I'll tell you all how the story ends

[cleartranquil]

Who: Ghost Quest kids and all those who want to see them.
What: So as it turns out, going against the label might've been a bad move. Who knew, right? 
When: Feb 3rd and after 
Where: Pride HQ
Warnings: Talk of torture, aftermath of violence, aftermath of brainwashing, dudes there's some dark stuff.

For the past three days, the troublemakers and ghost helpers of Pride Records were kept locked away from their friends and their bands. 

As far as everyone else knew, they were just gone. And then they were back. 

They are all worse for wear, some far more than others and some much more mentally than physically, but they are all returned to their penthouses, finally, at the end of their ordeals. 

But, at least they're back. Somewhat in one piece. For the most part. 

Comments

[worthlesspride]

[He takes the napkin back and rips into shreds]

It was hard, but under my brilliant leadership I keep everyone together. Mostly, Mad Dog-chan sometimes gives me problems.

[He studies her, waiting for a reaction. It's only recently he came to this line of thought, though he had been thinking something was odd since the South Vista Music Festival. In fact, he and Mai had had a conversation about feeling odd then. It was for that reason, and because she had been part of the operation to save Octave that Tooru was telling her this first.

Because... with all the evidence; the dreams and fleeting memories seemingly apropos of nothing, the alien ghosts, the fact they were tortured back into submission. Really, there's no other explanation for it in his mind. The question now is why

Not that he'll ask the question. After what happened, he's not feeling like he'll go against Santiago anytime soon.]

[maipokerface]

[She tries to decide how to react. In the end she does it by sighing out, her voice taking on a weary tone.]

Sounds like a pain in the ass then. I mean not that Azula is any easier. It's almost like she's way too crazy to just be a figment of my imagination. I mean why would I dream up a woman I'm vaguely frightened of, right?

[So she's more or less admitting aloud that she's doubtful there. As much as she tells herself it has to be her imagination, it just doesn't add up. Like she said, why dream up someone she's scared of? What good did that sort of imaginary buddy do?

She waves her hand there.]

And don't even get me started about the guy. My imagination has such bad taste in men.

[worthlesspride]

[Tooru chuckled]

And mine has horrible taste in friends. And men, I think. I'm not sure about Iwa-chan.

[He pauses to think about this Azula person]

I don't know... There's another person from my dreams. He practically stalks me. Tells me I should have gone to his school.

[He pauses, a memory bubbling to the surface] Telling me I've made mistakes because my worthless pride.

[He smiles darkly] But he shouldn't have said that. He's going to remember just what I can do with this worthless pride of mine.

[maipokerface]

[At that Mai cocks a brow up. That's one creepy grin, Tooru.]

You can be pretty scary when you want to be.

[worthlesspride]

Rude, Mai-chan!

I'll have you know I'm a perfectly charming person. You should know, you live me.

[And his alien obsession. The fact he drools in his sleep. Is perpetually providing bullshit as a shield for his inferiority complex. All those charming things.]

[maipokerface]

Sure, you're about as charming as any other alien-obsessed freak.

[worthlesspride]

Correction, I am the most charming!

Even...

[This fun little banter suddenly becomes sobering]]

Even like this.

[He forces a smile]

I am the great Oikawa-san after all.

[maipokerface]

[She had almost forgotten for a moment but when his banter dies down, it strikes her again and fairly hard at that. She waves the hand holding her fork even as she looks away like she's dismissing the idea.]

You can't stop charm through petty crap like that.

[worthlesspride]

Damn straight.

[He reaches over and puts a hand on hers]

I'm glad you were there with me. I mean, not this happened. But it was nice knowing you had my back, Mai-chan.

[maipokerface]

What, me? I didn't do anything, you realize.

[worthlesspride]

Having a friend there was nice, though.