[It’s been a little while, hasn’t it Vatheon? Tech has been busy. As the feed opens, he takes a moment to gather his thoughts. Not really one to stand on ceremony, he jumps right into it.]

First of all, I’d like to propose something. Privately with a few others, I’ve been entertaining the idea of creating a central information database. As things are now, our information on the city, and why we’re here, is far too spread out to be of much use to any of us. It’s reliant on memory, and the storage habits of whoever finds it. Furthermore, the people who do have data are frequently disassociated. The nature of the city sort of reinforces that. By now, vital clues that someone once had access to could be gone, for all that we know. However, if we can compile all of our current and future information into a database that’s both easily accessed and replicable, it will make our progress here significantly more efficient. Someone will need to maintain it, of course. Preferably several someones. I know we’re not short on technically proficient individuals.

[Really, it's a wonder that this hasn't come up before.]

There’s no sense in talking logistics here, I just want to put the project on the table, if anyone is interested. I’m offering myself to help design the thing, but realistically I’m not sure how much I can commit to overseeing it.

( Speaking of information... )

 [What's that faint light in the sky? Is it a shooting star? Make a wish!

... If you wished for Mickey Mouse to return, then consider it granted, because that light is actually him crash-landing back into his garden. He hits a tree, and falls down into a flowerbed, upside-down. He blinks at his dropped starfish.]

... Hey! I know that thing!

[He rolls over, and sits up. He looks around, and nods.]

... Yup!  Dragged me back just as things were calmin' down, huh? Wonder how long it's been.

[Gorthan is sitting on a bench, and the Library can clearly be seen in the background. He sighs to himself before speaking.]

It would appear I have been asleep for nearly a month. Of you, dear denizens of Vatheon, I ask two things - that you tell me more about this unusual state of prolonged sleep, and that you provide a brief report of anything I may have missed during my forced absence.

You have my thanks in advance. And if you wish for a reward in exchange for the information I seek, it could consists of book recommendations, for I have nothing else to offer at the moment.

[Inwardly, he is a little nervous. He has yet to check whether on his acquaintances here, and he wonders whether they are all still around.]

[The feed clicks on to reveal Mitsuhide, the sea behind him and rain pouring all around. Not on him, however. While one hand holds his SFC, the other clutches a parasol. He is wearing a long cloak as well.]

[The samurai is, in fact, sat on the back of his Lapras while she takes her daily swim in the ocean. Occasionally, as Mitsuhide speaks, one can hear her soft cries.]

Once, we in Vatheon had no access to the outside. There was no elevator, no way to come above the waves and see the sky. That time taught me to appreciate most types of weather, including downpours such at this.

I confess the rain once brought... certain memories with it, but...

[He shakes his head, and smiles softly.]

That is irrelevant. I should, as usual, offer my greetings to those who are new here. I am Mitsuhide, a member of the Welcoming Committee, and I shall do what I can to assist. If you have questions, feel free to ask, though I fear there are many nobody here can yet answer.

[ The SFC lies on the counter, and Gracia looks into the feed with a rather displeased frown, both hands on her hips. What is important to take note of, dearest Vatheonites, is the fact that the entire kitchen wall (as evidenced by the pots and pans hanging on a plastic rack) is splattered almost completely with chocolate. Dripping, hot, melted chocolate. The wall is almost like a blank canvas that's been painted on with splats of milky brown.

Also, Gracia herself is covered with chocolate. Her face and her hair seemed to have received similar treatment; chocolate splatters from her left cheek all the way up to her forehead, to her nose, and then down to the half of her chin. Red hair tied up in a ponytail only served to have the chocolate drip down to her shoulder, which one can only assume to mean that even her purple apron and the clothes underneath it, were somehow soiled too.

What in the world was she doing before she decided to switch on her SFC? ]

[ She leans forward and begins speaking, as if the kitchen of her new apartment wasn't a victim of a mini chocolate nuclear bomb going off.

Gracia sounds very ticked off when she speaks. ]

To the people who are angry at my Father, Akechi Mitsuhide, for kicking me out of our home, please stop feeling that way towards him! He did not kick me out! He only suggested that I leave, and after a while, I came to the conclusion all on my own, that I had to go. [ She points an accusatory finger at the SFC. ] So you must apologize to Father for this misunderstanding! I went to live on my own because I chose so, not because he forced me! To think that you would ever believe his gentle heart to be capable of such a thing...!

[ She starts swaying around, almost beginning another one of her Mitsuhide-is-amazing-and-is-the-best-man-in-the-whole-world speeches, but she only sighs this time around, and shakes her head. When her expression changes to disappointment, she makes no eye contact with whoever is watching the video feed. Instead, it seems this disappointment is aimed towards herself. Was she holding a wooden spoon...that had a burnt handle? ]

I must apologize as well. Maybe it was from my previous post that people assumed my Father forced me to leave...or it was something that I said, and I didn't realize that I said it. [ She rubs at the back of her neck (her arm is covered in chocolate. The chocolate is, in fact, beginning to dry now.) ] I'm very sorry. I shouldn't be mad at anyone but myself. I seem to be unable to control or remember what I say or do when I'm upset. I only realized this now! [ Gracia attempts to chuckle, but it only comes out halfheartedly. She takes a deep breath, and smiles now, wide and bright! ]

So that's all I wanted to tell you! If you thought Father made me leave, then let me tell you now that he would never do such a thing! He is far too kind and far too wonderful to force anyone to do anything they would not want to do. I chose to leave on my own!

[ She waves at the SFC, with the same hand that holds the burnt wooden spoon............. ] Now I have to go and finish what I'm making! I hope I didn't scare anyone with how I began this post -- !

[ CLANK. She takes a step back, as something fell from the ceiling. When Gracia disappears from the feed to pick up the mystery item, she reveals that it's no special mystery item at all. It's the lid of a metal pan. Gracia blinks and examines it silently, then looks up at the ceiling. ]

Oh, so that's where it went...

[ BASICALLY THE WHOLE SCENE LOOKS LIKE THIS. SO GRACIA. ROOMMATE. DOESN'T SOUND SO BAD NOW, DOES IT? ]

[Mitsuhide sounds a little distant when he speaks.]

Sometimes doing the right thing can hurt... it is a lesson I have learned well.

[There is a quiet pause before the young samurai sighs softly. When he speaks again he sounds more calm and professional; time for the real point of the network post.]

I have noticed that there are many people searching for work lately. As that is the case, I have decided to open up a position within the stables. If you have prior experience working with horses, that would be very helpful, but I would be willing to train if not. We only have a handful of horses here, so the work would not be too overwhelming.

If you have any interest, let me know, and I shall tell you a little more about what to expect.

[Filtered from Vanitas]

We've gotten some new arrivals ta this place as of late, and usually that's all well and good... but one of 'em is really bad news, and everyone should do their best ta stay away from him.

His name is Vanitas. He looks like a boy in black, wearing a black mask... he's a very powerful and dangerous person. Whatever happens, don't try ta engage in a fight with him. Just stay away.

((OOC: Vanitas-mun, if this ain't cool, lemme know and I'll get rid of it, no worries! as for everyone else, spoilers for BBS may apply here if you thread!))

[Gorthan is an earthling.

Gorthan is an earthling.

... Ugh.

As a result, he's feeling extremely cranky. His plan was to remain inside until the curse wore out, but...

... right. He can't expect to survive on his reserve of emotions now, huh...

And so comes his request to the network, delivered in a crestfallen "do I really have to do this?" tone.]

Can anybody share a few simple, yet nutritious food recipes? Your help would be greatly appreciated.

[Uuuugh, he can't believe he's doing this.]

I know I will be told it was out of my control, but knowing that does not make me wish to do this less.

During the cursed week of dreams, one of my own was broadcast to the network. The Battles of Honnouji and Yamazaki blended together into one, Lord Nobunaga at the core of it. I am not undeserving of such nightmares, but nobody else should be exposed to them. Those who were drawn in, please accept my apologies... and my thanks, as well. Your kindness humbles me deeply.

( Private to Gracia )

( Private to Motochika (SW) )

( You try to keep your secrets, but I see you through; you always try to blame me, but you're the fool )

[Gorthan awakens then, blue appearing where his black eyelids retreat.]

... know about them...

[The first thing he does is check his forehead marking. There's only one, thank Evron, a large, silver ring. He shifts on his bed, near which a Dreamberry can be seen.]

Sometimes... sometimes I dream I am someone else...

[The feed shuts off then.]