MarinaNova Asylum

( Of course Lelouch knew his sister was responsible for the welcome baskets... )

voice; public

[ Such a pleasant teen boy in your ear this morning, Marina! His voice is smooth and cultured~. ]

Good morning. I'm given to understand that the welcome baskets my sister [ subtle emphasis; a preemptive defense of his inheritance of the project! ] spearheaded were previously disseminated via courier, but I'm afraid that's all I know about who else worked on them...

Is there anyone else I ought to speak with before I assume her duties? [ So gracious. ]


voice; private to yuuki

And on that note -- I know you've been looking for more regular clients... [ Would you like to add flowers to the baskets, Yuuki? ]


action/apartment mingle;

[ Housemates will find Lelouch at the kitchen table, with an empty woven basket and a notepad. He has the latest of half a dozen lists on it. Ideas about what a welcome basket should contain.

Naturally he also made breakfast, so help yourself. ]

audio;
[While he's not worse for wear, Zero can't be bothered with a video right now. He'd much rather keep his eyes closed. If he sounds tired, it's because he is.]

. . .Is it really only day 397?

[He slept right through the morning announcement. Despite clearly remembering just the day before, it also feels like much longer than a day has passed. More like twenty years, with all the memories that that much time can contain.]

closed action to house-mates;
[At some point Zero makes his way to the kitchen to make the strongest cup of coffee he can. And to seek out painkillers if possible, since his head is killing him. If a house of vampires would even need them around? Feel free to find him amid this.

. . .Granted, at some point he'll be back in his bed, bundled up in blankets.]



[OOC: Zero has been canon updated! And as mentioned, by a whole 20 years. Making him 39y/o, now. :') ]

[ . . . Amusing. It's too amusing. The way half the populace of Marina can't seem to talk except in song or rhyme. It feels like one of those rare occasions where she's somehow been blessedly left unaffected. She hopes that everyone she knows is. And so she's more than happy to chat away with anyone she can get talking. As for her, she's at work. Propped up on the counter at Nine White Orchids, she waves with a smile at the screen.]

Another strange day in Marina. If you've ever been too scared to karaoke before, I think today's the perfect opportunity for you to try it out! I promise to cheer everyone on. [Please someone indulge her. All amusement aside, she hadn't made a message to simply poke fun.]

Despite our real life musical, I wanted to let people know that outside of just flowers, decor and house plants, we also sell herbs at the shop. There had been some interest in it within the past, so if anyone needs something fresh, please be sure to visit us. And pay our newest employee a visit, too!

[While still recording, she takes her communicator off from around her ear, and tips it so that it faces up, while resting beside her lap to reveal the newest flower shop worker.]



Let me introduce you all to Tenshi-chan!

[Cheerfully! The white cat lying within her lap simply stretches, her paws reaching forward, before her eyes close pleasantly and she settles back into place. Lifting her communicator back up she carefully puts it back into place around her ear and grins.]

She's super sweet so come say hello, pet a cat, and buy some flowers! _{Or take them. There's really no buying, huh....}

[ There is Suzaku. There is Suzaku with his eyes as though carved from stone.

He opens his mouth to say that Euphie is no longer in the Dome, which means that she is gone back to her death and what comes out? ]

How oft when men are at the point of death
Have they been merry! which their keepers call
A lightning before death: O, how may I
Call this a lightning? Euphie! Gone! ... for good...

[ ... Two bright blotches appear on Suzaku's cheeks because WHAT IS THIS EVEN and how can any of it be said to be for good, and he cuts the transmission. ]

video;
[The feed opens to a rather pleased looking Kazuki.]

Hi, guys. I recently opened a café here, so I thought I'd tell everyone. It's in Sector Three, called Rakuen, and specializes in Japanese cuisine— particularly comfort foods, such as curry rice. [Promoting the dish he's pretty well known for back home? Subtly, yes.]

Ah- I guess I should mention right now that I don't have sushi, here. That can be found at Raw, which is nearby.

Anyway, please do come by if you'd like. I'd be happy to serve.
___

private to Yuuki;
Hey! It's been a while. If you want to stop by, I can make you some okonomiyaki, like I had offered to.
___

action;
[In the mean time, Kazuki is working about. The first thing one may notice about Rakuen is how warm and homely it seems. The design isn't exactly like either one on Tatsumiya or Watatsumiya Island, but still satisfying. The large front window lets in plenty of light, and the seating, floors, and fixtures are mostly wooden. Along the walls are a number of themed pictures of the ocean, fish, and blue skies with fluffy clouds.

On the counter is a small stack of menus which he hand wrote. Along with the mentioned food, there's of course also coffee and tea, a couple of floats and parfaits, as well as a few other basic sweets.]

Video | Open

I think we could all use a distraction.

[Or maybe that's just her thinking about how it's been awhile since the wardens have launched something at them. The kites barely seem to count. Is something big coming? are they just counting down the days until 400? Another anniversary festival or something...worth waiting for? In probably all the wrong ways.]

So, let's play a game. It's called I Never. It's usually a drinking game, but I'll leave the type of beverage up to you. All ages. [As if anyone stops the kids from drinking booze here anyway.]

I'll say "I never went to prison." If you have gone to prison—and spoiler alert, you have—then you drink. If you're not using video then figure something else out or stop being so difficult. The objective is to find things out about each other while not getting too drunk or hydrated yourself, so normally you'd pick a true statement for yourself so you don't have to drink. But that's really up to you. [She might drink a lot just because she's done a lot of things.]

I'll start us off, I never shoplifted...from a store that hadn't already been abandoned.

(OOC: It's not a mingle, but you can feel free to threadjack others!)


Action | Closed to Chekov
[Not long after the video goes up there's a knock at his door. On the other side is Kitty, looking a more put together than usual and carrying a couple of bags. One has liquor. The other has food. What do?]

[It had taken a fair bit of effort to put everything together, but none of it that wasn't enjoyable. While Zero did do a majority of the cooking, the others helped out here and there. In retrospect, the sheer amount of foods and ingredients he picked up the day before wasn't too much at all. In a general sense Zero made sure that the apartment was well stocked.

Unlike breakfast the other day, tonight their meal is set up more like a buffet, with a good variety of dishes, some of which he's only recently learned how to make. Plenty of meat and fish, a few noodle dishes, salads, etc etc. In hopes it would maybe get Ichiru to at least stop by, too, Zero made the tomato soup that they both used to love when growing up.

Dessert is of course provided as well. More specifically, a sundae bar. A little later on after they've eaten he'll set up the bowls, ice cream, and fixings along the counter.]



(ooc: This is a free for all mingle, so tag as you please! Wildcards welcome!)

[The video is short and to the point, but he thought he would alert anyone who might want to know.]

I've recently taken over the maintenance work of the stables. If anyone ever needs something in those regards, just let me know. My name is Zero.

[He pauses before deciding to add in something else- ]

You may have already seen him on the network today, but my son is here. His name is Ren, and looks very similar to me- [ah. maybe he should also mention the more elusive family member who's much less sociable and polite] -as well as Ichiru, my twin who's also here. Although it's fairly easy to tell us apart.

---

shopping;
[As it is, the Kiryuu-Kuran residence - now with its fifth member - consumes a rather lot of food. Meaning, even though Zero stops by both the convenience store and Bull's Eye often enough, there's always a reason to go. Maybe even more so when they have Mika and Yuu over. He doesn't mind it, though; cooking for others is something he's come to like. He looks forward to doing so with both Ai and Ren.

. . .and speaking of the two, they're both with Yuuki at the moment. Of course he would've liked to join them, but he'll take on the task of preparing for the big dinner they'll be having tonight, as suggested by his son.

Feel free to find him among any of the aisles, his cart steadily filling up.]

shooting range;
[It's a bit after he dropped the groceries off at the apartment. No matter how frequent he comes here, he'll never like how the "ammunition" are made of foam, of all things. Granted, he's adapted fairly well to it. So much so that he hits the target more often than not. . . a major difference compared to how flawless he is with real bullets (or arrows, at any given time). Every now and again the trajectory ends up veering off. It's nothing new, but still irksome.

Maybe he could try and add more weight to them somehow. There has to be some kind of way, while still leaving them as harmless as they already are. Regardless, he'll continue.]

ice rink;
[Zero has only more recently come to the rink; within maybe the past week. For whatever the reason he hadn't thought much about it. Opposed to the other sports he engages in, this is more relaxing. He glides around easily. It's been years since he last was able to, yet it seems he's a regular at it, effortless.]

( Closed to Yuuki )

Video;

[Have that Zero lookalike back on your network, fellow prisoners! He's definitely a little more on the grumpy side than the confused side this time and back in that darned orange jumpsuit.]

Excuse me... I have a few questions for those who have been here longer - though possibly my family that is already here might be able to answer. First: Who comes up with the crimes that we've supposedly committed to end up here? Second: Is it possible to go home, not remember having been here, and to return and suddenly remember again?

[Please tell him he's not the only one. He feels so strange, having been with Ai back home and Kaname otou-sama along with her. Now he's just here again.]

Private to Haruka Kuran, Yuki Kuran and Zero Kiryuu

I apologize for my abrupt disappearance, father... and mother.

[He bows his head a bit, the frown still carved into his face in a thin line where his lips are pressed together in frustration.]

I... I think I remember where mother's shop is? I feel strange. I can't smell anyone but I'm sure you're both still here and Ai and Grandfather as well.

Private to Ai Kuran

Onee-sama, are you well? I'm not sure how long I was gone... I apologize for cutting our view of the sunset short.

[He wanted to stay there with her longer, this Ai that had shorter hair and was still getting to know him.]

I'll try to make it to the apartments soon, unless you'd like to come find me again. I-I've tried but I can't find onee-sama's scent anywhere.

[He smiles a bit, embarrassed at his failure but feeling that that the option of Ai finding him would be very much wanted by him. Any time he could spend with Ai was time he cherished.]

Maybe you could show me around some more.

[ The plan was to go several days ago but things happen (or rather, they don't) and he kept pushing it off and now here we are in the land of procrastinators. Today seems like as good a day as any though to do a little covert operations, what with the wind and the kites functioning as a perfectly good distraction.

He waits until he's sure Kitty's out of the office and then walks into the Defence Force headquarters as if he belongs there. He did, for a long time, and he's a good enough agent to know that the key to infiltration is acting as if you have every right to be there — and maybe he still does, in a way. No contracts, nothing but verbal agreements and he practically founded the Investigative branch whose folders he's eagerly flipping through. Should anyone approach him, he'll brush it off — or try to. At least he doesn't need to bring anything with him when he leaves.

Later in the day he can be found at Bean Crushers, making his way through a large coffee and a stack of notebooks, scribbling frenetically through the latter while letting the former cool mostly forgotten. There's something cooking, no doubt about it. ]

(slightly post-dated to later afternoon)
____

[Both Yuuki and Zero hate that they have to do this, even despite knowing that it should be done now. The more they put it off, the more difficult it will become. Yuu and Mika have already begun to grow attached to them— or, rather maybe to go so far as trusting them. Granted, Zero is aware it's (likely) more so Yuu with that part, but regardless. He and Yuuki (as well as Ai) hate how they've been dancing around the subject; to a degree Zero is almost surprised that the boys haven't been able to guess when it comes to Yuuki, especially, with how her fangs are often more visible than not, and how she often smiles.

Just a bit earlier Zero had contacted Yuu to invite he and Mika over. To a degree it's with the pretenses of having lunch together; it's not a lie, seeing how there's the fixings to make sandwiches set out in the kitchen. First, though, comes the difficult part.

Zero lets the two inside once they show at the door and then gestures to the couch for them to sit. He and Yuuki will remain standing for now, and briefly does he glance to her, as if they're really ready for this, regardless of the decision they won't back down from.]

There's something we want to talk to you two about.

[Zero almost wants to stall (already), but Yuuki agreed to let him do the talking for right now. Ai and Haruka are also aware of what's going on.]

[If you're outside today it will be hard to miss all the whimsical, high-flying kites. Might as well get some of your own or spend some time getting them out of trees.]

(OOC: EVENT INFO)

[Waking up in a strange place was bad enough but without Ai's presence he felt nothing but worry. He could smell her somewhere, like something sweet that drew one to it. There were other smells - human and vampire alike. It was almost overwhelming, were he not so focused on Ai and only Ai.

As he wandered towards her scent he began to distinguish others, making him stop in surprise. He could smell his mother - that soft smell of sunlight that had always been hers - and his father. It made him press the back of his hand to his mouth as he tried to calm himself. Where was this place? Why was he here? Sure, he'd gotten the introduction upon waking up but it didn't make him feel all that assured until he heard everything from Ai.

Around him others moved about and he decides to stop in front of a food stand, picking up a neatly packaged sweet for his family to share, should they like. Anyone who might look at him from afar might mistake him for his father. He and Zero were quite alike, after all, but then if you could sense those differences - Ren was definitely more like his mother, as an aristocratic Vampire.]

Apartment Building

[Ren found the source of his mother's scent easily, overwhelmed by it and that of his father's that lingered in the air with hers. He would find Ai with her, surely. Where his family was, he would find all of them. Still he found himself pacing, wondering how to process seeing his father again. It had been some time, after all. He wouldn't want him to see it on his face - how he had missed him, how upset he was that their mother had given her life for their other father to live peacefully. He wished they could have all lived together, but that had not been the hand their lives had been dealt.]

Ah- you're here.

[He smiles, looking up as someone familiar approaches.]

Stables

[Ren could recall stories his father had told him as a child, stories of his days at Cross Academy with their mother. He'd loved horses and that was where Ren knew he too might be able to quite all the overwhelming senses to hit him, the thoughts that came with them.

Quietly, he moves towards one of the closest horses, smiling as he reaches to touch it's snout. It was rare that creatures could relax around vampires, but he hoped that his presence would not be a bother to them.

With the other hand, he holds up treats for the horse before him.]

( Closed to Haruka )

[Cooking Breakfast]

[The house has expanded, but it's nothing she can't handle! Apron in place, she has one hand on her hip and a mixing spoon in hand as she faces off with the stove top. Now that her father and daughter are here, plus Zero, it's a full house. And she figures that while he usually does most the cooking in the morning, she can do her part too. Especially because, whether desired or not, the two children next door are over for breakfast too. Both should definitely feel as though they're just an extension to the family.]

All right...! It'll be pancakes, eggs, and cut fruit for everyone!

[But maybe someone should help her as she burns through her second batch of pancakes.]

[Breakfast]

[Everyone is gathered to the table, and okay this is fun...!]

Everyone dig in! [Half the food has been cooked by her. And the other half is whatever someone managed to rescue from her. But she's sure everyone will enjoy the pancake shapes and faces she made. Like Ai's pancake. Everyone is free to stare uncertainly at their food (rude), make awkward small talk, or maybe suggest a game to get to know one another.]

[Wildcard

[Maybe everyone leaves to go shopping? Want to interact one-on-one with someone, or something different? Do whatever you like, it's an apartment mingle.]

Open Video

[Yes he is aware of the fact that he's never posted anything on the network until today but this is just getting ridiculous. Meaning Soushi is making an exception.]

It's amazing how much our gracious wardens seem to experience technical "glitches". One might start think that these aren't actually glitches at all. [Dry sarcasm, he has it today.]

Perhaps whoever created this prison and the system that supposedly runs it should look into updating their software. Maybe we would experience less problems.

[Honestly, Soushi has the theory that the wardens are doing it all on purpose.]

I suppose if anyone has questions, I can answer them as a regular resident of the dome.

[He's going to man the network instead of going out today. This is a good idea.]

( Closed Action for Kazuki )

I'm usually not a fan of bottle episodes but I guess I can make an exception just this one time. You got the scenery right at least, so much better than, say, a basement. You got a Gilligan's Island thing going on here, except I don't have to choose if I want to jerk off to Ginger or the Professor. Lots of extras out there, I've noticed. Guess someone did the work for a big budget, huh? If you catch my drift.

So. I only have one question. Where do you keep the really big guns? I have an itch that only a semi-automatic can scratch.

Oh, and while I'm at it – any X-men out there or is this another instance of you not making the cut?

((ooc: as some of you may know, Deadpool has the superpower of the 4th wall break. If you don't want me to 4th wall your character (i.e. treat them as fictional) tell me in the comment and I'll lay off it! ))

[ video ]
[Haruka’s used to Juri running off - she never has enjoyed the surveillance that he feels is necessary. It makes for a fun game of tag, but as of right now, he’s filled with more fear than he is excitement. There’s too much about this that doesn’t settle with him, and being unable to search the dome with his speed or familiars leaves him quite the unhappy puppy husband.

His gaze is calm, though, if a little distant. He’d really rather not do this, but…]

There’s no need to explain where I am or why I’m here. I listened to it already.

[The pureblood’s words are, at least, polite, if a little more curt than usual.]

I’m looking for my wife. We were together, so she might be here somewhere. [And he can’t find heeeer!] If you’ve seen a very cute, angry woman demanding to see the wardens of this place, please tell me. I don’t want her to worry.

[Patient, fond little smile.]

And, if you haven’t seen her, then… [A pause, in which that smile fades entirely and the concern in his gaze doesn’t compare to the worry he actually feels. Virtual or not... he is a very protective father.] … could you tell me if there are children brought here, too?

[ action ]
[Haruka sighs deeply, mind wandering to all the possibilities. It’s impossible to feel relaxed, no matter what he’s told. His family needs him, the things he has tried desperately to protect them from with all of his strength a very real threat now. Who is friend, who can be trusted among the number of supposed criminals wandering this dome.

If they aren’t here, he’s okay with that. Juri and Kaname will be all right. Yuuki will be fine, too, with her mother and brother with her. It’s the worry that they might be here that keeps his feet moving, long after unusual fatigue has set in. Being without even his basic speed and endurance is such a hindrance…

The lonely pureblood puppy wanders through sector 4 (Yuuki would love the ice cream shop!), content in the orange jumpsuit until he finds out, one way or another, if his family is safe.

Looking among those walking by, he frowns, unused to actually wanting to get attention, unsure of who is appropriate to approach. It’s hard to tell who is a good source of information. Well, he has to start somewhere!]

Do you mind if we talk for a few moments?

[His aura is gentle and expression soft. He doesn’t want to eat anyone, he swears! He’s just lonely and struggling to cope with this.]

[Another day another dollar. Only there are no dollars in Marina, and neither does she run the flower shop because she has to. Rather, she does it because she wants to. Because she needs the distraction, and enjoys watching things grow. The day is early, much earlier than her normal hours, but she needs a little time to think and organize her thoughts. And sometimes, even compared to her shared apartment, this is the place she can do it best.

And to be honest, she doesn't expect anyone to stop by so early in the morning. Not today. But should someone, they wont find Yuuki immediately anywhere in the store. At least not to start, despite the hot chocolate still steaming upon the counter top. Or at least... what they do find isn't what they expect.

With a small leap, a brown, fluffy cat jumps up onto the counter. Padding across the desk, she peers into the steaming beverage, before her whiskers twitch and she pulls back. Apparently it's too hot...]

[OOC: Have a Yuuki cat. She's simply playing around with her ability to transmute and change her appearance. It needed to be done for butler reasons.]

[Backdated to Day 388 | Private Action to Zero]
[Backdated to Day 388 | Private Action to Ai]

( For length - Closed Action )

Video - Open

[Yuuichiro's smile turns a little sheepishly wry, but he's looking away before Mika will get a chance to see it. After clearing his throat, he glances back to see if the blond is ready... and sees the nod. With a heavy sigh, he hits the button... and doesn't say anything for a moment. His face is still stained a little with tears, his eyes are still red, and slightly poofy... In short, he looks like a mess. When he finally opens his mouth to speak, his voice doesn't quite match; there's an unwavering determination within it:]

I want to know what everyone here knows about vampires... [There's not a greeting, because... he honestly isn't trying to make friends. This is all going to be straight to the point, for the sake of getting as much information as quickly as possible.]

Are there any in this place? And... [He glances down for a moment.] Is there anybody here from a place called Japan?

Action - Open

[To keep himself from appearing in the video, Mika simply squeezes Yuu's arm - a little in comfort and support. There isn't anything Mika feels the need to add or stop Yuu from saying. It seems to be pretty simple - not telling of their tragedy or revealing who he was or who was with him. Probably the best two twelve year olds can do at the moment.

One blond boy clinging to the arm of a dark haired kid - this is how anyone will find them should they come wandering around the Butterfly Pavillion.]

[ Obi isn't intending to make himself known just yet. Perhaps chat to a couple people on the street, learn somethings. On the other hand, he's awfully curious about this little thing in front of his eyes.

It might be rude to sit on top of a tall big gravestone but he landed there (almost) so as he pokes at the thing that informed him that he's suddenly in prison, he stays on top of the stone, and mumbling to himself. Which is what he's still doing as he accidentally turns on the audio feed. He doesn't notice yet, though. ]

---so Master will be displeased with me again. Aaah-ah, even though I don't want to disappoint him or Mistress, they'll be so mad at me, and then Mister Mitsuhide and Miss Kiki will be mad too, how do I expla--[ suddenly the video feed is switched on ]--in this? But on the other hand Mister has a lot to explain too, I mean with that kind of message, getting himself accu---[ and the feed cuts off. ]---sed of those attacks. Wait. [ He did notice that things changed as he watched the glasses' lenses, but now he takes them off to inspect them that way, again. ] Hmmm? [ He'll figure this out sooner rather than later, no worries. ]