[Voice] Floor 05

[flutterbyfool]

[There's a soft sigh on the other line, one that sounds surprisingly tired.]

Looks like I disappeared for a little while, there. Sorry I couldn't be there to celebrate Christmas with you guys.

[Even if nobody can see it, her smile is soft. Haruka sounds so tired that it's unusual for a girl who used to have so much energy.]I hope you guys had

Comments

voice;

[wavesoakedlegs]

[His voice is soft and quiet as well.]

Vatheon treated us kindly on that day, in the end. I think most amongst us enjoyed it.

[Pause.]

Isn't the New Year still a month or so away?

voice;

[flutterbyfool]

Oh, that's good to hear! I'm glad you guys had a good time!

[She giggles.]

Yeah, but most Westerners celebrate it on January first. They have a toast to the New Year the night before on midnight.

voice;

[wavesoakedlegs]

Oh, I see.

[...]

Some of the Western merchants explained parts of the culture to us, but that is something I never heard before. Lord Nobunaga might have taken it up, had he known.

I shall remember for the sake of my friends, anyway.

voice;

[flutterbyfool]

I used to be in a foster family who moved from the West over to Japan, so I picked up some of the traditions.

[akihikos]

It's all right.

[He smiles gently.]

Of course. I'd love to.

[flutterbyfool]

Thanks.

[She grins, and her voice becomes more energetic.]

Great! I'll grab some apple cider while I'm out, then! Hm, dunno if my apartment will be big enough for all of us, though, in case anyone decides to bring over some friends.

[ourshininghope]

Sure! I'd love to spend New Years with you!

[flutterbyfool]

Great! Wanna help me set it up? We can brainstorm some ideas for dinner and snacks, too.

[ourshininghope]

Sure! I can do that! Is it alright if I bring a friend with me?

[flutterbyfool]

Go ahead! I don't mind at all!

[lockandkeyblade]

[Oh, Sora notices that tired smile all right. And he's pretty worried.]

Sure I'd like to spend New Years with you, Haruka!

Just lemme see what kinda plans Riku and Kairi have. Would it be okay if they came along too?

[flutterbyfool]

[She's actually resting up in her room, and hoping that she's not tired for the New Year's celebration.]

I don't mind at all! The more the merrier, right?

How was your Christmas, Sora?

[lockandkeyblade]

[A sad smile.]

One of the best [And worst.] Christmases.

What about you, Haruka? How come you were gone for a while?

[flutterbyfool]

They say Christmas is a time of pain and joy for some people. I'm glad that you had a really good holiday.

[She hums softly.]

I think it was because I was needed back home. We...had a very important battle to overcome, and I guess I'm still tired after it.

[Still tired...and she has a suspicion as to why. An echo of what happened, perhaps.]

[Video]

[amidstreason]

... So it's almost January here?

[ Whoa, time jump. Sheesh. ALSO HOLY CRAP A HUMAN. *A* ]

[Video]

[flutterbyfool]

[Oh, hey, you're new. She smiles at him.]

Yep! Did you just get here?

[Video]

[amidstreason]

[ Awkward laugh. Have a smile back from the glowing kid. ]

U-uh, something like that.

[ A pause. She seems so tired... ] Did... something happen to you? I know it's not my business or anything, but...

[Video]

[flutterbyfool]

[What's one more weird thing in her life?]

Well, welcome to Vatheon! I'm Haruka Arisato!

[Yet, she's trying so hard to stay awake and be friendly.] Huh? Oh...don't worry. I'm just tired from a big battle my friends and I fought in.