Eighth Duel [Text/Voice Post, Japanese]

[to_blossom]

Magical powers, monsters and... something out there that just-... changes people completely! Not just their attitudes, but... [Sigh] This is too much.

[She takes a deep breath.] Okay. Focus, focus. Still... things have gotten really bad, haven't they? I wonder if there's a better way to a least protect everyone from the danger.

[...] I mean, maybe it's wishful thinking. No one can try to be everywhere at once. But... that doesn't mean we can just give up, right? Nothing will be able to move forward that way.

...Oh, I don't even know what I'm saying anymore.

Souji-kun, Kanji-kun, I heard about what happened to-... Did you find her again? Is that girl going to be okay?

[Private to Touga; Hackable]

You know, President... You can't just stay in this building forever. I know that sounds kind of cold, but I think that Prydain would be really upset if he found you were snuck in here under our watch in the first place.

But it can't be helped, I guess. Look, I'll-... I'll help you find a place where you can stay once things settle down. Just try to behave yourself while you're here, okay? Please.

[/]

Comments

[breadyum.livejournal.com]

Yeah, don't give up! Then people can be happy!

[Oh, culture shock.] 1/3

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

Ah--!

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

...

[Well, it-... sounds friendlier than some of the other monsters here.]

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

M-...mm! That's a good attitude to have.

[breadyum.livejournal.com]

That's because making people happy is great! Being sad is no fun...

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

Heh. I couldn't agree more.

Ne, what's your name? I don't think I've ever met anything anyone like you before.

I'm Utena Tenjou.

[Locked to Utena]

[girlsinmybed.livejournal.com]

I'm always well behaved, Miss Tenjou.

Who is this 'Prydain' person? [No that isn't suspicion in his voice, not at all.]

[Locked to Touga]

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

... Right.

Oh, right. I guess there really hasn't been a lot of time to explain everything properly...

You could say that he's the "go-to guy" for this rowhouse and the one across the street. He looks out for everyone, and knows a lot more about this city than I ever will.

[Locked to Utena]

[girlsinmybed.livejournal.com]

No need to sound so skeptical. I won't cause any trouble.

Hm... I'll have to meet this person, and formally introduce myself.

[Locked to Touga]

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

I think I have some pretty good reasons to be skeptical, President.

That sounds like a good idea. Just don't tell him what we've been up to lately, like I said... I don't think he'll take it well.

[Locked to Utena]

[girlsinmybed.livejournal.com]

I'm sure there aren't many, Miss Tenjou.

Of course; I'll be coy.

[Locked to Touga]

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

[There are more than you think.] ...

"Coy"?

[Locked to Touga]

[girlsinmybed.livejournal.com]

[Those don't apply.]

No need to worry. I'll be sure not to tread on anyone's toes.

[grandcrossed.livejournal.com]

Harsh as this will sound, I think the only way we're going to be able to move forward from this crisis is to put everyone afflicted down as quickly and cleanly as possible.

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

It does, but... only because it still feels all wrong.

If people weren't revived here, then there wouldn't be that kind of second chance. I can't even begin to imagine what that would feel like for-...

[...] I know you're right about this, Kurosu-kun. It's just still too hard to swallow.

[grandcrossed.livejournal.com]

Even without the second chance, I'd still rather go down quickly without taking anyone with me.

But it's possible I've had entirely too much time to think about this sort of thing.

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

Maybe.

But it's something to think about. ...I saw what happened to you too, Kurosu-kun.

How are you doing?

[grandcrossed.livejournal.com]

Ah, you saw it?

...I'm okay. Mostly.

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

Mm. Just barely.

Do you... know how that happened to you? Why were you changed into a monster...?

[grandcrossed.livejournal.com]

Accidental broadcasting of one's death seems to happen a lot here. But I still can't help but feel like I just...I don't know, flashed a room full of strangers or something.

...I'm fairly certain I know when I was infected, but I don't remember exactly how it happened.

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

If it is, then... maybe I should be happier that I haven't been able to catch that many of them, huh?

[She lets out a small laugh in spite of herself.] I think you're the first person I've heard who has ever put it quite that way before. I'm sure you didn't have that much time to think when it happened.

I see. Then it's all right. Thank you for telling me what you could about it.

[grandcrossed.livejournal.com]

It was the first metaphor to come to mind...though I have to wonder if that says anything about me.

There was one person who seemed to have a pretty good idea about what was going on. Johnny, I think his name was, but not the flirtatious one -- a different Johnny. If you want to know more, he may be the best one to ask.

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

Heh. Don't think about it too hard, okay?
Only when you're choosing your metaphor for the next time.

Really? Then that's a good lead! Thanks a lot!

[grandcrossed.livejournal.com]

Right.

...if you do intend to pursue this, please be careful, Utena-san.

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

I think I've already gotten too swept up in this to try to pull out now. One of my friends is still involved.

I'll do what I can. I promise.

[grandcrossed.livejournal.com]

I know better than to ask anyone to stay out of this.

Should it come to the worst, though, just remember whether he'd want you to let it continue or end it quickly. I was fortunate enough that my best friend had the stomach to end it before I hurt anyone else, but it seems like most of those affected haven't been so lucky.

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

...

... This kind of a situation... it's all wrong. Its not the kind of choice that I thought would have to be applied to so many people.

[grandcrossed.livejournal.com]

The situation...isn't exactly new to me, but it's something that I hope most people would be spared of in their lifetimes.

Fortune seems to be on a constant downturn here.

[pursuestruth.livejournal.com]

We found her, but... I don't know if she'll be okay.

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

Is there--... What can I do to help?

[pursuestruth.livejournal.com]

I think all we can do is be there for her. I can't erase the pain, but I can't let her remain frightened forever either. She needs to be with friends.

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

You're right...

I'll see what I can do. Maybe... I can think of something that would cheer her up a little.

[pursuestruth.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Utena-san.

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

You can thank me later, Souji-kun.

It sounds like the thought has already worked on you, but now it just needs to reach Nanako-chan. [She laughs a little.]

[textile-kanji.livejournal.com]

She uh, yeah...she seems to be okay now.

I dunno the damned details, but Senpai should.

[to-blossom.livejournal.com]

It's okay. I think it would be hard enough to ask either one of them about the details... It's not really something I should meddle in.

That's good though. I'm glad that she has family in this place.