End of the World - History of the Second Republic of Ezo

Description: A summary of the headlines documenting the temporary transformation of Japan into the Republic of Ezo.


Classified message to USN/USMC bases - Wed Aug 27 2014 (posted by: Honoka)

CLASSIFIED//
URGENT
FM MCAS FUTENMA

Despite the recent implementation of disaster control protocols we have still managed to suffer an enormous loss of armament. Our preliminary investigations have shown that, at a minumum, MCAS Futenma is missing the following:
(5) HMMWV "Humvee" weapon platforms
(50) pair of night vision goggles
(30) full sets of body armor
(300) packages of C4 incendiary explosive

It is surmised that more munitions have been stolen but the officer in charge of tracking inventory is AWOL, as well as twenty other enlisted servicemembers reporting to associated commands. Investigation is proceeding and we will provide more information as it becomes avail.

Recommendations to ALCON:
- Actively patrol for suspicious activity
- Doublecheck and triplecheck all weapons and munition requisition requests for authenticity.
- Recommend emergency briefing on "social engineering" programs and
- Recommend DENY Officer and NCO leave requests
- Inform local governments of risk protocols and ensure full cooperation to ensure public safety



Buildings Destroyed in Osaka, Nara - Sat Sep 6 2014 (posted by: Honoka)

OSAKA - KITA WARD - Osaka's Financial District was on full alert this morning after the complete destruction of Umeda Financial Center. At approximately 4:25 am JST, witnesses near the building reported a chain reaction of explosions from the building, followed shortly thereafter by a shockwave blowing out all glass in the Umeda Financial Center and all neighboring buildings. Security camera footage was unavailable due to the density of the smoke, though witnesses did report shouting. Firefighters arrived on the scene shortly thereafter but were unable to put out the fires or prevent the catastrophic collapse of the building, which occurred nearly two hours later at 6:13 am. Security guards were present at the time but evacuated safely; no human casualties have been reported. At press time no terror cells have yet claimed responsibility. Motives for the attack remain unclear.

---

NARA - NARA CITY - The nation lost one of its national treasures this morning due to a series of unfortunate events. Explosions were reported at 5:50am JST at the original museum building, followed by explosions in the Tea Ceremony House and the Conservation Center. Fires broke out and spread to the west and east wings. Firefighters on the scene were able to extinguish the blaze before any more buildings were damaged. The primary museum complex collapsed at about 6:45 am; aside from the the Buddhist Art Library and the Kasuga East and West Pagodas, all other buildings are deemed a complete loss. No human casualties have been reported from the incident, but several deer were found dead near the original building.

The original building, a representative Western-style building dating back to the Meiji era, was designed by Katayama Tokuma (1854-1917). The west and east wings were designed by Junzo Yoshimura (1908-1997) in 1973.

Camera surveillance is being reviewed, but preliminary reports indicate no signs of trespassing or tampering. No connection has yet been confirmed between this incident at the Nara National Museum and an earlier reported bomb incident which destroyed the Umeda Financial Center. We will bring you more news as it becomes available.



Flames Engulf Kyoto - Mon Sep 8 2014 (posted by: Honoka)

KYOTO - Amidst civil unrest, massive food shortages, and overcrowding due to the evacuees from Mt Fuji's eruption, eastern Kyoto was engulfed in flame last night due to what police believe may be a single coordinated terrorist attack. Several suspects were placed into custody late last evening, but as of press time some suspects have been released on 5,000,000 yen bail.

City files show that a group registered as the Association of Marginalized Japanese Citizens (AMJC) began their protest on schedule at the Heian Shrine shortly after dusk. Representatives of naturalized Korean, Ryukyuan and Ainu ethnic groups and the "burakumin" social group were on hand to give speeches. Near the end of the Ainu speaker's reading, Molotov cocktails were tossed at the shrine, lighting the wood portions ablaze.

Meanwhile, a coordinated attack had begun on many of the major shrines located along the Philosopher's Walk. Timed detonations occurred at approximately 9 pm JST, causing mass destruction and igniting many of the kyomachiya-style buildings surrounding the Philosopher's Walk. Police support was focused on the protesters, meaning that firefighters had significant challenges in reaching the affected areas due to the mass surge of evacuees fleeing the flames.

By the time the last fire was put out at 8 am the next morning, most of the wards surrounding the Philosopher's Walk lay in complete ruins. Over two hundred casualties and almost a thousand injuries have been reported, with more expected as the week continues. Cost to rebuild could number in the trillions. Heian Shrine and Kurodani Temple suffered substantial damage as well. Kyoto Municipal Zoo seems to have escaped the brunt of the damage despite its location near the protests.

"This house had been in our family for generations!" claims Mr Saotome, one Shishigatani resident who lost his home to the flames. "It survived the Hamaguri Rebellion, it survived the Great War, it even survived my wife's horrible attempt at ramen!" Mrs Saotome could not be reached for comment.

Witnesses on hand at the various sites seem divided on whether the protest itself was connected to the attacks. One protester claimed that "violence was not what [the AMJC] was about -- violence actually stops us from getting what we want. We don't want to be better than anyone, we don't want to destroy anything, we just want the Japanese government to stop treating us worse than them." Those in the protest claim that, despite anti-discrimination laws, descendants of the so-called "eta" or "burakumin" caste in pre-Imperial Restoration society are receiving less compensation and less support from the beleaguered and resource-drained Japanese government. People of Ryukyuan and Okinawan origin claim discrimination as well, particularly with regard to strict tax code differences. Members of the Ainu ethnic group, formally accepted as a legally recognized and protected ethnic group by the government just a few years ago, has also claimed that discrimination is rampant. The Ainu speaker has been reportedly held without bail as a prime suspect, but his identity has not yet been released.

"In tough times like these, shrines are where we go for guidance and solace," explained an Eikando-cho resident who also lost his home. "The world is already ending, I don't see why these terrorists have to go and make things even worse!"

For safety, the Japanese Diet had been moved from Southtown to a location in Osaka City earlier last week. Osaka and Nara suffered attacks earlier this weekend as well, on a much smaller scale. Additional Japan Self-Defense Forces have been mobilized to discourage future attacks. The Diet will reconvene in a special session tomorrow morning to discuss current events and consider budget referendums to better route food supplies to all citizens.

No leads have been reported, though a tablet computer and a webcam setup believed to be owned by one of the terrorists has been retrieved. Anyone with information about these attacks is encouraged to contact the Kyoto Police Department immediately.



The Founding of the Republic of Ezo - Sat Sep 20 2014 (posted by: Honoka)

[News Brief - Tuesday Night]
OSAKA, JAPAN -- PROTESTERS ATTACKED AT OSAKA INTL CONVENTION CTR -- The convocation of the National Diet had been interrupted by what appears to be a mob formed to protest over government corruption and illegal discrimination. United States armed forces were summoned to contain the protesters, but appears to have caused them to flee into the building. Nearly simultaneously, gunshots and explosives were heard within the building. A combined force of American forces and Japanese Self-Defense Forces was able to repel the attack. At press time some of the protesters have been escorted out by the JSDF and by a beast man known only as 'Blanka'. Due to the sensitive nature of the attack, a media blackout has been established and will continue until the end of the Diet session.

[News Brief - Wednesday Morning]
OSAKA, JAPAN -- CHANGES TO GOVERNMENT AID FOR DISPLACED RESIDENTS -- The crisis at Mount Fuji has led to grand, sweeping changes from the National Diet. Despite earlier violence at their temporary location, the Diet has been able to approve massive funding changes which would aid those all throughout western Honshu. All residents of eastern Honshu are urged to seek out the purple Relocation Transports at local train stations for free, government-supported transit to designated shelter areas. Residents are requested to bring all identification and papers.

[News Brief - Wednesday Afternoon]
OSAKA, JAPAN -- MARTIAL ARTISTS NEEDED -- The National Diet is continuing to approve an unprecedented number of bills in this emergency session, but the most unusual is the creation of a "garrison" system to facilitate coordination of martial artists, both local and abroad, towards defeating the great powers at work who have been orchestrating the systematic destruction of our world. Japanese Self-Defense Forces garrisons have been established at the following locations: Mt.Fuji (Japan), Metro City (USA), Gulf of Thailand, and the Ise Grand Shrine (Japan). Martial artists interested in helping the effort should concentrate their efforts in these locations; each Garrison offers bounties for information or assistance provided towards resolution of this global conflict.

[News Brief - Wednesday Night]
KYOTO, JAPAN -- PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET ASSASSINATED -- Early this evening, the temporary facilities established in Kyoto by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe were destroyed by a series of controlled detonations. All hands were lost in the attack. It is believed that this attack is connected to the hostage situation of the National Diet taking place in Osaka. The Diet expresses its utmost respect for the office and resolves to find a resolution to this heinous act of terrorism. His Majesty the Heavenly Sovereign could not be reached for comment.

[News Brief - Friday Morning]
OSAKA, JAPAN -- EMPEROR HEISEI, NATIONAL DIET, DEAD -- The complete destruction of the Osaka Convention Center was reported to occur just after 9 am. All people present within the building were killed prior to the controlled detonation.

[News Brief - Friday Afternoon]
OSAKA CASTLE, EZO -- EMPRESS CROWNED -- Formerly known as Honoka, a performer in the Bright Sun Circus, the Empress of the newly established Republic of Ezo has called her first press conference. "I understand that the past few weeks have been tense, and many unfortunate incidents have occurred, but please rest assured that everything is under our complete control. Without you speaking your minds so clearly and honestly, I would never have had the need to right ancient wrongs, to undertake the relatively quick and painless process of transformation. Sometimes it is necessary to break a bone in order to properly set it; I feel this is a perfect analogy for our healing process to begin. Things will indeed get better, and I have every assurance that a bright sun will once again shine upon all reaches of the island of Honshu."

She went on to thank the citizens, "The past few days have seen a startling number of initiatives, and I would like to defer credit for these inititatives to you, the people of the former State of Japan. I ask you all, please help me to usher in a new era of prosperity for the Ezo Republic, and most of all, peace. In times of crisis we can let our emotions get the better of us, but never is it more important to stay calm and focused on the task at hand. A great many enemies face us, presenting innumerable threats to our prosperity. To succeed, we cannot afford to divide our attention with petty bickering and infighting... no, we must present a unified front to succeed. This is the only way we can defeat our foes. All of you have the power to shine -- let us all shine together."



OOC - The Founding of Ezo (less spammy) - Sat Sep 20 2014 (posted by: Honoka)
In a major military coup, Honoka and Rolento have teamed up to utterly eradicate the federal government of Japan. Before killing the Emperor, Rolento had been able to obtain the launch codes for a top-secret nuclear submarine, operated clandestinely by the Japanese government as preparation for the event of another emergent war.

Honoka, having masterminded the plan for the coup, has (not-so-)humbly established herself as the Empress of the Republic of Ezo -- the new official name for the nation formerly known as Japan. Don't expect anyone else to warm up to the new name so quickly, of course -- there's always a lag time before the regime change fully sets into the public mindset...



Civil War: Tokyo! - Mon Sep 22 2014 (posted by: Rolento)

Bringing to many people's minds the terrible situation within Metro City years ago, Rolento's presence has been confirmed. Although many questioned Honoka's precise rise to power, being allied with who many consider the most dangerous and unpredictable terrorist in the world answers many questions. In key tactical strikes Wednesday night, a surviving member of Southtown's standing military unveiled what took place:

"Strike teams of a dozen units attacked in tandem. Communications were knocked out. The enemy had tanks and assault helicopters. I couldn't say the total number, but my station, there was at least three armored vehicles and two aircraft. Before we could even rally, all of our own armored assets were overtaken. Those who fired back were killed. Those who surrendered were taken prisoner. I managed to escape in the confusion... but it was definitely the U.S.P.L."

U.S.P.L. -- United Soldiers for the People's Liberation -- is a private army that has primarily been operating within South America, the Middle East, and Africa. It's numbers are unknown but believed to be a few hundred, with assets completely unknown; between 'two to three digit millions' are conservative estimates for what was acquired from Metro City, and Interpol has confirmed in the past such involved many AFVs, air vehicles, and cutting-edge military technology, linked to R' and Southtown. The mantra has always been the acquisition of a country, free from world politics, an isolated area where those created as weapons can find a life for themselves.

Rolento issued a formal show of force; an ICBM was launched several dozen miles off the shore of Southtown, before eight warheads exploded in an open expanse of water, each sufficient to highly damage a city. He has demanded that all non-Japanese military bases and assets to withdraw, or he would execute tactical nuclear strikes upon them in retaliation. He has also declared the same show of force against any United Nations concerted military effort. Analysis shows that the ICBM was fired from a submarine; Japan was never known to be a nuclear power, although many suspected the need for a pre-emptive strike capability.

Rolento has also stated all foreigners are allowed to go to their embassies, whereupon they will be airlifted to Southtown International, which continues to operate. "All those who wish to leave, can." Rolento stated, matter of factly. "But my war is not with the civilians. It is FOR them. The grid for everyday life and all governmental maintenance jobs remain unaffected. Honoka has already handled the paperwork before Japan's fall giving control of the treasury; at this time, there is no planned changes for the currency or it's use in international markets."

Unsurprisingly, backlash to this is extreme. Japan's military has been rallying around the last remaining Admiral -- it appears the others had been executed. Although Japan's satellite network is gone, as is much of their ability to communicate, it is clear they are fighting back. "We will execute these usurpers, or die trying." Despite such, Rolento has stated that any attack which risks civilian lifes or infrastructure will result in the death of every military hostage he has acquired, and demanded all those who will 'abandon the peace and safety of their people' to leave Japan, whereupon the majority of those captured will be similarly exiled.

"Soldiers. You no longer fight for a country. You fight for yourselves, and your people. As long as no intrusion into Southtown or it's airspace is forthcoming, you may inhabit surrounding towns. I do not have the assets to protect the country from itself in this turbulent time, outside this one city...!" Regained communication shows at least seven major cities are housing the majority of Japan's ground assets surrounding Southtown, and the Navy and Air remain grounded due to both the nuclear and hostage threats.

One thing is clear: A diplomatic and political end to this is not in the near future, with the world already suffering unknown chaos...!



Weird Vortex Scribblings Circulate (posted by: Rust)

In news that would be simply put aside as more celebrity fighter nonsense were it not for the timing and location - or individual involved - renowned fighter Howard Rust reportedly breached the military barricades set up around the mysterious vortex that has formed around the Grand Ise Shrine in the newly-rechristened nation of Ezo.

No shots were reportedly fired, and no injuries recorded, though the atmosphere was reportedly "tense." His intent was soon revealed to be an attempt to study the vortex through observation and meditation, which he then recorded in pages on a notebook in statements that vary between English and Japanese.

Spanning roughly six pages, he likens the atmosphere and feelings to be reminiscent of that in the proximity of both Mt. Fuji's eruptions and Metro City's still-unnamed superstorm, whatever descriptors he has left being scattershot and even, based on the question marks, uncertain. Even so, he remains confident everything seems to lead up specifically to the vortex. Regardless, he had requested through this period that his findings be shared and distributed publically, which has
been helped by the fledgling Ezo government.

"I'm... I'm not an expert at... uh, reading this," he admitted when he finally started to answer queries in wake of the strange decision to let himself within the security perimeter of the great vortex, "but, uh, when I did it, not... not a lot of people got a chance to really... look, given, ah... a lot of things, so I, I tried to put something together and say... uh, hey, can... can you all do something with this, if... if you can't come see it yourselves? 'Cause after just... bein' through a, a whole lot, just... the air of it, it's... well, it's what in I wrote."

Some corners of the social media landscape makes light of the presented information, with several parody edits already mistaken for the genuine article. Others further express frustration that someone is paying more attention to his thoughts on the matter with more weight than established experts in the field, with the credibility of the information strongly in question.

Nonetheless, if only in desperation for a lack of a better idea or lead, the military presence established around the growing vortex has started to set up outposts and stations at [LOCATIONS] for those who might be able to shed better light on Howard Rust's documentation - if any of it might present some sort of lead or clue - or otherwise help figure out how to at least get some sort of handle on the mysterious phenomenon now believed to be presently at the heart of the disasters that have plagued the world.



Schoolkids Confront Her Majesty - Sat Sep 27 2014 (posted by: Honoka)

SOUTHTOWN, EZO -- During the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ezo Freedom Monument this afternoon, Her Majesty the Heavenly Sovereign laid out her bold new plan for the progress of our fair nation.

The ceremony began with a brief introduction of the Freedom Monument as a symbol of peace and understanding among the diverse peoples of Ezo, before Her Majesty took the stand. Speaking at length about the uncomfortable history of discrimination in the lands of Ezo, Her Majesty then turned the microphone to members of the local high schools for comment.

Recent hostile actions from the peacekeeping forces in Southtown were called into question, and Her Majesty, acknowledging that her job as head of state was just beginning, vowed to to put an end to the violence in Southtown, promising appropriate disciplinary measures to those involved. Despite the tense atmosphere, the protests were raised without violence.

At press time, Her Majesty's press secretary has declined to comment on the alleged incidents, claiming that investigations were underway.



Southtown Resistance Holds Press Conference - Sat Sep 27 2014 (posted by: Hinata)

The words Breaking News sprawl out across the TV screen before the view cuts into a well-dressed Japanese news anchor.

"Good evening, this is Kotaro Kudo bringing you the latest news in the conflict between Empress Honoka of the Republic of Ezo and the Southtown Resistance. We have just received word that, following the confrontation at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ezo Freedom Monument yesterday afternoon, a spokesperson for the Southtown Resistance has called a press conference to make their formal position known."

"We bring you live coverage from Taiyo High School in Southtown."

The video cuts to an image of the Taiyo High auditorium, filled with reporters and citizens. On the stage are numerous students dressed in their high school uniforms while at the podium, Hinata stands out in a bright purple and green uniform that matches none of the local schools.

"As we begin, I would like to welcome all of you to Taiyo High, my name is Hinata Wakaba, and I stand before you as both a spokesman for the Southtown Resistance, a lifelong resident of Southtown, and a representative of Taiyo High. I wish that I could be dressed more appropriately, but my uniform was damaged by some of the overly anxious mercenaries operating in Southtown; I received this new uniform as a replacement from Empress Honoka... but I suppose she's got enough on her hands that she can't be expected to get the details correct."

The young girl's face is bright, energetic, and friendly as she adjusts some papers in front of her on the podium, looking them over as her words hang in the air.

"Yesterday, I had a conversation with Empress Honoka in which she told me that her actions in taking control of Japan were for the benefit of the marginalized; for people that are held back because of the circumstances of their birth. She told me that she wanted to give us freedom. She also told me that she wanted me and my friends to become her watchdogs... her conscience. She gave us these as a show of faith."

Hinata raises her hand up, displaying a simple ribbon for the crowd to see.

"So I stand here, ready to offer Honoka my guidance..."

She lowers her hand again, setting the ribbon back down on the podium.

"If Honoka wishes to prove that she cares for our freedom and wishes to protect us... her first action must be to arrest the terrorist mercenary Rolento Schugerg and all of his associates responsible for the murder of the Japanese prime minister, his cabinet, and the innocent civilians in the Osaka Convention Center."

The warm look on the girl's face hardens as she looks across the gathered crowd.

"How are we able to trust a government to protect our freedoms if they will not stand up against the most monstrous stealing of freedoms? How can we feel safe when murderers are allowed to run free in our country with the Empress's personal support?"

The girl adjusts her papers again, giving a moment for her words to sink in before she continues.

"Furthermore, as Honoka's conscience, I am telling her that she must force the submarine armed with nuclear weapons to leave Japanese water, permanently. Of all nations in the world, none knows better than Japan that nuclear weapons are an unacceptable tool that brings nothing but suffering to the people.

"Honoka has spoken frequently of the opressions of the past, and how we have allowed ourselves to glorify the violence of the past as great victories. She of all people must understand that we cannot allow ourselves to forget the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where over 200,000 Japanese civilians were killed by weapons of obscene power. Where those who survived were tainted by the uncurable radiation poisoning. Where people not yet born would still be poisoned by the after effects of this greatest of tragedies."

As the young girl speaks of this, tears start to roll down her cheeks. She pauses to wipe them away with her arm warmers.

"I am now your conscience, Honoka; you told me you wish to be a good ruler... so, please, stand for the people of Japan, for freedom, and for justice."

The girl steps away from the podium and gives a deep bow to the assembled audience.

"Thank you for your time."

The video cuts back to the news anchor.

"Moving words from an enthusiastic young girl. We will continue to keep you updated on the situation in Southtown as developments occur. We now return you to your regular programming."



Confessions of a Terrorist - Sun Sep 28 2014 (posted by: Rolento)

Not long after Honoka's statements were made, a recording was done by Rolento himself, within some unknown location in Southtown. A terrified reporter is present, whimpering slightly. "I would like to make a formal statement disbarring my affiliation with this 'Empress Honoka'. My goal was to destroy the government of Japan, one of the oppressive world powers. Her own ambitions ran counter to my own. I took full advantage of the chaos to attempt and gain what I want... a nation. Not a country."

Rolento gestures, and the camera shifts to show a large, tarp-covered item. "However, Honoka is not and never was in control of the nuclear submarine. How long have I been called terrorist...? A monster, a weapon, created by world powers and tossed aside when it is politically inconvenient? ...I will never allow that to happen again...!!"

Rolento then yanks off the tarp, revealing a large nuclear warhead. "All those present within Southtown have 24 hours to evacuate." A timer is shown, presently at 24:00:00. "My act of terrorism shall be the annihilation of Japan's figurehead to corruption. For the two-faced regime to fall prey to their own hidden nuclear arsenal, and for the hidden underground that manipulated things from the shadow. This is your success. I shall leave Japan. I shall take my armies. And I shall take my submarine. Truthfully, I cared nothing about taking Japan, only wounding it, to show even a world power is not inviolable to the will of the weapons it creates. Be it man or machine..."

Rolento then presses a button, and the timer drops. 23:59:58... 57... 56...

"I will not be held responsible for civilian loss of life after this warning. The sins of the old shall be burned clean. The Republic of Ezo..." Rolento then salutes the camera. "If you dare form a nation that I do not endorse... I shall reduce the rest of your country to ruin. Consider this parting gift a warning. Take what treasures and artifacts you can. I believe that this country needs a more official fresh start."

The camera then cut black. The two reporters who took the video were found some hours later, ruffled but unharmed, with no memory of where they were, only it was 'definitely within Southtown'..



The Legacy of Ezo - Mon Sep 29 2014 (posted by: Honoka)

MATSUSAKA, MIE PREFECTURE - JAPAN - "The sun rises once again over the embattled nation of Japan," Admiral Kajioka announced in a press conference today. The illegitimate Republic of Ezo has been formally dissolved by Kajioka and Naruhito, Crown Prince of Japan. A transitional government has been established in Matsusaka until a proper government body can be elected to office. Naruhito, son of the late Emperor Heisei (Akihito) of Japan, is expected to be formally instated in his new role as Emperor in the weeks to come.

This weekend, Honoka, the self-declared ruler of the Republic of Ezo, had held a press conference at the Taiyo Dome this weekend to address growing concerns from the community. Tensions had been running high, as Southtown locals had been attacked by mercenaries and USPL forces brought in to maintain peace and order. Tensions rose when a ninja - later identified by witnesses as Ibuki, a participant of several martial arts competitions - leapt on stage and took the supposed Empress of Ezo hostage. The hostage was discovered to be an impostor named Reika, with Honoka revealing herself a fair distance away. In the argument which ensued, Ibuki threw a knife into Honoka's heart, killing the sovereign almost instantly, and fled the scene.

"The widespread damage caused by Rolento Schugerg and his associates is impossible to ignore, but our top priority right now is focusing on rebuilding the shattered infrastructure of our nation. We are cooperating fully with the United Nations and the United States in their investigations into the security challenges posed by the late Empress of Ezo," stated the Admiral, the highest-ranked official remaining in the decimated Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). "The administrators of the Republic have been exceedingly cooperative with us in these matters. It is important that the public understand that the administration was not entirely to blame."

In the aftermath of the coup, Honoka had established members of the Bright Sun Circus as members of her administration. Toshi "Taka" Takayanagi, the circus' former ringmaster, had this to say: "We are indeed sorry for all the trouble we have caused. I know it's hard to believe this, but Honoka... was really a very sweet woman. I know now that she nurtured this idea in our minds, convinced us all that performing these... atrocious deeds was best for the sake of the world, but the sweetest lies all begin with a morsel of truth."

He continued, "Our friend Reika was sharing thoughts with Honoka at the moment of her passing. Honoka, bless her heart, was indeed sorry things turned out this way. She'd told Reika, told all of us, to share all the information gathered on the world crisis." Mr. Takayanagi went on to detail the story of how a man named Mukai had, for a short time, given both Honoka and Sakura Kasugano the power to manifest their dreams as reality. "Honoka had already been trying to make the world a better place, but fighting this Mukai was the catalyst. She became obsessed, wanted to find him again -- all of this madness resulted from her drive to get back to that dream state."

Mr. Takayanagi's administration has published pages from a large notebook filled with writings from Howard Rust, a mysterious figure who has been implicated in the downfall of numerous corrupt regimes throughout the past few years. His writings detail events surrounding the volcanic eruption of Mt. Fuji and the tumultuous weather of Metro City, and attempt to draw unifying parallels between them all. Strong correlations are present between actions in these locations and the unusual powers attributed to Mukai and others like him. Mr. Rust hypothesizes that the key to these global disasters is in the mysterious swirling maelstrom which has appeared within the Grand Ise Shrine, in nearby Ise.

A security perimeter has been established around the Grand Ise Shrine, both to prevent civilian access and to prevent more otherworldly creatures from spilling out. Kajioka and Takayanagi however both stress the driving need to solving this global mystery -- anyone with information or talent to contribute is strongly encouraged to contact the Grand Ise Shrine perimeter forward base at [LOCATION HERE] as soon as possible. Details on Mr. Rust's notebook can be found at [WEB ADDRESS HERE].

Log created on 09:22:04 10/19/2014 by Honoka, and last modified on 09:28:43 10/19/2014.