I. 010

[junpei_iori]

It's Junpei's birthday again! Except the number of his friends still stuck in the Mall has dwindled over the last two years, so much so he suddenly find himself with no one to invite for his birthday. His cake, served in the decorated but empty karaoke reception hall, had a distinct flavour of Forever Alone.

Comments

[regainedvirtue]

*A black dog approaches Junpei, sniffing curiously. A Virtue follows behind it.*

Are you all right?

*This seems like a very sad birthday...*

[junpei_iori]

*Junpei sighs.* Nothing I won't get over eventually... *He reaches out to pet the dog.*

[regainedvirtue]

*The dog likes the pettings! It rests its head on Junpei's lap, begging for more.*

I take it nobody you invited turned up?

[junpei_iori]

*Junpei shakes his head, still petting the dog.* They're all gone...

[regainedvirtue]

They went home? This place has seemed emptier, lately...

((stupid LJ not letting me use multi-keyword icons...))

[junpei_iori]

Yeah, I think so. Their stuff's gone, too... it's lonely, man.

[regainedvirtue]

...I'm sorry. *Virtue shifts. His dog whimpers at the somber mood, its head still on Junpei's lap.*

[junpei_iori]

Not your fault. Not like you could hold them back or somethin'... *He scratches the dog's head.*

[regainedvirtue]

I...I could stay, if you don't mind. *Virtue scratches a spot on his forearm.*

[junpei_iori]

*That appears to cheer Junpei up a bit.* Sure man. Help yourself.

[regainedvirtue]

*Virtue sits down in a chair rather than taking any of the refreshments just yet.*

How long have you been here?

[junpei_iori]

I dunno, maybe an hour or so? I was hoping someone'd show up... and the cake's great.

[regainedvirtue]

*Virtue had meant at the Mall itself, but...ah, whatever.*

...I'm Virtue, of the Divine race.

[junpei_iori]

I'm Junpei Iori, a human.

*He looks at Virtue.* ... so are you a specific virtue or the concept of all virtues?

[regainedvirtue]

*Virtue tilted his head.*

I'm...Virtue is just the name of the choir. We're meant to watch the courses of heavenly bodies and perform miracles.

[junpei_iori]

... I thought that was physics.