"Hi there~!
This is Umi. Please leave a message and I'll get back to you ASAP!"

* * *



m e n u
1 ✜ Leave voicemail
2 ✜ Send e-mail
3 ✜ Send text
4 ✜ Videochat

...Today's the last day, isn't it? FINALLY. I bet I'm not the only one who's relieved this whole button-pushing business is ending. This place puts us through enough messes as it is. We can all do without that sort of extra pressure!

I was thinking about what Clef said... about people thinking for themselves and making their own choices. Even if I find this downright crazy I don't think I can judge anyone who took the chance. It's unfair to curse others to gain something out of it. But it's not like we know everyone's situation, huh?

So! If you managed NOT to push the button, good for you! You didn't play this place's game. But to those who did... I really hope you got what you wanted so bad. And that no hidden catches will come to you later on

By the way, we're still piling up unused boxes! Thanks to everyone who entrusted theirs to us. If anyone else wants to turn theirs in to the Curse Brigade tacky name or whatever just say the word, okay?

[Voice]

[Static, then Umi's voice comes through, sounding slightly agitated.] Girls, Clef, Mokona: make sure the apartment's locked up, for whatever that's worth! If the last time we had a City-wide power shutdown meant anything things may get very ugly. Or not. But better not risk it! I can't believe it's happening again... At least it looks like only the electricity's out this once...

...I'm on my way there! [Some rustling of cloth, some fumbling.] This couldn't have picked a better time to---

[...]

...This thing wasn't here just a moment ago...

WHAT, IT MOVED??? Did it just---?!

[End Voice]

[Accidental Video]

...You really thought about everything, didn't you? [Umi's voice sounds sad but also strangely content. As the device starts picking up video along with sound we can see her, from a very awkward angle. She's sitting on a park bench, wearing a soft smile, holding a long object wrapped in velvety cloth.]

So much like you. Fine, so I'm keeping this. [A little chuckle. Umi's eyes light up with affectionate determination.] But just so I can return it.

Or... get you a new one back home. Yeah! That's an idea. Some day.

[Her hands slowly unwrap the object. Then, gently but with expert skill, the Water Knight unsheathes a beautiful katana which may perhaps seem familiar to a few people. She smiles at it and nods silently.]

[End Video]



[ooc: When he left The City Aya left little sister #1 the sword they bought together at Bridge of Birds. .__. Also, this girl has been around the usual spots but hardly on the Network lately, for those who may have noticed.]

[Voice]

[Rustling of wind against the device. Umi's voice sounds bemused but otherwise calm.] It's a beautiful place... Though, come to think about it, just to remember it popped out of nowhere overnight, like everyone says--- Aw, sorry!

[Switch to Video]

[A little blur of movement and Umi's face appears: a brief, content smile, before the camera is pointed toward the surroundings. The mountain side, perhaps barely above the lower cliffs.]

I just came to look at it. And because it sounded like a nice place to go for having a quiet moment. I don't plan to spend the night, so no worries there. [A sheepish chuckle.] Like I'm in the mood for camping anyway. But it's hard to believe monsters roam around after dark. So beautiful...

[A sigh can be heard. The communicator records an awkward view of the mountain top as Umi points it up toward the summit.] If it didn't have such bad reputation I'd say it's the perfect spot for a picnic. Anyway! Better head back now...

Sorry I've been missing these last days, everyone. Unwinding, like I said. It was a nice change... But so many people have left. Akiha... Then Kobato and Louise. Boy, the apartment's not the same without them.

[End Video]

It's over. The place is gone... They REALLY weren't kidding. But I don't think I want to stop and think about it. I don't even feel like talking about it. Or remembering it. Or anything. We all know it's useless after all

All I'm going to say is that we're out, we're safe and we'll be okay. I will be okay. And that I really hope everyone can move on and not give this place the last laugh.

...I just got my sight back, too. It feels weird. My eyes hurt a little when the light's too strong. But it's wonderful. I really feel like going out and doing all sort of seeing things. I want to go catch a movie, I want to stay sitting at the beach watching the tide for HOURS, I want to read books and buy clothes and just forget everything about last week completely. AND BOY THAT FELT GOOD TO TYPE

...by the way, and before more people get the wrong idea: I'm not saying we should just ignore this thing, okay? Just that taking a while to put ourselves together would be good if we're going to keep fighting what this place does.

So. How's that sound? Anyone's welcome to join in. I want to look at my friends' faces too, sorry to be THAT sappy...

( Filtered to Mat & Shin || Unhackable )

( Filtered to Weiss || Unhackable )

( Filtered to Sasuke || Unhackable )


[ooc: Homework + LJ fail means tags will be slowish. T__T Wrapping up the prison break plot. I swear she's resting for a loooong while after this. ;;;]

[Voice]

[Heavy breathing and nothing but for a long while. In the background, a dripping sound: like droplets pouring onto a stone floor. When she finally speaks Umi sounds determined but exhausted. Her voice is raw.]

Why...? They... they have no right to decide... who deserves... [A rough cough interrupts the sentence.] I...!

Why is this even happening... Hikaru... Aya, guys! A-are you okay?? Please tell me they didn't get you. I took on so many of them, but... If I'd been able to SEE---!!

[A moment of silence and more labored breath as Umi recovers her strength.] I think... they want me to tell them who else killed her. They KNOW... I didn't do it alone. But I can't... I WON'T...!

There has to be a way to get out of here!! Listen. [Umi's tone grows steadier with resolve.] I know what they're up to: they're draining my magic, keeping me tired... but if I can recover my strength for just a moment, I can---!

[Error: invalid encryption code]

---dammit!! [A loud blow as the communicator seemingly hits a hard surface. Or is knocked against it, who knows.] Why can't I even hit the right buttons! IF THE RUMORS ARE TRUE...!! We may have no time left...

[End Voice]


[ooc: Jailbait Magic Knight is accused of murdering Princess Emeraude and Zagato. Please feel free to assume you're in the same cell as her and turn this into action if you like. Voice otherwise. Also, LJ is slow as hell for me ATM. >_<]

[Accidental Audio]

---ff me! I can't believe these things!! [The background for such angry yells are violent crashing sounds as several objects are knocked onto the floor. Clearly this is a fierce struggle.] WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU!?

---Nn-! Let go of my hair!!

[A louder blow as a seemingly larger weight is toppled, then the communicator switches to video as it hits the floor.] I'll teach you to jump people, you little-!!

[Accidental Switch to Video]

[We're treated to the sight of a trashed bedroom where Umi is being assailed by an army of vicious teddy bears. They're seemingly hellbent on bullying her. Her sword is out and, despite it's obvious she can't see, her accuracy is rather impressive: one of the crazed toys leaps toward her and she swords it in mid-air.]

Are you guys done yet!? Or do you want me to--- Ooof!

[Sadly the plushies have the advantage of number: they quickly dog pile on Umi, as more of them come out of the windows, until all we can see is a large mound of plush toys and no Water Knight anymore. This lasts for only a minute before a blue glow comes out of the bottom of the pile. The most observant watchers will notice some of the teddy bears start turning white with frost. A second later the image is blotted out by an explosion of blue light.]

Koori no Yaiba---!!

[As the camera recovers its focus we see, past a layer of frost, pieces of flying stuffing and severed teddy bear limbs lying around the room, frozen. Umi sounds out of breath but accomplished, sword still in hand.]

Now WHO ELSE wants a piece of the blind girl!?

[End Video]

[Accidental Video]

[Sounds of crashing waves. The image is blurred by what appears to be a rush of foam. A clear sky and the ocean shore come into view from underneath a layer of water and wet sand as the sea throws the device onto the beach.

Not a soul around, only the vision of a rather large wave building up, then crashing.

The camera is blotted out by blue darkness again. The roaring quiets down as the waves retreat. Then loud choked coughs can be heard. The Network device records sturdily on and once the image is clear we can see Umi, on her knees by the shore, wearing this pretty party dress, completely drenched and making hard efforts to breathe.]

T-that was... Whaaaat---?! [Another cough. A sharp intake of air. Umi's head is bent down: her long hair blocks her face from view.] B-but I was just at the ballroom...! WHAT IN THE WORLD HAPPENED!?

...A beach? [She sits back, hardly bothered by the waves that grow gentler around her. Pushing her hair back with her hand, she gets rid of some algae entangled in it. It's clear now that the tide dropped her on the beach right after her device.] The sea.... sand...? Wait a second--- did I hit my head? Why can't I---??

[But something's off: Umi's eyes are unfocused. Her hands fumble around as if to grab a clue. Then realization shows on her face.] Oh...

OH.

So it wasn't a bad dream, after all. [She smiles bitterly, though perhaps also a bit fondly.] NICE welcome present, City. Honest. I bet you're as thrilled to see me as I am to be back!

[She stands up angrily and (looking very dignified) tries to walk away from the shore. But. She trips on the communicator and falls on her face.]

---augh!! That's...! I HATE THIS STUPID PLACE~!!!

[End Video]

[Accidental Video]

---an't believe this place's timing. Just-! [This could be any street near the Square. Or is that the fountain in the background? The camera is partially blocked by fingertips as Umi clutches the Network device close. She sounds astonished, a little out of breath. Maybe the tiniest bit annoyed.]

There... The feeling... I can't be wrong. Home... After all this time and it's just... THERE.

[The image clears out to show us a better view of the surroundings. Umi's face is seen from an awkward angle as she looks ahead. After a second she lowers her glance on the device as she notices it's recording, but doesn't seem to mind it a lot in a moment like this.]

See? I knew it! [A breathless chuckle.] I KNEW it was contrary! The second I stopped looking for it...! [She stares wistfully at an unseen spot in front of her, then closes her eyes.]

Not without them. It's good enough to know it's possible for these things to---

Wh- NO!! [The image is blurred by movement as the device is dropped to the ground. A loud gasp. From this vantage point it's impossible to see anything but Umi's long hair swept by a sudden wind.]

I said no!! I can't believe-! I'M NOT GOING, ALRIGHT!? You can't make me leave them! It's not what I-! Damn, I'll show you--- [A metallic noise, the sound of something sharp stabbing against solid concrete with great strength. Loud screeching, an angry shriek. In the background the wind's hissing grows stronger.]

I SAID NOT N---!!!

[ TRANSMISSION ENDED_ : frequency dead ]

( OOCness )

( Off the Network || Journal )

[Filtered Away from Hikaru || Viewable to everyone else]

Imagine you have a best friend you've always felt like looking after. Even if you knew all along that they don't need it, because they're brave and strong enough to fend on their own. You feel like you're meant to stand by that person. That you should do everything together because that's the way you've always fought and it feels right.

Now... imagine you suddenly realize that perhaps it's better for both of you to fight some of your personal battles on your own. Because you trust that person enough to know she'll manage.

And also... because things have changed so much for you two that you didn't even realize you were holding on to a time that's now gone, for good or bad, and whether you like it or not.

...How do you face that feeling?

Other than being happy for your friend's strength, I mean. And your own too, a little. Because you really were able to move along. Do you step aside? Do you trust you'll be able to tell the right times when you should, even if... well... you're terribly CLINGY?

I'm not sure I know. At least some things won't ever change.

[End Filter]

So. Weirdo Weekend is behind us. I think I had it easy this time. Being in a band was fun. I'd forgotten everything about my piano lessons. I wonder if I should start practicing again...

Anyway. I think I've been too busy with research. I swear I've missed things I shouldn't have. Hikaru's back. I've earned some time just relaxing with her. This place's been kind to everyone lately. Maybe too kind. That guy...

[Video]

[The beach comes into sight from an awkward angle. Then the device is turned around to focus on the cross-gate as Umi films it, having just gone through it.]

...It's odd. [She sounds deep in thought.] There's nothing special to it. Just a platform. Maybe it has nothing to do with portals after all.

[A blur, and the video now focuses on Umi's face. Her expression shows curiosity but also slight satisfaction.] ...This is going to be a weird question for everyone. But the Network is the place to find them, right? Those of you who've gone home and returned here: how was it like, when you found the portal that took you home? Do you remember it? Did you go in by your own will? Or just felt a pull and got dragged into it...?

This is very important. It may well help us all.

[End Video]

( Filtered to Aya, Ken and Omi || Viewable to roommates )

I hope yesterday's... whatever it was, didn't cause much trouble. First the forgiveness thing and now this? If I didn't know the place by now I'd say it's trying to help everyone make amends while it trashes our good relationships.


[ooc: ROOMMATES, our neighbors left color-coded carnations for each of the girls on our door. Yes, they're THAT darling. Also, I wanted to get this up before Hikaru's return. Please bear with me and my evil plot.]

( Off the Network || Journal )

So. Week one. Did departures stop yet? I think I'm coping better than I thought, considering... it's this next Saturday. Though it's weird, to go all these days without talking to Mister Lockon too.

The month just started and I already feel like my weirdness dose's been covered. What WAS that the other day?? I hope no one suffered any accidents because of it. Though, Mister Clow, Yuuko, I have to say: I ended up enjoying that floating tea party. If we could do that again with everything under control I think I'd like it.

Oh and, Aya?? Why did you do this?? It must have cost you a fortune! This is a professional thing! I planned to invest in a new one, but... Aw, boy. THANK YOU. You're getting more than just a hug. Check it out:

The first thing I baked in it is for you. Only fair, huh? But do share it with the guys. I'm making something special to celebrate the flower shop's opening too.

[Mentor Filter* || Unhackable || Viewable to all Magic Users]

These dimensional doors that take people home...

Um. Portals. What do we know of them?

[End Filter]


[*] now with moar Clef

[Voice]

[A whistling of wind, followed by static and an exasperated sigh from Umi.] ---nk that I'd at least have navigation in this thing. Well, isn't this just PERFECT.

...Ever heard the phrase NOT AS PLANNED?? This place is great at giving me that feeling!

Um. Alright: please nobody panic, but... if you see any of these flying by...

[Switch to Video]

Now, it'd be dumb to ask that you don't eat them but return them to me, wouldn't it? Figures. I was baking them for my friends as a Thank You gift for cheering me up the other day! But they just... flew away... when I opened the oven...

[A rustle of clothes, The City's clear sky shivers with the communicator's movement. Windswept strands of blue hair come into view, buildings visible below.]

Eeeep~ So nobody freak if they see them around, please! I don't think I'm returning to the apartment anytime soon, but I'll do my best to catch--- Wait. Wasn't that the carousel down th--- WHAT IN THE WORLD!? WHY IS THIS EVEN HAPPENING!!??

[End Video]


[ooc: I couldn't resist. Everyone who cheered Umi up in this thread can expect a flying muffin coming through their window. Also, kinda placeholderish and replies will be slow 'cause my internet's been acting up since yesterday. @_@;;]

[Voice]

...why...?

[The question is barely audible: as if Umi asked this to herself. Her voice is slightly breathless but incredibly calm. Though anyone who knows her well enough can tell there's something building up behind that front.]

...why now... deities? Why like this? I... We were planning something for her birthday. And now...

[A long pause, a deep breath. Umi's voice grows steadier, but the pent up emotion behind it is still there.] I couldn't do anything. I didn't see it coming, but... I can't regret it, can I?

She'll be better off back home. Safe. Away from this place. Even if it's not what she wanted. [A sigh.] Perhaps she'll even forget everything. And won't have to suffer for what she can't...

[Silence. Then a clatter of objects falling to the floor. Sounds of hissing air, cracking.]

[Accidental Switch to Video]

[The Network device has been knocked to the floor. As it starts recording we see Umi with her back leaning against the kitchen's wall. Her right hand is clenched into a fist, frost covering the wall where she slammed it.]

It'll be okay. Hikaru... [It takes a visible effort for her to calm down, but Umi's voice and face are both filled with determination.] It's my turn now.

...I'll be strong.

[Accidental Voice]

[A little yawn, sounds of stirring.] Mmmhhh... Whhh- Slept in?

...Oh boy, I'm never doing this again.

[Unsteady footsteps as Umi heads for the bathroom, the usual noise of running water for a long while. Then silence, followed by a rustle as she pockets her Network device and walks out of the bedroom without noticing it's recording.]

Morning, everyone~ I'm alive! Clef, I don't wanna hear a word about how I got what I had com---

[A confused gasp. Then a long while of silence broken only by footsteps.]

Ah... Hello? What, everyone left early today? Hikaru?? Um. Whatever...

[End Voice]

[Voice - posted approximately an hour later]

---okay. What is this?? Where did everyone go!? If this is a curse... I SWEAR. I already had enough to deal with after that po---!! tion--- incident...

Don't tell me that...

ANYBODY!
What happened to this place?? Is it me!?

Please tell me I didn't end up alone somewhere else...

[End Voice]


[ooc: Guess who believes this is all the side effects of having too much anti-sleep potion. Sort of placeholderish: leaving soon, I'll be back picking tags in a few.]

[Voice]

Kobato, guys: I'm going to be home late today. So don't wait for me for dinner, alright? There's chocolate chiffon cake in the fridge, for dessert. I'll be at the hospital if you need me for whatever...

[Sounds of trotting footsteps, far too energetic for someone who's gone two days without sleep. Then a rummaging noise as Umi searches in her handbag for the key.]

To everyone who came over to our slumber party, I hope it helped you at least a bit! It's over now, finally. Two days. It figures. We all say, "Wait it out, it'll be over at midnight!" and it's two. Stupid. DAYS.

[A deep sigh. Umi sounds considerably absent now, as if she'd forgotten she's making a voice post.] And it didn't help with his recovery at all...

[End Voice]

( Filtered to Ken and Omi || Viewable to Aya || Unhackable )

Er... Clef? I think I drank too much of that potion of yours. Now I can't sleep.

Like, AT ALL. I'm not even tired.

HELP??

[Accidental Voice*]

[A loud, startled gasp, followed by the sound of panting breath. There's a rustle of bedsheets, followed by the sound of something small and solid hitting the floor.] .....dammit. No...!

...It's not... REAL. This isn't going to work...

[Umi's voice is obviously tired. There's a sound of fumbling as she bends to pick up her device and a thunk when she sets it back on the nightstand without noticing it's recording.] Just a nightm--- NO, but there's more to it.

[Footsteps as she gets up: her voice diminishes when she heads for the bathroom.] ...Curse. But why. WHY ABOUT THIS, of all things...!??

[A door slams and the sound of running water can be heard, faintly, before the recording stops.]

[End Voice]

( Filtered to Clow || Public due to sloppiness )

It's NOT just me, is it. Is everyone going through this too...? Hikaru? Guys...?

Every time I try to get some sleep... It's so real it HURTS.

FINE. Time to pull a plan B.

( Filtered to Roommates || Public due to sloppiness )

Like a slumber party, right? I mean-! This place won't beat us if we take it with humor!


[*] posted to the Network much earlier than the subsequent text entries

[ooc: Umi's having all sort of gory nightmares. >8 She'll be going on a sleepless marathon like she did during the possession plot. ALSO, PLEASE ASSUME THIS TAKES PLACE BEFORE SHE NOTICES AYA'S ENTRY. So she's still living in blissful ignorance. ;;;]

( Off the Network || Journal )

What was THAT yesterday?? I don't think I want to know.

So, how many new arrivals in the last few days? Did anyone count? Looks like this place thought it needed new faces, huh. But some people have returned too. I wonder if Fuu Perhaps I can't say I'm glad they're stuck here again, but it must be wonderful for everyone to have their friends back.

Good luck settling in, everyone. It takes some time but... you'll get there. Now, while we're at it...

[Filtered from Clef || Unhackable || Viewable to everyone else]

This is Clef. He's a very good friend of Hikaru, Mokona and mine. He's... also a very powerful magician. Trust me, HE IS. More than meets the eye, remember? He just arrived and will be staying with us in the apartment from now on. He's a little grumpy but a very kind person. So, please be nice to him? ---Roommates, this goes to you. He's kinda touchy when it comes to his height. Just... DON'T BRING THAT UP. And YES WE'RE GETTING HIM NORMAL CLOTHES. I'm sure you'll get along once you get know him. Also. Um. Please don't bring Cephiro up if you talk to him? This place pulled him in from a different time than Hikaru, Mokona and I, so we're working on updating him on the situation. With tact. Or at least we're trying. [End Filter]

( Filtered to Clef || Unhackable )

( Filtered to Uta || Unhackable )

( Filtered to Rin || Unhackable )

( Off the Network || Journal )

I want to apologize to everyone who had to see that last Saturday. I can explain if you want, though... I'd rather I didn't have to. It was just this place's way to mess with very painful memories of mine.

Thanks, everyone. You all have no idea how much talking to you helped.

I... also have the best roommates in the world. Kobato, C, Louise... Hikaru, Mokona and I are so lucky. I'd have lost it if it hadn't been for your support.

But it's over now, isn't it. It's OVER and we have things to look forward to. I won't look back on that We can't give this place the win.

( Filtered to Aya, Ken & Omi || Unhackable )

[Filtered from Hikaru, Mokona & hopefully the deities || Unhackable]

I need to know if there's someone here who thinks like I do. And is willing to act on it.

...I want them STOPPED.

The deities. I don't care what must be done. There has to be someone who's considered this before.

[End Filter]


[ooc: So yeah. Shit came down everywhere at once. UPSET UMI IS REBELLION FODDER. I'VE BEEN WANTING TO GET HER INTO THAT PLOT FOREVER. SOMEONE TALK HER INTO JOINING, PLEASE? :D;;]