"I've been shopping. Want to see what I got?"

Thank you very much! I'm really glad you're enjoying it. It's being fun (if hard work) to write.

Toshiki and Oriya are both interesting characters. There's plenty left unexplained. You can do things with them, and have them be ambiguous, and even have them be not-totally-good. It's fun. ;) It is also indeed sad that there is not more fanfic about Toshiki in English. No doubt this will change when we hit that portion of the GB anime. No doubt this will change for the better when we hit the Cards Arc in the manga (and I can't wait for that).

I'm pleased that you're finding that the story works, and recognising the Specialist, and other such fun things. ;) I do indeed have a fairly large-scale plot in mind, and hopefully it'll all work out.

Though I should warn you that given I have a freelance writing assignment and am moving house up to Leeds in the near future, things are likely to slow down a bit for a while. Sorry.

---

"Put this on." Ban passed Ginji the anorak and balaclava.

"I'm not sure," Ginji protested, dangling the clothing between his fingers like a particularly repellent wet newspaper. "Don't you think it'll attract even more attention than it would for us to be just going in there?"

"We've already been through this," Himiko snapped, doing up the zip on her own anorak in a single angry movement. "The moment we take a single step in there with you recognisable, they're all going to start screaming Raitei Amano Ginji, Raitei Amano Ginji. Just like last time." She picked up the remaining balaclava on the table. "I don't know about you, but I don't think that makes for a quiet retrieval mission."

"The brat's got it," Ban said, snatching the balaclava from her fingers and forcing it down over her head. Muffled noises came from behind the wool. "And if Miroku Natsuhiko hears she's coming, that blows our mission too. And the same for me."

"But, Ban-chan," Ginji protested, "you may be wearing a balaclava, but you're still wearing your glasses."

Ban adjusted his purple shades with one finger. It made it clear that the question of his removing them was not open to discussion.

"And Akabane-san . . ."

"Yes, Ginji-kun?" Akabane queried politely as Ginji trailed off.

"Never mind," Ginji muttered, and pulled the balaclava on over his blond hair.

Clearly Ban thinks that three balaclava-clad types in anonymous anoraks are going to attract less attention than . . . okay, so it's a stupid idea, but this is our invincible Ban-sama suggesting it.

Delighted that you're enjoying it. A couple more series regulars (or at least series occasionals) are slated to make an appearance, but haven't shown up yet. ;) It's meant to be a largish plotline, which probably means that I'll be tearing out my hair near the end as I try to get all the threads into one hairbell, so to speak.

(As to why they want Toshiki, and what's going on, and who's behind it . . . heh heh heh. Let's just say that Babylon City had its own reasons for taking an interest in Lucifer's work . . .)

Hevn's already been on stage (briefly) but will doubtless be back. Shido, Emishi, and Other People should turn up eventually.

I'm glad you're enjoying all the threads so much. ;)

I'm pondering whether or not to give you a hint as to one of the big themes underlying the story. Do you want it, or not?

(looks innocent) No comment, re Ban's witch blood. Though that is indeed an interesting thought.

It is no doubt purely a coincidence that Rena is currently having strange dreams.

Yes, Himiko has a role to play.

And hints... hm. Voodoo is drawing the gods down. The original Tower of Babylon was reaching up to Heaven. What might Brains Trust want to call down, and how might they do it?

(And for extra credit; how much of the GetBackers current actions over the last day/night could have been reasonably planned/expected, given a good knowledge of their habits and careful funnelling of information?)

Well... I'll try to get there as fast as I can. ;) And when has "the last attempt failed and resulted in total destruction" ever stopped your typical megalomaniac scientists/planners?

Thanks. ;)

Have you read the newer fantasy books? Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls? Especially PoS, which has yet another totally kick-ass woman as the main character. *lovelovelove*

I REALLY should start reading Bujold stuff - you've been ranting about them for an age. -__- Rec me books the next time I see you? =3

Wondered over here and saw another fan of Bujold. Friended!

Have you read ajhalluk's HP crossover with Barrayar-verse?