fierybluebird | [Video/Written] For Whom the Bell Tolls

[Marco's a little wearier than normal, his voice is composed and deadpan, but his overall amusement is clearly worn a little thin today.]

Thanks to everyone who joined in the dodgeball tournament, eh? It was a lot of fun, and if you missed out, keep an eye on the next S.O.S. Brigade event, I'm sure it'll be a blast. [ooc: It's still going on! Feel free to join in!]

My littlest brother's been taken by the Malnosso, so if anyone's still looking for New Feathers, keep an eye out for Sabo too please. Hopefully he'll be returned soon.

It got me thinking though, about a poem I found by John Donne.

For Whom the Bell Tolls
by John Donne

No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manner of thine own
Or of thine friend’s were.
Each man’s death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.

The smartest woman I've ever known said once that we're all connected here. Friends, allies, or enemies, we do all have in common that we're trapped in this enclosure together, for better or worse. It's something to think about I guess.

It's nice having a lot of books from other worlds to read, eh. Does anyone else have a favorite poem they'd like to share?

[The following is filtered from Ace 75%:]
I have a favor to ask of all the cooks in the village. Or rather, of any of the cooks in the village, or anyone interested. Ace isn't alone in having a rough time here lately, so I'd like to do something to help cheer him and the others up. Sometime before Christmas if we could all throw a feast and come together, I think it'd be good for everyone, eh? We could have cooking contests for amateurs or try new recipes or anything. Anyways, if you think it's a good idea, and you're interested, let me know.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He closes his eyes and focuses softly on breathing. His youngest brother... but he was alive. He was still alive. And whatever the Malnosso did, whatever experiments they put him through, Sabo was alive here.]

Thank you Sakura-chan. [He wants to say more, but words are hard. Of all the people he wants to protect, of all the people he simply can't protect without limiting their freedom, Sabo is high on that list.]

He left an impact when you met him then, eh? [A soft grin.] He really does love the library. Maybe even as much as I do.

Think nothing of it. He was very helpful and bright. [And a child. Being brought here is one thing...Sakura is almost thankful she was at times...but being kidnapped again? For experiments?] I was looking for something, and he had agreed to help me. I will keep an open eye for him.

Thanks. He's a good guy. I'm glad he's making friends here. Normally he doesn't mind this place too much, but October was pretty rough...

[Sigh. So much for November getting better.]

It would not surprise me if he had many friends. He is very outgoing.

Heh, aye. He reminds me a little of Thatch in that way. It makes sense for why he was able to get along with Ace so well too.

Ace is his brother as well? ...I apologize, but I am not much of a cook. I do not think I would be much help for him.

Aye. Ace was his brother first. I only met Sabo here.

That's all right. If you'd like though, I think maybe just a party of some kind, eh?

So you had met him prior to arriving here? [Is that how most brothers are...? No, they aren't, she thinks. Maybe it's something else. She's not going to ask more about it, either way.]

...You want me to attend a party?

I didn't. Ace and I have the same father, but Sabo and Ace were brothers growing up. Ace didn't meet Pops until he was seventeen.

Yes please. Well, it's less of a party and more of a gathering. The feast thing I mentioned basically.

I see. Your bond must be very strong to acknowledge him as a brother so easily.

...I...I do not think that is a good idea.

Ace is one of the most important people in existence to me, eh? Sabo I've known for some months here, so I was honored to have a chance to call him my brother.

No, why not?

To have someone so important with you in Luceti...it must be both a blessing and a curse. [She's thought plenty about this before. She's all alone, though, and in a small way she's thankful for that.]

...I have never been invited out for dinner before.

A curse?

Ah... no. I don't think you understand.

Ace and I were separated back home.

He's my best friend, my baby brother, but we wouldn't be able to see each other anymore.

This place is a gift to me, almost no matter what the Malnosso do. Because it gives me a chance to be with Ace again. I couldn't have that otherwise.

As for dinner... [Giant grin!] there's always a first time for everything, eh?

If you want, we could do a practice run or something.

...I see. I hope your bonds grow even stronger. In truth, there is...[She pauses. She can't say anything yet, can she? Marco certainly isn't the person she trusts most in Luceti, even if he seems harmless.]

I apologize. I was moving off-topic. If you truly think it is a good idea, I would be honored to attend your feast.

Someone you met here you'd consider family? [Sorry, this is a guy who adopts pretty easily.]

[And he bows in response to that.] Truly the honor would be all mine. Thank you Sakura.

It is not that. There is someone...someone I would like to see here. It is not safe back home.

It's safer here for them?

[Questioning pause, but seeing as his brothers are dead in their world, Marco really does get it.]

Then I hope they come... Although, it's a dangerous thing... that hope. I can't let myself dare hope for my father to come.

[He'd want it too much.]

I cannot say any more, but yes. The situation I come from is not ideal for anyone.

[Hope's Peak Academy. "A “culprit” who kills a fellow student will graduate the school. However, they must not let any other student know they are the culprit." They've already lost five. Sakura did not know them well...The idol. The model. The pitcher. The hacker. The gang leader. Five people dead, and who knows what else is in store for them?

It's not her place to spill the rules about Hope's Peak Academy. At least, if she's the only one here, it doesn't feel right to give details about her world when none others are present.]

I am looking forward to your feast, Marco.

Thanks Sakura, I'm thinking sometime a little before Christmas, eh? That should give me enough time to set it up, at least.

I will look forward to it, Marco.

[Video/Written] For Whom the Bell Tolls

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video; 1/5 YEAH FIVE /spams you silly

video; 2/5

video; 3/5

video; 4/5

video; 5/5 done

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

Re: video;