Athrun Zala

[Video; Action for Vermilion City; backdated to yesterday evening]

[The feed opens up to a gorgeous sunset over the ocean. The sky is a brilliant red, the sinking sun is reflecting off the glittering waves...it was like what one would see in a resort commercial. The recorder seemed to be standing on a pier of some sorts as well, so there were multiple ships around.]

Pretty amazing, isn't it? With scenes like this, it's no wonder Vermilion City is known as the Port of Exquisite Sunsets. Don't worry, Yayoi, I'm saving this for you.

[With that, the camera turned around and showed Athrun, who was wearing his Orb military uniform. The sky behind him was a beautiful dark blue.]

I think that, out of all the places in this world, Vermilion City is the closest thing to where I live back home. It's good to be by the sea again, and there's plenty to do in town. If I truly am stuck here, I think this is where I'll want to live once I've beaten the Elite Four.

Out of curiosity, does anybody else here have a place like that? A place that resembles their home or that they'd like to live?

Also, on a different note, can anyone tell me about the gym leader here? Going by the sign near the gym, I suspect he uses Electric-types, but one can never be too sure.

Also, one more thing. Is he really a lieutenant?

[Video]

...It's about time I disclosed the results of my investigation.

Professor Elm's laboratory holds nothing of interest -- at least, that I was looking for in particular. All of their devises and projects have to do with Pokémon.

The only place of any interest is "Mom's" house...if only for the fact that it's impossible to enter it. The doors and windows are locked, and the chimney releases gusts of wind to keep people from entering that way. Whoever constructed it made for certain that no one could re-enter once they left.

...I did catch a glimpse of "Mom" herself, though, late at night. She was just...standing there. Expressionless face, just staring at her oven. She didn't move or respond to any noises. She remained that way until sunrise.

[Video; filtered to Pokémon Guardian Corps and Shinn]

I'm done dismantling those bombs. I've discovered a few things, and the most interesting part ins't the materials or level of technology used, it's the amount of experience that shows in each bomb's construction.

Most of the bombs I found were very clearly made by someone who knew what he was doing...and then some. The construction and mechanics were so complex that I'd almost call them needlessly complex. Whoever made them is either genius beyond even my level, or a complete nutcase.

However, there were a few other bombs that were far simpler and more, well. Crude. Judging by how those were made, I'd say whomever made them was experienced with the effects of explosions, but not the fine details of an explosive device. So I'd say we're dealing with two people who specialize in...well, not necessarily explosives, but definitely explosions.

[Video; Filtered to Squad 5, Lacus, Shinn, Maria, and Yayoi]

I'm leaving Goldenrod City. I have business to take care of in Kanto, so I'll be taking the train to Saffron City as soon as I can. Be careful, all right?

[Action; Goldenrod City]

[Athrun's hanging out at the house. He's waiting for Miki to return.]

[[OoC: New Bark Town info approved by mods. Bomb info approved by Dal.]]

[Action; private; Goldenrod City]

[Valentine's Day. This was a day for sharing your love with the people you care about.

...And yet one of the people here was in his room, staring in horror at the bouquet in his hands and the Furret at his feet.

Athrun had sent a dozen red roses to Rise for the day, only to find that Kanzeon brought them back to his room, then curled up around his feet. It wasn't hard to guess the meaning here.

One of the first friends he made here, and the closest friend he had made here. Gone. Unable to fulfill her promise. Unable to reassure him. Unable to cheer him on.

And to make matters worse, it happened on the anniversary of his mother's death.

It was too much for him to handle. So, he tossed the bouquet aside and scooped the Furret up in his arms. And, for the first time since he'd gotten here, he cried.]

[Text]

I apologize for being scarce lately, but I've needed some private time. If you need me, send me a message or come find me in my hotel room or at the department store.

[[OoC: The rest of Athrun's Valentine's Day gifts went out. Lacus got a bouquet of white roses, and Yayoi a bouquet of white carnations. Azusa, Ur, and Kobato got a trio of pink carnations each.]]