As soon as she arrived...

[metronomic_stanza]

[Kyoku is simply tuning up her guitar when the call comes from her manager.] Kyoku, the bus is repaired. We should continue on our journey.

... very well. [Setting her guitar aside, she caused it to return to its compact form as she gets up. There really wasn't much she could do right now, so she's leaving.

After all, it was only some light damage on the Bus this time. So she could get to her concert in time.]

Comments

[girlfriend_dot_exe]

[Oh hey, it's alice's voice.]

Excuse me...Um, do you mind explaining who you are? I've not met you before...

[metronomic_stanza]

Hmm? I'm Kyoku. Just a passing through songstress.

[girlfriend_dot_exe]

Really?

You must have very strange shows, then!

[metronomic_stanza]

Ah. That was something else. It's not exactly a show.

[girlfriend_dot_exe]

Oh? What was it, then? Come on, tell me~

[metronomic_stanza]

It's classified actually. [Yeah, being a little obtuse but she really had no way to explain it that well.]

[girlfriend_dot_exe]

Oh, that's cool! I'm classified too! We can be secret buddies!

[metronomic_stanza]

Mmm. Maybe if I ever come back we could talk more about that then. I've been on tour and I'm really late for my recent tour dates since the fight.

[girlfriend_dot_exe]

Awww, you're no fun! I should put a curse on you or something...

[metronomic_stanza]

I highly doubt that. I've yet to see proof of magic.

Aren't you one of the pilots of that robot that carried us off?

[girlfriend_dot_exe]

Oh, I can't do magic. I'd just have to, like, frame you for a couple million dollars in financial crimes...

...Yes, I was piloting the Zeta Plus that day. Caulder helped too!

[metronomic_stanza]

[This is Kyoku, giving you a look. It's not quite irritation, cause she can't actually do the whole emotion thing.]

Oh. Tell him thanks then.

[girlfriend_dot_exe]

Is there a problem?

[metronomic_stanza]

You're just very odd.

[girlfriend_dot_exe]

Says you!

[metronomic_stanza]

Hmmm.... Still, tell your friend thanks for the save.

[girlfriend_dot_exe]

I will.

[She will not.]

[emorangerpink]

[Laura's been around, but hasn't spoken to Kyoku since the battle. Now, though, seeing her preparing to leave, she approaches.]

...Thank you.

[metronomic_stanza]

... I'm sorry I didn't manage to achieve what I was trying to do.

[Said with a straight face and all, but there wasn't much of a emotional response with her being quiet recently.]

[emorangerpink]

You did what you could. In the end, I have to hope it's what made the difference.

I'm sorry I couldn't say that sooner.

[metronomic_stanza]

It's okay. You were grieving and it was something that was important.

[Pausing in her motions, she turned to Laura.] I have to ask something. What's it like, feeling emotions like sadness?

[emorangerpink]

You... don't feel emotions?

[metronomic_stanza]

[Kyoku shook her head.] Not in the same way most people do. I can only express my emotion through song. I'd imagine you're feeling down and wished you could do more for her, but I'm just curious on how that feels.

[emorangerpink]

[Looking nonplussed quickly turns in to looking angry.]

I'd rather not talk about it.

[metronomic_stanza]

Mmm, was just curious. It really isn't any business of mine to be honest.

[Not perturbed at the least. Just still honestly a little curious.]

[emorangerpink]

No, it isn't.

[Laura takes a breath, rubbing at her face.]

Look, I'm... a lot more than feeling down. It's not a good time to ask me to indulge your curiosity. For future reference.

Goodbye, Kyoku. I hope, if we meet again, it's under very different circumstances.

[metronomic_stanza]

Ah. Well, thank you for saying so. I do apologize and I'll see you once again perhaps later.

[When their paths cross after all.]

[leftjoker]

[Remember this guy? He seems to be standing there awkwardly, as though thinking about what he wants to say. What do?]

[metronomic_stanza]

[What do. She is kind of walking away from you since you haven't said anything.]

[leftjoker]

[D-damnit, this is ridiculous. Say something, half-boiled!]

Miss Hayashibara? If I could have a moment of your time?

[The hell is this weak ass crap, man? Get it together!]

I wish to apologize for my comments to you the other day. It was callous of me and I shouldn't have been so rude to you.

[metronomic_stanza]

[Pausing in her step, she nodded.] That's fine. You had something to say, and while I lack the ability to process it, you probably meant well.

[leftjoker]

[Well good, that went well-wait, what?] You... lack the ability to process it? [how is that possible?] Did something happen to you to cause this... lack of ability?

[metronomic_stanza]

Nope, nothing happened to me. It's just how I am really. [Delivered with a light sounding cheerfulness too.]

[leftjoker]

That's-[Highly distrubing? Scary as fuck? a sign of sociopathy?]-interesting. If I'm understanding you correctly, then what you're saying you is have an inability to process certain emotions?

[metronomic_stanza]

[None of the above.] Most of them. I'm only able to do so through singing.

[leftjoker]

That's... [so terrible. It sounds like a limited existence.] Doesn't it frustrate you though? To not be able to feel the full extent of emotions without special circumstances?

[metronomic_stanza]

No, not really. Honestly I am curious on how other people handle emotions but it's never bothered me before.

[leftjoker]

[Of course it wouldn't bother her, she likely can't feel bothered to begin with!] I see. ['I may not be able to answer her questions regarding emotions, but...'] You know, my partner knows everything. If you ever stop by Fuuto, look up Terui Ryu and have him direct you to a man named Philip. He might be able to help sate your curiosity regarding the subject.

[metronomic_stanza]

Hmm, I'll look into it if I'm going to the area.