MarinaNova Asylum

Sector Zero Plaza

[She probably should have done this days ago, after she got the punishment but other things came up, like her home being burnt down, the whole kissing day adventure, and then another one of her brothers showing up. But she's doing it now. For an hour only -- or possibly longer if she gets distracted and has to start -- she will be standing on a box in the center of things, posing as if she was a statue. The poses shift periodically, but all of them have the same confident air to them, the same arrogant annoyance in her stance as if she's better than this whole practice. Apparently, this whole thing is supposed to be teaching her patience.

Whatever, she just wants this done with already.]

The Blood Shack

[After her punishment is over she heads to the bar as quickly as she can get to and sits down to order herself a drink, a double even. She could use one, after being made to stand forever like that. Really. What an annoying punishment. She's pretty sure it didn't teach her anything except to stab her brother a little more lightly next time. In any case, she'll be spending some time here, drowning her annoyance until whenever she decides to move on.]

It's occurred to me that we're all stuck. Literally. I realize that I'm really slow with not having noticed this sooner. I'll admit, I'm oblivious and don't notice a lot of things, even when they're right in front of me.

What I've realized is that all the future plans Kaoru and I were making together, the accomplishments we have set for ourselves, none of them can be achieved here. We can't reach any of our goals here. Not only do I not have Kaoru, but the things we wanted to do with our lives aren't doable here. One may say that it's just not true; absolutely anything is possible if you have the determination to make it so. But that's not at all what I mean.

I can't possibly turn this place into anything we've ever fantisized about, and for what reason should I bother? We don't need to do anything here other than exist. I don't understand why anyone chooses to become a business owner in this place. Is it only to have something to do? Is it because you were a business owner back home, and it's your way of attempting to make this place feel more like home? There couldn't possibly be anything else to gain from putting in work of that level.

[ a solid knock echoes in the room and Peggy's voice filters through the wooden barrier. ]

Tear? If you have a free moment, I was hoping you'd join me for a cup of hot chocolate. There's also something I'd like to discuss with you, if you're of a mind.

[ indeed, she did. After all, Peggy had been vastly disappointed to discover that the book club would not be forth coming after Pepper's disappearance. And Peggy knew that if there was one truth to hold dear, it was this: If she wanted something done right, she'd have to take matters into her own hands. Waiting solved nothing. ]