[ Kotetsu looks ... troubled when the feed clicks on, a far cry from his usual self. For the past few days he's been like this, though he hasn't said much about what's been bothering him. He's a private person, after all, and he's usually uncomfortable with shoving his own problems onto other people, much less even talking about his own feelings. ]

So uuhh ... I know some of you might not want to talk about that whole Darkness thing that happened a few days ago. It was ... pretty scary, to say the least. But I just ... there's something bothering me about it.

[ He pauses, running a hand through his hair and looking away from the screen. ]

I was attacked by a very good friend of mine. You know, that one I was looking for a few weeks ago. I guess he lost his bracelet back then and he went native. He actually nearly killed me... [ He chuckles weakly, as though to brush it off as nothing, but he's been through this twice now and he's honestly not so sure if he can handle it again. ]

I just wanted to ask if anyone else had a similar situation or if they have any ideas as to what all of that was about and who was behind it. Personally, I'm not so sure if it was the Gods' doing this time.

Just ...

Yeah. If anyone's got anything to say about it, I'd like to hear about it.

Tiger, over and out.

[ It's Tavros, looking downtrodden and slightly distraught for once. He's been all over, he's checked everywhere, but there is no sign and a quick trip to the bank only confirmed things. ]

Vriska Serket has, gone home. I just thought that, [ an awkward pause. ] I mean, I just wanted to announce that and, get it out there, so maybe, no one else would wonder. Where she was, that is. Because, she's home now, and, that's...

[ He's not even sure where he was going with that thought. He takes a deep breath, scrubs at his eyes with the back of his hands, and turns the feed off. ]

[Because of the darkness and everything that had been happening recently. Ranka had been hard at work. When the band turns on, Ranka is wearing a large smile.]

Ah, I noticed that everyone was a little down after what just happened. So I wanted to tell everyone that no matter what we can work together to get through this! Also, it's important that we don't give up and keep trying together to make this place really shine!

[Her cheeks flush and she looked down.]

I know that it's hard sometimes, but we can do it. I know we can. I also worked hard to finish my song so that I could sing it for you. This is dedicated to you all!

[After a small pause she start to sing her new song.]

( Private to Rin Okumura )

I need to talk to the gods. Now.