(no subject)

[unknownrival]

[Action for Diarmuid, morning]

[Issei had almost been getting used to the idea that he would not see Prospero again, not see any of the people he met there again. He hadn't decided how he felt about that by the time that he woke up to his hotel bedroom.

Had he dreamt being home? How long had it been? And were the people he cared for still safe?

The answers to this lied clearly in one place.

Diarmuid would find his door being nearly pounded on.]

[Video, afternoon]

[Issei hesitates to speak.]

I never thought I would regret going home. When I was there, I found myself sorely wishing to be back, just to make sure that the rest of you could also come back safely. It would be unfair for me to be the only one to return.

How have you all been?

Comments

[Video]

[truthsnomiracle]

Absolutely terrible. Do you have any idea what's become of this place in your absence -- or, for that matter, what's been expected of me?

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

[asdfghgfd JESUS H. TAPDANCING CHRIST ON A CRACKER]

[The door would be answered by one tired but generally healthy Diarmuid looking irritated at the SUDDEN NOISE more than anything.]

What do you want...with...me?

[action]

[unknownrival]

I'm sorry. Did I wake you, Niisan?

[Video]

[unknownrival]

You can't possibly have been relying on me to keep things under control.

[video]

[forgivethemtheirpain]

Ah! You're from the library, right? Hello!

[video]

[unknownrival]

That's right. I worked there before leaving.

[action]

[smothersome]

His name is not Niisan.

[Aengus's voice echoed from the near silence of the room beyond. He had been up since before the sun and was as bright as ever.]

If one bangs so loudly upon a door, it would usually mean that they were being hunted or otherwise needed aid. Since I see no pursuers, mayhap it be that thou are that you injured, youngling? But no! I see no wounds of the body. So perhaps... a wound of the heart? Or yet...

[♥♥♥! Could it be? This is another one of Diarmuid's chosen? He's not sure, but- regardless, both Diarmuid and Issei are being subjected to his most bright and sparkly.]

Well, regardless of the matter of which you come- Come in, come in! You are welcome here.

[Video]

[truthsnomiracle]

It isn't a matter of control; in that respect, we managed, albeit primarily because our population plummeted sharply and the losses included the worst among us. Rather, your talent for emotional support, understanding of the majority of us, and -- if I might be so bold -- inspirational presence were missed.

[Video]

[unknownrival]

[He looks a little embarrassed, but recovers quickly.]

I-ignoring the latter part of that, how many people did we lose?

[croibhristeoir]

[Diarmuid looked over his shoulder, turning faintly red at the interjection.]

Father, please--You didn't wake me, brother. Please, come in.

[Video]

[truthsnomiracle]

Roughly two-thirds of our numbers.

[unknownrival]

[Smiling brightly, Issei stepped inside the room.]

Oh, so this is your father? I never thought I would have the chance to meet him. Anyone who has raised such a noble and wonderful person as my dear brother is worthy of my respect.

[He bowed low to him.] I am honored to meet you.

[Video]

[unknownrival]

That is bad... or good, in a way. More difficult for those who remain, but those who've gone home are lucky.

[smothersome]

[Ignoring those words, Diarmuid... Mind your manners if you don't want him to start talking about your first kiss or something.]

My! How charming 'tis to see such fine manners here. Long have I begun to wonder if they had vanished from the world with so many of the amenities of the past.

[Placing his hand upon his chest, he bowed low at the waist.]

'tis my pleasure, surely! One who can see the values of Diarmuid ua Diabhne and earn the title of 'brother' from him must be a great person at the core, for there are not many who are viewed so close by him.

[Video]

[truthsnomiracle]

(Presumably, his own experience was of going home if he still refers to his own disappearance in such a way.)

"More difficult" is an understatement. I seem unable to so much as interest anyone new in the idea of a justice system, nor successfully solicit new ideas from those who were already interested and remain. Furthermore, I've seen no sign of any interest in investigation since the situation calmed down sufficiently to allow it once more.

[croibhristeoir]

[Sigh.]

Father, this is Issei Ryudo. He's been a very close friend in the time I have spent here, and one I worried might have been lost to me forever.

[Video]

[unknownrival]

I'm sorry. What can I do to help?

[unknownrival]

I missed you dearly. I would never be completely satisfied at my home while fearing that you were still stuck in such a place.

[smothersome]

'Ihssay Ree-oo-doh'. [He repeated the name carefully, trying to memorize it. All of these foreign names were absurdly hard to pronounce.]

Then, I shall go and prepare breakfast while you two do catch up on what you have missed. Ihssay, would you like to stay and eat with us?

[Video]

[truthsnomiracle]

You would do well to begin by assessing the capabilities of those who yet remain. You may wish to speak with Miss Nakagawa as well, as she's made an effort to provide us with a new hub of activity in the form of her new teahouse.

[Video]

[namedforcat]

Issei? I have to admit it's nice to see a familiar face.

[croibhristeoir]

[My life has become a sparkling mess.]

[Video]

[unknownrival]

I'm glad to brighten your day a little.

[unknownrival]

I would love to, if that's all right with you.

[video]

[forgivethemtheirpain]

I didn't see a lot of you, but my name's Nanami Lucia. A lot of people have disappeared in the past month and a half, but we're still working on.