "...Ow."

Danro: "We were so worried about you! This is too dangerous!"

madoka oze: we're just...happy you're alright...

Takigi: Q_Q; "Mom? I-I'm sorry--I didn't mean to worry you." *awkward one-arm hug* "Where's Maki?"

madoka oze: she's....at work still.

Takigi: "..." *nods* "Okay...Alright."

Danro: "...Sit down. Your mother didn't go to all this work to make you a decent meal for you to waste it."

madoka oze: yeah, i know how crappy hospital food can be.

Nurse 3: "Grr...Can you believe the nerve of this family?!"

Nurse 2: "...Do raccoons live in those things?"

nurse: -_-# carol i swear to god.

-elsewhere-

-knock on the gallows mansion doors-

liz: yes?

tsubaki: hi, mind if we use your shower? ours has been monopolized. ^^;

Black Star: -n- "We adopted too many brats."

liz: um actually it's a bit....occupied at the moment.

Black Star: "??? You have a flipping mansion--not one bathroom is available?"

liz: well-

Black Star: "Screw this! I feel sweaty and gross, and I need to be cleaned!" *marches to the bathroom, pulling his shirt off on the way*

liz: ah-

Black Star: *kicks down the door*

stocking: HEY!

Kid: "BLACK STAR! YOU PIECE OF--"

Black Star: "JEEZ! COVER UP!"

stocking: *TOSSES A BOTTLE OF SHAMPOO AT HIM*

Black Star: *dodges* "OKAY, I GET IT, I'M GOING!" *running*

Kid: "I'LL KILL YOU FOR THIS!"

stocking: *siiigh* well that was embarrassing.

Kid: T\\\\T

Black Star: *muttering* "They got bigger since the last time I walked in..."

stocking: I HEARD THAT! D8<

Kid: *stifles a laugh*

stocking: h-hey! >3<

Kid: "Is that wrong?" *cups her* "Seems to be."

stocking: *snerk* *cheek pull* meeeean~! Xp

Kid: "Hee hee..." *smooch*

stocking: *laughs* ^///^

Black Star: *walks back* "So. ...Liz, you got a shower in your bedroom, right? Or is Wes going to be in there?"

liz: there's a shower this way. -_-;

Black Star: "Thank you~" *pulling off his shoes and socks along the way*

liz: *closes the bathroom door*

stocking: thanks liz!

liz: no prob!

stocking: right....now, where were we~?

Kid: "Hmm...Not sure I remember. Care to jog my memory?"

stocking: *kiss* mmm~<3

-elsewhere-

Monica: "...You weren't entirely awful in track and field, Albarn."

izumi: oh, um. thank you.

Monica: >_>; "Better than some people--STEPH, YOU ALMOST GOT TRAMPLED BY THOSE MORONS!" *slams her locker door shut--which knocks down a row of them*

-elsewhere-

Sid: *sighs*

nygus: long day?

Sid: "You could say that..." *opens the fridge, pulling out a cup of yogurt* "The race in PE was a disaster."

nygus: *listening*

Sid: "Some of those first-years are so gung-ho on proving themselves that they rush in--just like the desert training. I even had two of them collide face-to-face in the track run, knocking heads."

nygus: yeah, they were in here.

Sid: "How bad was the diagnosis?"

nygus: one student got a concussion.

Sid: "?! Did you call up Kim?"

nygus: *nods*

-elsewhere-

oriko: *practicing violin*

Justin: "..." *has removed his headphones*

oriko: *still practicing*

Justin: *closes his eyes* ("It sounds...")

-seems she made an error-

oriko: oops. that's not right, let me try again... ^^;

Justin: "?"

oriko: it's been a while since i played last. ^^;

Justin: ^^ *nods* "It sounded good, all things considered."

oriko: thanks. *smiles*

Justin: "Well, I'll continue housework...Thank you for playing."

-elsewhere-

tsugumi: hmmm.. hey anya, meme? if you were weapons, what kind of weapon would you want to be?

Meme: "Axe chainsaw gun tonfa."

Anya: "..." *facepalm*

tsugumi: that's....a lot. *sweatdrop*

Meme: "Well, this is a thought experiment, and it never hurts to be prepared." ^^ "How about you, Anya?"

Anya: "Hmmm...Something classic, such as a spear."

tsugumi: hmmm. makes sense. and maybe the tip of the spear is shaped like a bird's wing!

mio: but arent _you_ the bird?

tsugumi: ^^;

Anya: "Hmmm...That could inflict more damage."

Meme: "Bird's the word."

Anya: "...What?"

tsugumi: ^^;

Meme: "I'll explain it later. How about you, Mio?"

mio:..... -_- i _am_ a weapon.

Meme: "Then what kind of meister would you want to be?"

mio: *sweatdrop*

-elsewhere-

ochako: *getting her work uniform on* ok, im ready for another shift!

Hyde: "Let's make that bread!"

ochako: YEAH!

Hyde: *opens up the baked good drawer, slides in the donuts* "There--bread!"

*the door jingles as someone enters*

ochako: welcome!

Vampa: "Bonjour!" *looking at bags of chips*

peppino: ^w^ ooooh these look so yummy!

Hyde: "We got a BOGO on those."

peppino: *GASP* oh my gosh look at these petit fours! they're so adorable! >w<

Vampa: "I think we could swing that." *to Ochaco* "Shopkeep, some of those, please."

ochako: right away sir!

Hyde: *watching them* "..."

Vampa: *picks up a pack of gum, studying it*

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *puts the pen down, studying the seating chart* "Okay, I think we're all set."

leo: *smiles*

Motojiro: "I feel like I'm missing something, though...You okay with the music?"

leo: well, i wrote a list of songs for the wedding and reception. what do you think?

Motojiro: *reads through them--and--* "GASP!"

leo: ?? is something wrong?

Motojiro: *patting her arm, pointing* "This one is sooooooo good!"

leo: ah. im glad.

Motojiro: *hands on both of her cheeks* "I love you so much." *smooch*

leo: mmm~<3

-elsewhere-

Kafka: *reading the newspaper, having a cup of tea* "Hmm. Feel Good Inc's stocks went up--"

Walter: *rips the paper out of his hands* "GREAT RAO, THEY HAVE A FILM MARATHON THIS WEEKEND!"

Kafka: *staring at his empty hands* "..." -_-#

etta: really?

hans: which films?

Walter: "Superhero stuff! They even have 'Invaders from Uranus'--the worst thing ever! All Might has a brief cameo in it!"

george: wait seriously?

wilhelm: *GIGGLING*

Kafka: "Be mature--"

Walter: "There's also a costume contest."

-elsewhere-

All Might: *in depowered form in the teacher's lounge, staring at his phone* "... ... ..." -_-# "I thought I burned all those film reels."

Izuku: ^^; "Actually, someone kickstarted an online fundraiser to restore the film."

-elsewhere-

Giriko: "Okay, be a good girl for your big sis, okay?"

anna: okie!

TOWKOW: we're gonna teach this kid how to ROCK! YEAH! XD

Giriko: "...Have fun with that--but she has developing ears, and if you make her deaf, I'll--"

malaria: i'll make sure she's ok, dad. ^^;

Giriko: "I know you will..." *head-pat*

-elsewhere-

Cervantes: *looking out the window* "...Le sigh."

marquis: is something the matter?

Cervantes: "Nothing...It's just, when it's springtime--"

Dumas: "SUMMER."

Cervantes: "--the heart yearns for what it lacks."

marquis: awww.

Dumas: -_-; "I can't believe you're thinking of that cop again...Your sparkles are getting everywhere."

Cervantes: *has a glitter pen that he's writing onto notebook paper* -3-

marquis: why dont you write her a letter?

Cervantes: OwO "EXCELLENT IDEA! Let me write the envelope and I can send one of the love poems I already wrote--" *addresses the envelope 'Dulcinea Toboso, c/o Interpol--'* "Hmm...Need the street address..."

-elsewhere-

*in a dark room, someone is tied to a gurney...bugs are seen in vials around them, as white-clad figures stare at them*

Victim: "Please--let me go! I need to go home!"

???: shhhhh....

Victim: *crying, losing their mind* "LET ME GO! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME! STOP!"

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: *on the phone* "..." *nods* "I understand...I'll need some time to re-organize."

tamaki: *her head is stuck in a cereal box....somehow* what's up?

Akitaru: "...Yes, thank you. I'll call back after I break the news. Goodbye." *hangs up* "...Orders from above..." *takes out a pair of children's safety scissors* "Stand still--I'll get you out of that..."

-elsewhere-

Honda: "LINE UP!"

hito: *salute*

Takeru: *salute* -~-;

Hajiki: *salutes--with the wrong hand*

Honda: "WE HAVE A NEW ASSIGNMENT!" *taps a pointer to the map of Death City, underground*

jonas: sir, this is-

Honda: "THE NETHER."

anton: *GULP*

Takeru: *silent screaming*

Hajiki: "Really? I thought the Nether was just some little itty part of a subway..."

-elsewhere-

Izuku: *holding his suitcase down* "Come on--fit, darn it."

inko: izuku? is everything alright in there?

Izuku: *grunts* "Y-Yeah! Just struggling to fit all of this into my suitcase--" *presses down and--*

*FWOMP*

*a pair of boxers flies out of his room and against the wall*

inko:.....do you need help?

Izuku: QwQ *flung back into a pile of clothes* "Yes, ma'am, please?"

-elsewhere-

Masaru: "Now let's all calm down and talk this out--"

mitsuki: why are you being such a stubborn little brat?! we're only trying to help!

Bakugo: "I can do this on my own! God, can't you give me some room to prove that?!"

mitsuki: you're just flinging everything in there all willy-nilly! it looks like you threw a tornado in there!

Bakugo: "I can find what I need--I HAVE A SYSTEM FOR THIS!"

-elsewhere-

Mr. Uraraka: ^^; "I don't think a suitcase is the place for a doggie..." *pat pat*

trixie: *tail wagging* *ARF!*

Mr. Uraraka: *squeezes a toy, which squeaks* *tosses it*

trixie: *NYOOM*

-elsewhere-

ganma: now, the trick i always use when packing is to put the flatter things at the bottom, like clothes.

Samidare: *digging through Tsu's boxes of snacks--*

satsuki: moooom! sami's trying to mooch off sis!

Samidare: >_< "Tat-pole-tail!"

Beru: "Samidare, put them down."

Samidare: -n- *puts them down*

-elsewhere-

Kyotoku: *reviewing the feeding schedule* "Hang on--that's all the bird feed needed?"

mika jirou: im surprised too.

bowie: *BWAWK* EAT SHIT! *BWAWK*

Kyotoku: "..." *groans* "Goddamn it."

-elsewhere-

ragdoll: *shaking a cat toy* come on snoopy, go get it!

snoopy: *mreow!*

Mandalay: *recording it on her phone* "So cute! I just can't!" >w<

pixie bob: dawww!

Tora: *flexing* "Kota, could you get me some water? And some for Snoopy's dish?"

kouta:...*grunts and walks off*

Mandalay: "..." *sighs*

-elsewhere-

Sansa: "And with Oze out, I've had to pick up on investigating that patchwork person."

minoura: which one?

Sansa: *holds up a photo--the man looks to have his face stapled, skin of different colors* "This one. Why, who's the other one?"

minoura: oh yeah, that one. thought you meant those weirdos at that clinic...

Sansa: "... I never want to mess with that 'doctor' ever again..." *shudders*

-elsewhere-

atsushi: do you know where we're going? [[kyouka trying to find where her parents are buried?]]

Kyoka: "...Honestly, this is a more challenging than I thought..." *looking around* "A lot has changed."

*they've already passed one house in the distance*

Kyoka: *staring at the house*

sylvia: *pant pant* w-wait up!

Kyoka: "Oh, sorry."

atsushi: *looks around*

*there's a field...with something sticking out of it*

atsushi: ??

Kyoka: "...There." *walks to it, struggling over the rockier terrain*

atsushi:....should we come with or....?

Kyoka: "Stay here." *walks up alone*

atsushi:......

{Kyoka, a child: *can't stop screaming*}

{mr izumi: kyouka? are you alright?}

{Kyoka: *crying--her knee looks bruised from tripping*}

{mr izumi: *helps her up* let's see here. *examining the injury*}

{*it looks like a small abrasion*}

{Kyoka: *sniffles, crying less loudly*}

{mr izumi: i think we can fix this no problem. let's get inside so we can clean the cut.}

Kyoka: *her hand on the marker, tears falling* "..." *she looks stone-faced*

demon snow:.......

Kyoka: *shakes* "Why..."

atsushi:.....??

-there seem to be two other figures standing by the grave-

demon snow:.....*puts her hand on kyouka's shoulder*

Kyoka: *can't speak, her throat tightening...falls to her knees*

demon snow:...*hug*

Kyoka: "..." *holds onto Demon Snow*

mrs izumi?: .... *small smile* i see she's in good hands...and good company.

Mr. Izumi?: *nods* "Look how much she's grown."

mrs izumi?: hard to believe it's been almost 4 years...

Mr. Izumi?: "...We missed so much..."

atsushi:....

mrs izumi?:...?? young man, you can see us, cant you?

atsushi: !!.....*small nod*

Mr. Izumi?: "You're Nakajima, yes?"

atsushi: *nod* (can you hear my thoughts?)

Mr. Izumi?: ("We can? ...!!! Oh, wow, this makes things easier!")

atsushi: (im still reasonably new to this 'seeing and hearing ghosts' thing.)

odasaku: *nod*

Mr. Izumi?: ("I see...You've been keeping an eye on our daughter.")

atsushi: (yeah, more like she's keeping an eye on me.) ^^;

mrs izumi?: *chuckle*

Mr. Izumi: ("Well, it's important to have someone to watch your back in this line of work.")

atsushi: (yeah...)

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: *looking from the Port Mafia Tower, down to a certain spot* "..."

miura: mr akutagawa?

Akutagawa: *coughs* "Y-Yes...?"

miura: what are you looking at?

Akutagawa: "..." *points to a spot* "Can you see down to Cage Street in the Slums?"

miura: you mean cone street?

Akutagawa: *shakes his head* "No, parallel to it--another street."

miura: oh.

Akutagawa: "...Used to steal from a shop there..."

miura:.....

-elsewhere-

Tanizaki: ._.; "He's been at it for hours--non-stop...I think he's going to stroke out."

Kunikida: *typing furiously*

aya: should i intervene?

Lucy: "Please do--the boss isn't ready for the game yet."

aya:....HI-CHA!

Kunikida: *stops typing with one hand to block, not even looking away from the screen* "I am busy, Aya."

aya: you cant skip out on rest! you're gonna get an ulcer!

Kunikida: "I already had my yearly check-up, and--"

yosano: your records disagree. ^^

Kunikida: -_-# "I appreciate your concern, Doctor, but I am managing my condition--"

Dazai: *kicks the side of the desk--as a drawer pops open into Kunikida's shin*

Kunikida: >_<# "OW! DAZ--"

*the drawer is full of energy drinks*

yosano:.......*grabs kunikida by the ponytail* you're coming with me.

Kunikida: Q__Q "OW! LET GO!"

-elsewhere-

Gin: "??? Q? What's wrong?"

Q: *squirming* >~<

Gin: "Did something happen? Or are you feeling sick?"

Q: i need to go!

Gin: *sighs* *knocks on the bathroom door* "Kuniko? Are you done in there?"

-elsewhere-

Kenji: *watering the tomatoes on the rooftop garden--then spots down on the street--* "Nankichii!"

nankichii: !! h-hi kenji!

Kenji: "Hang on--I'll be right down!" *leaps off the roof*

nankichii: a-are you alright?! D8>

Kenji: *had already swung on the drain pipes and lands on the sidewalk--producing two giant footprints shattered in the cement* "Yep!" ^w^ "I didn't get a chance to eat today..."

nankichii: .~.

Kenji: "What're you up to?"

-elsewhere-

Crimson Lotus Assassin: *taps the side of their head, causing their eyes to flicker* "..." <Two targets ahead.> *points at a building with no windows*

???: <good. move in.>

CL Assassin: *proceeds, sticking close to the floor, as if slithering*

*whispers can be heard inside the building*

???: *inside the building* "No, that goes underground..."

???: ugh, how are you supposed to navigate this place?

 ???: "The goggles and GPS device. Did you even listen to the orientation?"

*the lights go off inside*

???: oh what the fuck?

*SLICE*

???: ?!?!??!

*it sounds like something wet sprayed along the wall--before shining eyes pop up in the dark*

CL Assassin: *hiss*

???: ?!?!?! *pulls out a gun*

*the eyes dart away before vanishing*

???: shit shit shit!

*there's a noise on the wall behind them--before it breaks down, the moonlight shining in*

??? ?!?!?! where are you!?

*something drips on their shoulder*

???: *looks up*

*something rattles above them, as the CL Assassin descends with a hiss*

???: *SCREAMS*

*through the hole in the wall, others with shining eyes look in at the carnage*

-elsewhere-

Eugene: "She's still on the phone...Must be important."

frances: yes....understood....hm??.....!!! oh stop! >///<

London: *pats Eugene's shoulder* "Let her be, buddy. Come on, you still need to practice your ability."

Eugene: .____. "Do I? Really? We're still thawing out Ambrose..."

Ambrose: *encased in ice, looking pissed*

barrie: <-<;

Eugene: T~T "I'm trying my best! I just want to go home--my wife is worried sick..."

-morning-

Arthur: *petting the donkey's head on the wall* "Good, Silver Burro..."

shinra: *YAAAAAWN*

Arthur: "Thank you for continuing to serve as our sentry, Silburro..."

shinra: you know it cant answer you, right?

Arthur: "What does that matter? With or without life, its spirit serves as a shield against threats from the outside. Plus, we're in Death City--this is hardly the weirdest thing I could be doing."

shinra: .....i GUESS!

Arthur: "What irks me is how the Lieutenant's experiments have ruined Silburro's look..." *gestures to the horned hat on Silburro's head*

shinra: ....animal crossing?

Arthur: "??? But Silburro can't move?"

*a wad of paper falls out of Silburro's mouth*

Arthur: "... ... ..." *horrified silent screaming*

shinra: ???

Arthur: *pulls out a samurai sword* "Demon--how dare you defile Silburro with your paper refuse!"

shinra: hey! i didnt do it!

Arthur: *tackles Shinra*

maki: what's going on-..... owo

Arthur: *choke hold*

Iris: -_-; "Maki...Why is there paper in the donkey's mouth?"

maki: erm-

tamaki: littering is bad you know!

Iris: "So is improper disposal of waste--"

shinra: MERCY! DX>

Arthur: *knocked down, with Shinra on top of him*

tamaki: *examines the paper*

Iris: "How do you accumulate so much wasted paper, anyway?"

tamaki: o///////////////////////////o um....maki....

maki: they're.....old drafts.

Iris: "... ... ..." -_____-;

Relan: *walks in* "...Yikes. We're already starting this early?"

tamaki: *yanks shinra off* ok, that's enough rough-housing you two.

shinra: he started it!

Vulcan: "The 8th, a caravan of dummies..."

Arthur: "Don't put trash in Silburro's mouth!"

lisa: oh, that reminds me, maki.

maki: ??

lisa: the commander was looking for you.

-in Akitaru's office-

Akitaru: "..."

Takehisa: "..."

maki: *salutes* commander.

Akitaru: *salutes* "You may want to sit down for this..."

maki: what is it?

Takehisa: *hands her a report--it has a military seal on it*

maki: *her stomach drops as she opens it*..........!!!!!!????

Akitaru: "With the 2nd leading a mission into the Nether, it was thought best that you--"

maki: go back to the military?! but im a firefighter now!

Akitaru: "But given what happened to your brother, General Oze thought--"

maki: my dad? tch- of course he would issue this. well, since this is a family matter, i can easily decline to it!

Akitaru: "Your father is just worried--and I have to agree. This mission will be more dangerous than last time. The Hoods are liked caged rats, ready to attack, and unless we want to upset the 2nd and the military, we have to be smart how we handle this."

maki: you're seriously agreeing to this?! captain, talk some sense into him!

Takehisa: "...Officer Oze. I order you to return to the military."

maki: ......y-you cant be serious!

Takehisa: "There are reasons for this decision--"

maki: and what reason is that?!

Takehisa: "..."

Akitaru: "...Tell her."

Takehisa: *clear his throat--*

-outside-

Iris: >_> "So...What are they saying?"

shinra: i cant hear, this door is too thick.

tamaki: just like your head.

Arthur: "Ha." *has a glass to the door* "Hang on...Okay, the Commander just say 'Bonk.' Or maybe 'Donk.'"

tamaki: -_-;

nozomi: you're...holding it the wrong way.

Arthur: *has the glass stuck over his ear* "What? I can't hear--"

*the door slams open*

maki: ...... *she seems upset*

tamaki: ._.;

Vulcan: "??? So what--"

maki: *glare*

shinra: OxO;;;;;

Arthur: "Oh dear--they have awaken the ogre--"

maki: *storms to her room and slams the door shut*

shinra:.....

-elsewhere-

Takeru: *quiet whine of worry...*

hito: *cleaning guns* the nether, huh?

Takeru: "That is too, too dangerous! I read the reports and heard from the 8th--Kusakabe was stabbed nearly to death in there!" >~<

hito: hmmm.

Takeru: "I don't know what to do--I never wanted to be in the military! I was just recruited because my power is too much for traditional means to contain--" *starts heating up*

hito: easy, easy now.

Takeru: *grabs a paper bag, starts breathing into it*

hito: ..... (is this really the best place for him? dad, you always told me that being a soldier means being brave and doing the right thing, no matter how dangerous.)

Honda: *serious face as he walks by* "Morning, soldiers!"

hito: *salutes* sir!

Takeru: "EEP!" *flings the bag up--on fire*

-elsewhere-

Meme: "??? Who's she on the phone with?"

tsugumi: oh, well....i-i'll ask miss misery if she can set something up for you....h-hey, it's ok! it's only temporary, right? you'll be back in no time!

Anya: "Some guest, it sounds like..."

tsugumi: ok...see you soon. *hangs up* *phew*

Meme: "You okay?"

-tsugumi explains the situation-

Anya: "Oh dear--that's all awful."

Meme: "We'll do whatever we can to convince Miss Misery!"

tsugumi: thanks guys.

mio: any time.

ao: *nod*

Meme: "What about Takigi? You think you'll call him to see if he's okay?"

ao: im sure anya is curious as well.

Anya: O\\\\\O "?!"

-elsewhere-

mami: ok, the barrier should be here. you ready?

yuma: *nods*

nagisa: yep!

Sayaka: "Ready and waiting!"

Kyouko: "..."

homura: madoka and i will serve as backup.

mami: alright, let's go.

Sayaka: *follows Mami*

Kyouko: *looks around*

-inside the barrier it resembles a pencil sketching of a foggy forest path, like something from a tim burton drawing. crows with blood red eyes watch the girls as they pass-

Sayaka: "Spooky..."

yuma: *gulp*

homura:...familiars most likely. but they dont seem to be attacking yet....

Kyouko: "They waiting for an opening?"

mami:....*holds an arm out, pointing to a figure*

figure: *they appear to be a woman in funeral garb. it looks at them, and then screeches*

Sayaka: "?!!"

Death the Kid: Kyouko: *battle position*

-the birds begin divebombing at them-

madoka: *shooting them with arrows*

Sayaka: *slices through them*

-elsewhere-

Yukio: *checks his blood* "..."

{Todo: "..."}

-knock-

Yukio: *buttons up* "Come in."

momo sakura: yuki? are you feeling ok?

Yukio: "Fine, thanks." *puts on a smile*

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: "Then she had the nerve to dump the entire luggage to do again! GAH! I hate her crap!"

itsuka: well, i guess she's just being a mom.

Bakugo: "Since when is being a mom synonymous to being annoying as fuck? Your mom isn't this bad, is she?"

-elsewhere-

NOS: *flips through student profiles again*

Twice: "Okay, let's try a Dabi clone!"

himiko: traaaansform!

Dabi Clone: *looks deformed, like off model art* 0_0 "...BLOO."

himiko:..... owo

Twice: "It's beautiful! ANIMATION ERROR!"

NOS: "Hmm, looks about the same."

Dabi: -_-#

mustard: at least it saves on the budget.

himiko: what?

mustard: what?

Dabi: *lights the clone on fire*

Dabi Clone: *screams, flails*

Twice: "DABI JR, NO!"

fang: gaga?

Dabi: "That thing wasn't your dad..."

fang: *laughs* ^o^

Twice: "Aw, that's the nicest you've been to your child."

Dabi: *frowns*

fang: ^w^

NOS: "Progress, I assume--" *still staring at Denki's profile*

himiko: *peeeeep* owo

NOS: "Soon, you will be mine..." *looks behind him* "?!"

himiko: OwO do you like him?

NOS: "..." *pushes her away* "Get your mind out of the gutter. I just want to suck out his electric essence."

mustard: phrasing!

Twice: "I just heard 'suck essence.' Do you need one of those European converter plugs? A butt plug, maybe?"

magne: *GASP* not in front of the BABY!

Twice: "Whoopsie--sorry! THE BABY WAS GOING TO LEARN AT SOME POINT!"

tomura:.......

NOS: "Now look what you've done--you've awakened the night owl..."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "Feel better?"

stocking: yeah. stupid pencil, talking smack about me...

Kid: ^^; "They are notoriously rude..." *tucks her in*

stocking: ground that fucker down to the nub. *YAWN* show you to...shittalk me with a bishonen voice...fucking pencil. zzzzzz...

Kid: *forehead smooch, smooths her hair*

-elsewhere-

kotone: how does this one look?

kirika: eh, not what i'd pick, but hey, your save file.

kotone: well...i think it's nice.

Gopher: "Wings, wings..."

kotone: is that an option?

Gopher: "If I could mod it..." T~T

kirika: hmm.

Gopher: "I don't know who to pick...Dragon-something?"

-elsewhere-

Fukuzawa: "Good morning." *steps out of his office, walks to the tea kettle*

kirako: good morning, sir. here's a list of requests.

Fukuzawa: "Thank you." *reviews* "Are all members present?" *looks around*

kirako: *nods*

Kunikida: "Sir, good morning. I have already set up most missions for--"

Fukuzawa: *points to one* "Send Montgomery to this one." *taps the sheet*

Kunikida: "...Sir, I think that one may be out of her skill set..."

Fukuzawa: *staaaaaaaaaaaaare*

aya: anything i can do, sir?

 Fukuzawa: "Yes, accompany her."

Kunikida: D8

aya: heck yeah! am i gonna get to fight bad guys?

Kunikida: "..." *ahem* *hands the map and instructions* "Find Lucy and head out."

-elsewhere-

Crimson Lotus Assassin: *bows* <I completed the assassination.>

???: good. now for our next target. *hands them a picture of 'the park's' leader*

Assassin: *hiss* "Excellent...I will begin."

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: "??? What's wrong?"

tsubaki:....i dont know...just.... *sigh*

Sakuya: "..." *pat pat* "You need a break."

tsubaki: yeah...maybe...

Shamrock: "What if you took a vacation?"

tsubaki: maybe..

Belkia: *holds up brochures* "Swiss Alps, scenic Chernobyl, Centaur Tours, Sao Paul..."

-elsewhere-

Lucy: *checks the map on her phone* "Okay, the warehouse is a few blocks away..." *smiles at Aya* "Kind of exciting, huh?"

aya: you bet!

*it seems to be an industrial area...there are some laborers working out front*

Security Guard: "Hold up--no kiddos allowed in here..."

aya: *holds up a paper*

Security Guard: *reads* "??? You're the ones Boss sent?"

Boss: *groans* "I told the Agency to send professionals, not some little girls."

Lucy: "??? Little girls?" *looks around* "Aya, do you see any little girls here?"

aya: hey! we arent just 'some little girls' we're certified butt-whoopers!

Boss: -_-; "I was hoping for the tiger or even that samurai..."

Lucy: "...Hey, is that your car?" *points a few blocks away* "You let your employees eat in that thing?"

Boss: "What? It has air conditioning--"

Lucy: *snaps her fingers--and the car disappears*

Boss: D8

-and so-

Lucy: "Pfew! I got the last of the shipment into Anne's Room."

aya: it's really spacious in there!

Lucy: *nods* "Since joining the Agency, the President gave me a power boost. I bet I could fit an entire building in there now." ^w^

aya: wow! that's so cool!

*they pass an alley...*

Lucy: "We got some time before we're do to the drop-off point--feeling hungry?"

aya: heck ye-.... *turns*

*glowing eyes stare right at Aya*

aya: show yourself!

*a big straw pokes out of the shadows*

aya: !?!

Lucy: "?!" *shields Aya* "We're out of here--"

*SHTIK*

aya: LUCY!

Lucy: "... ... ..." @w@ *collapses, unconscious, a giant dart sticking out of her neck*

*masked assassins in red step out*

aya: !!!! s-stay back! im warning you!

Crimson Lotus Assassin 1: <Retrieve the teleporter. Silence the tiny one.>

Crimson Lotus Assassin 2: *reaches for Aya*

aya: *KICK*

CLA 2: "Ow! You little brat!" *grabs at her*

Lucy: *yawns* "Atsushi, the balloons go in the closet..."

*FWOOP*

*a tear in space opens up above Lucy*

aya: ??!!

*a balloon-design closet appears in the tear--and drops like an anvil on top of CLA 2's head*

CLA 2: X____X "..." *collapses on top of Aya*

aya:...woah.

Lucy: "Zzz...Giant panda, no, use the fork and spoon..."

*more portals out of Anne's Room open--dumping contents on top of CLAs*

CLA 1: "..." <I am not here for this buffoonery...> *throws Lucy over their shoulder, covering her mouth*

aya: HEY!!

CLA 1: *leaps with Lucy up the wall--a tail poking out of their outfit, within Aya's reach*

aya: *YOINK!*

CLA 1: "?!!!" <Unhand me!> *slithering up the wall, dragging Aya with them*

aya: let her go!

CLA 1: <Begone...> *swings the tail--knocking Aya into the air conditioning unit on the rooftop*

aya: *YELP*

CLA 1: *swings until flinging Aya away--and off the roof*

aya: !!!

*the scenery around her changes from brick walls to...checkerboard patterns*

aya: huh?

*she's in Anne's Room...but the gravity is all reversed*

aya: *she grabs a hold of a toy soldier's gun*

Toy Soldier: O_O *the arms snap off with the gun* "..." *looks down at its missing hands*

*more portals open up--showing a couple at a restaurant, a bathtub, and someone drinking milk out of the carton--*

Joker: "..." *wipes milk off his mouth* "There's something you don't see every day..."

*one portal shows CLA 1 slithering to a vehicle to unload Lucy*

aya: !?!?! *JUMPS IN*

CLA 1: *drops Lucy into the back* *to the driver* <Get going.>

aya: HI-YAH!

CLA 1: "?!!!" <What the-->

-POW-

CLA 1: X_X *KO'ed* *falls, with a slow hiiiiiiiiiss noise...*

*but the vehicle is getting away...*

aya: *looking around*

*there's a bike...*

aya: *hops on and pedals to the metal*

*in the vehicle*

CLA 3: <This girl managed to transport all of the shipment into some extra dimension. She was formerly in the Guild.>

???: is that right?

CLA 3: <Yes. But nothing the informant gave us told us how to get the shipment out of that space...> *holds up a pair of pliers* <We'll need to convince her...>

-THUNK-

???: what was that?

aya: *hanging on for dear life*

CLA 3: *looks in the rearview mirror* "?!! We got a gremlin on the van!"

aya: LET ME IIIIIN!!

CLA 3: *growls--turns left, moving into the left lane where oncoming traffic is coming at Aya...*

aya: O-O;

Spirit: *driving his car--and seeing Aya on the side* "?!!!" *slams the brakes, swerving out of the way*

aya: OHFUCKOHFUCKOHFUCKOHFUCK!!

Spirit: "SHIT SHIT SHIT--"

*crashes into a light post*

Spirit: *face-first into airbag* "..." *pokes it with his scythe* "..." *dials 911*

aya: SORRY!

CLA 3: "..." <Get her off the van, now.>

Lucy: *still sleep-murmuring* "Nggh...No, I don't care if you're a skunk, you can't have tea with the tiger..." *snores*

*in a police car*

Minoura: *listening to the radio* "??? A van with a little girl on the side? Are these people high?"

*then the van passes--*

aya: MY FRIEND IS BEING KIDNAPPED!

Minoura: "?!!" *turns on the sirens* "Damn Death City wackiness..." *follows*

CLA 5: *holding a chain scythe--climbs the van roof, aiming at Aya*

aya: D8

CLA 5: *hurls it--*

*a portal opens up in front of Aya--*

CLA 5: *pulls back the scythe--which has stabbed through a teddy bear* "...?"

aya: thank you deus ex machina!

CLA 3: <What is happening up there?!>

Lucy: *yawns, sits up, stretches* =_______= "My neck hurts...This pillow is as hard as a rock." *looks around*

Lucy: "... ... ... ... ..."

*the van shakes*

Lucy: "WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE?!!!"

aya: WOAH!

Minoura: *on megaphone* "Attention van driving recklessly! You are under arrest! Pull over or--"

*ninja stars fling into the megaphone, knocking it out of his hand*

Minoura: "?!!!"

Lucy: *looks out the window--and spots Aya* "?!! Aya!"

aya: LITTLE HELP HERE?!

Lucy: "R-Right! Just give me a second to--"

CLA 3: *aims a dart--*

*CLA 3 wasn't looking and hits a speed bump--*

CLA 3: *swallows the dart* "... ... ..." *passes out* X_X

Lucy: *bounces with the bump* "AAH!"

aya: ACK!

Lucy: "!!!" *opens the door, pulling Aya inside*

aya: oh jeez! now what?

CLA 5: *hops back in, menacingly approaching with the scythe chain*

Lucy: "What is even happening here?"

*the van is approaching the highway...CLA 3's asleep foot is on the gas...*

Minoura: *racing after the van...*

aya: ok....i may have a plan. it's probably really stupid, so unless you have a better idea, just hear me out...

Lucy: @~@ "I'm still groggy, so talk fast!"

aya: on the signal, we bum rush this creep and jump!

Lucy: *nods* "Okay..."

aya: ok....one...two.....NOW!

CLA 5: *tosses the scythe*

Lucy: *battle cry*

aya: HYAAAAAAH!!!

Lucy: *tackles CLA 5*

CLA 5: "?!!"

aya: JUMP!

Lucy: *follows*

-slow-mo jump and screaming-

CLA 5: *slow mo* "Get back here, you--" *sees the van heading to the barrier of the highway* "Oh fu--"

Lucy: *grabs Aya's hand* "Hang on!"

*the van goes over the highway--*

Minoura: "?!!!" *slams the brakes*

-SLAM-

aya: *face pressed up against the cop car's front window*.....ow.

Lucy: @~@ *slow SQUEAK sound as she falls down to the hood*

*behind them, the van has crashed into the canal...a duck is pecking at CLA 3's hair*

-elsewhere-

sayaka: and then nagisa trapped some of homura’s bombs in her bubbles and when they got close- BOOM! double damage!

Crona: O_O; "Oh my."

kyouko: i'm still sore. *stretches* hey soul! you got pizza rolls?

homura: *documenting her notes*

Damon: "Oh, can we have some, too!"

soul: ok, one big batch of pizza rolls coming on up!

Damon: "Do you do this often? Fighting those--um...what are they?"

homura: the technical term for the main monsters are 'wraiths'. while the smaller ones are 'familiars' or 'minions'.

sayaka: not to be confused with those little yellow dudes in overalls.

homura: -_-;

mami: they usually appear for two main reasons; one of which is occasional time-space rifts between our world and an alternate world.

becky: so are they like kishin eggs?

mami: well, i suppose they are, but at the same time they arent. but the presence of wraiths can cause imbalance in the natural magical energy of the universe, and so we puella magi go in and correct the issue and stabilize the balance. think of it as technicians fixing a breaker.

homura: however, we cant afford to be careless; if our soul gems become completely dark mid-battle, we revert back to our normal form, leaving us vulnerable until it's cleaned.

becky: wow, being a magical girl is way different than i thought it was.

homura: *side glance* you have no idea.

Damon: ._. "...Can we go back to 'alternate world'? Like, a multiverse?"

sayaka: ^^; wwwhy dont we play some smash bros, huh?

Damon: -_-#

homura: yes, that sounds excellent.

Damon: *sighs* "Okay..."

-elsewhere-

*Izumi's phone rings*

izumi: ??? *checks it*

*phone call from Unknown number*

izumi: ??? ....

???: "Is this Izumi Albarn?"

izumi: yes?

???: "This is Detective Minoura with the Death City Police."

izumi: is something wrong?

Minoura: "Well, your dad's going to be late picking you up..."

Spirit: *sobbing over the hood of his car*

izumi: did something happen??!!

Minoura: "Your father is fine--just some cuts from a car crash, no fatalities--"

izumi: WHAT?!?!?

Minoura: "He wants you to stay put at the DWMA until he can get a police ride over, once the EMT finish--"

izumi: WHAT HAPPENED?!

lukas: izumi?

Minoura: "It's...a bit of a long story, and we're investigating what exactly happened--"

Saria: "???"

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: *running* *looking around the street*

aya: and then she got kidnapped by these sneople!

cop-chan: what?

aya: snake people! sneople!

Lucy: *holding an ice pack to her head* "I don't remember much after passing out..." *her neck is bandaged*

Kunikida: "!!! AYA!"

aya: !! kunikida! over here!

Kunikida: *stomps over* "..." *picks her up in a hug*

aya: !!

Kunikida: "Thank goodness you're okay..." *then holds her, shaking her by the shoulders* "HOW DID YOU GET THIS INJURED?! DID YOU BLOCK?!!"

-aya explains what happened to the best of her ability-

Kunikida: "...I knew this mission was not for you--the Crimson Lotus are not to be trifled with."

aya: but i saved lucy, didnt i?!

Lucy: "Darn right! Aya packed a punch, Kunikida--" *swings her arm while holding the ice to her head* "--popping through portals and even having a toy soldier's gun!"

Kunikida: "... ... ...How hard did you hit your head?"

aya: ...welllll....

Lucy: >~< "I know what I saw! Just ask all those bystanders, like that man!"

Spirit: *sobbing still over his car*

Kunikida: "... ... ...That man does not seem to be in the right emotional state."

-elsewhere-

Yosano: *staring at an invitation* "...Huh. Guess I'm taking off that day."

kirako: what is it?

Yosano: "A wedding invite."

kirako: ooh!

Yosano: *fans the invitation* "That means a new outfit~"

-elsewhere-

tachihara:....she was just.....eating.....a whole fucking tomato.....that gremlin is anything but normal!!

Pushkin: "You should see her with an onion."

tachihara:......WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!?!

Pushkin: "??? What? We don't judge you and your stupid nose-bandage."

tachihara:...it's not stupid.

Pushkin: "How long have you had a cut under there? Or is it to open up your nasal passages? Please don't tell me you wear it to look cool."

tachihara: none of your business.....

katya:....*pulls out eggplant*

tachihara: what are you doing?

katya: *starts eating it while maintaining eye contact*

tachihara: stop that!

katya: *advances toward him*

Pushkin: *snickers*

tachihara: g-get away from me! *RUNS*

katya: *SPRINTS AFTER HIM*

gin:.......i'd scold you both if this wasnt absolutely hilarious.

Pushkin: "Are we growing on you?"

gin: dont push your luck.

Pushkin: QwQ " 'Kay..."

-elsewhere-

Daisy: "Filing is done..." *falls on top of her desk* =______= "Please tell me it's 5 o'clock."

eckleburg: *glances at the clock*

*it's only 3:45*

Daisy: *face down* *GROAN*

eckleburg:.... ^^; would you like some coffee?

Daisy: "..." *thumbs up, not even looking*

eckleburg: ok. one coffee coming right up.

Daisy: "...Thanks, Teej."

-elsewhere-

Axel: =~= "I hate this heat. Hit me up with a slushee, my good sir."

Hyde: *sets down the cup* "Pick your poison, buddy."

zeke: blueberry please.

Hyde: "Good choice--we just repaired it--" *shouts at a layabout customer* "NO FREE REFILLS, YOU THIEF!"

Emine: "..." *fills it up again*

kirika: tch- amateur.

Hyde: "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! HOW WOULD YOU LIKE IT IF I WENT TO YOUR PLACE AND STOLE ALL YOUR SHIT?!!"

kirika: simple, i'd break both your legs.

Hyde: "I'd rip off my legs and beat you with them!"

Axel: OwO;

Emine: "..." *slides a candy bar into his pocket*

-elsewhere-

maki: *aggressively making omelets*

Anya: ._____.;

Meme: "Could I have onions in mine?"

maki: SURE THING!

Anya: "Goodness, is this 'aggro'? Or 'hangry'?"

tsugumi: are you sure you're alright?

maki: OF COURSE! NEVER, BETTER!! OwO##

Anya: "..."

Meme: ^^; "Have you talked to your bro?"

-elsewhere-

Takehisa: *stares at the empty desk*

shinra: she'll be back soon, right?

Takehisa: "She has been reassigned."

shinra:.....

Arthur: "But we want her back now--"

Takehisa: "NOT. NOW."

-elsewhere-

Spirit: "And then this rassafrassing van was coming at me!"

izumi: ....

Spirit: "....Sorry."

izumi: it's fine...im just glad you're ok...

Spirit: *nods* "These things can be fixed...Lives can't."

izumi:......

Minoura: *pulls over* "Here you are."

izumi: thank you officer.

Minoura: -_-# "Detective...."

izumi: r-right! right!

Spirit: "Thank you." *hands his card over* "We'll be in touch."

-elsewhere-

Yumi: *sets Shiori down in bed*

shiori: *yaaawn*

Yumi: "Sleep well, sweetie." *forehead kiss*

-morning-

Vulcan: *working in the garage* "The ride should be ready after breakfast...You're going to the 2nd today?"

Akitaru: "Yes. Thanks for doing this..."

nozomi: do you want me to come with, sir?

Akitaru: *nods* "Sure thing--we need you and Viktor to explain your findings better than me or the Lieutenant could."

nozomi: right...

Takehisa: *cooking breakfast* "..." *he's letting the hashbrowns burn...*

*smoke is coming out of the kitchen*

tamaki: *SPRAYS HIM DOWN WITH THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER*

Takehisa: *covered in foam...removes his glasses, revealing skin under the foam*

Akitaru: "?! Hinawa, what the hell?!"

Takehisa: "I was distracted."

-elsewhere-

maki:........

Anya: "Oh, that uniform looks absolutely common--congratulations!"

maki: OwO# why THANK you anya!!

Anya: ^^; "And I see you're wide awake...And no one has made coffee yet..."

Meme: *nudges Anya in the ribs*

Anya: "??? Meme, are you okay? Muscle spasms?"

Meme: "..." *nudges again* "Yes."

-elsewhere-

Honda: "TODAY, WE WILL BE INVITING MEMBERS OF THE 8TH TO OUR BASE--SO I WANT OUR BASE TO LOOK SPOTLESS!"

soldiers: SIR YES SIR!

Hajiki: "I got my toothbrush ready, sir."

*thundering footsteps are heard--then a BONK on the ceiling*

???: "OW!"

Honda: "???" *looks at his watch* "Oh, he's early..."

hito: ??

Danro: *ducks under the overhang* "Ah, Honda--you need to raise the ceiling around here..."

hito: ._.;

Hajiki: "...What the hell happened to Juggernaut?! HE GOT SUPER OLD!"

Danro: "... ... ..." Q_Q;

hito: -_-; noto's right beside you, haijiki.

Takeru: O_O;

Haijiki: *GASP* "DOPPLEGANGERS!"

Honda: "J-Just come with me--we'll talk in private, away from buffoonery."

-elsewhere-

Sasori: *kneels down* "The Knights of the Purple Smoke are at your disposal."

Ritsu: "As I know~"

orochi:.....

Ritsu: "Here is the map where to lure our new 'fuel.' Be sure these are the only entrances into the Nether that are open--all others must remain closed at this time."

-elsewhere-

Hibana: "Morning." *picks up the newspaper* "Did the repairperson fix the espresso machine?"

Rino: *holding a crowbar over the espresso machine, huffing and puffing*

ryuuko: it's a work in progress. oh, my parents are going to be hosting a fundraiser dinner and invited you to attend.

Hibana: "Lovely--thank your parents for the invitation. When?"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *waiting at the bus stop* "So, how long's your dad's car in the shop?"

izumi: for about a few days i guess.

Asher: "Sucks."

izumi: well, do you have any plans for the summer?

Asher: "Avoid the heat, go to the library--they have air conditioning."

izumi: ah. well, my parents wedding is coming up, so....did you want to maybe, i dunno...go as a plus-1?

Asher: "... ... ...Sure."

izumi: really?

Asher: "They got food, right?" *small smirk*

izumi: ...*small smile* yeah.

Asher: "Cool. ...I'm rocking that tuxedo t-shirt."

-elsewhere-

Pushkin: *getting measured* "We got to talk about the color of the suit, though--that yellow is going to burn my retinas, man."

Motojiro: *also getting measured* Q____Q "I can do this...I can do this...I AM SCARED OUT OF MY WITS."

hirotsu: try to relax, gentlemen.

Tachihara: *looking at ties* "And they call us criminals--these prices are nuts."

naoya: *checking out suits* hmmm…

Chuuya: "The vest is a good touch on this one."

naoya: totes.

Chuuya: "I hope the girls get good outfits--Miyuri was screaming with excitement."

-elsewhere-

miyuri: WOOOOW! they're all so pretty!!

Gin: -______- "None of this looks like 'me.'"

katya: same, im not really one for dresses.

Kouyou: "Child, stand still--we need to get you dressed."

miyuri: ok grandma!

Dress Maker: ^^;;; "You excited for the big day, Miss Leo?"

leo: y-yes...is it perhaps possible to get a dress with a stretchier fabric? *rubs her stomach*

Dress Maker: "Trust me, I specialize in this." *picks up a fabric--it glows for a second and stretches* "See? My gift..."

leo: oh!

higuchi: so then you're....

Dress Maker: "Carlyle."

leo: it's a pleasure to meet you.

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: "And you are not getting out of my sight--today, it's paperwork, all day!"

aya: TT3TT

Lucy: "You are way too high strung..."

Kunikida: "And you have paperwork, too!"

Lucy: TT3TT

kirako: kunikida, perhaps you're being a little too hard on them?

Kunikida: "Finishing paperwork is part of the job--if they want missions, this is a good learning experience."

Dazai: *whispers to Aya* "Then just get the next flunkie to do the work _for_ you!"

aya: *CHOP*

Dazai: "OW!"

Lucy: "Serves you right!" *holds up a file labeled 'Dazai'* "Do your own rotten paperwork!" *throws it at him*

aya: and pay your stupid tab!

Lucy: *smirks*

Dazai: Q_Q "President, can we retroactively remove people from the Agency--"

fukuzawa: -_-;

Tanizaki: ^^; "In any case, there are more missions that need addressing, since we'll be short some people this week."

-elsewhere-

maki: *sitting at a desk, giving off a rather frightening aura*

Sushimasa: *humming to himself, carrying tea* "Oh, our newest recruit! Welcome, Miss Oz--"

maki: *HEAD SNAPS TO LOOK AT HIM* OH! he-LLO Lt General!! Owo##

Sushimasa: "... ... ..." *dumps tea into a nearby potted plant--and shuffles back into the wall* "H-Hi!" ^^;;;;;;;;; "H-How are you adapting?"

maki: im....just....FINE! ^^####

Sushimasa: *stares at claw marks on Maki's desk* "...GREAT! I JUST REMEMBERED I LEFT MY GRANDMOTHER IN THE DISHWASHER--EXCUSE ME!" *runs away screaming*

maki:......*grumbles*

captain: so that's general oze's daughter, huh?

Colleague: *nods* "Yeah--quite a catch, isn't she?"

captain:.....sure hiraoka, whatever you say *sweatdrop*

Hiraoka: "Watch this..." *saunters up to Maki's desk, rests an elbow on it* "Hello, there--"

maki: *GLAAAAAAAAARE*

Hiraoka: "... ... ..." ("HOT BUT CRAZY EYES.") *stands upright* "CAPTAIN HIRAOKA, REPORTING FOR DUTY!" *salutes*

maki: how....NICE! ^^####

Hiraoka: "WE ARE HAPPY TO HAVE YOU HERE! IF I CAN BE OF ANY ASSISTANCE, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK!" (*screaming internally*)

-elsewhere-

Viktor: *looking out the Matchbox window at the 2nd* "A very...bellicose base."

nozomi: i'd suppose so... ^^

Akitaru: *steps out* "You okay? Your driving seemed off today."

Takehisa: "I am fine."

*the Matchbox has a Stop sign wedged in the front--and someone slammed against it like an ornament*

nozomi:.... *exits*

Mineta: *muffled screaming against the hood*

nozomi: EEP!

Akitaru: "..."

Takehisa: "..." *picks up Mineta by the head--and slams him into a nearby trash can*

Viktor: OwO;

Akitaru: >_> "No-Nozomi, let's just get inside."

Haijiki: *sweeping in the front*

nozomi: *follows*

*everyone is dressed in military uniforms*

Viktor: "Jeez, I feel underdressed--maybe I should've put on the jumpsuit if walking into this place..."

officer: commander oubi, i presume?

Akitaru: *salutes* "Yes, hello. Commander Honda summoned us."

officer: right this way...

-elsewhere-

detective: takigi?

Takigi: *staring intently at maps, photographs, crime reports*

detective: shouldnt you be taking it easy? you sustained a lot of damage after all...

Takigi: *looks up* "Oh! Sorry, didn't see you--" *puts down the files* "Forget that--I'm built to recover. But you--how are you holding up?"

detective: doing better, thanks to you.

Takigi: *nods* "Good...Was getting worried--parents came by, girlfriend came by, had heard you were already released but hadn't seen you..."

detective: sorry i didnt come by sooner, had to see the family, you know?

Takigi: "...Yeah. Still working on that."

*his phone shows numerous dialed calls to 'Maki'*

detective:...

Takigi: "...Well, onto more important news: what is left of that lab?"

detective: hardly anything worthwhile...

Takigi: "..." *crumbles up a wad of paper with one hand--aims at the waste basket* "A secret organization, willing to kill its own and anyone who finds them...and destroy the evidence." *toss* *the paper lands in the waste basket*

detective: your sister's one tough cookie to face off with these maniacs...

Takigi: *frowns, balls up another paper* "It's that Hinawa bastard who pulled her into that hell..." *toss--and misses*

-elsewhere-

Yohei: "Be a good boy for the doctor--this is just to check you out."

toru: >~<

Dr. John: "What a brave boy he is..." *picks Toru's foot up carefully*

toru: >~~<

Dr. John: "..." *tickle* "This little piggy--"

toru: !! hehe!

Yohei: "See? Doc is full of laughs..."

Dr. John: "Reflexes are good for a child his age."

-elsewhere-

Kepuri: *in a junkyard* "Okay, catch!" *tosses a hunk of metal*

mana: woah!

Shotaro: *catches it* "This is the coolest thing ever! ...What is it?"

Kepuri: "It will be a new jet engine--after some modifying." *tosses down a rope, scaling down the junk*

mana:...should we really be here?

Kepuri: "??? What? The guy who usually does this is busy today--and isn't returning texts."

mana: *sweatdrop* riiiight...

Shotaro: "So breaking the law and stealing stuff is a good deed if it helps someone else who was going to break the law do it?"

Kepuri: "See? Shotaro gets it. Be like Shotaro, Mana." *head pat*

mana: -_-; *looks toward the building*

Shotaro: OwO "All those animal heads..." *moves* "I wanna touch..."

-elsewhere-

maki:.....

-phone buzzes-

naho: [hey maki! hope you're ok! QAQ]

Naomi: [same! we <3 u!]

maki: ....*sad smile* [hanging in there as best as i can. havent stabbed anyone, so so far so good.]

Naomi: [u need us to come down there and show them who's boss?]

maki: [it's fine, wouldnt want you two getting in trouble on my behalf]

Naomi: [maybe meet up when things get less stupid?]

maki: [i'd like that. tsugumi's letting me stay at her dorm till things cool down]

Naomi: [neat! like a big sleepover]

naho: [cool! if ur hosting a party, maybe i can see if otogii, lila, or the others want to come with. not higan tho. no old geezers allowed >3<]

Naomi: [kyoka would love it]

maki: [cool, maybe we could invite tamaki too, kana misses her.]

Naomi: [yuuuuuus! kyoka likes her too]

naho: [yay!]

-elsewhere-

nozomi: ._. .....m-mr....honda?

Honda: *his head is wedged into a hole in the ceiling high up--he shouts down* "HELLO! CAN YOU HEAR ME DOWN THERE?!"

Danro: *epic eyebrows of confusion*

nozomi: .____.;;;;;;;;

Viktor: OwO ("His cranium...It's super-powerful!")

Akitaru: "...YES! GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN, GUSTAV! HOW ARE YOU?!"

Honda: "PRETTY GOOD! NOW, COULD OUR TWO FORENSICS EXPERTS PLEASE EXPLAIN TO MY SUBORDINATES?"

nozomi: r-right! *gets her notes in order* let's see here... ah, yes- the nether...

Viktor: *pulls out a small box from his lab coat, sets it down--and it projects onto the wall* "The map of the Nether."

*one lieutenant is watching*

Ayabe: "..."

Viktor: "Initially, we assumed the Nether was limited to just this one subway station, abandoned and now quarantined. After our research, we have determined that the Nether is more widesprea--"

*CRASH*

nozomi: !!!!!

Honda: *has landed on the floor, his head stuck in the cracked cement* "...Don't mind me--please proceed."

Viktor: "...We...think the Nether is actually a number of disparate locations, like a spider-web, so the Hoods could be in any of a number of underground locations."

nozomi: r-right. over the years, most parts of the nether have been caved in, given new subway systems and other pathways.

Viktor: *nods* "All giving the Hoods cover to appear and disappear without being noticed."

Ayabe: "Too many sites to search one at a time...Sir, this needs a simultaneous attack."

Honda: "Hmm..."

nozomi: general oze, your son, takigi, was researching one area, from what i gathered in the reports, is this true?

Danro: "..." *grave nod* "That location was bombed, caving in any path in or out."

nozomi: hmm, though looking at the map of the underground, there could be some overlapping connections to the nether that are still open, so perhaps we can investigate them.

Honda: "And the 8th knows those paths better than my team, while the 2nd has the numbers you'll need to guide us."

nozomi: right.

Ayabe: "I propose one member of the 8th to guide a team of 2nd soldiers."

hito: that would make the most sense.

Akitaru: "Agreed--and I want one nun per team, too, to put those suffering at peace."

Ayabe: "Why? What difference does it make, if it's to kill those Infernals?"

Akitaru: "..."

jonas: ......

Honda: "*ahem* "I will make sure to notify the troops about tomorrow's mission."

-elsewhere-

Hirotsu: *has a stack of books in his study, sipping tea as he jots notes*

-knock-

tachihara: gramps? you in there?

Hirotsu: *places a bookmark* "Yes. Come in."

tachihara: *enters* wow, nice place you got in here. a lot spacier than the last place you had.

Hirotsu: *nods* "I'm still in need of filling out the library." *seems to be a collection of books on his desk--philosophy, art, literature, religion*

tachihara: .....cool knick-knacks. this is...um, taishou era decor, right?

Hirotsu: "...Good eye."

tachihara: hey, just cause im a punk doesnt mean i cant be a little bit cultured, y'know?

Hirotsu: "I didn't doubt it. You don't bring it up, though."

tachihara: ....soo whatcha reading there?

Hirotsu: "I was hitting a wall writing the wedding officiation, so I thought reading my library may help...I'm afraid I'm at an impasse--it feels like it's all been said."

tachihara: ah...

Hirotsu: *small smile* "This volume of love poems...Seemed a little hokey. I was so stumped I even tried Heidegger--that was a mistake, what was I thinking."

tachihara: ....if you think im jealous, im not, ok?

Hirotsu: "??? Jealous of whom?"

tachihara: ....*sigh* it's kinda complicated....i mean, yeah, leo's like, banging hot as fuck, but, she seems better of with kajii, even if this is _kajii_ we're talking about, she'd probably never be too interested in me anyway. and....i guess im a bit jealous of gin, for beating me to the punch...*sigh*

Hirotsu: *ahem* "Yes, well..." ^^; "I know you won't refer to the bride as, um, 'banging,' but it is important to acknowledge these feelings, even as you are obviously accepting what has happened."

tachihara: yeah, yeah, i guess.......maybe, im just scared to make a move, so every time i like someone, they get picked up by someone else. im a real fucking coward, arent i?

Hirotsu: "No, no--everyone has their own pace. But if you see an opportunity, well, it can't hurt to say hello, yes? Just, you know, respectfully."

tachihara:...guess you're right....well, im gonna go down to the quik-e-mart for some stuff, maybe pick up a sandwich somewhere or something, you want anything?

Hirotsu: "...Tea biscuits."

-elsewhere-

Justin: ._.; "M-Me?"

lord death: yes justin, you.

marie: im sure you'll do great!

Justin: "...I-I won't let you down, sir!" *SCREAMING INSIDE*

-elsewhere-

*frogs are all over the grass*

Jacqueline: *looks out the cottage's window* "...?"

kim: i'll call eruka.

Jacqueline: "Good call...Wonder what brings them here."

Frog: *hops onto the windowsill...stares*

kim: well, maybe it's the creek in the backyard.

Jacqueline: "The weather can't be that bad there...Unless something scared them out."

kim:...i'll go have a look.

Jacqueline: "Okay..."

*frogs stare at Kim's movement*

kim: (i swear, if that short-ass kappa is back selling his wares again...)

*something is splashing in the creek...*

kim: *looks*

*giggling is heard*

kim: hey!

*there are sprites playing in the creek, splashing each other--and chasing after the remaining frogs*

Frog: Q_Q *hop hop*

kim: oi! oi!

sprite: *looks up*

Sprite 2: *pops up out of the water--with a fish in their mouth*

kim: what are you doing here?

sprite 3: wouldnt _you_ like to know!

Sprite 4: *scoops up water in their hands--and drops it on top of Kim*

kim: hey! why you little-

Sprite 4: "Hee hee hee! Play with us! Play with us!"

eruka: heeey! *flying in on her broomstick* WOAH! *CRASHES INTO A TREE* ack!

Sprite 2: "..." *spits out the fish* "...Bad landing."

Sprite 4: OwO "Did she die?"

eruka: you are disturbing the wildlife!!

Sprite 2: -_- "You're disturbing our fun."

kim: _why_ are you even here?

Sprite 4: "We were boooooooooooooored and got kicked out of the last body of water, and these yucky frogs were in the way!"

eruka: EX-SCUSE YOU?!

Sprite 2: "She said 'yucky frogs,' you yucky frog." *picks up another fish--and shoves it all into her mouth in one disgusting gulp*

eruka: *GLAAAAARE*

Sprite 4: *picks up Eruka's hat* *imitates her voice* "EXCUSE YOU! BWA HA HA!" >w<

-what happens next is rather terrifying-

Sprite 2: Q__________Q

Sprite 4: *screaming in the distance*

kim:...eruka holy fuck.

Jacqueline: *runs up* "Wh-What happened?!" *has a frog on her head*

eruka: ^w^ justice.

Frog: "..." *hops off of Jacqueline's head and back into the creek...a sprite's wing floats by them*

kim: she just....exploded them. that seems a bit....unethical. ._.;

Jacqueline: "...Understatement. And kind of messy."

-elsewhere-

Vulcan: "So, what do you think?"

lisa:....

Vulcan: "..." *nods* "Yeah, I kind of figured. It's totally fine to not go."

lisa: i...

Vulcan: "..." *offers his hand*

lisa:...i want to help, somehow...

Vulcan: "Well, how about the new radio?"

lisa: yeah...i could do that...

Vulcan: *smiles, nods* "Great--I know the team will appreciate it."

-elsewhere-

sonia:.....

Chuuya: "Sonia? Dinnertime."

sonia: oh, right, ok....

{sonia: *following chuuya out of the tunnel* .........(he's been really quiet...) }

{Chuuya: "..." *looks down at her*}

{sonia:...mr chuuya....did you...love mama?}

{Chuuya: "..." *gulps* "Why are you asking me something like that..."}

{sonia: .......*covers her eyes* b-bright....}

{Chuuya: "..."}

{*something falls onto her head*}

{sonia: ??? w-what is that?}

{higuchi:...it's the sun.}

{*he's put his hat on her head...*}

{sonia:... *hugs him*....papa...}

sonia:....

*his hat is on the hat-rack...he's in an apron, setting food onto the table*

sonia:...thank you, papa...

Chuuya: *smiles* "You're welcome. Did I forget anything? Want more vegetables?"

sonia:...*hug* thank you...for saving me that day.....

Chuuya: "??? ..." *hug* "Happy to..."

miyuri: ~?

Chuuya: "..." *pulls in Miyuri*

miyuri: ^^

Chuuya: "Love you both..."

miyuri: ^w^

Chuuya: "So, you hungry?"

-elsewhere-

Yoh: =_= *yawns...looks out a window...sees lights outside from the plane* O_O;

flight attendant: <did you enjoy your nap, sir?>

Yoh: <WHERE AM I AND WHO ARE YOU?!> *pulls out a book labeled 'Commendations'* <WHERE WAS I GOING?!>

flight attendant: ^^;

Pilot: *over intercom* <Attention, passengers, this is your pilot speaking. We're about another 2 hours away from Los Angeles Airport-->

Yoh: "... ... ..." <Oh! Mana!>

-elsewhere-

Poe: "???" *gets down on all fours, looking at some square outline on the wall along the carpet* "..." *tugs at the square--as it falls open* "?!"

lana: edgar? what are you doing? ._.;

Poe: "I think I found a crawl space in this old house, wallpapered over..." *tries to poke his head in* "I'm afraid I'm not the size for it..." *looks at Lana* "..." *looks up and down* "..." .\\\.; "I'm afraid you're too big as well..."

lana: ^^;

Karl: *pokes his head in--and crawls inside*

Poe: D8>

*scratching is heard inside*

lana: ??

Karl: *yipping, scampering back*

Poe: "KARL!"

*Karl dives out of the crawl space--before a growl is heard inside the crawl space*

Karl: *climbs up to Poe's head, cowering*

lana: .___.;; um...

Poe: "What the devil could be in there--"

*a paw reaches out, scratching*

lana: oh!

Poe: "EEEEEK!" *hides behind Lana*

lana: is that...a cat?

*the cat's head pops up in the crawl space, hissing*

lana: ._.;

Poe: *shivering*

Cat: *stares at Lana* "... ... ..." *sniff*

lana: hey, i think this is the neighbor's cat...

Cat: "..." *hobbles out...falls onto Lana's feet*

lana: ah! he's hurt!

Poe: Q_Q "I'll call the vet..."

-elsewhere-

ManBearFix: *bleeding in the infirmary, holding a clump of hair in his hand* "I SAID THE OTHER GUY STARTED IT!" *turns to Mimeca* "BACK ME UP ON THIS!"

mimeca: *nod nod*

Dr. Sasaki: "Uh huh...Which is why you decided Long-Hair Luke needed a haircut...by pulling his hair out in clumps?"

ManBearFix: -n- "You didn't hear what he said about Mimeca."

mimeca: >n< *shakes fist*

Dr. Sasaki: "That's no excuse for causing more problems with my specimens..."

ManBearFix: "...'Patients'?"

Dr. Sasaki: "Right, what did I say?" *uses another limb to grab a syringe*

-elsewhere-

maki:.....*fiddling with an 8 sigil* ...

Secretary: *fixing her makeup with a mirror* "Perfect!"

maki:...*sigh*

Death the Kid: Secretary: *smiles* "Any plans this evening, Maki?"

maki:....not really.

Secretary: "Well, I hope you're not putting in overtime--this job is killer for letting us have a flexible schedule, time off..."

maki:.....

*a cup of water on the desk starts to ripple with vibrations...*

maki: *glares upwards*

Danro: "Good evening, Maki-chan..."

Secretary: O_O; ("...THE BOSS CALLED HER '-CHAN'?!")

maki: .......

Danro: "I hope your first day went well...I was going home for dinner."

maki:...you sure seem satisfied....is it because your little kitten came to 'where she belongs'? *glares coldly*

Secretary: >_>; "...Welp, I'm heading out! Bye-ee!" *runs*

Danro: "..." *clears his throat* "If you have any problems with work, please direct them to your superior officer in a formal request...If that's all..."

maki: hmph....

Danro: "..." *nods* "Good night..." *marches into his office*

maki:.....*fiddling with the 8 sigil*

{maki: you want me to infiltrate the army?}

{Akitaru: "The army wouldn't be recalling you if they didn't know something else about that attack in the Nether."}

{maki: you think they know something we dont?}

{Akitaru: *nods* "And this recall is an invitation for the 8th to do its job, to act as internal affairs and make sure the Hoods have not infiltrated the military."}

{maki: why couldnt the captain do this?}

{Akitaru: "Well, the recall order was to you, the captain was expelled from the military, and--"}

{Takehisa: *in a ninja outfit*}

{Akitaru: "... ... ...His disguises suck."}

{maki: .....}

{Takehisa: "...Maki, this is important. Only you can do it."}

maki:....*sigh*

-elsewhere-

Relan: *hands the money over* "Thanks--sorry for such a big delivery, but our resident chef has been out of service for a bit."

Hyde: *in a pizza delivery outfit* "Hey, I get paid either way."

Vulcan: "So, tomorrow's the big day..." *passes out plates*

shinra: yeah.....

Viktor: "Have your wills ready and know what to do with your remains. I'm donating my corpse to science!" *nom* ^w^

Relan: "..." *looks at Shinra and Iris* "Be safe..." *rubs his arm cast*

shinra:...we will.

Iris: *nods* "And we have larger numbers than last time..."

Petra: "Tch..." *picks toppings off her slice of pizza with a fork*

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: *asleep in bed*

{Kunikida: *wanders through a dark tunnel, holding onto his firearm* "..."}

{???:....i will.....protect big brother.........}

{-a child is there, her back facing kunikida-}

{Kunikida: "..." *lowers his gun, tenses* "No..."}

{-the child looks back.....her head dangling off her neck, only attacked by a bit of skin-}

{Kunikida: *he drops the gun, then falls to his knees, staring in disbelief*}

{-the child smiles.....her grin stretching unnaturally as blood drips from her empty eye sockets-}

{Kunikida: "STOP! I DIDN'T MEAN FOR THIS TO HAPPEN!"}

{????: wHy diD Y oU lET mE DIEEEEE???}

{Kunikida: "I-I don't know! I couldn't reach you--"}

{-the child starts twitching erratically.....before lunging at him at top speed-}

{Kunikida: *SCREAMS*}

*he feels something cold hit the back of his neck*

Kunikida: *wakes up in a cold sweat, screaming*

aya: *still asleep* zzzzzz

Kunikida: *quietly panting...shaking*

-it's quiet...-

Kunikida: "..." *throws off the sheets, goes into the bathroom, splashes water on his face...pants* "..." *looks in the mirror...he doesn't have his glasses on*

Kunikida: "..." *grabs his coat, puts it on, steps outside*

-it's a warm summer evening, but looks like tomorrow could be a bit rainy-

Kunikida: "..." *looks up at the moonlight...traces its glow down to the courtyard--*

Dazai: " 'Ello!"

*Dazai is stuck in a barrel*

Kunikida: "... ... ..."

Dazai: "So, I hate to repeat the same suicide attempts--"

Kunikida: "Or jokes." -_-#

Dazai: ^^; "Little help?"

-after he is freed-

dazai: *streeeetch* you'd think i'd have learned my lesson after the first time. haha!

Kunikida: "When do you learn anything?" *rubs his eyes*

dazai: =3= .....you look like you couldnt sleep.

Kunikida: "...I would say that's obvious when I'm not asleep. But yes, I was troubled."

dazai: care to let doctor dazai listen to your troubles~? *laying seductively on the grass*

Kunikida: "... ... ...What kind of doctor sexually harasses their patients? And don't say Yosano--or she really will kill you."

dazai: *GASP* oh kunikida! you wound me!

Kunikida: "...Not the worst I could do."

dazai:...seriously though, do you want to talk about it?

Kunikida: "...Just a bad memory."

dazai:.....

Kunikida: "...You weren't there. You were hospitalized."

dazai: .......

Kunikida: "During the investigation into the Rats..."

dazai: *listening*

Kunikida: "That child...My arrest and imprisonment..."

dazai:..........you feel like you could have stopped them...saved them.....

Kunikida: "...Yes?"

dazai:....i can understand.....if i'd stopped him then.....maybe.....

Kunikida: "...You've never talked much about your time in the Mafia."

dazai:........part of me wishes i could forget.

Kunikida: "Sorry--I didn't mean to dredge something up."

dazai:.....can i....stay the night with you?

Kunikida: "...Wait, what?" ._.

dazai:......nevermind.....im gonna call it a night. see you in the morning! *starts heading back to his room*

Kunikida: *sighs* "Fine."

dazai: hm?

Kunikida: "I'm not going to get much sleep anyway. I'll make some tea. How do you like yours?"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *looking up at the ceiling from bed* "...Sis? You up?"

cassidy: hnn?

Asher: "Sorry. Couldn't sleep."

cassidy:.....

Asher: "...I'm going to Izumi's parents' wedding."

cassidy: i heard.

Asher: "How fancy do you think it'll be?"

cassidy: not sure.........i've been looking at legal forums, seeing if it's possible to get custody of one's siblings...

Asher: "...Y-Yeah?"

cassidy:....i want to get us out of this apartment, away from _her_...

Asher: *looks nervously at the bedroom door*

cassidy: dont worry, the door is locked. she's probably passed out on the couch as usual....

Asher: "Thanks...for all of that."

cassidy: ...its not fair we're put through this.....i've always wished we could have had a normal family.

Asher: "Not everyone gets 'normal.' We're stuck with what we got...each other."

cassidy:..yeah...

Asher: "...Sorry. I meant that as a compliment."

cassidy: i know. and hopefully, when i earn enough money, it can just be the two of us.

Asher: "And I'll work, too."

-elsewhere-

leo: *making a smoothie with apples and potatoes*

ayako: *GAG*

Motojiro: ^^;;; "You know, that's actually a prank, to make someone think it's a chopped apple but it's really a chopped potato."

leo: *sniffle*

Motojiro: "??? Leo?"

leo: i-it's fine, motovya, it's just the hormones.

Motojiro: "..." *rubs her back*

leo: *softly purring*

Motojiro: ^w^ *cheek kiss*

-elsewhere-

Free: "... ..." *nudges* "How you holding up?"

eruka: better.

Free: "Man, wild those water fairies got all riled up." *scratches behind his ear*

eruka: water sprites.

Free: "Right, right...What's the difference again?"

eruka: *goes over to the bookshelf and pulls out 'encyclopedia of mythical creatures vol 1'*

Free: "... ... ..." *looks* "...How many volumes are they up to?"

eruka: a lot. lets see here....aha, the fae!

Free: *puts on a pair of reading glasses* " 'The label 'fairy' has been applied to specific magical humanoid creatures of small stature...' So is a human a medium-size fairy, and a giant is a king-size fairy?"

eruka: not exactly.

Free: "Well, it was worth a shot... 'The Seelie court seek help from humans and return kindness when favors done for them.' Oh, that's nice!"

eruka: but which court these sprites belong to is going to be a bit tricky to find out.

Free: "Why not just ask them?"

eruka: well...i did kind of scare them off. ^^;

Free: "Huh. Well, did they seem nice or like assholes?"

eruka: =___=#

-elsewhere-

Water Sprite: "THAT ASSHOLE FROG!"

sprite 2: im sure fynn will be fine....soon....maybe. ._.;

Sprite 1: "HOW DO YOU EVEN RE-ATTACH A WING?!"

sprite 2: -_-; lady titania said she'd take care of it.

sprite 3: i hope so, fynn owes me money!

Sprite 1: "... ... ...Sh-She said that?" ._.;;;;

sprite 2: oh come on, rufus! she might be scary sometimes, but she's still a good queen!

Rufus: >_< "I know! She's just so serious that I didn't think she'd give us the time of day over this!"

sprite 4: as queen of the seelie court, it's her responsibility to assist with each of the fae tribes as best she can.

Rufus: -3- "Would've been nice before that dumb frog attacked...I want to blow up that stupid frog."

sprite 5: if thou wishes to wage ware against the witches, you will only be left in stitches.

Rufus: -_-# "This isn't Ye Olden Times--talk like you're of this era! And that was no witch--that was just some slimy, ugly frog!"

-morning-

Anya: "Good morning, Maki."

maki: zzzz....*YAAAWN*

Anya: "??? Long work day?"

maki: y-yeah....you could say that.

Anya: "Well, you better hurry--or you'll be late."

maki: right, right.

-elsewhere-

aya: *YAAAAAAWN* *looks over to kunikida* ._.

Kunikida: "Zzz..."

Dazai: *has buried his face into kunikida’s chest*

aya:....um....kunikida?

Kunikida: "Nggh...Five more minutes, Aya...Ugh, this blanket is heavy--" *pushes--and feels hair* "... ... ..." *looks* "... ... ..."

aya:....kunikida.....do you have something you want to tell me?

Kunikida: "...At the moment, no."

Dazai: *nuzzle*

Kunikida: -_-#

aya: *inhale* DAZAI GET YER ASS OUTTA BED!

Dazai: "EEEK!" *falls off the futon--and drags down--*

Kunikida: "ACK!"

*CRUSH*

aya: *covers her eyes*

Kunikida: O\\\\O;

Dazai: "..." *feels around--*

*PUNCH*

Kunikida: -\\\\\-# "Yes, it is now safe..."

aya: *peeeek*

Kunikida: *has his blanket pulled up over himself*

Dazai: *face-first into the wall*

-elsewhere-

Yoh: *asleep in Los Angeles Airport terminal* "Zzz..."

*someone passes with a rolling suitcase--and drops something into his lap*

Yoh: "UMPH!" Q_Q;

Yoh: *looks around...*

man: sorry about that. ^^;

Yoh: "F-Fine..." *hands the object back to him--looks to be a package wrapped in brown paper* "You must be in a hurry..."

man: yeah, i have a job interview. so long. *leaves*

Yoh: *waves* "Good luck--"

*a handcuff is put onto Yoh's wrist*

Yoh: "... ... ... ???"

security: ....

Yoh: "... ... ..." <Hello! Would you mind un-cuffing me before I flip you?> *smiles happily*

security: open the bag.

Yoh: <Oh, sure--let me just reach over and-->

*while reaching for his bag, Yoh flips the security guard over his shoulder and onto their back*

security: ?!?!?

Yoh: <Here it is--> *looks down* "...Aw, what's wrong, lying down on the job?" *smirks*

security: @_@ ough....

Yoh: "Well, if that's everything, I have until this evening for my connecting flight, so I better take in the city..." *swings his bag over his shoulder, and drags the security guard behind him*

*a row of security officers block his path*

Yoh: "... ... ..." <Shit.>

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: "Okay, line up."

shinra: ....

Arthur: *holds onto Excalibur*

Takehisa: *carries his rifle*

Petra: *holds onto a book*

Vulcan: *lowers his goggles*

Viktor: *turns on his GPS tracker*

nozomi: the radio's loaded up, sir.

Akitaru: "Thanks. Lisa, Yuu, any machines still need to be loaded?"

lisa: just a few more pieces of equipment, sir.

tamaki: *adjusts her habit*

Akitaru: *nods* "I know we have a lot of conflicting feelings about this mission. The last time we were in the Nether, we saw a lot that shook us, a lot that surprised us...and we almost lost members of our team."

lisa:....

Akitaru: "This time, we have more information to know what awaits us down there. And we will have the 2nd to support us. But I need to know you are with us on this mission. If anyone is going to refuse to enter the Nether, you need to say so now."

lisa: i'll be with yu, managing the radio.

Relan: "I would like to be stationed at radio, too."

Akitaru: "And Shinra?"

shinra: im going in.

Akitaru: *nods* "Happy to hear it." *grabs his coat* "We depart in 10 minutes. Everyone, on board."

-elsewhere-

Haumea: "..." *smiles* "I see you're still obedient. What a good child you've been..." *head pat*

sho: ..........

arrow:.....(he's barely concious......)

Haumea: "Isn't our child just precious, Arrow~?"

arrow:........

Haumea: *frowns* "I said..."

-knock-

Haumea: -_-# "Go answer that!"

arrow: yes?

ritsu: it's time.

-elsewhere-

Joker: "And so, they're all headed to the Nether to face off. Based on what Viktor told me, I took a long time deliberating this, and..." *reveals a chalkboard labeled 'Dead Pool' with the names of each member of the 2nd, 8th, and Hoods* "We're taking bets on which ones survive."

nana:.....what....

ria marcelo: -_____-

Joker: "I think Orochi has good odds. Shinra's plot armor means that's a bad bet." *pulls out red Solo cups and boxes of Lucky Charms cereal* "I wager a glass of Red Balloons on the creator embarrassing Tamaki again with pointless perv pandering."

nana:....what the fuck is he talking about?

ivy: who cares.

Joker: "--and then we can have the 4th come in at the last minute to save the day--" *holds up a clay figure labeled 'Arg'* "--and then Arg unleashes his atomic breath and goes RAWR!" *bumps the figure against an All Might action figure*

scarlet: *WHACK* stop. -_-;

Joker: -3X "Let me have this--it's cheaper than therapy."

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: *marching up the stairs to the office* -_-# "You will say nothing inappropriate, untoward, or embarrassing for either of us. Is that understood?"

Dazai: -3- "I am nothing if not tactful. Besides, nothing happened--you just overreacted. Kind of offensive, actually."

Kunikida: *groans* "...Sorry."

*seems like a bit of noise coming from inside the office*

aya: we're he-

Ranpo: *sitting at his desk* "So, you two are sleeping together."

secretary 1: HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO POOR KIRAKO?!

kenji: congratulations! ^^

Kunikida: OnO# *glares at Dazai* "WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"

Dazai: *waves his hands* ^w^; "I said nothing! Ranpo is just that good~"

Kunikida: -_-### "...I don't have time for this. There's work to be done!"

Lucy: "..." *whispers to Naomi* "Working Dazai, that is..."

naomi: it's not my main OTP, but its still cute.

Dazai: *sits at his desk* ^^ "Works for me." *opens his files* "Let's have a great workday everyone!"

Kunikida: -_-# "Aya, slap him."

aya: *kicks dazai in the back of the knee*

Dazai: >_< "OW! Is that any way to treat your Uncle Osamu?"

atsushi: *sigh* just another day at the ADA it seems.

Kyoka: "It's sad when people can't be honest about their feelings."

sylvia:.....

-elsewhere-

Sushimasa: OwO; "G-Good morning, Miss Maki..."

maki:....

Sushimasa: ("Please don't yell at me, please don't yell--") "We have fresh baked goods in the commissary..."

maki:....cool....thanks...

Sushimasa: OwO "..." *squeaks* "G-Good." ^w^; "Well, have a good workday..." *shifts away*

-elsewhere-

*a map shows different locations, labeled 'entrances to the Nether'*

Viktor: "Last time, we focused on one location where the Hoods could only be. But this time, we recognize there is a network of routes where they can enter and leave the underground."

shinra:...

Vulcan: *pulls over* "Okay, this is your stop--Shinra, Relan, Yuu, Lisa..."

shinra: *nod*

Relan: *steps out, grabbing a med kit*

Yuu: *carrying equipment out the back*

Vulcan: *looks at Lisa* "..."

lisa: be safe...

Vulcan: "..." *holds her hand, nods*

-elsewhere-

Heckler's Subordinate: "--and Commander Obi said to read this." *holds up an ebook on her tablet: "How to Talk to Arthur Boyle (a Dumbass)"*

-some giggling among the soldiers-

tatsu: *peeking from the haijima fence* what are they doing?

Subordinate: ._.; "Please don't laugh--the Commander said First-Class Soldier Boyle has to be handled carefully...It's important..."

Kurono: "...Don't stare at the weirdos. You still have training to finish."

-elsewhere-

engo: mr oze....i dont think it's wise for you to be here.

Takigi: *glares* "What's your name?"

engo: it's Engo, sir.

Takigi: "Yeah, and you know mine--and Oze's don't back down. So point me to the entrance or shut up."

Takehisa: *standing at the entrance* "..."

Petra: -_-;

engo: at least wear this protective jacket.

Takigi: "..." *points to his cast* "I can't exactly drape it over me, so put it on my shoulders."

-elsewhere-

shinra: *examining claw marks on the wall* ...

Hebio: "Officer Kusakabe? What did you encounter here to cause those scratches?"

shinra: i think these are new...

Hebio: "...Oh. That's concerning. I suppose a bit has changed since you were here..."

shinra: ……?? what's that you got, hebio?

Hebio: "Oh, it's a new book called 'How To Deal with a Devil'!"

shinra: *looks*................ (GOD DAMMIT ARTHUR!!)

-elsewhere-

Takehisa: "...Detective Oze, I am sorry about your injury. I myself had a shoulder injury recently during the attack on Haijima--"

Takigi: "Is that a joke?"

Takehisa: "...What? I don't joke."

Takigi: "I don't need your pity or this pointless conversation--I'm not going to be fooled, like how you fooled and corrupted my sister. I only need you here to show me through the Nether so I can memorize the path, so do your job competently for once and maybe this time you won't get someone killed!"

Takehisa: *seizes up*

Petra: "... ...Lord, give me strength." -_-#

Takehisa: "I assure you, Detective, safety is my primary concern--"

Takigi: "Savage."

Takehisa: "...I'm sorry?" O_O

Takigi: "Savage. You in the 8th are a bunch of barbaric, backwards savages who have no clue how to protect others, let alone run an efficient firehouse. So shut up and do what I say." *walks in--knocking into Petra on the way*

Petra: "?!" "... ... ..." *inhales* "1...2...3...4..." *counts as she follows*

-elsewhere-

Takeru: *looking around*

Hajiki: "Be careful where you walk, Patty."

tamaki: im not patti, im tamaki. -_-;

Hajiki: "??? Takeru, I thought your girlfriend's name was Patty."

Takeru: ._. "Tamaki isn't my girlfriend?"

Hajiki: "I know--Patty is."

tamaki: -_-; patti isnt even in a fire brigade.

Hajiki: "Oh, right--she's always hanging around that exorcist at True Cross, so she must be from there. Thanks, Aisha!"

tamaki: that isnt even close to my name! >n< .....takeru, you holding up ok?

Takeru: ^^;;;;;;;;;; "Oh, yeah--I'm fine. This isn't really that much different than the cellar back home."

tamaki: the cellar?

Takeru: *nods* "To learn how to better grow potatoes, I tried growing other vegetables in the basement in Qingdao--roots, beans, peas..."

tamaki: huh, well viktor has been trying to grow mushrooms at the 8th's base.

Takeru: "Oh! I should ask him about that! They can be finicky little buggers."

tamaki: maybe......

Takeru: "...Tamaki, are you afraid?"

tamaki: ?? i-im not a fraidy cat! >3< i-...im fine, really...

Takeru: ^^; *nods* "You know more about this place, so I'll be depending on your help finding my way through...because I'm really scared right now." Q_Q

tamaki: w-well try not to wander off to far.

Takeru: *nods fervently* "I have no intention to!"

Hajiki: *walking up ahead, smirks* "Careful, Juggernaut--or Patty will get jealous."

tamaki: that's not how it is! god, cant a guy and a girl talk without people thinking there is romance involved?! jeez!

Takeru: "Yeah!"

Hajiki: "??? Jeez, sorry--didn't mean to offend you, Selena."

tamaki: that's not my name! it's tamaki! ta-ma-ki!

Hajiki: *tenses up, holds up his hand* "Hold it!" *blocks their path*

tamaki: *whapped in the face* ow!

Hajiki: "???" *turns* "Tamaki! Who hit you?!" *aims his gun everywhere* "Were they ninjas?! Were they invisible?!!"

Takeru: -__-;

tamaki: hey take it easy with that!

Hajiki: "What? I know how to aim at targets..."

Takeru: *to Tamaki* "I'm sorry--Hajiki...has some memory-retention problems."

tamaki: jeez, is everyone with a flame ability cursed?

Takeru: "...What?"

{Takeru: *sitting on a small cliff, wiping his eyes, crying*}

{mrs noto: <takeru, sweetie? are you alright?>}

{Takeru: *sniffles* <I hate this...I hate fire...I hate this ability...I hate myself!>}

-BOOM-

Hajiki: "??? What was that? Is that the Lucky Lewd Syndrome Juggernaut warned me about?"

Takeru: *wakes up* .\\\.;

tamaki: *PUNCH*

Hajiki: *stands perfectly still* "..." *blinks* "...What just happened? Where am I?"

*up ahead, there's a small fire on the ground...and what looks to be a body...*

tamaki: ???

Takeru: "...Oh no..."

*it's members of the 2nd, exploded...*

tamaki: w-what the hell?

Hajiki: "This was targeted..."

*they hear something shift up ahead, and moans*

Hajiki: *aims* "Could be more injured...or the perpetrator. Show yourselves!"

*out walks...a row of Infernals...only partially transformed...some with missing limbs, some with their heads caved in...*

tamaki: !!!!!!!!

Takeru: "EEEEEEK!"

*there are holes in their torsos...*

tamaki: t-that...that shouldnt be possible!

Takeru: "They don't have any cores?! THEY'RE ZOMBIE INFERNALS!"

Hajiki: "...Zom-fernals?"

-elsewhere-

hito: *shooting* damn, they just keep coming.

Vulcan: *has on metal boxing gloves--and is wearing a tail to bounce back and forth, knocking Zom-fernals away*

Unlucky 2nd Brigade Soldier: *screams, as they're ripped apart and bitten*

-elsewhere-

ritsu: fufufufu~

Orochi: *bows* "With your permission, I would like to face the intruders."

ritsu: of course, orochi.

Sasori: "How asinine--you should wait for backup."

Orochi: *frowns* "I don't need anyone..." *marches away*

-elsewhere-

*members of the 2nd keep firing, but the Zom-fernals keep rising*

Jonas: "Damn, damn, damn!" *fires shot after shot*

iris: ashes to ashes....

hito: head's up! *throws a grenade*

*the grenade lands inside a Zom-fernal and--*

*BOOM* *body parts spray everywhere*

anton: nice thinking, yasunoki!

Jonas: *SCREAMS*

hito: !!!!

*a Zom-fernal has nabbed Jonas*

anton: JONAS!

*SLICE*

anton: !!!

*a Zom-fernal has stabbed one of their own bones into Anton's back and through his heart*

anton: *coughing up blood*

Runner Guy: "Anton!" *fires shots at the Zom-fernal--*

Zom-fernal: *retracts from Anton, dumping his body--turning onto Runner Guy*

Runner Guy: *panicking--*

Zom-fernal: *rushes--*

*HEAD-ON ATTACK*

Honda: *crashes his cranium into the side of the Zom-fernal, slamming them into the wall*

Runner Guy: "Commander! Th-Thank you--"

Honda: *upside down, stuck in the floor* "!!! LOOK OUT--"

Runner Guy: "???"

anton?: *has stabbed him, groaning*

Runner Guy: "..." *life escapes his eyes, before he coughs up blood and falls down*

hito: w-what the hell...?

Akitaru: *slicing at Zom-fernals* ("Damn it...What have the Hoods done to people?! These...These bastards!")

-elsewhere-

rita: *trembling*

Viktor: Q___Q *curled up under a bar at an abandoned subway restaurant* "This makes no sense, this is not how science works--you can't just reanimate dead tissue through a simple flame--unless it is puppeteering--Wait, like that unnamed puppet girl at Haijima? NO! Like that weird stitched-up necro weirdo in the Hoods! Is that how they were doing this--" *mutter mutter mutter mutter*

Zom-fernals: *striking at soldiers left and right, ripping them apart, biting into the corpses--causing those corpses to glow before they rise and repeat the process to the other living soldiers*

Ohana: *firing shot after shot--until a magazine runs out* "Fuck! Licht, toss me--"

*BANG*

Ohana: *falls down, a bullet through the center of his head...his opened eyes stare lifelessly at Rita*

Zom-fernal: *clutching a smoking gun, aimed at the bar*

rita: !!!!!!!!

Ohana: *motionless*

Viktor: *tearing up, shaking*

rita: *attempts to pray*

*CLUTCH*

rita: *yelps*

Ohana: *opens his mouth to roar--*

*a chair collides with his head, knocking off the top of it*

rita: !!!!!!!!!

Viktor: "GET BACK, ROTTEN CONTRADICTION OF KNOWN SCIENCE! ... ..." *falls down to his knees, shaking* "Oh God, oh God..."

rita: *shaking*

*then Ohana leaps up with a shriek*

rita: !!!!!!!!!!

Viktor: *screams back at Ohana--before picking up Rita*

-elsewhere-

Zom-fernals: *NOM NOM NOM*

Takeru: >~< "EEEEEK! GET THEM OFF OF ME! GET THEM OFF OF ME!!!"

Zom-fernal: *paws at Tamaki, like a kitten*

tamaki: *WHACKS IT*

Zom-fernal: *yelps, falls back like a scared animal*

Hajiki: "Juggernaut, stop squirming." *aims at him--and fires multiple shots into his body*

tamaki: !!

Takeru: *screams in horror*

*but the Zom-fernals run away from Takeru's body and into the shadows*

*Takeru lies motionless, his body and clothes ripped apart by the bullets from Hajiki's gun...*

tamaki: takeru!!

Hajiki: "..." *stares intently at Takeru's body*

tamaki: what did you do to him?!

Hajiki: "Don't worry, Morgana--I know how to aim."

Takeru: *the clothes regenerate--and parts of Takeru's body pop back out* *sits up* "Hello."

tamaki: w-what the-...what?!

Takeru: "You remember back during our mission in China, when those hot dogs ripped my body apart?" *pats his outfit* "Patty's magic clothing! Plus, I know where to shift my body in these layers of clothes so Hajiki doesn't hit any vital organs."

Hajiki: *looks behind them* "...Juggernaut, Mimsie, get behind me." *aims at the shadows*

Takeru: "..." *slowly inches up to behind Hajiki*

Hajiki: *looks at Tamaki* "Start praying."

tamaki: so those clothes...how did patti even get them?

Takeru: "Stocking's mom can make them--it's really neat!" *tugs on the fabric--which pulses like it's alive* "They're really durable--able to survive high temperatures. Kind of like you, Tamaki! Maybe Patty could ask her to make you some?"

tamaki:........ *stares at him dead eyed*

Takeru: OwO; "...Are you okay?"

zom-fernal: GUOOOOH!

Takeru: "EEEEEEK!"

*BANG BANG BANG*

*the Zom-fernals fall like dominos...with Hajiki looking like he barely moved*

Hajiki: "..."

Takeru: >~< "Th-Thank you, Hajiki..."

Hajiki: *reloading his rifle*

tamaki: ......!! behind you!

Hajiki: *flips the barrel over his shoulder and, without turning around, fires--*

*BANG*

tamaki: he's a natural....

Takeru: "He's an inspiration--especially since he won 'Most Valuable Non-Pyrokinetic' in the entrance tournament..."

tamaki: wait, he's a non-pyrokinetic?!

Takeru: ">_>; "Not quite...He does have a fire skill--but he forgot it when he filled out paperwork to enroll in the 2nd."

tamaki: just how bad is his memory?

Takeru: "Pretty bad--he has short-term memory problems. But his eyes are blessed with thermal heat vision--he can spot heat signatures anywhere, even behind walls."

tamaki: so he could see through your clothes and detect your heat signal?

Takeru: "Right--like x-ray vision! ... ... ..." O\\\\\O *covers himself* "EEK!"

tamaki: YOU'VE KNOWN HIM LONGER AND _YOU'RE_ THE ONE FREAKED OUT?!

Hajiki: *firing shot after shot at Zom-fernals, even able to grab guns off the corpses of his departed colleagues to replenish his ammo, without even looking at the targets--and landing every shot*

*a bullet shell flies up*

Hajiki: "..." *sticks out his tongue, catching it*

tamaki:.....

Hajiki: "...Ow! Hot hot--" *spits it out* *pants* "Okay...All targets put down. Tamaki, if you could finish prayers..."

Takeru: *looking over the corpses of their colleagues* "..." *wipes his eyes*

tamaki:....ratomu....

Hajiki: "If we were attacked, so must the others. We better head back to the Commander--" *turns--*

*there's a Hood in the distance*

tamaki: !!

Hajiki: "!!! Guys, get back--" *aims--*

*something goes flying up*

*it lands at Takeru and Tamaki's feet*

tamaki: ah-....

Takeru: "Ah..."

*it's the top of Hajiki's head, sliced at the jaw...*

*Hajiki's body falls to the floor, dead*

tamaki: ah-....*SCREAMS*

Takeru: "HAJIKI!"

*the Hood pulls back her cloak, revealing--*

Orochi: "I am Orochi of the Purple Smoke." *cracks her whip* "I promise to shatter my enemies to pieces."

Takeru: *falls back, panicking*

Orochi: "Shh...Relax. You will join the dead soon."

tamaki: (come on tamaki, do something!) *battle stance*

Orochi: "What's this? A small kitty cat?" *twirls her whip*

tamaki: (that attack killed him in one swipe...her whip, could it have been-)

{Viktor: *taps the heat meter* "Yep--you certainly can get to hot temperatures, exceeding those even of Shinra! That's some talent, Tamaki!"}

tamaki: (but still....was it her whip or an ignition ability? if it was the whip, how did she make it move so quickly? it's almost like rapid...)

*SLICE*

tamaki: AH!!

*despite being so far away, Orochi managed to slice through Tamaki's habit, cutting into her left shoulder*

tamaki: *clutches her wound* gnhh!

Orochi: "Darn...I had hoped to lop off the entire arm. Aren't you durable..."

tamaki: (d-dammit...)

Orochi: *smiles* "Will you be my worthy opponent?" *cracks the whip again, this time it wraps around Tamaki's right arm*

tamaki: !!!

Orochi: *swings the whip--slamming Tamaki into the ceiling and down to the floor*

tamaki: GRK- (come on, fight back tamaki!)

Orochi: "Come on, play! Play!"

*CRACK* *SLICE* *RIP*

tamaki: *screaming out* (dammit....why dont i just move! im not helpless! im not-)

*the whip wraps around Tamaki's hands, as Orochi holds her up above her*

tamaki: im no....helpless...im not-

Orochi: "Look at you...A scared little kitten. Wait..." *takes Tamaki's hand in her chin*

tamaki:......i-

Orochi: "You're that fire-cat Guruna talks about--the one whose skin can withstand any flame..." *pulls the whip tighter, as it burns along Tamaki's wrists*

tamaki: *winces in pain*

Orochi: "You're too valuable to kill..." *smiles wickedly, as she rips the tattered habit off Tamaki* "But I want to see how much damage my whip can do!"

tamaki: !!!!!

Orochi: *pulls Tamaki by her pigtail--*

*PUNCH*

tamaki: AH!

*something knocks into Tamaki's face, like a small pebble*

{-who do you think you're kidding?-}

tamaki: ngh-

*the whip is loosened from Tamaki, as she falls to the floor, her head hitting the floor*

*...but Tamaki can see someone else collapsed on the floor...it's Orochi, knocked down*

tamaki: i-...*looks up*

*there's something white on the floor...it's a tooth*

*someone stands in front of Tamaki, towering over her*

tamaki: w-what-

Orochi: *gets up...one eye is blackened...and a tooth is knocked out...* *lisping* "What the hell?! How dare you--"

Takeru: *offers a hand to Tamaki* "Tamaki...Can you stand?"

tamaki: t-takeru...

Takeru: "Come on--let's get out of here--"

*the whip cracks--smacking Tamaki between the eyes*

tamaki: GYAH!

*Tamaki is knocked--through a wall*

Takeru: "TAMAKI!" *turns--and the whip wraps around his arm*

Orochi: "How dare you touch me!" *cracks the whip, knocking Takeru back and forth between the tunnel's walls*

Takeru: "UGH!" *slams his head against the wall, knocking him out*

{hito: easy, takeru, easy!)

{Takeru: >~< "Nothing is easy! This is really scary! J-Just put the flame away! I don't want to be near it!"}

{Hajiki: "Can you believe this guy, Hito? JUGGERNAUT, YOU'RE FREAKING HUGE!"}

{hito: *looks at hajiki*}

{Takeru: "I-I'm not that big...I'm self-conscious, because I don't fit into most spaces easily--"}

{Honda: "BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE STATURE OF A SOLDIER!"}

{Takeru: "EEEK!" *leaps--into Hito's arms*}

{hito: *KNOCKED DOWN* grk- c-c-command-der!}

{Honda: *picks up Takeru--with one hand*}

{Takeru: O_____O; "H-How--"}

{Honda: "Training! The military will make you strong!"}

{Hajiki: "As strong as you're big! And as courageous as you're big!"}

{-...-}

{Patty: *glomps Takeru* "I LOVE YOU, YOU BIG BAKED POTATO!"}

{-...-}

???: "Yeah...It's a big one. Bring more people to drag him to the arena. And we'll need bindings to hold the cat. No, don't tell her--she'll get in the way--"

*Orochi is on a radio call...*

Takeru: *he's on his side on the floor* "..." *pushes himself up*

Radio: "What's with your signal? It sounds like you're lisping--"

Orochi: *lisping* "Just get here, damn it!" *a shadow passes over her* "???" *looks behind her--*

*a fist slams down--*

Orochi: "?!!" *leaps back, grabbing her whip before--*

Takeru: "YOU BITCH! I'LL KILL YOU!"

Orochi: "..." *smiles wickedly* "Here to protect your feline girlfriend? Fine..." *summons cat o' nine tails*

Takeru: *grinds his feet into the ground, holds out his forearms...then his neck suddenly elongates like a giraffe*

Orochi: "?! WHAT THE F--"

Takeru: *giant machine guns form in flames along his forearms* *his head slams down like a Pez dispenser, as shots fire at Orochi*

-RATATATATATA-

Orochi: "?!!" *she tumbles back, her flame whips trailing her before she twirls to use Medusa Whip, the multi-headed whip, to block these flame bullets* "Jeez! This is nothing like fighting Assault--" *smiles, before grinning like a madwoman* "THIS IS HARDLY A CHALLENGE FOR THE MEDUSA WHIP! BWA HA HA HA!"

Takeru: "..." *stops firing...looks back to see Tamaki's body through the hole in the wall* : "Tamaki!"

tamaki: ..... (i-....) {-look at you, crumbled and naked, just like usual! you cant fight to save your own life!-} i....

{Boy: "Mommy! That girl is naked!"}

{woman: disgraceful.}

{guruna: we're children of misfortune, you and i..}

tamaki: (im....really fucking pathetic, arent i?)

{Middle School Classmate: "You're a slut."}

{Burns: "What a disappointment."}

{mrs kotatsu?: i should never have given birth to you.}

???: "TAMAKI! WAKE UP, NOW!"

tamaki: nnh....

Takeru: "..." *the fabric on his jacket starts to pulse--before new arms pop out*

Orochi: "...What the fuck?"

Takeru: *swings his fist--and clutches Orochi by the throat*

Orochi: *choked*

Takeru: *eyes narrowed*

Orochi: *slapping her hand down on Takeru's hand, suffocating*

Takeru: *pulls back his fist--*

*Orochi managed to wrap her whip around his arm, ripping it off at the shoulder*

Takeru: *SCREAMS IN HORRIFIC PAIN*

{young!sasori: you're falling behind, orochi.}

{Young Orochi: *panting* *lying on her back, flipped over by Sasori* "No..." *shaking, trying to get up again...*}

{-stomp-}

{Young Orochi: "ACK!"}

{young!sasori: you're weak.}

{Young Orochi: *whispers something he can't hear...*}

{young!sasori: ??}

{Young Orochi: *still whispering...*}

{young!sasori: *leans in* ??}

{*CRACK*}

{*Orochi head-butts Sasori*}

{young!sasori: GRK-}

Orochi: *head-butts Takeru* "I TOLD YOU I'M NOT WEAK!"

Takeru: *gasping in pain, holding his stump of an arm*

Orochi: "This world is not fair...You hide behind some infinite supply of fire bullets and that regenerative clothing...You don't know what it is like--" *kicks Takeru in the face*

Takeru: *kicked back*

Orochi: "In this world...the weak die, the strong survive..."

{sasori:....}

{Orochi: *walks by, smirking* "Give up. You'll never catch up."}

{sasori: mind your own business...}

Orochi: *twirls Medusa Whips, like helicopter blades, getting closer to Takeru's face...*

Takeru: *growls...as the jacket covers his stump--regrowing his arm as he creates a Human-to-Surface Flame Rocket--*

Orochi: "?!"

*KA-BOOM*

*there's only smoke...*

Takeru: *coughs...looks around* "Did I do it...?"

*there's a figure standing in the distance*

Takeru: "?! No..."

Orochi: *lowers Medusa Whip...* "..." *looks up, grins widely, her tooth still missing*

{Orochi: *collapsed in a pool of sweat and blood*}

{sasori: *panting*}

{*around them...are the corpses of their former peers, now made into zombies...*}

{-clap clap clap-}

{ritsu: congratulations for making it into the knights of the purple smoke.}

{Orochi: *struggles to look up*}

Orochi: "In the Nether, only the strong survive..." *she tosses her whip at Takeru, slicing along his arms, then his intestines...*

Takeru: *screams in pain, clutching his stomach, as blood pours out...*

tamaki: no....

*something bright shines in front of Takeru--before nine beams of fire blast out through his back*

Takeru: "..." *collapses, face-down*

Orochi: *stands over Takeru...* *looks up and smiles at Tamaki*

tamaki: .....

Orochi: "What a shame. I had hoped today I could face someone who was my type...I never have..."

{Orochi: "AH!" *swings her fist*}

{sasori: *dodges and swipes at her legs*}

{Orochi: "?!" *falls back*}

{sasori: *pins her down* had enough yet?}

{Orochi: "...You know today is the day we face the 2nd and the 8th?"}

{sasori:....}

{Orochi: *smiles softly--*}

{*CRUNCH!*}

{sasori: GRK-}

{Orochi: *kneed him* "Enough? I've only begun..." *pushes him off of her*}

tamaki: *trying to get up*

Takeru: *clutching his gut...there's a giant hole in it...* "Tamaki..." *coughs up blood* "Stay back!"

tamaki: i....i have to.....-

Takeru: "I can do this!"

{Mr. Noto: <Huh--his suitcase is empty.>}

{mrs noto: <takeru?>}

{Takeru: *sitting outside*}

{mrs noto: <takeru? sweetie?>}

{Takeru: <I don't want to go. I don't want to abandon the farm.>}

{mrs noto: <takeru...>}

{Takeru: <I hate this ability. I hate fire...>}

{mrs noto: <i know, but this is an opportunity to learn how to control it. and that nice mr honda is more than willing to help you learn.>}

{Takeru: <But who will take care of the potatoes?>}

{mrs noto: <your papa and i arent going anywhere.>}

{Takeru: <...I just want to help...>}

{-...-}

{Takeru: *flailing his arms* "EEEEEK!"}

{Hajiki: *sparring* "Don't be such a coward!"}

{Takeru: "BUT THAT'S WHO I AM!" >~< }

{Hajiki: "Wrong--you are what you do!" *kicks him down*}

{Takeru: "EEP!" *falls back, rubs his bottom*}

{Hajiki: *offers his hand* "You stand up--you're standing up. You throw a punch, you're punching. You act brave, then you are brave. That's what it means to be a fire soldier..."}

{Takeru: *looking up in awe*}

{-...-}

Takeru: "To protect others..."

{Takeru: "I didn't want to be here like you...I'm not a soldier! I'm not cut out for this!"}

{Hajiki: "I see..."}

{Takeru: "Is this what I should do with my life?"}

{Hajiki: "Only you can answer that, man. So, what's the answer?"}

Takeru: "I am..."

{mrs noto: <we're proud of you no matter what. and someday, your flames of courage will be as big as this potato field.>}

{Takeru: <How do you know that?>}

{mrs noto: <would a coward have the strength to tend this whole field?>}

{Takeru: "???" *looks to the field...he feels the sun on his skin* "..."}

Takeru: "...THE JUGGERNAUT!"

*a giant bomb forms in Takeru's hand*

Takeru: *roars, as he slams the bomb down at Orochi's head--*

*SPLATTER*

*the bomb dissipates into weak flames...as Takeru's hand falls to the floor*

Takeru: *winces...his hand reforms...but now the right sleeve itself is...bleeding?

Orochi: "How sad...So, the magic jacket itself is bleeding?"

Takeru: "I don't care...how many times you rip me apart...YOU ARE GOING TO PAY WITH YOUR LIFE!"

Orochi: *leaps back, whipping at Takeru, slicing at the jacket*

Takeru: *screams in pain*

???: *SCREAMING*

Takeru: "?!"

*the jacket...is screaming*

Takeru: "Hold on...Just a bit longer..." *he's summoning another bomb*

Orochi: *sweating, backing up* "Stand down! Die! Why won't you stop?!"

*SLICE SLICE SLICE*

*the jacket screams again, as Orochi manages to slice the right arm sleeve off, exposing Takeru's hand*

Orochi: "..."

Takeru: "..."

*Takeru hurries to summon the bomb and starts to bring it down--*

Orochi: *lets out a cry, swinging her whip one more time--*

*SLICE*

*Takeru's arm is sliced at the wrist*

Orochi: "HA!"

*...and that hand still has the bomb in its clutches, as gravity brings it down*

Orochi: "!!!"

*Orochi's throat tightens, cutting off her voice before--*

*The bomb connects with her cheek--ripping it apart, her tongue sliced off...*

*BOOM*

*An explosion engulfs this sector of the Nether*

*the flames rush at Tamaki*

tamaki:.....*closes her eyes*

-elsewhere-

felisia: !!!

Mephisto: "??? What's wrong?"

felisia: i.... i dont know....

-elsewhere-

#death city days

[vivaciousyellow]

y: kitchen and kokoro

dear victoria,

first of all, i’d like to apologise with much much embarrassment for how late this post came in after i’d been the one to insist on deadline like almost a month ago l o l at me

second, i love love love how you described kitchen. it’s exactly how i felt and honestly i’m so weak against the pure sentimentality that the narrator exuded through that exact kind of simple but profound style you described. the book just made me feel really nostalgic - the kind of indulgent, unproductive feeling to which i feel particularly susceptible. i wish i wrote some quotes down but just the way she expressed what home meant to her was so powerful: what she saw in different kitchens, what they told her about the residents of the house, the comfort they gave her... it made me realise more concretely what and how much home means to me.

but also omGGG victoria!!! i’m so sorry you were stuck in the cold ass fucking rain for that - and that we didn’t even make it in to burlesque to maybe take your mind off of it for the rest of night. i’m glad your mom and grandma (fuck drivers) are okay tho. and i hope your uncle is doing okay.

i’ve been trying to improve my relationship with death. i mean i’ve been pretty shielded from it but the threatening blips of its presence which have shown up on my radar and the visceral reaction they elicit suggest that i need to work on it. especially when i find my thoughts trailing over to my parents dying or getting hurt and that’s always Not Fun. especially since i’m supposedly going to Japan for an extended period of time soon. especially because my mom has all these recently accumulating physical problems that have started increasingly encroaching on her quality of life in small but significant ways, and my dad’s always so reckless, his heart is forever 21 but sometimes i feel like his mind turns forever 21 as well, and my sister. oh my sister.  

it’s amazing to me how…aggressively?? nuclear our family is. it's a product of being an immigrant family etc. etc. but as the second generation, i used to always panic that i wasn’t going to cry when second degree relatives die. then i turned 22 and suddenly im crying at most things so guess that’s not so much a concern anymore. wellp.

but yeah it’s funny to reminisce about my ~ younger days ~ when i only ever hung out with my parents and sister. they're still my everything, but definitely learning and practicing to make more meaningful connections with friends since getting into college has also been a lot, a lot of learning how to be with other people, and of learning how to go easier on myself. uhmm like crying: i’ve learned to reframe it as not something to let build up out of anxiety, just to explode out of my control then try to stop out of panic but an opportunity to willfully let feelings go and check in with myself and others. idk. basically forming intimate relationships with people is wild and y’all make me wildly feel. Personal Growth and all that shit. (gotta pat myself on the back whenever i don’t actually act like a 10 year old.)

which, segue into the books, has made reading them such a likewise affective experience. (this might be kind of spoilers?? but the plot is pretty simple, and i wouldn’t be able to spoil, like, tone and style of writing if i tried) Kokoro’s plot is loosely similar to kitchen in that it also follows the protagonist’s relationship with someone who became like family. and similarly, that person reappears in the protagonist’s life through a letter.

letters are so weird. y’know? like a physical manifestation, a snapshot of someone’s emotions in the moment. and even just the act of putting into words, feelings. i wish i studied linguistics in college, is another regret i’ve discovered. But also like once you’ve committed to writing something that’s immediately open to interpretation no matter your intention once it leaves your hand feels like a lot of responsibility - to have chosen the right words out of literal millions to perform for you whatever things you want to convey - and expectation, that the other person will understand correctly and empathize. oh! and most importantly, the hope that they’ll respond. the protagonist says during the middle part of the book that “[t]his was why i wrote letters: i hoped for a response” (88). which is so depressing. when feelings and yearnings aren’t reciprocated. which is what ghosting is i guess. actually just human connection in general. lmao i’m really just tryna get down to the really simple and obvious things in life but bear with this slow-learning bish over here.

chapter 56 particularly struck me. when the sensei frames his past, his experiences, as “personal property” to leave in the care of the protagonist (123). recently, my grandparents came to visit, and my grandma kept emphasizing that she had so many things to say to us. stories and lessons she felt incredibly compelled to pass on as soon as possible, that needed to leave her mouth unto my ears. tbh it felt a little foreboding as the recipient of this kind of energy and anxiety. energetic anxiety ? and my mom’s been talking to me a lot more often about… surviving, I guess is the word - so i don’t take so long to realize these Life Lessons. Because this is the property she’s accrued growing up, immigrating, living; property that her parents didn’t have but she can now pass on to me. i feel like there’s some sort of American Dream, capitalist metaphor/critique that can truly flourish with this idea, but I’ll leave it at this clumsy dip into the figurative waters here.

biggest takeaway of all the things my mom and grandma (and I say this endearingly) nag to me about, is 动手动脑. and, best example is this four weeks late post, but i definitely have performance anxiety and can’t get my authorial penis up when I need to, which is something i need to work on… instead of counting on myself to pull out insightful rambles a la every finals week 24 hours before the final paper is due, i should probably take notes and outline for next time. after all, there are no deadlines to inspire to sit my ass down and fight the figurative pins and needles to write when it comes to telling your own story and just thinking for the sake of thinking… 

but yeah!!! next up is a personal matter, kenzaburo oe.

much love (and chagrin @me),

ying

#why am i like this #please stop me #natsume soseki #kokoro #japanese literature #semi coherent thoughts #ying #i will be better #how do i add a read more #omg