[voice][action for crew]

[ridingtheclouds]

Ah, things really are getting tense, aren't they? Fires, declarations, open threats and warnings. To say this world is a little dangerous is kind of an understatement, isn't it? Well, since you're all wound up, this might be the best time to direct your fierce emotions to something...

-Though it obviously can't be heard, there is a sound of sails unfurling. The Katabami's Emblem catches the light, shining quite brightly.-

We're gonna win the ghost race. That's it, it's that simple. Don't even think of arguing or trying to beat us. You just can't. It'll be funny to see anyone try, but you're just going to waste your time. Give up now before you get embarrassed!

Ha ha, well said, Chipp-dono! You see, the fact is, the chances of any other crew managing to win are pretty unlikely, all things considered. We're the fastest, plain and simple. And my friend Chipp there knows a thing or two about speed! But even beyond that, we've cunning and strength on our side as well!

Cunning is more your style, Anji...But don't expect us to give away our secrets! -Yes, Chipp is being smart for once in his life. It's a Christmas mid-June miracle.- If you're dumb enough to challenge us, then you'll see what we've got in store.

... Must you call them secrets? Can't we just say 'strategies'? Secrets is such a foul word...

Aren't they the same thing, though? Point it, they can't know about 'em, that makes 'em secrets. -Sound logic.-

-A groan from Anji- I hate secrets... Well, anyways, the point is while you're all razing islands and making declarations of self-righteousness, we've got the winning boat and crew. Have a good day!

Or a bad one. I don't care.

Comments

[ridingtheclouds]

That is true. Ah, but where to begin...

[cherrybombpie]

[She washed her vegetables at the sink.]

The simple things. My favorite color, my favorite food, and so on and so forth.

[ridingtheclouds]

Sounds a bit more like a dating profile.

[cherrybombpie]

[Kodachi gave him a skeptical look.]

People ask those things on first dates?

[Her idea of a first date was . . . well, let's not go there.]

[ridingtheclouds]

-Anji chuckled.- At least matchmakers ask them. Still, I'd like to know more than merely the superficial.

Ah... How about you tell me about where you grew up?

[cherrybombpie]

Hmm.

[Kodachi paused in her food preparation.]

Do you want to know about the city or the estate?

[ridingtheclouds]

Both would be nice. I feel it would paint a more complete portrait of you. Unravel the mystery of how such a passionate woman came to be.

[cherrybombpie]

I grew up in a place called Nerima in Tokyo. It's a quaint little place in the city with everything that you need.

The home I had is an estate, and I lived in it alone with my brother. It was too big for me half the time, so I have a little cottage near the edge where I like to stay.

[ridingtheclouds]

Ah, I've heard of Tokyo! The old capital...

A cottage, you say? Hmm, for some reason, I didn't take you for the sort that would enjoy any amount of seclusion. I suppose I was right, to a degree. You prefer smaller spaces, then?

[cherrybombpie]

The old capital? [She frowned.] Are you from the future, then?

I do. [Smaller spaces seem less lonely.]

[ridingtheclouds]

Ah, let's... -Not talk about the depressing future of Japan- stay on topic.

What do you like about smaller spaces, hmm?

[cherrybombpie]

How unfair that I'm answering your questions while you don't answer mine.

[She harrumphed.]

Smaller homes are cozier and easy to fill with music.

[ridingtheclouds]

I'm simply trying to avoid depressing topics.

Now music! Ah, music... I do love the soft sounds of the shamisen in an empty, intimate room. There's nothing quite like it.

[cherrybombpie]

[A sigh. She wondered what was so depressing about the future, but then, he was tight-lipped about it.]

Do you play?

[ridingtheclouds]

I dance, actually.

[cherrybombpie]

Oh? So do I, but I play as well.

Perhaps soon we could show the other what we can do.

[ridingtheclouds]

Ah, that sounds like it would be wonderful.