[Crackle-crackle... the sound of static and the interference of wind. If one listens closely, they might also hear the distant groans of something alive and skulking about, something that should not be alive at all. It seems far enough away from the microphone, however. The person sighing softly on the other end doesn't seem to be concerned, at least.]

Here... again.

The last thing I recall is... everything falling apart. Like the world itself was ending.

I wonder if that church still stands.

[Shffft-shffft... the sound of footsteps upon loose stones. It grows quiet, becomes muffled as the individual wanders into a more grassy area. The transmission times out, and the connection terminates.]

Karasu-sama, I am going out to patrol.

Lately things have seemed to have returned to a state of... almost normalcy. At least... it has been quieter.

Juugo's company is something I have missed. I am pleased that he and Karasu-sama seem to get along so well. Nights with them... are a pleasure.

Still, I... have many worries. I sense things are still not right. I wonder if in this place... that sense of forboding ever vanishes.......

At least I have my abilities back. That is a comfort.



Aaron-san... I have noticed that there was another arrival... or rather, a return. How are you coping? Perhaps we should meet... it has been some time. I've been preoccupied lately...

[Private to the Gods]
...Gods, I have... a simple request.

I have been here for some time... and I do not think that I have asked anything of you, at least... nothing grand.

All I desire... are my powers. My chakra, if you will... I wish to be able to manipulate it in full once more.

There have been things recently that... make me fear for the safety of Karasu-sama. I want to protect him. I will... with my life if I must... but I would feel better knowing I needn't sacrifice myself, knowing I could continue to be by his side and be strong for him, continue to protect him...

Would you grant this wish?
[Private]

...It would seem Orochimaru-sama is here and I did not learn of this until now.

Being a child was... not advantageous in any way. These impulses of the gods... I do not think that I can understand them. Orochimaru-sama would never subject someone to such inane tests as these.

I am glad, however, that I was able to keep Karasu-san safe for the duration of such an event.

I should apologize to you, Lucifer-san, for being unable to work this past week. I will double my efforts and make up for lost time.

Ah... as well, Aaron-san, I wish I could have been there to help you, but I was unfortunately under the effect of the gods' spell. I am sorry if the last week has been hard for you... but if you wish to resume your training, I would like very much to take up where we left off right away.

{VOICE POST}
[...A light click can be heard, sounds of shuffling about and two quiet, muffled voices before silence follows... and then a rather loud knocking sound is heard... Karasu can be heard telling Kimimaro not to poke the console, to speak into it instead...]

Um. Hello.

[...More silence before Kimimaro clears his throat and leans a little closer to the microphone, speaking softly...]

This... isn't home. Or anywhere like it that I can remember.

There is a weird boy with me.

[...Karasu can be heard at this point interrupting and saying indignantly that he is not weird... but Kimimaro presses on as if not hearing...]

Everyone is dead... I know that. I am the last. But I don't remember how I got here... or why this boy is here with me.

...I wish that man was here. His face is the last thing I can recall.

[...static, a click, and then silence as the post is ended and the microphone turned off...]
{/END VOICE TRANSMISSION}

...Has anyone seen Uchiha Sasuke? He has been scarce, and while I have been looking I have been unable to find him.

...Uchiha Sasuke?

A word... when you have a moment, please.

I am still very much in need of employment.

If there is anyone who may require long term or even temporary assistance... I assure you, I can be a very dedicated and hard worker.

...I would not still be asking if Lucifer-san had gotten back to me, but as it remains, I cannot wait around forever.

Lucifer-san, I was told you had job openings available in your establishment. Is this still true...? I seek employment, and I was hoping that you might help me.

Karasu-san, you have not been subjected to the recent string of body switchings, have you? If you have... I will make it my duty to protect both you and your body... Though it is, however, a more sincere hope of mine for you to have remained in your own body.

I think that I may have been lucky in being so preoccupied this week... This travesty seems to have slipped by me.

All the better. Orochimaru-sama wouldn't approve of another using my body in the way that he had once intended... [Hackable if you're good]

These things that I have said... what I have done... I do not expect most of you to understand that it is not my usual behavior. However, it seems that I am not alone in this sudden change... nor am I alone in this relief from such a twisted personality.

Much of what I said... I am fortunate it did not hurt anyone. There are strong people here and for that I am grateful. However... those of you I did offend...

I apologize. There is a time and a place for harsh words - but not words of those kind. Endrance, I should have you know that I would never harm you... unless you raised a hand to me first. Aaron, the same to you, I suppose.

Sasuke... until now I was unaware of you being here. I am glad to know that these are not your true colors. Orochimaru-sama would never have chosen you, otherwise...
[ooc; That's Kimimaro for, "I'm sorry I even thought of intimate relations with you..."]

And Orochimaru-sama... what I've said. After all that you did for me... It is shameful, but for this reason most of all, I am glad that you are not here. I would not want to be a disappointment.

And last, but not least... Karasu. I... owe you a personal apology. When you wake, we must talk.


( Private//Hard to Hack )


[ooc; Kimimaro has temporarily returned to normal for the duration of today. It is likely that after the ball he will relapse and his personality will be inverted once more... but I have yet to decide for sure or not.]

{VOICE POST}
[...a click of a button, some soft static and background moaning...]

I told you, motherfucker. I told you he was mine.

I told you he would say it.

[...more static, Karasu calling for Kimimaro... and then nothing...]
{/END VOICE TRANSMISSION}

I have decided... since that worthless, good-for-nothing snake isn't here, and I have better things to do with my fucking time than wait around for him to use and abuse me... I'm now a free man. If I see that Orochimaru again... heh. I guess I'll show him all the nice things he can do with his fucking tongue. Right after I cut the thing off.

I bet he'd love to see it dangling before his eyes, gushing crimson. And if not, I know I'd fucking love to see that.

Ahhh... now, what's left on my to-do list? Oh, right... right. I need to find a replacement for the snake-bitch. Let's see...

I need a tall man with pale skin, very long and very dark hair with a body that drops jaws when it's bared before the fucking world - and it will be. Oooooh, yes... and he's gotta be hung - because the master doesn't accept undeveloped and scrawny children. That was Orochimaru's mistake, it won't be mine! I want a MAN!

I'm still sort of... lacking a house at the moment. I gather public affairs will be rather fun, though. Kinky with all those dirty-minded people out there watching, slobbering, and otherwise getting off on something they just can't have.

It's good to be one of the beautiful people... oh, yeessssss, it's so fucking good! Mmm! ♥

...These holidays are peculiar. Still, it is a wonder to see the extent some people go to for others.

I have nothing I can give, and no one to give to... Had I anyone or anything, there would be only one who would be a recipient.

Perhaps... this is for the best.

Sakon, I hope that you have not been lazy throughout these festivities.

I will be attending the ball as a chaperone.

If dates are not required, perhaps I will simply attend by myself. It would... be better... I think. I do not need a distraction from my duties, after all.

I am curious, however... Who else is chaperoning? I think it would be wise for us to be introduced to one another to increase the effectiveness of our positions.

...It feels like I am waking up from a terribly long dream.