Fancy seeing you here, Traveler!

Don't come to the conclusion that I'm taking a day off merely because it's my birthday, but rather quite the opposite, actually! I'm just on a small break here grabbing a quick bite at the Parlor before getting back out there and catching scoops like I usually do. Last year you found me eating ramen, but now, I decided that a good old slice of pizza would be great!

The general news cycle of the dream world will be shifting soon to point all its attention on Francis' upcoming trial. It's perhaps the biggest trial since Lucid's back in 1930, and although I wasn't here, I heard it was quite the big news story! But with technology having become more high-tech since then, news will arrive to people much faster— both true and sensational. It's our job as reporters to keep it straight and factual without any need of yellow journalism (although yellow is my favorite color).

We'll see how his trial goes but you know me, I'll be gathering the latest scoops as they happen! News never rests and a good scoop is always in reach. You just have to look for it! Why don't you sit down, grab a slice and we can brainstorm ideas for topics to write about in the meantime. I know with a mind like yours we can get great, juicy and true stories for the Subliminal Tribune!

So this is where you wanted to take me, huh?

Not that I'm bothered by it, but you were pretty adamant to get out in the rain and come all the way here. Actually, it's quite nice. I'm not the biggest fan of rainy weather but it's quite cozy in here taking shelter from the rain. There's something about sitting by the window and watching all the raindrops hit it. The pitter-patter of rain hitting the concrete outside is also something to watch and get almost hypnotized by it. Oh but don't worry, I'd prefer to look and get hypnotized by you instead.

I think for the longest time I've always felt most safe with you. Coming from a family who cared little, you cared a lot. It was alien to me, if I'm being honest, and at first it didn't feel right. It was when I realized that caring for someone is totally normal; I just came from a not-so-great household. Moving out and getting to live with you since then has been a big breath of fresh air and honestly? I don't really think about where I came from anymore.

And truly, I think you were that beacon of light that made me escape that dark place. I will always be grateful that we met on that sidewalk many, many years ago when we were just little kids. We didn't know any better then in our innocence that the world can and will be cruel but as we grew up, we knew that we could conquer any cruelty so long as we had each other. I appreciate you very much my Dilly. Thank you for spending another birthday of mine in a way you know how to best celebrate it: being in my life.

Today’s a pretty silly day!

You know what’s funny? I’ve had several birthdays in a row where things just weren’t normal around here! Okay okay, sure, the dream world is not “normal” by typical standards but this time it’s really really not normal! So there’s a leak in the dream world again and things are silly as heck… What’s the big deal?

It’s refreshing actually! Nothing like getting a little silly around here. There’s so many fun things we can do with everything being like this! I’m here at the Desert…or rather, the “Dessert” since everything got turned into a tasty treat! It’s funny how everything here is edible, well, except for us! I think. But when silliness calls, you just have to take the call and answer it! Living a life without having fun is no way to live! That’s what I like to believe!

Yeah you can say I’m silly 24/7 but I’m especially on a day like today! Everyone deserves to spend their birthday having a LOT of fun in any way they can find! You know, I think I still have a long life ahead of me, but I’ll be sure to really make the most of each day. Even on the toughest days, I’ll be sure to smile and make others laugh because a little silliness goes a long way! It’s my birthday! Let’s have some fun and hang out! Come slide down this giant ice cream sandwich. It’s both delicious and a fun ride! WEEEEE~!

Wow, today has been a really, really special day!

I knew you guys were going to come and visit me on my birthday! I'm so happy to be turning another year older! I am 13 years old...which means, I'm officially a teenager! Growing up feels so weird. It feels like just yesterday I stumbled upon Mr. Rabbit who found me alone and scared in the dream world and then later Mr. Cat who both helped me get back to Wonderland! I was just 9 years old back then but now? I'm 13! Time is so strange!

Wonderland has been doing okay! Mr. Deuce and Mr. Mad Hatter have been the same as usual and the Queen of Hearts has been keeping Wonderland tidy and clean. Nothing strange has happened since our last big adventure which we're all thankful for! I'm here at this fountain because I wanted to make a wish with this coin. If I had a birthday wish, it would be to have another fun adventure with you guys! Maybe nothing that threatens our world but something to spend time together and have fun!

Maybe the next adventure is coming sooner than we think. I guess for now we can celebrate my birthday and make this day the greatest adventure yet! I can't thank you guys enough for coming to visit on my birthday! It still feels so weird to no longer be a "kid" but like Mr. Mad Hatter told me before, the little kid in our hearts is always there as long as we have a big imagination! Growing up may be scary, but as long as you guys are around, it won't be that scary! Here's to another fun birthday! Hehe, I wish this day could last forever...

Traveler? You came all this way to find me? I'm a bit surprised.

You find me trying to organize all of these documents into their proper files. Don't worry, none of these are related to Francis, per se. Those documents have been submitted to the Council so they can begin a trial against him for the crimes he committed. I have a good feeling that his trial will take place soon, but it will likely last several months. Such high-profile trials typically take many months, that is, unless, you happen to have some bad misfortune and it takes place in less than a week...

If you've been wondering how I've been doing since being demoted, I have adapted well, but I have my own concerns about the direction that the DIA is heading towards under Sylveran. His tactics and strategies have been under scrutiny and question. I no longer have any power to shape the DIA and my concerns go nowhere when attempting to discuss them with him. I hear he is going to initiate a large investigation into a lot of people. Morpheus only knows what he is planning to do.

*sigh* My time at the DIA is coming to an end soon. As I told you before, I will continue to work here as long as Francis' trial is ongoing. Once it is settled, I will be heading into retirement. Should this be my final year at the DIA, I hope it is spent well with little issues. For now, I continue to work and yes, thank you for visiting me on my "birthday." I say that in quotation marks because, as you know, it is not technically my birthday as it is not a leap year but nonetheless, I grow older no matter what the calendar may or may not say. After I am finished, you are welcome to follow me to the cafeteria and grab a snack or two. Consider it my treat.

Oh hello, Traveler. Did we happen to stumble upon each other here by pure coincidence or were you looking for me?

I have a feeling you were looking for me today as it is my birthday after all. As much as I help patrol officers across the dream world, and especially in the District, there is a serene calmness with patrolling the rural dream world that really sooths me. Work can be stressful and many have told me to lay back a bit on all of the work. Maybe today I can get a day to myself to really experience the sereneness that the rural dream world has to offer.

If you hadn't heard already, the Council is preparing to begin a trial against Francis soon. Tsukanai told me that he does expect the Council to accept such a trial and given all of the materials and evidence that the DPF turned in, I wouldn't see why they wouldn't. It is going to be highly talked about in the media and by everyone. I don't remember a trial being this awaited for since, of course, Lucid's trial...

But we'll see what happens when it happens. You're free to sit and chat with me as we don't get too many opportunities to see each other. Oh right, it is also Valentine's Day. Here, take this rose as a gift from me. They say the smallest gestures can be the biggest to those who least expect it. Let's hope today can be as lovely as this rose. Tomorrow's another day of work but for today, I'll lay back from it and take it easy.