IC INBOX: SG

[scythersergeant]

_hello! You have reached Shinoa's contract. This shit can't be taken out of my house so I'll respond when I next return! Calls will be recorded, please leave your message after the beep. Or just send a text message! That might be easier.

BEEP_

[Shinoa can be privately contracted through TEXT MESSAGE / CALLS to a cell phone she has in her house. Her number is listed under her details on the bulletin board, and on a piece of paper taped to her mailbox.

PACKAGES and WRITTEN LETTERS can also be delivered to her mailbox.]

Comments

[soulflash]

[ Lilith is quick to usher the other Magi inside, double checking that the door is locked behind them. It was a pathetic attempt at security, really, but the dim sheen of her gem was telling. This building didn't require any effort to remain stable, and her own house had grown incredibly bare since her time back. Rather off putting, for a human. ]

I'm sorry for my absence, dear. It has been... difficult, to sort out my thoughts.

[scythersergeant]

I'm so glad you're alright!!

[Well, depends on your definition of 'alright'.]

I've been asking around town but no one's seen you, not even the natives- did you transfer out? Are you feeling okay? We could go find a Nightmare together if your Gem needs work?

[soulflash]

[ Lilith pinches the bridge of her nose at the deluge of questions. If she had a plan, it all disappeared the moment Shinoa began to talk. No, she didn't transfer. No, she's not okay. No, she doesn't want to fight a Nightmare.

They were obvious answers in her mind, ones that didn't deserve an answer when there were far more important matters at hand. ]

Please, Shinoa...

[ Lilith trails off. Shinoa... was upset? ]

Wait, you... were looking for me?

[scythersergeant]

Uh- yeah? Though I guess it didn't work out- the others were no help at all, after Tsukudo-Cho most of them became shut-ins or something.

[:/

Well, civilians were civilians.]

I tried asking the natives if they saw you, but maybe my poster was a bit inaccurate-

[Shinoa holds up her phone to show Lilith a photo of a 'HAVE YOU SEEN THIS PERSON' poster, drawn by hers truly: the rather... abstract likeness of Lilith features a squiggle of purple hair, what looks like horns, and two shapeless masses behind her labeled 'wings'.

Drawing isn't her strong suit.]

[soulflash]

[ Lilith squints into the phone, focusing on Shinoa's beautiful work of art.

She lied. She said no one cared, and that's why no one ever came. She was nothing but a worthless monster, no matter what she may lead herself to believe. That much... Lilith remembered.

But Shinoa had cared. Shinoa worried over Lilith's absence, she tried to seek her out as best she could, she-- ]

I'm cuter than that.

[ ok then ]

[scythersergeant]

[...]

Yeah, maybe that's why they didn't recognize you. I'm a vampire-hunter, not an artist!

[soulflash]

Ah--I didn't mean...

[ A vampire hunter, though... Shinoa cared, but Shinoa took down monsters. Monsters that would hunt in the shadows and prey upon innocent, unsuspecting humans... Ones that would show no mercy, and fight until their bodies gave out on them. ]

I've... met vampires before? [ It's confusion, as Lilith tries her best to sort out her thoughts. She knows she's distracted, completely sidestepping the major issue at hand and the entire reason she called Shinoa over. ]

N-nevermind! Shinoa. [ Lilith squares her stance, gathers her focus, and stares directly at Shinoa. Her voice is strong, dripping in venom as she continues. ]

Never get involved with that girl again. Please.

[scythersergeant]

Hm? What's wrong?

[By now, Shinoa too has sensed something on edge in Lilith's demeanor.]

I'm sure your vampires aren't the same as mine! Probably- hm?

Which girl?

[Bonnie?]

Did something happen?