--llo! [Not a single thing can be seen, nothing but darkness, and Ruka's voice is badly muffled.]  Anyone?  [The tablet is jostled roughly, bouncing along with the heavy clack of Ruka's heels.  Something is wrong.  There's an edge of panic in her voice as a door is opened too roughly, slamming against the wall.]

Misaki!? [Her shout is followed by ( Read more... )

Is there anyone here who would be willing to teach me how to defend myself?  I'd like to learn some hand-to-hand, if it's at all possible--nothing major, just simple things that could get me out of a bad situation.   I also wouldn't mind learning to use a weapon or two, though I've got no preference in terms of what.

If you could spare the time, I'd ( Read more... )

[The tablet is propped up on the edge of an old piano, facing Ruka.  She appears tired, worn, and even upset, but all that seems to fade as she begins to play the piano, seeming to calm.  The music itself is disjointed, and sad, each hit of the keys meant to incite feeling and melancholy; it's as if the music was made to speak to the soul.  She ( Read more... )

[The young woman steps off the ferry, every movement she makes showing hesitance.  Her shoulders are tense as she turns back to face the ferryman]  I'm not supposed to... [He points, and her shoulders sink as he begins to row away.  She stands there for a moment, one hand at her chest as if to calm herself, looking for some sort of sign and--There!

( Read more... )