Trente-cinquième Grimoire [phone]

[wizardoftheweek]

Some have probably asked and answered already, but I still have to wonder just why so many of our former fellow captives have returned. It's disconcerting.

Things have been quiet. Very quiet. Too quiet. I know I'm not alone in this sense of dread. This town always offers up its worse at times like this. I know it. And as bad as things have been lately...

I've been jumping at every little thing. I just want it to get it over with at this point. I'm tired of being afraid.

Comments

[wizardoftheweek]

I know... But what matters is that I love you. And she knows that. And so long as I love you, you are a part of this family.

[wizardoftheweek]

I'm familiar with the term.

[wizardoftheweek]

That doesn't make it any better.

[adropofjupiter]

[Marisa's voice softens.]

Alright, love. When do you want me over?

[not_so_great_wall]

Eh? We have guests? [ Someone was busy cleaning the upstairs bathroom. If she heard anything over the running shower it was a miracle.

In her gloves and with her hair, she hopped downstairs to open the door. ] Oh!

[ Quickly replacing her surprised expression with a happy one. ] Come in, come in! [ Ignore the lingering smell of Pine-Sol. ]

[then_there_were_none]

[Flandre had only been thinking about chasing after butterflies this time, so she was still in fact next to her sister when Meiling opened the door.]

Hello, M--[she can't help but sneeze]--Meiling!

[badladyscramble]

Hmm... [Slow service but a small sniff tells her the guard had been busy. She gives her the favor of the doubt] How prompt. Good day, Meiling.

[not_so_great_wall]

How are you doing tod—? [ SORRY SHE CAN'T STOP TIME OKAY!

Concerned look for Flandre. ] Is the smell strong? Sorry about that! I'll have to finish up quickly. [ Someone has been disturbingly busy. ]

[imoutos]

.. M-maybe they thought we might get lonely without t-the other people..?

[endlesswitch]

Then, you should know that you are wise to be wary of these peaceful days.

[tenderoblivion]

Possibilities have been considered. Your opinion may be of value. Consider:
-Data corruption is responsible for our return. Possible. Problematic.
-The town is responsible for our return.
Subsets of the preceding:
-We are mistaken as to the relative costs of a droned existence in comparison to our basal state. Droning is a higher energy state of being. Unlikely.
-An increased number of intelligent beings in this town is necessary for a plan to restore energy. Probability uncertain as the primary reason for our presence in the town is not known.
-It is no longer relevant whether or not our presence will further destabilize the town. Mayfield cannot sustain its existence regardless. Possible. Highly dangerous.

[wizardoftheweek]

-And there was Patchy at the top of the stairs.-

Give it a rest, Meiling. Today is a family day.

... Oh, and Marisa may be over later. If that's alright.

[wizardoftheweek]

Mm... Later tonight. You could stay, if you wish.

[wizardoftheweek]

Of course. Do you take me for an idiot? That knowledge is exactly why I stress.

[wizardoftheweek]

How foolish. They care not for us.

[wizardoftheweek]

... The last point is the most likely. But it sadly doesn't really put any reasoning as to why specific people were returned, as opposed to newer people. Regardless, I suppose "we shall see", as always...

[adropofjupiter]

You know I will.

[birthmarked]

How long have you been here?

[then_there_were_none]

It tickles my nose.

[Flandre seems to perk up at that name, rocking on her feet a little bit. A full-on bounce seemed impractical, as she was holding onto her sister's hand at the moment.]

Marisa will be here too?

[wizardoftheweek]

Three years.

[wizardoftheweek]

Good...

[adropofjupiter]

Want me to bring anything over?

[birthmarked]

I can understand why you'd feel the way after so long. Is there anything you can do to distract yourself?

[badladyscramble]

Marisa?

[Remilia's initial instinct to scrunch her face up in disdain is quelled by Flandre's reaction, and in turn, thoughts about Patchouli.]

I see... I suppose that might not be bad.

[SEE? ACCEPTANCE]

[wizardoftheweek]

There are... certain people. My family. My lover.