We were dancing all night long

Before you ask, no, we are not keeping one of those things in the room. I like to remain uneaten, if you will.

This is getting ridiculous. Are we re-enacting that American movie now?

Yoshi-kun? What was it you had made? You've gone and made me curious now.




Sano? When you have the time, we should go out. Enjoy the scenery while it lasts.

This again. I suppose I really shouldn't be so surprised, but there's something about sprouting things on your chest that just leaves you a little unnerved. Highly inconvenient too, most of my clothing doesn't fit right anymore. I almost miss the stable, predictable environment of Tokyo, minus a few details.

Yoshi-kun? How are you faring?

It's a day late, I apologize. Happy Birthday Sora, the both of you. I would offer you a gift, but I'm afraid I forgot would only end up offering you something you already have. So, to make up for it, why don't you come by sometime soon? I'll grace your birds' nest hair with a top of the class haircut. Or trim. Your choice this time.

I feel that I missed something, yet I'm not sure if it's a bad thing or not right now. The love is in the air and it's getting rather cloying, I have to say.

On that note. Yoshi-kun? I have something for you. A few days late, but better late than never, right? Complain and I'll be happy to eat it in your stead.

[the usual sounds of someone roaming about a room, shuffling footsteps and rustling fabric all. a plunk of a piano key every so often, broken only by what sounds to be mildly excited murmuring]

After all this time-- What better way--

Finally, it's all evened out. One after the other.

[a pause, followed by a chuckle of sorts]

Finally, after all this time, this place has them.

Glorious breasts! This is a blessing in disguis---

[a hiss of breath, and then a rather... sheepish laugh]



Wait, was this on?

[there's silence for a moment, broken only by the scrape of a chair, or perhaps a bench, the rustle of cloth and the faint whisper of indrawn breath

( Then the music begins. )

[silence, once more, before the recording clicks off]

Is everyone all right? I believe this would be a wonderful time to start stocking up on the blankets/space heaters/candles/etc. You'll never know what other weather-related anomoly's this place will throw around.

[silence for several long seconds before there's a burst of noise, A-Ts skidding over asphalt, the rustle of cloth, the typical sounds of someone trying to keep from tumbling head over heels, as if pushed. The tail-end of what might have been a gurgling, pained yell.

More silence follows, soon broken by harsh, heavy breathing, the drip of liquid on hard cement.]


Sano? Sano?

[a cough, and what could only be the sound of a man sinking to one knee.]

Sano? ... Sora? [laughter, faint and almost bitter, perhaps even relieved.]

Of course.

Who's up for placing a bet or two? Since I highly doubt something like this can be avoided, may as well make the best of it.

Medics. I need a healer or someone with adequate medical training to report to the hotel lobby immediately.




Sora? Sora-kun? Sora?

What's happened? Sora? Nike? Simca?

Yoshitsune?

This is a grand mess to come back to, if you could call that an absence.

My head was hurting earlier, but everything seems to be fine now. Good thing, too, because this place certainly isn't even in Japan. Two Soras, the shadow the little one said, and people claiming to know me from some other time.

Those of you posted in the infirmary, stand your ground. Your duty is to protect the people there, don't forget that.

If you feel you absolutely must join the strike force, contact Rtas. That goes for you too, Sano-kun. Organized, we stand a better chance of getting through this intact rather than in individual solo acts. If something goes wrong, then at least this way we can keep track of one another.

I really don't think I need to say this, but at the risk of sounding redundant, I advise against going near/inspecting/hanging around that box.

Yamada-san, may I have a word with you, when you next have the time?

Those still able to fight, report. We need to be ready for the next wave. There's also the matter of security behind the front. Those willing and able to stay and guard the infirmary, also report in. For the able-bodied, we need to repair the barricades and defenses.
Those in charge of supplies, give a report of what we have and what we'll need. We're going to have to prioritize on what's needed most right now.
Healers, doctors, anyone with first-aid experience on the field is to report to the infirmary. Sano Yasuyoshi is the one to talk to on that matter.

Nike, how are things on your end? Rtas? Nightwing?

When will this end?

Now I remember why I preferred it when Nike did all the work.

This concerns all trained combatants, so listen up!

If you have experience, training, and knowledge in battle and the usage of weapons, report here now, or as soon as you possibly can. At this point in time, working as a whole unit is preferable to a load of solo acts. If we can organize a strike force, we could turn this around to our favour.

Mikura Kazuma, Allen Walker, Robin, you will return to the building immediately. NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

No one is to leave the building here on out without notifying someone of their departure. If you feel the need to venture out into the city for whatever reason, you are to keep in contact so we may know if we need to save your fool ass or not.

No one is to venture away from the main group on their own. If the army on our doorstep isn't enough, there are dangers within the building as well. A resident has already been attacked within the barricade and is currently in serious condition. Also, if you've any information on this incident, step forward now.

Now, if you're done running around like a flock of fucking beheaded chickens, there are several things which need to be done now. We need a team to barricade the lower level of the hotel against further assault. We must prevent entry of enemy forces at all costs. Outward facing walls upper-level windows need to be reinforced against enemy fire and snipers.
Next, we need sentries. We need to keep watch on the enemy forces and alert the rest of building should they approach too close or begin to move. Those of you able to move from building to building above ground level are best suited for this. Report immediately.

To those with weapons training, I need you to also report as soon as possible. We need to be organized and equipped immediately. Those of you without the experience, also assemble. It's imperative that everyone of able-body is armed.

In terms of supplies, we're going to have to rely on Manic for this. If you feel the desire to accompany him, speak with him and he can be the judge. I don't want anyone placing themselves in unnecessary danger when the job can be done by someone more suitable.

When I say everyone is to return, I mean everyone. This isn't the time to play hero, and this isn't the time to build your ego. This isn't a game. This is survival.

I don't care if you think it's a worthy and noble goal, and I don't care if you think you're fast/tough/strong/disposable enough to do it. Stay inside the building and away from those madmen, because God only knows how useful you'll be when you're dead. Now's not the time to play hero.

Sano Yasuyoshi, get your fool ass out of that warzone. Now. Kogarasumaru, report now and assemble as soon as possible. Kilik-kun, Sora-kun, every other sorry person involved in that affair, drop it. You can argue and fight amongst yourselves when this is over. Survival and security take priority now. Have a problem? Speak up.

Would anyone happen to have seen Sora? The littler one, tends to draw on things and make an ass fool of himself. His, er, caretaker is looking for him.



Sano-kun?