[Across the Vine in the afternoon, a letter writes itself openly, not directed at anyone even though she really means it go to a number here. It's a little outside her comfort zone to write something so open like this, but it's necessary. A lot of people have disappeared over the last year, and who knows when the next one might happen?

Friends...how much she's come to appreciate them in the last two years, and even more now that she can't simply upend her magical shield to see those she's lost again. It doesn't mean they're gone forever or dead, but it does make them feel distant.]

In just a few hours it will be the New Year. I really cannot believe how fast the last year has gone; soon I will even turn sixteen.

I am sure I will see some of you at the party tonight, but I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped Madoka and me over this past year. It really means a lot to me.

This year has not been without its hardships, but maybe the next year here will be greater if we can work together.

I hope for your favor again in the coming year.

[ When the broadcast begins, it's with the purple-haired young woman looking as if she had something on her mind. ] You know, it's kind of odd. I expected an invite of some kind for something for the New Year, like last year's ball, but nothing's come in yet. If that's the case... I'm going to host another party at the inn on Monday night starting at sunset. If I figured it out right, that's when the New Year will be.

[ Smiling, Subaru counts off a few items on her fingers. ] I'll try to have food and games there, but if you want anything special for yourself, you'll have to either ask for it, or bring it yourself. The same goes with music or other entertainment! This should be a great way to meet new people, start new friendships, and also relax after all the work you've put in for the play these past few days.

Everyone's invited — you can come alone, with a friend, or even a date — and there's no dress code, but I will have one rule and one rule only, and that is to have fun! No fights. [ She will not have a repeat of what broke out at her birthday party. ] Mmm, that's it, really. I'll be around there the next couple of days tidying up, so if you need me for anything, or have any question, just give me a call! My name's Subaru. [ She waves to the mirror. ] I hope to see you all there!


((OOC: Like the post implies, I'll put a log up for the party this weekend! Possibly even tomorrow, forward-dated, since I have a four day weekend ahead of myself. o/ ))

[ Why is Subaru on the mirror right now? ] Um... hello? [ For that matter, why is she wearing Vivio's clothes? They shouldn't fit her; not by a long shot. Everything about the scene is wrong, from the way she's looking around rather dazed and confused at the inside of the inn's many empty rooms, the fact she's not wearing her familiar necklace, and down to the way she just appears... smaller in every manageable way.

Also, the confusion in her voice that shouldn't be there is a dead giveaway that things are very, very off. ] Is anyone else here?

[ The vine followed her ever since she stepped out of the back room where she found those clothes, and now it watches on as the girl cautious moves from doorway to doorway, looking for someone. Anyone. ] Dad? Gin? Are you here?

[ Panning from the sight, the mirror shows the familiar sight of a teal gem — Mach Caliber's storage unit — floating in the air along with her cord. She is the one that called for the vine; not the little girl. ] «Assistance request. Unknown effect in place.»

[ It's then that "Subaru" turns quickly in the direction of the voice and sees both the flashing gem and the mirror. ] W-what's that? Who's there...?

((ooc: Subaru has been de-aged both physically and mentally. This is basically what she looks like (without the dirt). Open to action at the inn/onsen, but she'll also be wandering around outside once she's done searching the building!))

[Kazumi's expression is worried; not surprising after how the last few weeks have been. She wasn't really affected much, but she saw people who were...]

Is everyone alright now? Back to normal...?

[She sighs, looking a bit forlorn.]

Things making people act unlike themselves... what's "like yourself" though, other than how you acted before? I mean... what makes up a person? Our bodies? Our actions? Our memories?

[Memories...]

...hey, what do memories mean to you? How important are your memories? If you had something painful in your past... do you think it'd be better not to remember it?

[She's taking the video just outside the apartment complex, so anyone is free to run into her there or respond over the vine]

{ vine }
Good afternoon, everyone! I'm really sorry to bother you all... I guess it's a bit weird to announce this? Today is my birthday! I'm turning fifteen! [ Sorta. ] And thinking about it, I realized that I don't know everyone else's birthdays yet... It's kind of a shame not to celebrate them, you know? So I guess what I'm asking is... well, would anyone mind telling me their birthday so I can make a list?

O-oh and... does anyone know where I could find some mint tea? And maybe... [ There's a bit of hesitance now. Madoka is embarrassed as she continues. ] A simple recipe that might be good for a date night..?

{ action ~ Homura & Madoka's apartment }
[ Birthdays felt strange when you were coming from post-death. Madoka's melancholy was short lived, however, in favor of cheerful baking. She had noticed Homura seemed to be up to something but did not voice her suspicions. Two and two had added up and Madoka realized that Homura was probably planning some sort of party... and she decided to play along with it. Maybe bake some cookies as well, to thank everyone for being so kind.

Which is what she is just finishing up now. With the cookies moved to a cooling rake, Madoka settles down to make some tea and... sit around anxiously. Not sure what to do. This whole suspecting a party thing is new to Madoka. Should she sit here? Maybe she should stop suspecting. That's rude. Her mother would scold her. Aah, what if she's ruining a sequence of events that everyone expects by sitting here making assumptions?

Madoka gets up a few times and wanders in circles around the room. ]

[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 turns on to a very distressed-looking Yuyuko, her robes disheveled, her fingers threaded through her hair, her hands trembling violently.]

Youmu, where did you go? Did you leave? Youmu, help me...

I...have lost something? I think I have. I don't...know what it is. My memories? Did I...lose them? I can't remember what it was...what it was like, when...

[She stops speaking abruptly, and stares at a something off in space.]

I wasn't always a ghost...was I?

I don't really understand much about electricity but if you can use lightning for it, it shouldn't be that hard to make a proper power source. All you'd need is...hmm....

[Yes, it's an intentional video. One of Kris in her workshop, mulling over plans on a table. Plans to make a power source that is perpetual. It's magic, man. MAGIC.]

What if I used a crystal? But that would need recharging after a while. If it had a soul, maybe, but no one would want to give one up. Unless there was a volunteer...

Anyone have any ideas? Throw them at me and it could help me push ahead!

[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/))

[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 )

[The video feed comes to life, showing a young Japanese school girl with bright yellow hair. She is wearing what looks like a normal school uniform with a big white fluffy sweater over it. There are tears in her eyes and she looks scared out of her wits.]

H-Hello? M-My name is K-Kise Yayoi. Please, w-where am I? [she holds up a scroll] A-A cat gave me this a-and said I-I could use this weird vine...can someone t-tell me how I-[her eyes widen with horror] Did I do the book thing wrong? [more tears fall from her eyes]

I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! I-I know th-the fairy said I-I needed to be careful but I wasn't even thinking of a-a-[she is cut off as she cries].

[Fuu sounds very, very hesitant. She looks just the same. There's a moment before she bows her head a little, politely.]

Good afternoon. My name is Fuu Hououji, and I have recently... arrived, here. I have been informed of the basic information necessary to survive here, but I would like to ask a favor, if someone would be so kind.

I am looking for my friends. It is rare I arrive in a strange place without them, and if they are here I'd like to find them as quickly as possible. Their names are Umi Ryuuzaki-san and Hikaru Shidou-san. I understand asking for a favor immediately might leave a bad impression, but I would not ask if it was not very important.

Thank you very much. I hope for as long as I am here, we will all get along. [She bows her head again, politely, before ending communication.

It was informative if not a little rehearsed, but it's something, right?]

[Video]

[The video turns on to a girl with short, messy black hair covered in cats. On her lap, her legs, her shoulders, even one on her head...]

Hello? Ahahah... they keep doing this when I ask them how to go home... so I guess I should ask you all instead? I got that far before they started going to sleep on me!

[She winces as one of the cats on her shoulders sleepily swats at her cheek]

I'm Kazumi! I don't suppose any of the other Pleiades Saints are here? Or anyone else from Asunaro City...

[And then her train of thought is interrupted by a rumbling growl, loud enough to wake all the cats on her and make them hiss and run off. And from the way Kazumi blushes and clutches her middle... it was apparently her stomach.]

...so, who knows where we can get breakfast?

Hi, everyone! Subaru here.

I've been tinkering with parts I made from the sand, and I think I finally have a working ice cream machine installed here at the inn. Maybe. I can't promise it'll be reliable in the long run, but testing it produced good results. [ Delicious testing, she might add. Headache aside... ] I need to figure out how to get certain ingredients, but for right now, this apple ice cream we made is pretty tasty!

[ She waves. ] Anyway, if you're interested, come on over! I'll leave it with some directions so you can try it out, and there's lots pre-made, too.

[ Subaru dusts off her hands and gives the mirror a curious look. ] I could also use the advice of anyone who has any experience with illusion magic! Don't worry, it's not related to the ice cream, eheh... I just want to compare some notes.

[ She's about to dismiss the vine, but then one last idea strikes her. In her rush, she neglects to filter this out. ] Oh! Katina, do you have some time for me, today? I want to make good on our promise.

((OOC: As she says, this post is open to Action at the inn / onsen, if you just want to cut straight to that!))

[ Madoka sits up suddenly. Waking in a strange dress, surrounded by a beautiful garden and peaceful sounds... a sharp contrast from the scene she saw before she closed her eyes. The gunshot ended abruptly and suddenly she was here... no longer laying by Homura. ]

Homura-chan... [ She bites her lip. She can't cry, she can't frown. She asked for it and Homura fulfilled her final request. Madoka brings her hands together and takes a deep breath. Wherever Homura is, whatever she's going through, Madoka hopes she can hear these thoughts; ] Thank you...

[ Then she stands up. Only seconds later, she finds the vine and figures out how to use it-- thanks to helpful cats. She hesitates, then draws in a deep breath... and speaks the proper command. ]

[ Video ☆ Vine ]
Um... hello there. Sorry, this all a bit new for me... [ She breaths in. Calming her nerves, sorting her thoughts for now, and putting on a big smile. ] I'm Madoka Kaname! I seem to be new here? Um, the cats... they told me how this works. The vine? I'm not really sure what I'm doing here, but if anyone else is out there... well, it's really nice to meet you. I hope that we can get along.

[ In the back of her heart, Madoka is wishing that she could call for Homura. But as far as she can tell, she's here because of the favor Homura fulfilled for her... but maybe... ] Mami-san? Sayaka-chan, Kyoko-chan... Are you here? [ She laughs softly at her own hoping. ] I hope you are... if you could be in a place as pretty and peaceful as this after everything that happened... I think I'd be able to forgive myself, just a bit. [ Her smile became sad, but Madoka Magica tugs it up into a more cheerful grin. ] Sorry! Anyway! If you're listening, and don't mind, I'd love to talk for a bit if that's okay? Thank you.

[ Ryoko looks... remarkably unruffled for someone who lost her superior and her study object in one fell swoop. the smile she gives the vine as she sits in her room in at the onsen is as flowery as ever. there's really no difference at all. ]

Hello, to whoever's watching! I'm Ryoko Asakura, for those of you I haven't met yet. So, it's nice to meet you! I only have a few questions, so I suppose I'll try to make this brief.

What do we know about those who have disappeared from the Gardens, and have there been any developments in the matter of escape?

[A short note appears on the Vine not long after the Gardens calm down once again. It's not perfectly written but nor is it exactly sloppy, instead leaning slightly towards the former, with a couple shakier words towards the middle.]

Sorry for not saying anything the previous time to most of you, but... I suppose I should write it this time. In any case, Madoka Kaname seems to have left here again.

Sorry for any problems this might create.

-Homura Akemi

[ The feed starts on a very nervous looking Madoka. She fidgets and adjusts the mirror and finally gives it a weak smile. ]

Ah... hello! It's, um. This is so, so strange. I was doing something else, and then! I'm suddenly here. I don't really understand what's going on... so I was wondering if, um, if maybe someone could help me...?

[ And anxiety quickly seeps into her voice: ]

... I need to go back home. As soon as I can. ...Please, if anyone is listening to this... help me go home before anything else. It's very important. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't.

Thank you.