ANNOUNCEMENT 005

[intercom_voice]

[The buzzing of an intercom coming to life that you've all undoubtedly have come to know and love can be heard throughout the entire campus again.]

For the record, 'property damage' includes smashing the intercoms I've so graciously provided you all with as a means to communicate with me. In case you hadn't realized.

[She clears her throat.]

Now then, I hope that little blackout didn't keep you all from being productive. Sharpen those minds!

[And then the feed ends.]

Speak to the Voice
General Mingle

Have fun guys, and don't forget to tag the post with your series name!

Comments

[fluffydeathdealer]

I know your type. Curiosity alone must lead you to a lot of things here... and if you feel so fondly towards Ryou as you appear to, I don't doubt you'd be happy to see me gone.

So if you stumble upon a way to allow me to exist on my own, I'm not sure what I can offer you... but the reward of having Ryou as himself, with no resistance from me, might be enough.

[helpusduelist]

[...And then, Bakura had the King of England in a laughing fit right behind him. But it's not a mocking type of laughter, strangely enough... it's almost happy, relieved even.]

[fluffydeathdealer]

...eh?

[He peers over at him, curiously.]

You seem happy...

[helpusduelist]

It's hilarious to me, Spirit. Because you're asking me to keep an eye out for something I've been actively trying to discover.

[fluffydeathdealer]

I didn't think you would be content with our deal, but to go that far... You really are a scary guy, you know?

[helpusduelist]

It was simple enough to me. The Ring "belonged" to Ryou, and no matter what, we could never get rid of it. So I had originally started looking for a way to free him of you; giving you your own body, or the ability to manifest one, was the most obvious and acceptable way to do so. In the latter case, that would even spare everyone else from you.

You are hardly one I would hold close to my heart, but in a way, I like you, Spirit. Perhaps I see too much of myself in you and unwisely lean on that, but I do. So it ended up being a way to spare you as well.

[fluffydeathdealer]

...

I see. I'm relieved, in a way. But part of me is still rather confused. Well, I guess it doesn't matter.

If you find something, I won't fight you on it. You have my word on that. I may be attached to this body, but I rather dislike being dependant upon it.

[helpusduelist]

I seem to cause confusion in you and Malik both. Am I that hard to understand?

[Back to cleaning up these wounds now.]

I'd hardly try to bring up something that you'd be disgusted with. It would just give you more reason to return to Ryou. It's better to put the effort in to make you pleased, for your sake and Ryou's.

[fluffydeathdealer]

Malik sees things in black and white. You were an enemy then, so you are now. He wouldn't understand your calm tolerance.

Worst yet, you have the face of his worst enemy, the person he hates the most. To know you as you are... must confuse him more than anything.

And I... don't understand most people. Even after all these years, meeting someone like you, who irrationally tolerates and entertains me is rare.

[A slow sigh. That's better... The less the air gets to them, the less pain.]

Heh heh... it'll just make things more difficult for you, you know... After all, I didn't lie when I said this body was comfortable. It's... nostalgic, in a way.

[helpusduelist]

It must be terrible to see such a bleak world like that. Though I suppose I should feel honored that I'm apparently "rare."

[Apply that here... and now comes the bandages.]

You say that as if anything I've ever done has been "easy." I believe that choice was taken from me when I was born into the Tudor family.

[fluffydeathdealer]

That feels good. Thanks. They should keep healing up nicely.

[He stretches a little, now that the bandages are on, feeling the stiffness settling in just from this.]

Call it what you like. Bleakness is ordinary, after all. Bright spots are rare... and you just happen to be one.

...don't mistake that for an admission of liking. I like you, but not as much as all that. Though I may have to kiss you, Jack or no, if you succeed.

[helpusduelist]

You're welcome.

And I suppose it is. Though for that "bright spot," you can thank Christopher for that. And even Jack himself.

[...Snrk.]

If I do manage to do that, then I'll allow the kiss, if for nothing else than to celebrate.

[fluffydeathdealer]

I'm sure I'll have to fight Ryou for it, that's for sure. Heh heh...

[Ngh, that stiffness in his arm is annoying.]

As for that tea and desserts... Should I just bring the bowl of sugar over for you to add your own?

[helpusduelist]

That should be just fine, yes. And make sure to grab the cream puffs as well.

[Yeah... Malik isn't the only one hooked.]

[fluffydeathdealer]

...

Does everyone I know have an obsession with those?

[Sounding amused, he gets up and goes over to the kitchen, returning with a bowl of sugar and a plate full of cream puffs... as well as something else.

Marshmallow-filled chocolate brownies, liberally coated with caramel that had been allowed to set.]

Here. I'll get the tea sorted.

[helpusduelist]

[...Henry doesn't know what those are, but they need to be in his stomach somewhere around ten minutes ago. Curiously, he takes one and tastes it...

...and it's almost like someone actually put a lightbulb behind his eyes.]

What is this?! It's delicious!

[fluffydeathdealer]

Hm? My host made them earlier. The basic treat is called a "brownie", but Ryou added in a few special things. From the packets, I think he added in marshmallows, caramel, and an alarming amount of sugar. If you ask him, he'll probably supply you with more later.

[Clatter clatter... How does this kettle work again? Oh, that's right, he's not put enough water in. That's why it's making weird noises.]

[helpusduelist]

[Henry's tempted to ask if Bakura needs help, but then he would not be slowly enjoying these delicious, delicious brownies. Sorry, spirit, you're on your own!]

[fluffydeathdealer]

[Well, when he comes back with the tea, Henry will just have to deal with it not being the most delicious. Though with the amount of sugar he's sure to put into it, there's no worries there. At least the mug is simple, black and gold.

Bakura, on the other hand, is using the most unlikely mug.]

...I see you're enjoying them.

[helpusduelist]

These are impressive. I will have to ask Ryou how they're made; maybe he can show me how.

[He takes the mug, then quirks an eyebrow at the one that Bakura has.]

...Interesting choice.

[fluffydeathdealer]

...what's wrong with it?

[Sip. He makes a face and dumps some sugar in it. Siiiip. Better. It's not so bitter now.]

You'd be surprised at the range of desserts that boy makes. I think some of them would even make you balk at the sweetness levels.

[helpusduelist]

Nothing at all! Just not what I would have expected.

[Henry dumps about half the sugar he brought over in it. Taste! ...There we go.]

That almost sounds like a challenge, Spirit.

[fluffydeathdealer]

[Disregarding the joke about his mug for the moment.]

...heh heh...

Shall I show you one?

[helpusduelist]

Why not? Let's see if it's too much for even me.

[fluffydeathdealer]

Let's start you with something simple.

[Setting the mug down (what was wrong with it, anyway?), he disappears into the kitchen for a moment. When he returns...

...it's with a cake. Vanilla, soft and fluffy as the boy who made it. It's coated in white icing, set with cut-up strawberries and blueberries dipped in sugar. But the inside of it is what really kills. The cake is layered, which can be seen in the slice he cuts for Henry. The filling that holds it together is rich, creamy buttercream icing, filled with chocolate chips.]

This shouldn't be too hard for you to handle.