DAY 2 - Morning

[islandiastaff]

RISE AND SHINE, CHALLENGERS! Everyone, out of the lounge before it explodes!

[Once again, as soon as everyone's safely out of the lounge, it explodes spectacularly. Notably, there's one fewer of you than there were last night.]

We've got a long, exciting day ahead of us, so let's get the announcements out of the way! First of all, due to a complicated legal dispute, we had no choice but to send Manami Nagano back to her homeworld! Sorry, ma'am, but business is business! She was the Double Agent, so no more worrying about that!

But that's not all! The spies are also hard at work, and their second target was...

[M.C points dramatically, and Shiki Ryougi is sent hurtling into the stratosphere and towards the Loser's Lounge.]

So long, Shiki the Villager! Better luck next time, if we run for a second season!

Comments

[poetryandclarinet]

[That makes him crack a small smile.]

Th-thanks. You don't have to keep that close of an eye on him, though. He'll probably be fine. [Probably.]

But, since I can't come with you, I'll apologize now if he causes any trouble.

[skyentist]

Don't worry. I'm sure he'll be fine. I'm a little sister myself, so I know all the tricks he might pull.

[poetryandclarinet]

[He smiles a little more genuinely at that, feeling a bit relieved.]

Oh, you have an elder sibling? [You wouldn't really guess it just looking at her. She looks more like an only child, to Wirt.]

[skyentist]

Yep. Lana's thirteen years older than me. She kind of raised me after our parents died.

[poetryandclarinet]

Oh, your parents... Oh. I'm- I'm sorry. [Aw dang that sounds really rough, and he opened that can of worms himself, didn't he...]

[skyentist]

It's okay, Wirt. It was a long time ago. I don't even remember them that well.

[poetryandclarinet]

S-still, not remembering or seeing them again it's... [Actually no, let's change the subject.]

I- I uh... do you like poetry, Ema?

[skyentist]

Sure! It's not my specialty, but I like it all right. You?

[poetryandclarinet]

[He smiles again, looking fairly pleased with her answer.]

I... well I'm pretty fond of it, myself. How the words are masterfully arranged in a way that tugs at heartstrings, and can make even the most unemotional people cry. You can write poetry to relieve your own problems, such at heartbreak or to mourn the loss of someone or something important to you. They can even be used to make children laugh, such as nursery rhymes or in the form of a picture book. [He sighs a little, and detects his gaze to the side, speaking as if he forgot Ema was even there.]

Like the unnoticed beauty of nature surround, poetry is likewise; Forgotten. And though the art has been stolen by some, in the form of story or song, unappreciated is their origin. They laugh, mock, tease those who recite, for naught they know of the hidden meaning. The hidden feelings - the heart that's beating. Behind those who write, those who speak, those who place their thoughts in words. And one day, entirely, the artist will be tired - tired of remaining a joke; Unheard.