Pattern's certainly clear enough by now. Though Vaati actually seems to have been right about something, for once: the current act has fallen a bit flat.
[soft chuckle] Granted, I suppose "Number VIII" might disagree. Vaati was only half right, I think. There's not much of value here, but the Reaper still had his influence in slightly subtler ways.
Somehow, I doubt the next two will be subtle. Practically everyone here has plenty to be angry about, or at least thinks they do. As for pride...
...Hah. [Joshua's voice grows slightly dry, and takes on a joking, sing-song note.] Repeat after me: "I will not try to conquer Hell. I will not challenge the Reaper to a shooting match. I will not..."
[long, speculative pause]
...Hm.
[[OOC: Apologies for the backdating -- was thinking I had one more day, whoops. Difficult to hack, but if you're feeling really, really nosy and persistent, go for it. Hii, Ark. >_>;]]