The Balance of Life and Death

Man, working on the boat sure works up an appetite, huh? And as cold as its been, it feels like twice that much, ha ha! I could eat a horse at this rate. Too tired to even hunt, really.

Still, I think we have enough food for a feast! I'd love to invite my friends over for a big dinner. You think that'd be alright, Gremio? I mean, we have the space...

Kallen, Jowy and them, Rika, everyone! That'd be fun, right? I think we could all use a chance to blow off the steam and get something warm in our stomachs.

[Filtered to Naoto]

I've got a strong suspicion that not only did Cecil incite Rika Furude's transformation, but that the guilt of such is doing things to him that he's not certain how to deal with. Sadly there's no real EVIDENCE... we can't do a thing about it yet.

[/Filter]

[Police Force/Lawyer Filter]

Any more clues on the ongoing investigation to the Hol Horse murder? Someone at the hospital has to know something. We need to be asking more questions.

[Police Force Filter]

...

Geeze it's been a busy last few days. I swear I've barely had a moment to rest. Between reckless people, taking care of monsters, my police work, and all that... I guess I really have gotten back into the bad habit of working non-stop. And the cold isn't making things better. I really could use a rest at this point...

-There's an odd sound heard suddenly. It's Rin's spell gobsmacking Tir right in the back of the head.-

hubbah...fifaaa faaa... ugh

-And the next sound heard is Tir landing face first on the ground. THIS SITUATION FEELS FAMILIAR.

I... I searched everywhere in town I could. From dusk to dawn to even now... Even his frequency...

He's... He's.... Kazuki...

-From that point on, he tries to say "Kazuki Hihara has left the city" in as many languages as he knows, but he just breaks down into tears and the words become jumbled, but it's pretty easy to get an idea of what happened...-

Geeze, my first few days back on the job after getting my new hand and suddenly everyone takes crazy pills. What a work out...

Is there anything that immediately requires my attention? And orders that specifically need to be carried out? I'm open to suggestions here. Minato? Saber? Anything at all. Just please, I really don't want to deal with the loopy people... unless they're falling out of windows or something.

Not that I'm not normally willing to help, but sheesh, what happened here? Was there something in the food they all ate? I think we might have an amature pharmacologist on our hands, folks...

Until then, I'll just be, uh... patroling or something. Wowee, this is awkward.

...So you won't let me silence you again? I suppose that's what I deserve. You manipulated me from the very beginning to free yourself... and I was weak enough to allow it.

I never ignored you. I know things are rough. The things you and I want are just so different, though. I can't be the host you feel like you are entitled to. When did you get like this? Was it feeding on Ted's grandfather? I refuse to believe you were always this cruel. Of course you aren't. Gremio and Nanami are alive BECAUSE of you.

Life and Death. LIFE and Death. You don't have to just send souls to the beyond, or even feed upon them. Every time a child is born, the power you govern over has a hand in that. That means something to you, doesn't it?

...I'm sorry, but I can't let you keep doing this. I won't allow you to play my emotions anymore. If you won't let me do this myself then...

I will find someone who can.




...And yes, the communicator was on. They will find me soon. I know you wont stop it. You'll want to kill them too. You're still hungry. You're always hungry...

POLICE FORCE AND ANY ABLE VOLUNTEERS, LISTEN UP!

I have a plan. If we intend to live through this, I suggest you all listen.

I need pact made units at the East, West, and Northern points of town, as well as a unit at the Clinic. Our job is going to be ensuring a path is cleared for any injured and/or non combatants. Just because everyone is being forced to fight doesn't mean everyone can, so it's our job to insure these people are safe.

Sir Yamcha and I will head up the South Unit, heading directly through the larger concentration up towards the High School. From there we will create a command point as well as a guard against floods from the South.

Got that? Alright, here's the next part.

I need units for EACH RESIDENTIAL AREA. That INCLUDES Gohl. They will act as defense as well as an initial escort for injured and/or non combatants. It's the best way we can ensure people make it to the clinic and high school safely.

The enemy doesn't have a particular origin point, but I DO suspect they have a commander. And I intend to find that person. Any information that can be provided to this effect is needed, as once his identity is found out, I'll take my unit as well as two others to apprehend this person and put an end to this nonsense.

I think I've done just about all I can with the recovery efforts. I think it's time to come home.

Miss Hino? Don't let Nanami cook, as much as she insists. I'll be on my way to prepare a meal for us all as soon as I return.

...Heh...It really has gotten cold, hasn't it?

I really ought not to.. push myself... so hard...

-There's a dull thud heard, and the communicator records nothing but silence for several moments before timing out-

(( Tir has passed out from exhaustion, folks. Admit it, you saw it coming ))