[Kariya comes on the Vine. She's clearly at the Pagoda, where she's been staying for the past weeks. She doesn't look very well. That is, she looks worse than usual. Her condition doesn't allow her much sleep to begin with, and for the past days, she's been getting less.]

Hello. Has anyone else been having--dreams?

[She sees herself, over and over, killing--not only Tokiomi, the man she longs to kill, but other people, too. Some of them are people she's met in the Gardens. She sees herself expelling the worms from her body, turning them into monsters, sending them to attack. She could do that. It would be so easy. Just to lash out, to strike back, to have and show some power...

...but the people here are kind. She doesn't want to harm them. She won't.]

I can't seem to sleep very well. Doctor, or anyone, do you know of some medicine or magic that might help? Thank you. I hope no one else has had any trouble. I hope you've all been well.

[The image of a rather unhappy Sayaka fills the mirror. Some people have left, but one of those that managed to leave has left Sayaka in a bout of denial, with a rather easy idea to latch onto, even if it is false.]

Hey, something happened again and I missed it, right? Another mass abduction, or a note showing the way to some sort of treasure that went up when I was asleep? Or a multi day sleepover? Anything?

[Of course, nothing of the sort has actually happened. It's just that someone she had grown fond of is no longer there.

She's still handling it better than the last time part of her life went bad.]

[Nue appears to be sitting somewhere high up, because the only thing that can be seen in the background is sky. Behind her back, her six red and blue limbs swish back and forth, the movement uncertain and a little agitated.]

Um... I guess I should apologize for the way I acted when our bodies were mixed up. [She sounds a little awkward as she says it, like she isn't used apologizing and definitely not for something like being a little cranky. For whatever reason, though, she doesn't want her behavior to reflect badly on Kariya, so this seems like the thing to do. She scratches her cheek a little.] I was the one in Kariya's body. So if I was cranky or snapped at you, you should be mad at me and not her, okay?

[...That's all she has to say, she guesses, but she doesn't wave the Vine away just yet. Instead, she mulls something over for a few seconds longer, and then she speaks again.]

...Er. Kariya! Are you feeling well, by the way? If you see this, I mean.

[It's not been long since the Queen got involved in the confusion involving the leaves, bringing things back into the normal peace. Even not being involved with that confusion, Homura had to postpone something she had hoped to do earlier. But now, things hopefully settled, she turns to the Vine after coaxing it to hide this message from her girlfriend.

The girl appears with a little bit of a smile, though little hints of nervousness lurk here and there. Public speaking isn't exactly her forte even if she's a bit braver than she used to be.]

Um... I hope everyone is back to normal now. I'm not sure exactly what was going on but...in any case, I have a little request for everyone, if it is not trouble.

Madoka's birthday is coming up in a week, so I was hoping to plan a party for her.

But, um... [She looks a little uncomfortable for a moment, nervous about how she might be seen for what she's about to say, but she pushes it out anyway.] I have never really thrown a party for someone before... so I was wondering if anyone could help me out a bit...

Miki-san, especially, if you have any ideas...I hope we can make something unforgettable for her.

[Madoka's birthday last year had been just a private thing, Homura not knowing what to do. But just a few months later Madoka had gone through such a trouble to throw a surprise party for Homura, it's hard not to want to see Madoka enjoy the same kind of thing. Still, even being a different Madoka, it's her 15th birthday again. Maybe in a way it's like another chance to throw even a better one this time...]

If anyone can help, please let me know... I look forward to working with you. [She gives a bit of a bow.]

[The Vine shows a small, black-haired girl with bright blue eyes and an annoyed expression on her face. She's seated near the lake, looking not only irritated, but pensive. She clearly isn't aware of being recorded, not having noticed the tendrils of Vine that have snaked around a nearby tree.

Xion often wears a hood to cover her face, but not today. There's no sign of any hood. At the moment, she's dressed in a short purple dress and black leggings. Wearing the layers of clothing she'd suddenly found herself in had seemed--so strange to her--but fortunately, there's no shortage of clothing in the Gardens, and she'd been able to remedy that, at least.

She feels some great lack, but what is it? What's missing? She glares at her hand, and she has the sense that something should happen when she focuses her will, but nothing does. Her hand remains unchanged, and nothing appears. She lets out a breath, sharply.]

Infuriating. What's wrong?

[Her expression grows thoughtful again. It's hard to know what's wrong when she can't even tell what's missing.]

Xion, is that my name?

[It seems to be, but at the same time, it doesn't sound right, and she purses her lips. Then, she makes a rather undignified noise of frustration, picks up a handful of rocks, and throws them into the lake. There's a series of splashes as they hit the surface.]

No, it isn't!

[It's the only name she knows, and part of her tells her she should accept it, but she's stubborn. And grumpy.]

[[ooc: Kuja has switched places with Xion (mnementomori)! This is backdated a couple days, toward the beginning of the event.]]

[She shouldn't be so disoriented by the leaves, but her head feels muddled the moment they clear from her vision. She can't find the path she was on moments before, no matter how hard she looks. And something feels wrong, though she can't figure out what it is...]

[It's something she should notice immediately, but she feels confused and unbalanced. It's only when she tries to make her way back to her home—where was that, again?—that she realizes just what has changed. Or, at least, part of what has changed. Maybe the most important part.]

...It hurts a lot. It isn't supposed to hurt like this...

[She's seated in the grass when she appears on the Vine, trying to give her sore and aching limbs a rest.]

It's...not right. [Her hand curls against the Vine beside the mirror, like that'll help anything.] My body isn't right. Is that how it is for anyone else?


[ ooc: Nue is in Kariya's body! I'm pretty much too lazy to add icons in the comments, so you'll just have to make do with imagining Kariya's face making Nue's expressions. ]

[The Antikytherans' cafe has inspired Jessica. She's approaching the Arimoi caves with a wagon full of a smorgasbord of goodies: various meats, baked goods, candies, and even potato chips. Hey, who knows what monsters actually like? Anyway, potato chips are delicious.

[She stops outside the cave, peering in for a few moments, then calls into the depths.]

Hello? Uh... this is Jessica Boyette... from the, uh, general... Gardens. Just wanted to see if anyone wanted to share some snacks.

Assuming you guys like snacks. Or assuming you like these snacks. I can go get some other stuff if you want... just... yeah.

[She waits, stiff and awkward.]

I should have done this a while ago...

[Oh, look. There's Holiday again, this time with her normal clothes (orange shirt, black skirt, knee high boots, and a lab coat because why not) on and walking around the garden.]

Well, first off, I should introduce myself more properly, I guess. My name is Doctor Rebecca Holiday and I thought I should offer my services to the Garden. I am a doctor of theory, but I also practice medicine, so if there's something that the snakes can't or won't help you with, I'll be happy to help you out in any way I can.

Also... while the cat's were accommodating, I think... I should start looking for a more permanent place to stay. Trying to find a way out was, as everyone's told me, useless.

Anyone have any selections of places to live?

[Kyoko is lounging on the couch in her shared house with Sayaka, who is currently out for a bit. She looks absolutely bored. She yawns, stretches, and then moves in closer to the camera.]

Hey. Anyone want to go out exploring the wild areas? I'm feeling really restless.

...Don't let Sayaka know I'm planning on this, though, okay? She'd get worried about me.

....And I kinda want to get some of that dirt and make a gift for her, but I want it to be a surprise, okay?

[ It's the afternoon when Subaru appears on the vine. She is seated on the edge of an open door facing outside the background obviously a traditional Japanese style building that long-term residents will recognize. The young woman is wearing a plain t-shirt and shorts, though she looks like she's been rolling around in the dirt. Her gaze is far away, like she didn't notice the mirror creeping up on her. Truth is, she just forgot about it in the brief few moments it took to coax it into unfurling for her. ]

...ah! Hi there. [ A smile. ] It's Subaru. I've been sort of keeping to myself lately since the incident with the sky pirates so I wanted to apologize to everyone, and see how you're all doing. [ It feels to her like she knows most of the Gardens by now, or has at least casually spoken with them all once or twice. That's almost as good as becoming her friend, in most cases. ]

I wanted to report on what I've been busy with! The roof of the inn is completely restored, now, so no more weird leaks or sudden noise from the wind. I'm also almost done building the swimming pool out back, but I'm still working on a pump and filter so that it won't end up looking like a murky pond after a few weeks, eheh...

[ Then her eyes are downcast, which does not go with her otherwise enthusiastic expression. ] I also... wanted to make a note that all the other rooms here are free, now, except my own. [ She pauses, looking over her shoulder into the building. ] I've been meaning to say something about it, but Vivio has been gone for some time. [ There is a sad smile there for that, but it's hard to tell with her turned away like that. ] I'm sure she's back at home, now, with her two mamas. ... I can't say I know what Suruga Kanbaru has gone home to, but I think it's the same for her. Her room was empty this morning except for the same kind of flower petals I swept away when Vivio disappeared.

[ After another pause, she turns back to the mirror, smiling a little easier even if it is a strain on her. ] So please, feel free to come visit at any time. You won't be a bother to me at all, and you can use any of the facilities here at your convenience. The onsen, the training mats in the corner rooms, the futons... even the kitchen and the ice cream maker! [ A wave. ] I think I'm going to go enjoy a cold treat right now, so I'll see you all later!


((ooc: Action available for anyone who wants to stop in at the inn! Whether it's while she's in the kitchen, out back working, or relaxing in the baths. o/))

[action]

[Kariya Matou is a woman on a mission. Sort of. She's interested in finding out all she can about the Gardens, in exploring as much as she can. It's slow going. She's hampered by her poor health and often has to sit down and rest when she's tired or out of breath. She lies down in the grass or leans back against a tree, the veins in her face pulsing.

The worms have been quieter, but they're still active, and they still hurt. She was only supposed to live a few more weeks, at best, but her progression toward death seems to have been halted, or at least slowed, and she's heard that she can't really die here. She's gotten better at meditating and working her way through the pain, and some days are better than others. So she keeps going. She sleeps in a structure if she happens to wind up near one, but she doesn't mind sleeping under the stars. She thinks of playing outside, in the park. It's like that. If she listens, she imagines she can hear the creaking of swings, the laughter of children. Sometimes the birds come to pull at her hair and sing, or the rabbits nibble on the sleeves of her hoodie. She doesn't mind.

She doesn't exactly know what she's looking for as she wanders, but she's looking for something. Answers, maybe. When she meets someone along her way (and she might show up anywhere), she doesn't hesitate to nod and smile crookedly, only the right side of her mouth rising.]

[vine; video]

[Kariya addresses the Vine quietly, but not nervously. It's simply hard for her to marshal her thoughts at times.]

I was wondering if--it's possible to speak to the Queen. Or anyone who knows her, anyone who has some power here, who's from this place. Or even someone who knows a lot about it. I'd like to... [She trails off for a moment, then smiles hopefully.] Ask some questions.

Thank you. I'd appreciate it very much.

Oh! [She almost forgot.] And can anyone tell me if there was ever anyone here named Aoi-- [A pause.] Tohsaka, or Sakura, or Rin?

[There's a new face on the Vine today. Thankfully, it's a lovely one.]

[Holiday is poking these... vine things, trying to figure out how they work and... what they're doing... It's very curious stuff right here... She's also still dressed in the gown she awoke in and the cat behind her is looking like it might be getting a little annoyed...]

Um... I think... this is on... Hello? Can anyone-?

[She spends a second, looking around at the Vine and wondering if she's being fooled.]

Breach, if this is some weird dimension, I'd like to go home now. The cats and flowers and everything really is nice, but... Well, I should really be home. Rex is going to be worrying, you know.

[... Excuse her while she thinks she's been kidnapped and sent into a pocket dimension...]

[ The vine brings a simple message to the ladygardens today. There is one bushy-browed blond young lady seated outside, where she is attending to the laundry drying on the lines behind her, ] Good afternoon, everyone!

I have a small request of you, if someone could please help me out. It might seem odd, but I have given this a lot of thought, and...

[ Mugi closes her eyes, taking a deep breath as if to prepare for something serious. And her expression is quite serious when she opens those blue eyes again and leans in closer to the mirror. ] Is there anyone who could teach me magic?


((OOC: Action is open to anyone at Larry Vincent's house, whether they live there or just see her outside hanging the laundry and scribbling in a notebook with... a quill.))

...I think that's how it works. Magic sure is a crazy thing.

Hi!

Just a quick question. Am I forgetting to read in between the lines or did I miss something somewhere when I showed up here?

Oh, where are my manners? [Left back in Caelin.]

My name is Lyn and even though things are a little fancy, I'm pretty sure I'm not where I want to be. Then again, I'm not opposed to meeting anyone new so don't think I'm being unwelcoming of whatever hospitality this is.

Vine ||

[ Madoka is situated somewhere in the gardens, having just spent her afternoon tending to her own flowers and searching for others to help her garden. She usually keeps oddly busy, still in a happy daze after being plucked from her unhappy timeline, that this thought hadn't occurred to her before... She's been here for months and there are still so many people she doesn't know very well, if at all.  When it crosses her mind that she's been a bit neglectful, she's quick to tap a Vine. ]

Hello, everyone! Sorry, I hope it's not too early to use the vine? I didn't wake anyone up, did I? [ Her smile is a bit soft, dampened by thoughtfulness and a tinge of worry. ]

This is probably really sudden and kind of weird and random, but I've been thinking lately that I don't know everyone's names! I don't even know what kinds of foods everyone likes or what hobbies they have... I think it would be neat to see what we have in common and talk about things like that, or maybe try new things we never thought we'd try, you know? [ She giggles lightly, perhaps losing confidence in these random thoughts. ]

So... I'll start? I like gardening and crafts! And eating! And I guess I can play the recorder too, if that counts. Oh, and my name is Madoka Kaname! um... what about everyone else? I mean, um well, disregard this if you're too busy but I really am curious!  I really would like to become better friends with everyone...

[The Itsuki appearing on the Vine now looks much more sure of herself than she did a week ago, which is a plus; however, she still looks a bit... confused? After a moment, she seems to realize the mirror is recording her.]

So... I know I've been here for a little while now, but I'm still not a hundred percent sure what's going on. I get the whole thing with the Gardens, and us being here, and the rules, and all that. It's beautiful here, to be sure, and everything's provided for as needed. But it seems... off. Maybe part of that is just that I haven't really taken much time to meet people; I admit that my first instinct when I wake up in an unfamiliar land is not to befriend the locals, which is something I'd be happy to fix if anyone is willing to spare some time. I'm fairly certain my friends from my own home - Tsubomi, Erika, and Yuri - aren't here. Making proper friends was never my strong suit back home, so... [The girl shrugs.]

And all that stuff before, with the pirate ship in the sky, and the hostages... I think I came in directly in the middle of something, and I never really asked what was going on with all that. Is anyone willing to explain? That seemed pretty major, but I didn't want to try and help without knowing the score, and it never really seemed like a good time to stop someone and ask about the growing battle in the airspace above me.

[Itsuki pauses for a moment before she frowns a bit.] Sorry that I'm going on so long, but... I guess I'm just anxious. I feel like something's going to happen, and I don't know what it is. I don't mind adapting, I just don't know what I'm adapting to yet, and that unnerves me. I'm going to walk around, see if I come across anyone. Maybe that'll help me figure out what I'm doing here, too.

[She spends a moment looking at the mirror in puzzlement before she makes a quick gesture, and the video ends. And sure enough, just after that, Itsuki can be found roaming the Gardens, looking around as if to take in all the buildings and locales. She looks a bit on edge, but otherwise open. Feel free to interrupt her exploration, though; it's a safe assumption she won't mind.]

The mirror on the vine shows the newest woman in the Gardens, a tall, pale ("fair"), soft-looking woman with hair that could ironically be deemed 'Princess Curls,' in a new entrant's shift that's a bit too short for her.

She isn't outraged or panicking; she's seething as she physically hoists a rabbit away from her corset, her pink gown, and her crown. She flips her white shift over her head without any hesitation, modesty or embarrassment, and begins dressing herself.

"If my latest kidnapper addresses me as 'the Princess of Aerisland,' then I swear by Hurane and the god of exhausted patience as my witnesses that I shall simply strike him and affect my own rescue," she says as she attempts to tighten her own corset. "At least that way I shall gain some welcome respect from the lady Falwythwr." She pauses, then laughs, once, to herself. "And while I am planning for my casting of Wish, I should very much like a unicorn."

[Video | Open]
( Thoughts back to the past )

[Homura calls forth a Mirror from the Vine that has entwined itself into her shared apartment, her eyes overtly showing her sorrow, even though she might not be in tears at the moment.]

Hello, everyone. Everything has been chaotic lately, so... I thought someone should let everyone else know.

Mami-san – that is, Mami Tomoe – disappeared earlier this month. But it seems she wasn't kidnapped along with everyone else after all. She...She must have gone back to our world. [Gone back to what, she doesn't know. There's still the chance she'll return again, like others have, but...]

Sorry.

[Action | Closed]

( Finding the words to move on )

[Kariya is not far from where she first appeared, kneeling in the grass, still dressed in the white shift.

She appears on the Vine, staring at the mirror without fully comprehending it, her face twisted, her right eye wide. The other side of her face hangs slack, save for what seems to be something moving beneath the skin, and her pale left eye cannot widen very far. Her breath comes quick and uneven.]

Is this--

[She breaks off, shaking her head, her hand on one of the Vine's tendrils, which has snaked out as if to steady her. Her hand, too, is shaking.]

A Reality Marble? It must be. I-- [Her expression shifts from surprise into anger, her mouth twisting, and the faint movement beneath her skin increases, until it is undeniable that something is there. The anger colors her tone, too, and her voice nearly breaks. If she's caught within something like a Reality Marble, what can she do? She has nothing that can destroy an entire constructed world.] Who's responsible for this? Show yourself. I'm not afraid to fight you. Face me now.

[Her voice is weak, but there's great conviction in it. She grasps her left hand with her right.]

Berserker! Berserker! [She screams, bracing herself for the rush of pain that will come as her Servant appears, but no one comes. Then she can't call anymore, losing her grip on the Vine, the strength fading from her body.] Berserker...

[She doesn't understand why he doesn't come, unclasping her hands and staring down at the Command Seals on her hand in frustration and bewilderment. They're still there, so they should work. She tries to rise, but falls back to her knees almost at once. She speaks again, more to herself than to the Vine or her imaginary opponent.] I have to, to keep going.

[1 - Action]
Ugh... my head... what happened?

[There's a girl you haven't seen before in the middle of the Gardens; she looks disoriented, and that white shift looks fairly familiar... If left to her own devices, she'll panic for a minute, then start to look around; it'll be easy to miss, but she's trembling, likely afraid of what happened to her. Once she finds someone, though, she'll immediately make her way over.]

Do you... know where we are? Or what happened to me? This... isn't what I was wearing when I was conscious last.

[2 - Video]
[The girl you're seeing looks quite a bit more calm than she did just a little while ago, though it's replaced by confusion; she's wearing a male school uniform, of all things, but it doesn't look too out of place on her. It looks like she's holding a scroll.]

Why is a plant...? Oh, is it doing- oh! I'm still not entirely sure what's going on here, but I guess I've been invited to your "Gardens". My name is Myoudou- sorry, Itsuki Myoudouin. Pleased to meet you. I've gotten some basic information on this place, but...

If anyone knows what's going on, I would appreciate information. I left some people in the middle of something important, and I should get back to them. It's... urgent.

[She looks exceptionally nervous, or possibly worried. Hard to tell.]