Robin, I owe you a great deal of thanks for what you did. A rare moment in which I am relieved I was bested in combat. Quite easily, in fact... The thoughts that ran through my head the other day... I wish I could say that my memory is faulty, but it is all as clear as day.

I never did think words such as those could come out of my mouth, curse or not. I hope it never comes to that again.

...People are speaking of candies... Why do they have words on them? And why are they shaped like hearts?

...Oh. They don't...have the richest flavor.


[ OOC: ALL ABOARD THE FAILBOAT, I totally missed the tldr post for I am awesome, but Larsa, Nina, and Anthy do have secrets HERE.

He got Robin's MAD and FAKE, and TRC!Sakura's EMPTY. ]

Enough is certainly enough. This City has played me for a fool enough times now that I might have trouble keeping count. A man of my stature fell prey to one such yet-to-be-named house cat due to that ridiculous curse that reduced me to naught but a mouse's height. If only Basch had taken it with him upon his departure.

Yet it is in his absence and the redundant tick-tock that runs asunder in my head that my thoughts ring clear. I am an Emperor of a country, and these are no happy times. War has been ended, yes, but what of those not satisfied with such a development? And what of the aftermath left in it's wake? Of the vitreous balance that I must uphold?

My rule is still precocious at best, and I can not risk losing it. For the sake of Archadia and those in our alliance, I will do what I must to stay alive, and to keep them strong. My brother did stray, but he understood the cardinal rule. For the greater good, sacrifices must be made.

You will prepare yourselves.

[ OOC: ...Yeah. He's actually pretty good with his sword, but he's not that awesome with magick. He can last awhile due to his Hi-Potions, but still--any immortal with m4d skills could pwn him by his lonesome. ]

I have witnessed quite a stir, and I not only speak of the Network, but the very streets in which one would walk upon to make their way to Xanadu. I admit to feeling hesitant in returning back outside, as the last time I traversed my way to the market, I nearly lost my head.

I can understand the excitement one must feel when being graced another person's abilities, but I feel too many are abusing them. You really must consider the safety of the citizens... Not to mention the morals of the person you have been switched with.

[ OOC: SO APPARENTLY THERE WAS A MIX UP. HE DIDN'T SWITCH WITH MAI. KITTY IS STILL ALIVE. AND MARY OWES ME HER SOUL AND ALL HER UNBORN CHILDREN. FOREVER. ]

( Private || Unhackable )

My friends, I offer gratitude for the gifts you have bestowed upon me. I do certainly have quite a few books to read now, do I not? I ought to invest in a bookshelf, so that Basch's kitten does not take to scratching them up. ...Basch, have you thought up a name for it yet?

Ah, Robin, shopping for a 'tuxedo' with you was enjoyable, but the outfit was not cheap. How shall I repay you?

There are many who seem deeply troubled on this day, Balthier included. If I am one of the few spared, perhaps I can offer my assistance on the matter? Of course, I would request to know just what the matter is...

...

Lord Brother! You can't possibly be—

I—!

[ There's some static, and the sound goes dead. ]

( Private || Nigh Unhackable )

I can honestly say I did not enjoy that hot weather. Did we not already experience such a scorching heat recently? It felt much like Dalmasca.

Robin, I did in fact receive your gifts, and am most grateful. I have had trouble putting the book down. Still, I am confused as to the holiday you mentioned. It is like the Christmas everyone else speaks of, only...earlier?

Balthier, my welcome is belated, but sincere nonetheless. Though I am pleased to see you, I hope your stay here is short, for this is no utopia. Am I to assume you will be taking up residence in Penelo's old quarters?

The sock puppet play was...surprisingly fun. I have never enjoyed a recreational activity quite like that before. Robin, I hope you enjoyed your birthday. I know that Penelo quite enjoyed herself.

Apparently, I attempted to...conquer the City yesterday. The curses here have taken to turning me into the most unsavory types of characters, have they not? Though I had no control over my actions, I am still ashamed. At least I can take comfort in the notion that it was over before I had a chance to bring harm to anybody. Penelo, Basch, Fran... Forgive me if I acted strangely towards you. My actions were so similar to those of my brothers'--

And I do believe there is one Lady Sakura of the Clow Cards that I also owe an apology to. I can only hope that you were cursed as well.

My apologies for not being readily available as of late. I am still unaccustomed to recording my thoughts in such a public manner. I pay more mind to my private journal, really.

This past month has been incredibly mild in comparison to the last, but nothing is ever truly at peace here. To be expected from such a varied population in such a large cage. And a cage it is.

The fires from yesterday have not lessened any...or rather, they have spread. I hear that there have been casualties. Perhaps some Magick would be appropriate. Fran, Penelo, Basch, what say you to offering our assistance to those in need?

...Participating in a puppet play with the citizens. I wonder what my brother would say to such a thing. And why am I so often mistaken for a female?

While it is not at all what I expected to wake up to this morning, this experience was not entirely abhorrent. Much warmer than I care for especially in my current garb, but it did bring back some nostalgia in regards to the Golmore Jungle.

I know the creatures were dangerous to some, though, and I hope my friends fared well by nightfall? It is a relief to have this City's 'modern' technology back, to be sure.

There are smiles on so many faces, and it is all due to the holiday that Robin informed me about. ...I suppose I am in need of a costume.

I thought to merely observe, but the enthusiasm in the air is rather captivating, and I hear there is to be a celebration in the square. I think that if we are to learn the most we can of other cultures, then we ought to participate to the best of our abilities.

Of course... There is the question of expenses. If only my world's currency was accepted here.

Though you thought to compare the last five days to what happened in 'England', Robin, I must say that there really ought not to be any comparison when it comes to such blood shed. Perhaps merely five days does not seem like much to some, but I am sure the people here will never forget them...

Especially those who were cursed in such a manner that they thought to turn on those they hold dear, due to a belief they most likely did not ever hold.

And I, of course, will never forget the feeling this place can instill...of the utter lack of power. But it is not only this place. It is any city or country ruled by a tyrant. I shall remember it well...what it is like to be naught but a citizen in a place overrun by chaos and grief. I only hope this knowledge assists me in helping the people should I ever once I return.

...Ah. Basch, Fran...? I trust you fared well? And Penelo, I know that you did, if you kept your promise.

Saya, Robin, it was a pleasure meeting with you both. I hope to do so again at some point

...Oh.

Something appears to be wrong with our plumbing...! My water tastes absolutely foul.

Gabranth— Basch, I have been invited to enjoy tea with one Miss Saya. Would you care to accompany me, or shall you be attending to your own matters today?

Fran, she says she knows you. Have you had the pleasure of her company before?

Oh, Robin, I do believe that you have yet to set an exact date for your story telling.

( Filtered to Basch and Fran || Hard to Hack )

Sir Light, I see the people received the updated City Guide well. I hardly deserve any of the credit, though... You are much more knowledgeable than myself, almost like a scholar.

Two days without any light... It is worrisome, and yet few seem truly agitated. I am curious as to what this festival is all about, though... Is it in recognition of a religious holiday?

Perhaps we ought to attend.

In the Ivalice region around the Galtean Peninsula, there are three major nations: Archadia, Dalmasca, and Rozarria. The former Kingdom of Nabradia and the Republic of Landis were lost in the war brought on by a dispute between the Archadian and Rozarrian Empires. ...An unfortunate consequence of House Solidor, rulers of Imperial Archadia, thirsting for more power and land. Once Nabradia fell, Dalmasca was swiftly assimilated.

I have heard many people describe their lands, and it seems that climates are much more widely spread out geographically in other worlds. In ours, Mist makes it possible so that climates can swiftly differ from snow to grasslands to jungle to desert all in a reasonably minute region. Some lands are so thick with Mist that the winds and soil make it impossible for normal airship travel. We refer to these areas as 'jagd'.

Mist also contributed to the birth of Magicite, which begot our magickal abilities. There are assorted types of Magicite...one of these includes Nethicite, though it might be better declared as an anti-existence. It absorbs Mist, and is a source of prodigious, but deadly power. This place lacks Mist, yet our magicks are somehow made accessible.

Humes copiously dominate Ivalice, though it is customary enough to see Viera, Moogles, Bangaa, and Seeqs populate Hume societies. Other domesticated races include the Garifs, Rebes, Helgas', Baknamy, Nu Mous, Urutan-Yensa, Espers, and even Occuria on a separate plane.

Of course it would be prime for all races to harmonize, but some are too set in their acrimonious ways. At the very least, the nations of Dalmasca and Archadia have signed treaties since the...fall of Vayne Solidor, Archadia's former ruler. The role of Emperor fell to all that remained of House Solidor—Larsa Ferrinas Solidor. ...Myself.

Dalmasca has since been revived, with Her Majesty Ashelia B'Nargin Dalmasca's coronation near-at-hand. Politics remain agitated between Rozarria and Archadia, but I will settle for nothing less than peace.

...I... I am in great need of supplies and...assistance.

I do not know how to raise a child, and I am not foolish enough to assume I can take on this task without any prior knowledge. Our kitchen will be the last victim of such ignorance.

...L-Lady Amalia... I believe we have...carried out our duties here to the best of our abilities. Basch would be proud. ...I hope.

Unfortunately, at such an hour, sleep is...n-not an option for me. Sir Light offered to bring us a meal, and then I must be off to find myself occupation. Even if they say it is not a child's place to find work, I feel it is my duty to provide. We need new garments... My blouse is pink from that washing machine. Please rest, and do not p-push yourself.

Is our kitchen...salvageable? It seems a boy by the name of...Adam wished to invite us over later on for a proper gathering.

[ OOC: So after cleaning the entire building and whatever apartments people let them into for 14 HOURS, and not eating since breakfast yesterday, their pride is the only thing keeping Larsa and Ashe from collapsing in their living room. ]

A-ah! I must beg the forgiveness of all tenants in Building 12. We truly did not mean for this to happen.

So embarrassing... The Lady Amalia and I have never cooked anything before, and we should have taken more care. Th-the fire was stopped, but the water had gone off already...!

Even if you will not forgive us, then please allow us to assist you in any way possible. I will try and clean all of the floors even if it means getting no sleep tonight, and I shall help dry the apartments. D-does anyone...have a device in which to do that with? A mop?

How could I have been so foolish? Everyone, please take care not to slip!