Anemone

[It starts out with a groan. It's a soft groan, as though Anemone's a bit farther from her communicator, and by the soft squeaking right near the speaker, it's safe to assume that Gulliver, once again, got hold of the device.]

Damn it... this had better not...

[She coughs, then sighs.]

Well... it's not that bad. And you won't tell Shinji, right, Gulliver?

[The little animal squeaks out his affirmation. There's a soft shuffling, followed by a thud and hands slapping the ground. Anemone takes a breath, then the shuffling begins again. She's walking softly towards the communicator.]

This stupid rain... there's no reason for it to rain if we can't use it.

Ne... Gulliver, grab my communicator for me?

[He squeaks loudly.]

Oh... you've got it right there. Thanks--

[And then it switches to text, almost immediately:]

So, how's everyone doing out there? Still alive, right?

Some of you people keep going and people keep staying... I barely know who's even on this world anymore.

...also, when did rain become this common in Discedo?

[There's an Anemone. A cranky, miserable Anemone, with a bright red nose and scowling.]

Why is it so cold?! There's just... ice all over the place! Okay, who's trying to freeze us? Because it's not funny!

[And with another sharp glare, she opens her mouth again, probably to yell more, but then her nose twitches... and her eyes close... she takes a slow breath...]

Ah...a... ahh--ACHOO!!

I'm not going to die to leave.

[Stubborn as ever, that's all she says before angrily clicking it off.]

( [Text | Locked to Cube & Shinjiro || 80% Unhackable] )


[And as she tries to turn the frequency off, she ends up dropping her communicator and not only does it open the broadcast, it also switches to video. Anemone's standing in her dark room, holding a sheet of paper. There's a new edition to her ears: safety pins; two large ones are stuck in her ears, stabbed through... like she... pierced her own ears... Anyway, that paper! She shakes it twice, and then motions to crumple it - but stops partway.]

You guys are jerks... Why would you... leave me this?

[She turns around and Gulliver pounces over, sniffing at an odd contraption... it looks like an odd, wooden plank. If you squint hard enough, you can make out the top of a guitar's neck. She ruffles his fur and reaches past him to lift the device, revealing the entire thing to be a very nice musical instrument.]

You like Yanyan's guitar too, don't you, Gulliver? It's... it's really nice. I can add it to the things I get... from all of my friends who go away.

[And with that, she sits on the bed, setting the guitar down gently on her lap. Once again, that so-depressed-she-could-just-die look is on her face, and she stares at it... before noticing the little glow from her communicator.

Oops... was that thing on?

So she walks over... and kicks it.]

My 19th birthday is on Valentine's Day.

I want a party this year. With cake and food, and presents, even if a lot of people are here, and even if it's snowing.

Somebody, help me plan it.

I love Christmas!

[This is a very hyperactive Anemone. Why? She's not only in the holiday spirit, she's also sugared up to high hell.]

There will be free cookies and hot chocolate at the cafe all today! Because, um... [Cough.] I baked a lot. I think Alpha would be happy if we kept hopes up and have the cafe smelling nice, so... that's what I'm doing.

Cube, I hope you don't mind that I didn't tell you! You don't have to come in today if you don't want to, though. But if you're not stopping by, let me know; I've got something or you.

...actually, you know what? Don't come, I'll make rounds tonight!

[And stifling another cough.] This thing needs to go away--

( [Locked to Scientists | 85% Unhackable] )

OKAY LOOK!

If you're going to come barging in on the city all the damn time, you better start bringing me cake!

I didn't mean to worry anyone, I'm okay now.

I'll be back at work tomorrow.

I need a new bed... and dresser... and... [Fades out... ready to click... but wait!]

...Say, guys good with fixing things. Does anyone know how to fix holes in walls? Or should I just tape a sheet over them?

[And look, there's Anemone's shining face! Propped up on the pillows of a bed that is definitely not her own (it's actually Nami's). Besides the splint-like bandage around her nose and the tired look in her eyes, she's smiling.]

See, Cuddy! I'm not dead! You made it through too, right? And Gulliver? Shinji, you too right? Everyone? How are you guys?

[She sighs and looks up for a moment, then turns back to the device.]

Why does something stupid always happen right before my Discedo anniversary? In four days, I'll have been here for two years. Two! How crazy is that? Last year I was sick, this year I'm shot and have this stupid thing on my face.

I want cake. A big one.