Things are getting back to normal again.

Not that things were horribly amiss, but it wasn't without its hardship. I'll be glad to see things returning to what they ought to be.

And I do hope everyone's well. All of you are in my thoughts, as always.

( Private to Eve, Kakashi, Caim. )

[Bawww spamming the front page forever, I'm sorry.

At great length:]

Honestly, I'm far too old to be doing this sort of thing any more.

[There's a slight trickle of water when he rinses out a rag, dabbing it against some part of his skin.]

I do apologise, Eve; it seems the mirror can be melted, but I have yet to find a temperature that would permanently eliminate the reflective surface. It resolidifies quite quickly.

Fail-filter to Caim:

Ice Magister. You did say that that woman bore a resemblance to your mother, correct?

Dear me.

I suppose the only thing I can suggest is that we all stay on our guard for a little while. We don't want any more horrible accidents, after all.

... On that subject, I'd rather like to consult a doctor concerning what can be done for Ritsuka. I'm no more than a basic medic at the best of times; as it is, I doubt very much he would regain the ability to walk under my supervision alone, and I have nothing to dull the unbearable pain he presently finds himself in.

Is anyone able to lend their hand in assistance? ... At least before you medical types are in far higher demand.

There's a rather ominous bank of cloud on the horizon to the East, visible above the trees. There has been a gradual rise in temperature, hasn't there? One would hope it grows a little stifling before the storms break it.

I should so hate to see the heat thwarted so soon.

... I've another query for you all, fellow friends and Nuadorians.

How does one come to find a life philosophy? Can a principle be enough to define and justify all the moral colours of one's actions?

Surely there is something out there as yet unencountered by us all, the perfect scenario to smash that philosophy as it stands. Or perhaps a principle can be so broad and all-encompassing as to render itself unbreakable - but what value is it then?

Do you have a philosophy on life, personally? What defines your conduct?

As insightful as you all are, and as enriched and diverse as your cultures must be, I hope for exciting answers. Though, let that not suggest that my fellow natives would be excluded from the question. You know that I'm always happy to hear from you all.

I anticipate your answers as breathlessly as ever, Nuadoria.

... My. Following up the last transmission is somewhat embarrassing.


We're so often told that appearances can be deceiving, and one ought not to judge a book by its cover, but I must admit: some of your familiars suit you entirely too well.

Perhaps there are certain aspects of oneself, traits that one can't conceal because they're simply too deep-set. Perhaps they're the animals one could be if one could preserve one's principles and nature, but shed civilisation and culture. But is it an evaluation by the self, or by another? It'd be interesting to know whether you're personally responsible for their manifestation, or if it's purely an outside source.

... Well. Either way, it must be interesting to see one's identity - or self-identity - manifest. To be honest, I'm a little bit jealous. I would rather like to have seen mine, as well. Just to see if he was right.



... Speaking of which.


It's honestly rather sweet that you remembered. Memory can be such a deceptive thing sometimes, especially when one is as young as you were. But you recalled it with almost perfect clarity.

I'm flattered.

Gaea. This is you again, isn't it?

You conniving bitch, just what is the meaning of this? Where are y-

[There's a deafening crash, followed by a thumping, scraping, thumping, scraping. Dai's breath shudders out of him. He actually sounds just a little bit panicked.

His sword hisses when its drawn from the sheath, but a loud clang stops all other sounds dead. The transmitter falls, the microphone clattering against the ground. There's one soft, sharp sound - a sound like pain and terror, strangled and cut off - and the transmission very suddenly ends.

Someone probably hit the transmission end button. With their foot.




So how 'bout that weather huh. :|]

Oh.

Well.



Now you know, I suppose.

( Private to Gaea. )

My dear residents of Nuadoria, if I might pose a question to you.

Some of you have been here for a long time, and encountered all manner of disaster and hardship - including some considerable opposition.

I'm curious. How do you define a 'monster'?

Well, then.

I hope I didn't keep you all waiting for too long. Shall we begin?

Asch.
Cissnei.
Cloud.
Kairi.
Luke.
Reno.
Riku.
Ritsuka.
Roxas.
Squall.
Zack.

For your willing participation, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

All of the above, please proceed to the library. Within the archives, at the back of the second floor, you'll find an open way where a door once stood. Take the flight downstairs until you reach a large, open area. There's normally quite the Child infestation here, but I've seen to it that the way is relatively clear. You may encounter one or two, but so long as you're all prepared, you should experience little trouble.

You need only head to the door at the far end. It'll require a passcode... but don't worry too much about that. You're all exceptionally intelligent. I've every faith that you'll figure it out.

That will take you to the control center Cherubim. You can gain access to the Seraphim from there.

I hope you all enjoy a very pleasurable trip, and try not to worry; I'll be keeping a very close eye on you every step of the way.


[I'm very sorry for the delay, chaps! I had some deadlines to meet, and I thought it'd be better to schedule this to happen around the time people would be coming back from Katsucon. Thank you so much for your patience.

Also, please let me know if I missed any names or accidentally added anyone who didn't volunteer!]

It sounds like you've all had more than enough of this experience. Is my plane really so intolerable? I'd so hoped you could all see it in its full glory one day, but.

Well.

... To get to the point, I've... had a change of heart, shall we say. A handful of volunteers are going to be needed - and isn't that always the way it goes? - to go to the Fire Elemental Seraphim. I'll grant permission to those of you who graciously lend your services.

Filtered from Caim.

... Of course, I'll be taking my favours at the door as always. Nothing too heavy! You all look so dreadfully tired, I'd hardly wish to take more from you than is necessary.

All I request is commitment to a good cause. A modest thing.

But! We can discuss the details in full when you provide your names, I suppose. How many brave warriors are willing to fix our thermostat?

Oh...

This is much better.

Goodness. Don't these dark, cold and endless days make one pine for spring? There's no heat in the sun, and a broken heart makes for notoriously poor blood circulation.

But, wonderfully, it isn't all bleak. Those markings are proving a small comfort, and I do thank those who carry them for sharing the warmth of your presence in this lonely world with me. It certainly keeps sadness at bay to know I'm surrounded by such pleasant, self-sacrificing people.

Ah. If I concentrate, it's almost like your bodies are right here with me. Is that not a comforting thought, to know one is never far from a friend?

Well.

The face of the city isn't one to stay too consistent these days, but I didn't expect this sort of update.

It's been quite some time since I had an opportunity to stretch my muscles in this world, though I can't say the cold is doing a great deal for my old bones. It's true what they say, you know. Death really does take years off your life. I never really feel youthful any more. It's just as well there are so many young and spirited warriors with us now; I doubt I shall have my strength for much longer, but seeing you all filled with such passion gives me some comfort for the future.

[A weary sigh.]

... So, to business. We're all off hiking to the Cathedral, are we? The demon witch has been chatty about it recently; I suppose it's little surprise. Well, then. I can't say I'm openly fond of the place - though the architecture is quite exquisite - but I think it'd be best if you all had someone with you who knew the area. A tour guide, if you will. Though somehow I rather feel more like a teacher taking his students out on a trip. It must be the group activity aspect.

Of course... my memory isn't what it used to be. One can only futilely wonder how useful one can be under the burdensome sense of urgency and the weight of expectation. I fear I may develop performance anxiety, so please be gentle with me.

Now, for those of you who were eager to go on this little scavenger hunt. Who was it, again? Roxas, Trish, Gokudera and Rinoa I believe, though I'm hardly averse to making friends with anyone else in the mood for some fun.

We'd best meet at the Cathedral. I'll be waiting inside.


[OOC: ALRIGHT CHAPS. Dai is your official tour guide. The way I figure this'll be best effective is if we start a comment log on this post, because so much of it is probably going to be short action comments and heavy dialogue and people might split up. c: I have to sleep, but I can either do it when I wake up or if you guys would like to make your entry now, please feel free to start one and I'll tag it when I wake up. If you're not sure you have time to do it, don't worry; we'll just see how we go, and I'll arrange a finish for us if we can't get there. ♥ For now, it's just for fun.]

Doesn't it seem like the air is tense? With all this enduring hardship, I suppose it really can't be helped.

As I promised, I'm here to report on a complication. I've received word from two of the deceased on a matter that may be important to those in this world; Sasuke Uchiha and Anko Mitarashi have both elected to remain dead rather than go through the process laid down by the agreement between the Ice Magister and I that would make them my property upon their return to life.

Private to Caim.

I've grown more transparent in my old age. I suppose loneliness is the price you pay when you go about slaughtering the ones you love, isn't it?

Would you like to know why I give them the option of remaining, rather than force you to hand them over? I'm quite happy to justify it, if you're at all curious.

... Incidentally, that visit of yours was immensely pleasant. I look forward to the next one.

Private to Gaea.

Is it your mistress's will?

Kengamine Nagi, Rinoa Heartilly, and Aoyagi Ritsuka.

You'll be pleased to know that the Ice Magister has reclaimed you. My mark, you will find, has been removed. Try not to touch the area too much; it will undoubtedly still be quite sore.

Luke fon Fabre, Reno, Sakuragi Hiyori.

The Magister has expressed no desire to see you returned, and thus you will remain with me. My commisserations; I will, regardless, continue to thoroughly ensure your safety with what power is left to me.


... It seems that we are all here again. How rude some can be, though, without a hint of greeting or consideration. How unwelcoming we must seem when we can't even greet each other respectfully.

I wonder, residents. Do your own worlds place a value on having a sense of decorum? Do you, yourselves?

Visible to everyone except Gaea.

It's certainly been a frightening week, hasn't it?

Please don't worry. Let's see if we can't make you happy, hmm?

... Of course, it's best that you all consider carefully some form of repayment, should I be successful. I require nothing for my service, of course - but I enjoy work that feels rewarding. It... encourages me to be equally enthusiastic the next time.

I'm sure you understand.

/filter.

Demon-witch, a moment of your time?
You know well that I do enjoy a little entertainment, and you've certainly never been disappointing in your efforts. That said, your timing really seems to have some people upset. In light of some protests from my property and my own personal concerns for their welfare, perhaps you'll consider saving your destructive tendencies for another day? I'm sure we can cut some deal to benefit us both.

Ah. Time is still quietly ticking.

There's a desire for action, isn't there? For justice.

Your warrior's spirits rarely let you rest.



Filtered to Caim, visible to the dead.

My.

I can't help but suspect that your behaviour in regard to the deceased may be generating some hostility amongst the living. The dead themselves aren't faring so well either, I've noticed.

Unless you wish to be responsible for more death - more genuine death - you will have to give them back eventually.

Naturally, I know the reason for your hesitation. Do I truly fill you with so much loathing? Or perhaps, after all this time, you are still hesitant to finish it.

It really does make my heart ache, but I'm willing to compromise.

Let us trade.

[A soft, velvety sigh.]

... Ah.



... I see how it is, now. That really is interesting.

So much mindless violence. Impulsive, but with the factors involved, one could almost consider it an act of fate.

Have heart, newcomers. Dying is the most unpleasant part. The rest is mere inconvenience.




There are only two people with any great need to worry.