Since busying myself at the shop doesn't seem to do much for keeping my mind off of things- anyone feel up to a fishing trip?

...Infuriating.  I'll never be free of this place without abandoning my plans in my own world... and yet to do so would be an act of unfathomable sloth and cowardice.

Amazing how much can change in a month when you don't have the time to get out.

Soma, if you've got time, I'd like to sit down and show you some ideas I've been working on for the flower shop- simple methods of making the administration and record-keeping more streamlined and efficient, but I have some rough renovations sketched out too.

Oh, and when are you playing at the tavern next, Demyx?  It's been a while since I've had a chance to come listen.

...I am an abomination.  A fool for trying to cast aside my humanity for what I vainly deemed "necessary."  I have earned this new brand a thousand times over and yet...  I cannot see any "right" path save the one I have been following.  Is this why I am here?

((OOC- Presuming Orea was in the Wrath trial with him, she may have been able to see Lelouch in his armor through the smoke, throwing punches and sending blasts of energy tearing across the room in a vain attempt to destroy the sources of the various voices taunting him.  EDIT- Also, Lelouch has forgotten that he revealed himself as Zero to Suzaku at the end of the battle of Narita.))

Good luck, and God speed, Jeremiah.

Doumeki, Yuuko, it has been a pleasure working with both of you, but consider this my two week's notice.  With Sir Gottwald gone, a very large gap has been left in the management of my sister's flower shop, and I'd like to put everything I can into helping take care of it.

Demyx, It's been a pleasure working with you in the kitchen- and don't worry, I'll still come by often to hear you play.

I appologize to those who have sworn to assist me for having been silent for so long- but I have been afflicted by the touch of the ghost-like creatures still prowling this city.  I cannot allow it to slow down my plans any longer, however- there have been many to find their freedom from this Pugratorium, but many new arrivals as well.  I will be organizing a hunting party, to probe the depths of one of the "dungeons" present in the city in search of food, and if possible, supplies.  3 days from now will be our first trip, and I hope to lead more at least once a week until such time as this famine passes.

Yuuko, Doumeki, I appologize, but I won't be able to come into work today.  I ran into one of those red-garbed creatures.

And on that note, if anyone in the Devil's Nest knows how to properly bandage a wound on someone's chest, I could use a hand.

[Private to self//moderately hard to hack]
Something's wrong... missing, I think. And it's not just that that witch is gone now.

((ooc- yeah, I know I gave him pride too- but I figured I'd take advantage of the whole missing wrath-kid thing))

All who wish to assist in my efforts, we will gather at the junkyard when the sun rises tomorrow.  Gather your strength, and collect whatever tools you might have.

[Insert parts needed and basic instructions for making rain barrels and installing gutters here.]

Any and all homes in need of one of these to collect rain with, please make it known here.

[The voice rings clear and true- the speech recorded as it was delivered from the clock tower, and now posted to the network for all who could not hear it before.]

"People of Purgatorium!  This city has worn greatly on your bodies and spirits- but no longer!  I, Nul, the black king, come offering solace in these dark times!  Those with great power, or at least great hearts- I call to you!  Join me, and together our strength shall bring this city hope!"


 "What little food this city had is quickly disappearing, and it's waters are tainted by powers even above the gods that rule it!  But together!  Together we can gather the rains and quench every parched throat!  Together we can bring down the great beasts of the forest and dungeons, to help fill each empty stomach!  And whatever other threats might come to try and break the will of this city's unfortunate captives- we shall turn our power against it and stomp them out, lest they snuff what little light of hope remains- of justice, redemption, and FREEDOM!"

( OOC Cut )

How distasteful... At least there was material enough left over from my costume to make a serviceable bandanna.  ...I apologize if I startled anyone last night- It seems even in rest I'm not immune to torment from the gods.

Oh... and the gentleman who I spoke with about the "stray" who seems to be poking around the boarding house- Have you seen any sign of them the last couple nights?  The food I put out after we spoke was gone the next day, but nothing I've put out since has been taken, nor have I seen any sign of whoever it is outside.

( Private//C.C.//Unhackable )

Ino, I enjoyed our time at the party.   And again I apologize for making you show up without me- but you have to admit the reception my costume recieved was well worth it.

Now that this city's night of fun has passed however... it seems the hardships and stress are just piling on.  Food's getting harder to find out there... I was wondering if someone could possibly teach me how to shoot?  It might help if I could go hunting as well as fishing.

Something else has been bothering me too... Has anyone noticed something lurking around the Devil's Nest the past few nights?  I'm not sure, but I think I've seen... something skirting by the windows from time to time.

( Private//C.C. )

((OOC- For anyone who hasn't checked the party log, Lulu showed up dressed as Zero, courtesy of chatting up various folks from his own world, and a few who remembered Zero being here before.  He took off his mask at the party of course- but this is just the begining of a lovely, clever ruse for the folks -minus Mao- who remember the last Lelouch being Zero.  Also, folks in the Devil's Nest boarding house will have likely seen some shadowy form lurking about the exterior since Halloween night.  And if C.C.'s willing to help, that shadow might have been spotted durring the party, and on nights when Lulu's relaxing in the common areas as well.))

...Nunnally I-  ...If you're still able to receive this, goodbye- I'm glad you're free of your undeserved imprisonment.  I look forward to seeing your smiling face again once I've found my own way out.

[A long pause, broken by Lelouch exhaling heavily]
I love you, Nunnally.  And I will not let this place hold me back from making a better world for you.

...When it rains it pours.  Nunnally, Jerimiah, and anyone else I know who might be stuck on the upper level, I hope you will all be careful until this storm has passed.


I don't suppose anyone knows a good tailor around here?  I require the services of one to get my costume prepared for Halloween.  And on that note- I realize that things have been hectic in the last few days, so the planning for the party has likely been put on hold.  Since I won't be going to work with the storm like this, I'd like to offer my assistance in helping with it once everyone has had a little more time to recover.  I'm sure that together, we'll be able to make it an enjoyable night, and help take people's minds off the chaos.

[Private//C.C.]
I should be regaining the use of my geass soon.  While I do plan on trying to earn my way out of this place, I am prepared to forcefully dethrone these "gods" should this place claims to justice and redemption be false.  I will need an army greater than the Black Knights... but I suspect with the powers some of this city's residents exhibit, that will not be entirely difficult.  I'm unsure as to how the contract I made stands with you, as opposed to "my" C.C. -but you are welcome to stand at my side if you so choose, witch.

((OOC notes- Lulu has given Demyx a shot at helping him in the kitchen, and proceeded to rid him like a drill sergeant- among other things, demanding all measurements be accurate within two decimal places, and all cook times be watched like a hawk.  He can take to that as he will <3.  He's also been trying his hands at flower arrangements at the flower shop, turning his anal-retentive attention to detail to his advantage once again.))

Nothing quite as satisfying as a day's work well done- but I feel I should get out and enjoy myself more.  Demyx, how would you feel about heading down to the river soon and catching ourselves dinner?  Ed, you and Aaron are invited along too.  It's the least I can do for the both of you helping me learn to fish.

-I've also been hearing wind of a Halloween party coming up at the end of the month?  Is it invitation only or...?

Well... This is a relief.  Claire- thank you again for the clothes.  I'll have them clean and returned to you within the day.  It almost feels strange to be wearing this uniform again though.  I seem to have grown accustomed to that dress.

[Private to self//Unhackable]
This is her idea of an object lesson?  Humiliating some, and putting others at severe risk by turning them into children in such a dangerous place?

Unacceptable.  Entirely unacceptable.

((ooc- Strikes easily hackable, unintentionally so.  But being the magnificent bastard he is, anyone who posts poking fun at him for the past week will have their comments filtered to only themselves and Lelouch.))

So was I just "lucky" enough to arrive in time for this chaos- or do such things happen on a regular basis around here?

...I really don't see what this sort of humiliation has to do with repentance.

...
This is new.  I certainly hope the gods are amused, because I'm not.

I hear there's a tavern here?  Demyx told me to seek out a gentleman by the name of Domeki- I was wondering if there might be a position as a cook available.

And Jerimiah... would it be at all possible for me to meet with Nunnally?