[Look, Marina. It's a very close view of the pet cafe floor. And a set of ginger paws swinging in and out of the frame and -

Wait, what?

There's a hushed, almost conspiratorial mewl, and then a very dusty darkness.

With it, a far away voice:]

Please give that back.

[Anya Alstreim, Knight of Six, has been outmaneuvered by a cat.]

[Deep, steadying breath.]

Hello, everyone. My name is Euphemia li Britannia for those of you I haven't met. [It feels like she needs another one of those deep, steadying breaths now, but she charges onward with nothing but sincerity and concern in her voice.]

I wanted to apologize to all of you for the horrible, unspeakable things I've said and done since I returned. I just want you to know I don't wish anyone harm, and I don't think any less of the Japanese. [She pauses here. It's hard to say all this with the way she is still fighting the geass back. Cross' sorcery had lessened the effect, but it hadn't removed it completely. It just made it manageable. Controllable.] I understand that I'll need to show this through my future actions as well as my words. If there is anything I can do to make amends, please don't hesitate to tell me.

I don't want to take up any more of your time. Thank you for listening, and once again. I'm deeply, deeply sorry to everyone and especially to those I threatened individually and Orihime.

[She hesitates a moment as if there is more she wants to say, but finally completes her broadcast with a soft click.]

[Nakama's going to be starting self-defense training really soon, so she figures she ought to get herself into better shape. After a quick jog, she heads to the athletic facility and -

- well, just kind of stands there. She's done hard work before, so she's not in bad shape, but she's never actually worked out before. What does she do? Where should she start? Of course, she wouldn't dream of asking anyone for help, so instead she just plunges in and starts on the punching bag.

Bare-handed, and hitting so tentatively that it barely even shivers.

Come to help? Or to lol?]

[When the video turns on, Yuki is muttering a quiet thank you to a bot that is scurrying away.] Ah, I've moved from the shelter to a house in sector four... [He wasn't sure if he should tell, but then figured he might as well. He faces the camera towards the house, showing it to you.]

I'll probably still be coming to the shelter for food though... [Laughs quietly, despite himself.]

[Aaand.]

Kyou, I would appreciate it if I didn't have to bother the poor bots anymore, they seem so busy... [So please don't punch walls or anything. B| And yes, he is announcing this publicly.]

[[OOC: Yuki needs housemates. There is no question of this. So! Castmates as well as anyone else can help me with this, yes? :'D]]

[ After clicking some of the buttons of the communicator, the video feed shows a perky blonde boy in the kitchen, surrounded by pots and other kitchen utensils-- It's obvious he's been trying to cook something. ] I think I missed yesterday's announcement about today's Valentine's event, so I wasn't prepared at all! But to make up for it, I'll be at the kitchen preparing chocolate in case someone wants to come over to help me out.

So how has everybody's Valentine's Day been like?

Oh and, for the new inmates, my name is Momiji Sohma and I am pleased to meet you all! [ smile~ ]
____
{ ooc: He has no memories of ever leaving the prison. }

[ hey there Marina; have a quick shot of the artificial sky, some trees, and then an amused-looking face floating into view. some of you may -- uh -- recognize Kanda's costume from the ball! ]

Guess I owe someone a thank-you for the cookies. They really helped soften the whole "in prison for the rest of your life" blow.

[ why doesn't he really look or sound like it's a huge blow? well... ] Can anybody tell me more about this other version of me, the one that's supposedly back home even as we speak? That'd be great.

[There is a flash of video, a shot of an iris a very unusual shade of brown--almost more of a red or orange hue to it before the video cuts out.]

They expect us to actually use this stupid thing? [The sounds of movement over the microphone, the kid obviously has no idea the machine is even on. But hey! The video switches back on and you get a full face of someone who is obviously pissed and holding his temper together by sheer willpower.]

Just forget it. It doesn't matter. [The device is clenched tightly in Kyou's hands, which are shaking. Therefore the screen is shaking as well. He has no idea the communicator is on but it's actually amazing he hasn't broken it yet.]

[A distressed audio message comes into play across the network. Accidental or intentional, whoever is on the other line seems to have turned it on in the middle of something.]

... Terrible, terrible, terrible... As of late, people had been accusing me at random for various crimes. Shopkeepers accusing me of market espionage for carrying a notebook into the store, women accusing me of being a pervert for using a camera at the beach, policemen accusing me of premeditated murder after evesdropping in on a conversation about American cinema...

[A brief pause in the rambling; the dramatic change in pose on the other end is almost audible. For some reason, he doesn’t seem to realize that it’s not a video feed, and it’s as if this is how he’d normally talk.]

But I never expected it to come to this! Now, even the computers are accusing me of being a criminal!

[Another brief pause as Nozomu reverts to a more sober tone.]

It’s such a terrible, terrible world where the belief that people are fundamentally good has been erased from the minds of a paranoid public that suspects everyone of being a criminal. It has even reached the point where they’ve developed machines that automatically accuse people of being criminals!

[Yet another brief pause. Three, two, one...]

I’m in despair! This pseudo-futuristic nightmare society where machines can imprison people at a whim has left me IN DESPAIR!!

Well, since I’m most likely on death row for crimes that I may-or-may-not have actually committed, I might as well just kill myself.

[There is the sound of some buttons before an image is projected on the network's communicators. On screen there is a blonde, little boy who is looking quite confused.

He notices the screen is projecting his face and the confused expression he had before soon becomes replaced by a pleasant smile.]

Oops, seems I set the video option! [Chuckles.] Not only we have this really neat technological walkie-talkies, but there's the dome! I can't believe there is such a beautiful underwater dome in a prison! It's so pretty~

It's the first time in a while I have had such a weird but pretty dream.

[After all there is no way he could be at a prison. Akito would never allow him to be away from the family, he is not allowed to live a life away from the curse.]

Good morning, criminals! Today is the thirtieth day of the third generation -- your first month! A milestone has been reached, and so I have taken the opportunity to begin a celebration. Festivities will be held at the beach, where you may expect music, food, games, and dolphins, with more fireworks available later in the night! Rest assured that even though Halloween is only a few days hence, the water will be very warm and pleasant.

And, for the first time, as part of these festivities you will now be able to view your world without you! You can observe for yourself your progressing world: how your alternate self is doing, as well as how your friends and family are doing. In order to view your homeworld, you may borrow a mini-disc from the table in the shady area beyond the beach, behind the ramen stand.

Today is also a leisure day for those of you who haven't been freed yet today, where you are able to wander the dome at your discretion without any responsibilities. You will have one of those every few days. Consider it your 'weekend'.


[ooc: here for more info]

[Somewhere in the library, Shigure sits huddled over a book. His forehead is creased in confusion as he scratches his head and makes a huffing sound that is probably much louder than necessary. The book he is currently pouring over in such meditative concentration is entitled 'An Idiot's Guide to Cooking'.]

Hmmnnn. But I thought... [He sighs.] At this rate, it would be best if I just eat the mystery bot food. Surely there has to be something in here that I can do aside from boiling water~

I know not everyone is free yet. I...um, well, it isn't really any trouble to me. But-! Would those who are still under punishment like any help? I don't really have any plans, and I wouldn't mind helping complete the chores. The faster everyone works together, the faster we're all able to enjoy regular time together again, right?

[Yes, she's already trying to help everyone out. Be it breakfast, exercise, study (though she's not the best at that) or work. Especially considering her family friends are all still bound.]

Good morning, criminals. I would like to thank those of you who find yourselves free this morning for your cooperation while I evaluated priorities. Perhaps you would enjoy the newly-finished beach in Sector 4?

Those of you who do not find yourselves free this morning should evaluate your own priorities, or speak to me if you feel this is in error.

As some of you may have already noticed, inmates Seifer Almasy, Zero Kiryuu, and Saix have done a great favor to this facility in the form of capturing criminal Agatha. She will be returning to you tomorrow, in much better shape. I think we will all find it a substantial improvement.

Those inmates may speak to me regarding their achievement. Other inmates are now also welcome to speak to me about their concerns, interests, and requests. I am once again at your disposal.


[[ooc: see this post for who is free and who isn't]]

[Tilting his head in confusion, his eyes take in his surroundings. Particularly the 'Welcome Message' suspended in front of his face. His hand reaches up and he touches the headset. He is inclined to blink, rub his eyes, go back to sleep, anything to make whatever bizarre nightmare he has stumbled upon go away.]

Uh… h-hello?

[Speaks to himself as he looks above.] I don’t recall visiting the Shinagawa Aquarium.

[He sighs, rubbing the back of his head.] But what is this about an Asylum? Did I have too much sake before bed? Or perhaps Tohru-kun’s dinner… [He shakes his head as if such a thought is impossible.]

[Taps on the communicator.] Excuse me, but… could someone kindly point me in the direction of my home?

Hello? Is this thing turned on?

[He tries to take a step forward, only to find out that a ball and chain are connected to his right leg.]

Right… so… mmn... [That would be his thinking face right there.] This is either the result of two very unappreciative boys whom I have allowed to take residence in my home while I selflessly showed them the path of righteousness and remained an honest and devout caretaker …

…or the kinkiest game I have ever been subjected to in my life. [And doesn’t he look soooo happy about that? :D]

[However the elated expression is short-lived when he sees the order that has been placed in front of him.]

W-Wait… I have to… [Said as if the words are foreign to him.] …clean… bathrooms?

[He whines, a slight whimper appearing in his voice.]

Tohru-kuuuun~? [Gives a pathetic sniffle.] Tohru-kun, Kyou-kun and Yuki-kun are being mean to me~ They have condemned me to this heavy and debilitating sex toy and are forcing me to do chores that I couldn’t possibly do, what with my bad back and all~ Won’t you come save me from such unbearable cruelty? Hmmmm~?

[Maya was designated for laundry duty, and so she (and others in her group) were escorted to the laundry facilities in the Shelter, where she is currently scrubbing away at clothing under bot supervision.

Giant baskets of dirty clothing sit on one side of the room, and the other has a number of wet but clean clothes hanging up, drying slowly indoors. In the middle are the large wash basins set out, since the washing machines were off-limits for this work.

As Maya worked, humming various tokusatsu theme songs, she was left wondering what kind of person was that wore each clothing that she didn't recognize. Some were obvious, like school uniforms, but others she didn't quite recognize, like what seemed to be Chinese robes.

Maya just finishes rinsing what looked like Vash's trademark red trenchcoat (but wasn't he wearing it this morning at breakfast?) and hung it up to dry when she grabs the next piece of clothing out of the basket and holds it up to see what it is.

She can't quite figure out what it is for sure, though she has a suspicion. It looks something like this, though she's holding it up in a different way. One part of it definitely is a small but solid area, while the others are pretty much just strings. And it's black.]

[Holding it up and looking around the room to the other workers, Maya asks naively:] I-I-Is this what I think it is? Someone did mention pirates...

WAIT!

How didn't I...

THIS ISN'T RIGHT!

SINCE WHEN HAVE THE BATHROOMS BEEN CO-ED?!

GET OUT!!!

[ooc: Oblivious kitty is oblivious and horrified.]

[Yuuki is standing in the kitchen, staring wide-eyed and innocently at a strange, very ugly and frightening concoction that seems to be boiling on top of the stove. It might slightly look like something is attempting to crawl out from inside of it. Don't worry though. There is nothing alive, yet.]

Mmm...I thought chocolate was supposed to always come out brown. Not green...

[She tilts her head to the side, a hand raised up to her mouth in thought as she stares at it in consideration. Before she gives a little shrug.]

Well chocolate is chocolate! [Hopeful and excited] I want it to be finished before he wakes up.

[ a female voice comes over the network, dripping with patently false innocence and alarm ]

Ooh, oh no, oh deary me. Caught. Imprisoned! This is just so... terrible. Whatever will I do now? How in the world could I possibly escape...?

[ a giggle, and her demeanor changes, her voice going low and cold ]

You simple little fool. Don't you know anything about Nobodies?

AH-! U-Um...really...you don't have to help! I can do it all myself. Back home I'm used to doing things like chores...a-and I'm pretty good at them _{if I do say so myself}, so...well....

[Sounding a little distressed]

I really don't need help picking up! In fact I was wondering about how to go about getting a job here because I like earning my keep and doing things on my own...s-so if you could just please relax.... Robot-san really does't have to do anything at all....so...

Ahh~!

...prison?

No, that's not possible, I didn't -- well, okay I might have, when you put it that way -- but I can't stay here now! I have to save my dad! Fulcrum's going to kill him and, and... just, please?

Let me go?