Jade had been growing concerned as the seconds ticked by and Shinjirou still hadn't picked up the phone. He had been about to give up when the phone is finally picked up.

"Is everyth- " But there's nobody on the other side, just a rush of static and a long, harsh clatter. Just what is going on? "Shinjirou?"

Yes, comes the reply, but Jade's frown only deepens. Something's wrong.

"You sound hoarse," he comments, neutral as always. "Are you ill?"