[And amidst the bedlam, floating on his throne, is an Il Palazzo, frowning quite disapprovingly at the water below. Somehow, he has managed not to get even the slightest bit wet.]

Ah, what a dreadful inconvenience all of this is. I wonder if my subordinates have survived.

I would like to think I am above this city's corrupting influence, and yet I find myself tempted to do something I would normally have never considered. To think, that I could save something so long only to use it at such a juncture... is that acceptable? Is it prudent? Will it truly bring me closer to my goals?

Madness. This is madness.

( It shines brighter than the sun... )

If only this modern world possessed an item to protect against such torrential rain...

I wonder, though the effects of gravity are applied to the water rather than myself... is this how you feel, Excel?

THE WORLD IS...

...well. I suppose it might be all right. There is no point in making a hasty judgment, after all.

I am completely confused right now.

Perhaps I shall sit here and contemplate the corruption of all things until I remember what is going on.

The world... is wonderful!

Indeed, I believe a picnic is in order.

Ah... it would seem that the currents have something of a mind of their own.

[Il Palazzo's throne is floating on the water, completely adrift. He is too dignified to attempt to steer it.]

WANTED: SUBORDINATE

Ideological organization seeking loyal, dependable agents who have grown wary with the corruption of this modern world. Must have positive, obsequious demeanor and no previous health conditions. Legal documentation will not be required. More information will be provided on inquiry.

ACROSS is an equal opportunity employer.

Lovely party, isn't it?

[Today, for no readily-apparent reason, your normally-grumpy Il Palazzo is a cheerful socialite, mingling and passing out business cards. \o/]

And so we find ourselves in a season of corruption; or rather, we have been existing in a continuous state of corruption, beginning the wasteful and hedonistic Thanksgiving and slogging through to the even more wasteful and hedonistic Christmas piggybacking along. Once again, this world ends another year with the usual meaningless celebrations based around nonexistent dieties and mindless consumerism.

How reprehensible.

Well well, take a look at the city. Watch as the citizens wallow in each others' gratitude. After all, that is much better than the more blatantly wretched self-congratulations, is it not? Are we so mired in the search for "self-esteem" and otherwise inflate the perception of the masses' lacking worth? Or shall we dissect this holiday culturally? Indeed, it seems a touch hypocritical to celebrate one act of goodwill precluding centuries of homicide and hostility. At least have the decency to be consistent about your policies of oppression.

In short, I will have no part of your Thanksgiving.

...oh, and Excel?

[walking around the city]

This city...

A place without worth or meaning. The people in it are as lost and adrift as cotton floating in a stream. The clock is a matter of some interest, but with such an uninspiring vista, you may as well raze it to the ground...

Don't you think so?

It occurs to me that Excel had done a large amount of networking, and yet I have not had a chance to meet with and brainwash any of her companions. While it is not yet a distressing circumstance, I would enjoy a chance to acquaint myself with those with whom my associate is fraternizing.

Thus, if you are an acquaintance of Excel and would be willing to converge at a certain location downtown (to be provided once I determine your level of trustworthiness), I would encourage highly that you do so. I shall provide an assortment of snack cakes and beverages.

((SINCE EVERYONE IS WONDERING ABOUT THE OBJECT OF EXCEL'S LUST. He probably won't put poison in anything today. Also I have class in a half hour or so, but will pick up when I get home.))

When my subordinate left the premises, I assumed that my life would again return to its usual state of pseudo-silence. Unfortunately, that was not the case; it seems that the culprit dashing up and down the stairs at all hours of the night, rattling chains and moaning loudly, was not Excel after all.

Thus, my reason to post: is anyone aware of the methods to evict the pitifully lingering spirits of those who cannot accept the end of their existence? I attempted to serve it with an eviction notice, but it appears to have some anxiety of meeting with me in the dark.

-and so, for our dreams of conquest to be fulfilled...

Excel. Is there something different today? The atmosphere of today's proceedings seem... energized somehow.

Hm.

After careful consideration, I cannot say I entirely approve of this festival. Let us make preparations for its demolition.

I see a time has come in which the citizens speak of their relative origins. Your testimonies display a basic inability to understand the factors which are truly important in a society. This ignorance that permeates The City is both appalling and disturbing...

However, I shall not seek to rectify it this day. And on the topic of origins, I do not wish to speak of mine. I do not believe such a place will be understandable to those of this modern world, or any of such worlds, as the case may be. No, instead I shall speak of the city which previously served as my base of operations: the city of Fukuoka.

Fukuoka... is corrupt.

What an uninteresting city.

I feel as though I'm corrupting just by looking it it.

Hm.

This is acceptable.

It wonder whether the top room comes equipped with a pit trap, or whether one must be built...