[voice]

[princely_calyx]

[She's sad, it's quite clear in her voice. Nina's gone and she can't find her. Utena knew people disappeared before but it's never been anyone Utena really knew so it's a little shocking. And now someone else is missing.]Um, has anyone seen EVE around? She was with me at the fair but I haven't seen her after that

Comments

[yetsleeping]

I think so.

...I'm sorry. For me, too.

[princely_calyx]

[She's kept the tears back, mostly.]

Thanks. But you don't have to apologize. It's not your fault. It's this place! [The sound of wood slamming together is heard in the background. Utena is taking out her anger on her dresser drawer.]

Mm. I'm sorry. I guess I lost myself for a moment.

[yetsleeping]

It's okay. I get angry too.

I hope she's safe, wherever she is. And happy. Like Nina, and... everyone else.

...I always try to believe it. Even if it's hard sometimes.

[princely_calyx]

[She won't say it but that "everyone else" echoes in her mind and is a bit terrifying. She can't help but wonder who's the next to go. She shoves it to the back of her mind, something to worry about later.]

Mm. It's a good thing to think. And maybe she went home, I know she missed it.

Thanks.

[thejewelergem]

. . . . Utena?

[princely_calyx]

Yes?

[thejewelergem]

Are you okay?

[princely_calyx]

I'll be fine.

[A pause.]

Thanks.

[voice]

[girl_unlocking]

I know this probably doesn't help, but ...I don't think this place is totally bad. What I mean is...

[private]

My sister died. Before I came here. I ....don't talk about it, really because. Well, it's just bad. But two days ago? Someone from my world came through that door and they swear she's ...alive. A-and okay. It sucks and it hurts because I can't see her, or really ...know. But I know he's telling the truth. And he's here, really, really here

[voice/private]

[princely_calyx]

Y-yeah. I should be happy for them, maybe they got to go home...

I'm glad you found a friend from home. And a kitten. Pets are always good company. [She gets quiet, thinking longingly of Chu-Chu. Maybe she should invest in a pet of some kind.]

Thank you for your offer, I think I'll pass on the bag today. I always have the dojo anyway.

And thank you for telling me about your sister. I hope you get to see her again. [A pause.] That you get to go home someday.

[It may or may not be heard in her voice but she wants all of the Scorched to find a way home to their loved ones. But in a way that Utena knows all of them are safe too.]

text

[onetoignite]

She hasn't shown up for work in a while, and I haven't heard from her, either. Shame, she was a good assistant.

I never sent her out for anything, so I don't know where she might have gotten to.

[text]

[princely_calyx]

She's a good friend, too. [Contracted because even Utena can't decide whether to use "is" or "was"]

Thanks for the info.

[ voice | private ]

[firebornfidelis]

I haven't seen her in a while either.

[A little breath.]

Can I do anything?

[ voice | private ]

[princely_calyx]

I- no. I'll be fine.

It was only a matter of time before someone I knew disappeared.

I knew it would be hard. Just not this hard.

[ voice | private ]

[firebornfidelis]

I'm sorry. I know it's hard. She is a nice girl. I like her too.

Hopefully she has gone home.

[ voice | private ]

[princely_calyx]

Mm.

[Silence.]

How do you deal with it?