[the memories invade his dreams, and he tenses slowly more and more in his sleep, until he can feel the physical effect of months without being able to rest, or eat his fill, or even smile. not when every moment, every heartbeat, he knows: they're coming for him]

[until it all catches up with him and he can't run anymore and it's too late]

[and he wakes with a quiet gasp, eyes flying open to stare at the ceiling and utterly still]


[...by the time he goes out for breakfast, he is composed again, trying his best to appear the same as ever. this morning he needs some coffee. a lot of coffee]

[he can't let anyone know what happened. can't even let them know that he knows. the way that he's been living is too hard to share. he's going to be the same old Allen for them. same old Allen]

[so he curls up in the windowsill of his apartment with his coffee, looking out on the dome. he'll smile and wave and chat with anyone passing by or coming to visit or calling to talk to him. and be totally, totally normal]


((ooc: secretive Allen is secretive about his canon update. If you need or want to see him for whatever reason; if you're passing by his apartment in Sector 3 and see him lurking in the window, or if you live in his apartment in Sector 3, you are encouraged to say hi to him!))

[The communicator turns on and there’s a nice view of a small living room before it gets set on a table and both Rika and Tsuna sit in front of it.]

H-Hello, everyone! It's Tsuna and Rika. [He smiles widely, if a bit shyly. He doesn't usually address all the occupants of Marina] We decided to move in together and get an apartment, heh.

[Rika nods, a big smile on her face.] We are still getting settled in, but we would like to have a small party to celebrate moving in. We plan on having it the day after tomorrow in the afternoon.

Everyone's allowed to come, s-so stop by if you like! [He glances at Rika a moment to make sure that's all, and then reaches to turn the communicator off, waving until the feed cuts off]

(ooc: Tsuna is orange and Rika is purple! Anyone is welcome to come over, whether or not they've only spoken to either of them once or many times!)

If this is what it means to be imprisoned for criminal activities, aren't we a lucky bunch? Granted, the last two days was a bit of a buzzkill, but now that I'm one iron ball chain lighter... Seriously? Comfy rooms, endless entertainment, free food and drinks?

Not exactly anything to complain about. [ The lack of a familiar face around here though kind of really sucks. Damon's also worried about Elena back home (and he has no idea what to think about that whole 'he's been replaced by another version of himself' nonsense), but since there's no getting out of the facility anytime soon, he might as well get to know his fellow inmates -- see if anyone strikes him as interesting or worthwhile enough to get to know. ]

Or am I missing something? What's the catch?

[Lovely day for being in any open, common area of the dome, isn't it? Of course there is a chance of kissing bot, but it's always something in the underwater prison.]

(OOC: Check out the OOC post for details. Pucker up! Edit: Links for those with loading problems!)

[Good afternoon Marina! Should you check the network this fine day, you may see one Lind relaxing idly on the beach, propped up on an elbow and looking rather amused about something]

My, my...the weather is slowly letting up and the snow is gone. Surely this can only mean that a certain day is drawing near, hm? [He laughs a little] Ah, Valentine's Day...tis a special day, no? Makes you wonder just how many have their special one here. I'm almost jealous. [Only not really.

But there is a point to this post!] It is always sweet though when you find out that someone you know is in love. My dear little brother was always the cute one, but it's almost too adorable to watch~ And he even has a date! Young people grow up so fast.

Tsuna-kun~ Make sure you don't do anything too naughty to Akito now, mm? [A little wave as the post ends, Lind smiling away like a cheshire cat. Trolling older brother? Never~]


((OOC: This post is open to anything, including thread-jacks and what-not! Come help Lind embarrass Akito and Tsuna~))

[Ever since he talked to Estellise, he tried to contact Naoya. He already thought up an excuse for it, just asking him to look over his current programming homework. Yes, there was some concerns, but he’d like to know if Naoya’s okay.

Especially after Naoya’s last public broadcast, with such a morbid but interesting question...

No answers after a few hours. Okay, maybe he’s tired. And the next day, today right now, there’s still no response. Which raise some alarms in his mind, his teacher is usually prompt about it. But a part of him suspect the real reason why, but he’s selfishly hope otherwise.]

Hey, guys? Have you seen Naoya anywhere? I [‘want to know if he’s still here’] want to ask him something.

[He had time to control himself. It’s normal for him to hide his worries behind a casual, sometime curious, mask. If it’s really just him here from their world...well, he’s used to living by himself. And he has friends here.]

Tall guy, white hair and red eyes, normally wears a matrix haori and a pair of geta. How did he get around with them, a lot of practice? So if anyone knows, let me know. [But he’s still hopeful, if he can be selfish about it.]

...Of course, I suspected the reason why, but...mind helping me confirm it? [His voice slips a bit, before it’s cheery and casual again.] Even if you don't, thanks for listening!

[Some time after his broadcast, Atsuro left the shelter to walk around with his haro, until he ends up at the arcade. He stare at the place, before walking inside. A game or two might be good for distracting him.

If anyone’s at the arcade, Atsuro would be playing some games. His haro is always nearby, if anyone overheard his insults.]

[Static crackles over the network for a moment as the new arrival tampers with her communicator, trying to figure out how this wacky future technology works. It doesn’t take too long before a clear, confident voice rings out.]

Hello, am I addressing the other prisoners here? My name is Lenalee, and I’m searching for some answers.

[ His own hand reaches up, fingers lightly stroking the cloth patch that had affixed itself where his right eye should be. A momentary look of irritation and a furrow to his brow appears but he soon dismisses it, lowering his hand as he does. With a single breath, he considers every bit of information rather abruptly force fed to him before he finally glances at the device he has.

So it's come to this. While he had been careful in covering his tracks, only leaving clues obvious to his beloved, it seemed the law came for everyone. No matter how twisted its sense of justice was. However, it doesn't surprise him. It would have taken an extraordinarily sophisticated system to have captured him. So much more to have been able to tend to his burns (minor stings now, not so much that it bothered him) and seal him off.

But there was still a trickle of power remaining.
One tiny string he could pull that seemed so familiar. Connected to a certain... doll.

Wonderful. A small message drifts through the ether in hopes to hit a particular blond shinigami. Just two words. Simple and in a familiar voice to Hisoka's mind: Hello, boy.

But there would be time for a proper hello. For know, the matter at hand. ]

Incarceration. Quite the interesting situation I seem to have landed myself in.

[ A pause as he considers what else to say. But the thoughtfulness is replaced by a rather small smile. ]

I suppose it would be only proper to introduce myself to my fellow inmates. I am Kazutaka Muraki, a doctor by profession from where I was taken from specializing in cardiology and pediatrics.

Perhaps Acumen has a twisted sense of justice to bring a man such as myself to prison.

[ tired sound, followed by a "mrf" ]

Always manage t'forget how loud it is on newbie days. [ sound of rustling pages; mildly ] Someday I'll learn to turn the damn communicator off.

[ When the video entry starts, there's a girl who is staring right into it with a look of mixed curiosity and confusion. Having gone through her welcome message she had a basic understanding of what sort of predicament she was in, but clearly this device was strange to her. She tapped the device lightly as if to see what would happen.

Then, with a very faint sigh, she shifts a bit to sit more comfortably. It was off screen but the sound of the chain at her ankle rattled in the process. ]

I don't remember just how it is I arrived here. The last thing I recall was being outside at home. But now...

[ There was a pause while she brushed loose strands of blue hair away from her face. ]

It had spoke of imprisonment; Of being brought here to pay for one's crimes.

[ A very faint tone of amusement could be detected in her tone, but it lacked humor. Her manner of speaking was different that what was to be expected of someone of her apparent age. ] I suppose it isn't something to be surprised about. While I don't understand how this all came to be I can't say I am undeserving of being held accountable for my actions.

[Okay, so he’s breaking out the Spidey-voice.] A welcome basket… it’s so… welcomey, thanks.

… Okay, so. I guess this where I’m supposed to cut to the chase and throw out the big names, and hope someone I know’s here. But the crowd I tend to tangle with happens to consist entirely of super villains and general baddies. I guess that says a lot about my social life. And I know I should hope that they’re here, being prison and all, but… This place is way too nice. I don’t want to imagine Kraven kicking back at the beach. I prefer thinking of him in his gulag. Safe and sound, and away from everyone else.

[…]

… Ugh, how did this happen. I bet the X-Men don’t get thrown in jail.

[Sector 3 is a popular destination for entertainment! People may be interested in seeing a movie at the theater, getting a drink or singing karaoke at the club, playing games at the arcade, or dropping by the Brave Vesperia headquarters -- on business or otherwise. In addition, Sector 3 has a lot of apartments and small houses; maybe people are just coming and going on their daily routine, or you might be seeing a friend who lives here.]

[Everyone who might have passed through Sector 3 today -- morning, noon, or night -- is invited to thread out a chance encounter here, or a date, or a gathering of friends. Just tell everyone where your character is and what they're doing, and go!]

[ (But if your occasion takes place after dark, remember there was a bomb threat if that's relevant to your character.) ]

[Hikaru is missing Kaoru like crazy. That's not unusual since his brother is his entire life, and it feels like he hasn't seen him in a very long time. Not having him here always felt terrible, despite making friends and always meeting new people.

Look at how hard he's concentrating.]

Will you help me with a personal survey? It's just some things I've been thinking about.

Some of you may remember Kaoru, my brother, when he was here for some time. We're used to people assuming they know what being twins is like, but most of the time, they're wrong. So here's where the survey part comes in:

What do you think twins are? More specifically, identical twins.
What kinds of things do you think when you see twins?
Do you ever assume they are the same, just because they have the same face? Be honest.

I want to know what you think. People really can't be as clueless and as dumb as they have been in my life. I hope you prove me wrong.

[As soon as the "daylight" comes on, Conrad's slipping out Zelda's door, having eaten and cleaned up the platter she brought and folded her blanket neatly, leaving a quick note that he will be back to wash it later. Hopefully she won't be worried, but he has things to do.]

[Namely, finding Wolfram and avoiding Diva. Which is why he tries to be careful as he moves through the alleys and streets, but there's no avoiding everyone. He only hopes that people won't take much notice of the small bandage on his temple.]

( Private Voice Filters to Tear and Hei, respectively )

--back, Lee! [The network suddenly is greet with the loud clacking of something hitting the ground. There's someone breathing heavily and the sound of light growling.]

Lee, please, just--[Miranda lets out quiet noise--whimper? moan?--and then a deep breath]--Please. N-Now really isn't the time... Give th-that back?

[A muted vuul-vuul is her response. It would appear "Lee" doesn't feel like listening at the moment. There's movement, another soft sound that is almost definitely a whimper.] Give me that!

[There's the sound of a struggle, harsh breathing and growling and then the video cuts on, showing the ceiling as the communicator is jerked back and forth, the light fur of the vulpix's chest visible to the side. With a final tug it's ripped away and Lee lets out a whine of disapproval, but Miranda is suddenly in view, her face pinched in pain and hair everywhere. It looks like she's at her apartment complex but all that's visible is the stairwell behind her. Lee's prolonged whine sounds more like one of worry than annoyance. Miranda doesn't appear to be getting up anytime soon.]

{OOC: Someone fell down the wet stairs at her apartment complex and broke her leg.}

[ when the video feed comes to life, alois trancy looks like he's swallowed an entire sunbeam. that's how wide his smile is and how rosy his cheeks are. besides the usual honey-colored hair that frames his face, there's impossibly black silky strands tickling under his chin. he peers through the wave of hair at the camera (which one hand keeps in place), while a few polished fingernails card themselves through it. ]

Guess what, guess what? [ is the giddiness detectable? it should be. ] Claude has come! My Claude! My Claude came to me and while it took him a fuck of a long time, he's here now, and I've forgiven him for being so unpunctual! And, for leaving me alone for so long, of course. [ isn't he a kindly master? .... and, yeah, yeah; never mind that claude faustus has been charged with crimes just like everyone else. nope, alois likes to fancy that claude charged in to rescue him from unbearable loneliness. ]

He's really terrific! The best butler in the entire world. [ adding quickly: ] In all of them, you won't find one better and he's all mine.

Anyhow! Today Claude and I are going to bake a cake! [ the view gets a tad rocky, he's leaning back to switch his communicator's camera to the side of claude's face and ear. the entire time, he's been perched and wiggling on claude's shoulders, kicking his legs, or leaning backward—giving the trancy butler a hell of a time of keeping him steady and unscathed. ] Isn't that right, Claude? It'll be the bloody most wonderful cake you've ever seen or eaten!

[ swoop! the camera suddenly pans up to a top view of the two of them, with alois looking cheerfully upward. ] So, if you'd like, you should come and have some.



(ooc: ;w; yep. claude and alois'll be in the kitchen this afternoon baking (or, trying to teach how...) a cake and making a mess of things and herp derpin'. either one or both of us will tag those who comment in. feel free to come help them out in the kitchen, laugh at them, or eat some cake. i promise it'll be good.)

( action )

[voice]

[it's a strong attempt at being blank and completely devoid of emotion, but her voice ends up sounding very quiet, as of she doesn't want to be heard.] How strong do you have to be to kill someone?

Belle's missing. [hello, we are not pleased.] I want her back. Whoever took her should return her to me now before something horrible happens.

[to you? to Belle? Road scowls at the camera before shutting it off.]

[ooc: I will be slow ;-; perhaps very]

[The communicator turns on to show a young girl with a concerned look on her face as she fiddles with the device for a bit. Once she's sure it's working, she smiles.]

Hello. I’m Rika Furude. It’s very nice to meet everyone. [There’s a slight pause as she considers asking about any of her friends, but she soon dismisses the idea. She can look for them on her own.]

When I first arrived here, I received a message about this fragment being some sort of prison. Is this true? [Her question sounds hopeful, and even though she knows it really is a prison, she still feels like she needs to ask.] This is a very nice city and there is even a library… It isn't what I pictured a prison to look like.

Mii... I was also wondering if there was anything I needed to know about this city. After all, if I’m going to be here for a long time, I should learn as much as I can about it. [She smiles again before she cuts off the feed.]

[The first thing Hisoka does when he wakes is stare around at his surroundings blankly. He's outside in some sort of park, like he last remembers being, but everything is different. Gone are the cherry blossom trees – though there are a few petals covering him and in his hair – and instead of standing next to Tsuzuki, he is sitting on a bench]

W-What..? [He blinks, as if this is a dream and he'll wake if he concentrates, but when his eyes open again he's still here. Hisoka startles slightly at the welcoming message that the communicator decides to flash before his eyes, and then, after a few minutes of careful thinking and staring at the ball and chain around his ankle, starts to press things to try and turn on the... There we go.

A feminine and doll-like face appears in the video feed, vibrant green eyes gazing into it with confusion in their depths] Tsuzuki, you there? What happened? How did I get here? [A frown] I can't teleport back, something's blocking me. And what exactly does this thing mean by prison?