graveyard.

[foxhounds]

You remember dying. In fact, you remember the exact feeling and fear of how you died, and yet in the next moment, you're suddenly standing in a cold room. You're not sure how you got here at all, but it's as if you were suddenly put here the moment after you died. As you look around, the first thing you'll notice is that you're standing in front of an open casket. And you're inside. The corpse inside the casket is definitely you, and it's also definitely dead, which certainly makes this confusing. Luckily, here's someone here to explain. When you wake up, there's footsteps walking closer, and then a familiar face appears. Iván is here, or someone that looks very much like her is. All she starts off with is two simple words— "You're dead." Which would seem obvious, but she explains that you have been before you ever arrived to the island. The shipwreck and the island are't real, after all. This is purgatory, and the Hunt is a way to judge the souls of the living. People show their true nature when they're put in a stressful situation, so it was deemed that this was the way that these judgements would be passed. She explains that you'll know your fate when the game ends, but if you really can't wait that long, you could always ask, but hope isn't lost. After all, the "killers" are on your side. If they can win the game, then everyone can come back to life. They know this, and it's why they're fighting so hard to win. It's a shame that the odds don't seem to be in their favor, but that's also part of the Hunt. — Exploring your new surroundings, you'll realize that you're likely at the bottom of that giant sinkhole, at least if that light far above you is any indication. You no longer feel the need to eat or sleep anymore (technically, you never did, but the habits of being alive are hard to break), so it's a good thing there's enough to do while the game continues. You can watch the proceedings of the Hunt in one room where there's plenty of comfortable couches to sit in and lounge, as well as a fully stocked bar, if you feel like indulging. Another room offers a game room with cards, billiards, and any other games you'd like to play in a group. If you ask your host nicely, she might provide more, but for now, there's not much to do other than to watch and wait for the Hunt to end.

Comments

letters

[foxhounds]

The NPC will also explain to you that you can send one letter to those still living. It cannot contain anything about the killer, how you died, or anything about the mechanics of the game itself, aka no spoilers. The letter must be submitted here before the next trial after your character arrives to the graveyard.

i almost forgot

[loosetongue]

it's this

[playsboys]

[As much as Kashima would like to write an individual love letter for each girl on the island, she can't...actually remember most of their names...so a generic one it is then!]

My dearest princesses,

I am truly, deeply sorry for leaving you so soon. Words alone cannot express the agonizing pain that wracks my very soul for no longer being able to be by your side. I can only hope that somehow, from the immense kindness of your hearts, that you can one day grant me forgiveness for breaking my vow of everlasting devotion.

Please know that while I may no longer be physically able to hold your hands in mine or gaze into your beautiful eyes, my love will still remain eternal. Do not grieve for me, for even the simple act of watching and cheering you on brings me greater joy than I can describe. Hear my soul speak: the very instant that I saw you, did my heart fly to your service, and so shall it remain forever.

Eternally yours,

Your prince

[On the back.]

Hey, senpai! Hahaha, I kinda messed up there, huh? Whoops! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Anyway, don't worry about me. Your number one kouhai will be sure to do her best from where she is, so you better do the same! Since I'm not around anymore, look out for my princesses everyone for me, okay?

(The number one kouhai is me, Kashima Yuu, by the way. Just in case that wasn't clear!}

hopefully this is okay?

[inspiritus]

[ Written meticulously and practically immaculately. ]

Dear all,

It's rather unfortunate I didn't have the chance to converse with either of you more, however, I imagine that this will suffice. I wish to inform you all that it was an interesting experience, speaking, and getting to know you, whether it be through simply your actions or your words... whether they be few or more. Not to mention, I have the feeling that you will do just fine on your own, and can only hope that you can see the silver lining, even if that might be difficult.

Gi-ne, I trust you will deliver that letter safely and soundly. I should hope that you will have the chance to do so, and in the end, I'm sure Mary would be quite thankful and you are good at following up on your convictions.

Greed, perhaps we may speak again at another time. You seemed like a thoughtful individual.

[ Huh, that looks to be it. Nah, that's just a space. He is addressing a certain someone in particular. ]

In addendum, for a certain one I've met, I still find it rather amusing that when we first met, you had truly thought that there was the possibility of an infernal sea monster within those waters. Perhaps you still believe so, considering the way you think. Which brings the question if I approached you much earlier and suggested if I had seen something else entirely, would you have believed it?

Even that makes me laugh.

However, I hope you are doing well. Despite everything, I do think you deserve to be aware that I do not regret the limited time we've spent together.

My regards,
General Sephiroth, First-Class SOLDIER

[snackoosniper]

[ Ema is hunched over her blank page for a while, cheek on fist, pen spinning restlessly in hand like a student taking a test. If Ivan #2 is right, then there's no way for any of them to get a message to the real world. But on the off-chance that this is still just a magnificently, stupidly extravagant prank...

[ In neat, decidedly feminine handwriting: ]

If you're expecting words of wisdom or tearful goodbyes from me, then forget it. But if one of you could reach Lana Skye in L.A. and let her know what happened, I would be grateful. Tell her I love her. Oh, and Mr. Wright and his people can have my forensic kit. He needs all the scientific help he can get.

Thanks,
Ema Skye ♡

[liven]

[ In surprisingly neat and old-ladyish handwriting: ]

Thanks for the fish.

-Shijima Kurookano

[ What a brilliant and useful letter ]

[bitter_sweet_anarchy]

Angel House brownies a la Anarchy:

6 oz dark chocolate of the highest quality possible (Must be 80 or more percent cacao), finely chopped (for most intense chocolate flavor)
A stick and a half of salted butter (can never have too much!!)
1 tsp ground Saigon cinnamon (for the best balance of sweet and rich)
1 tsp morton kosher salt (do NOT use diamond crystal)
The baker at Angel House said 1 + ¾ cups sugar, the filthy casual 2 + ¼ cups sugar (the crusts should be perfect!!!!!)
3 whole eggs (to make sure it's nice and gooey)
1 cup all-purpose flour (ensures density; makes sure it isn't too crumbly like a cake)
2 tbsp love (the Stocking Anarchy staple!!)

Preheat to 350. Melt chocolate and butter with cinnamon and salt in saucepan over low heat, stir occasionally, and combine with sugar when cool. Use 9x9 pan, line with foil and grease with more butter. Add eggs, mix until smooth, then fold in flour. Pour in the pan and bake 26 and ½ minutes, no more, no less.

Should come out pretty good in terms of texture, very fudgy and rich with chocolate flavor, but they'll be pretty intense; perhaps add secret ingredient into chocolate mixture? Will have to experiment. Serve fresh with vanilla ice cream, lightly drizzle fudge.

Also, let Panty try separate batch: add 3 tsp of freshly ground guajillo (fucking gross) to the original chocolate mix in saucepan. Should be perfect combo of sweet and spicy; they'll compliment each other well and even have a bit of an aftertaste. Maybe she'll actually like these, go figure.

Love,
Stocking ♥

[immortowls]

[ A neatly drawn feather.

That's it, that's the letter. ]

[lotuslegend]

Hey, Kogasa, hang in there, okay? Dunno what's gonna happen to Gensokyo if I'm not there, since it's not like I can pop out an heir posthumously. But keep your head up like you usually do, I guess, maybe there's a chance for a miracle.

Maybe my mom's not actually dead, and she'll pop out of the woodwork one of these days. If she does, whack her with that stupid umbrella of yours.

Maybe optimism can actually get someone somewhere, for once.

-Reimu

[yasusada]

[ SLAPS LONG NOTE HERE ]

It's me, Yamatonokami Yasusada, I have a lot to say. Sorry for such a long note!

To Iván.

I didn't get to apologize to you at all, I feel very sorry for that in which I couldn't stay the night with you. It was just my time but I am not sad! I hope that you're staying hydrated and that you're eating well, getting rest and keeping yourself in good spirits. I hope that everyone is treating you right and that your pillows are fluffed at night and I hope when you're in the mansion alone that little items jiggle because that is me trying to come into contact with you but I highly doubt it. For now, I wish you the best of luck and I hope you're able to save everyone. I know that you don't have a bad heart but I am upset that I couldn't speak to you that much.
 

To Pearl P. Pearlson.

I hope my haori is keeping you warm and that things are a little better than before, I put so much of my hope into it that it has to be warm! It has to be. If it isn't, do you mind warming it with your kindness. I'm really happy you accepted it, Pearl, and even then you stood by me and was able to speak with me as an equal. I know humans are really finicky about a being like me, which I understand but I hope in the end — even though I am a sword to protect people and my capability has ran out — I hope there's nothing to stop your own. Like I've said before, you seem like a capable sword yourself so I know everything will be okay. So I hope that you can watch after everyone, you don't have to say anything to them or even do anything. As long as you are there, it's enough so please make it through this. You are brave and strong so I know that the best things will happen for you.
 

To Royce Roycin.

I wanted to apologize to you, for you were the one who said I was to have a gun. I'm sorry that I could not play that role for you, and was in fact weaponless, maybe I should say gunless! : ( Sorry everyone finds you suspect xoxoxoxo :) I hear that's a form of good luck. X's and O's.

To Hijikata Toshizou.

Thank you for telling me that I was fit to wear that haori, Vice Commander. Would you be willing to tell Pearl the same, she's strong too and your words have always been encouraging. I hope that I'm able to say it back to you but my time had ran out. I won't say it no because.. maybe if history is rewritten, I'll have the chance. Please take care of Okita-kun.
 

To Matt Murdock (Mattson).

Hello Matt Mattson! I wanted to tell you that I had great experiences with you and I hope that even if things don't seem clear, that your own eyes which seems to be.. keeping an open mind? It'll get you far, it will. So I'm cheering for you, don't let anyone cloud your decision, it's all I ask.
 

To Urashima Kotetsu.

You're still fighting, aren't you? To protect Clarine, right? That's what I'm hoping, I want you to be strong for her, I know that she wasn't so fond of me. In the end, maybe that's for the best? I'm happy that you're able to make her smile. Please protect everyone and her. Give it your all and I'm sure when you go home, Nagasone Kotetsu will give you a haori of your own.

To Kasen Kanesada.

I wanted to say that I was sorry to you too, but in the end I want to thank you for being the adult of us. I guess in my "life" I was childish but you kept us out of trouble. I know things may be hard now and harder for every other sword but I'm sure as long as you're there, keep them with a level head and have high spirits. You're all going to go home.
 

To Tsurumaru Kuninaga.

Don't share your popcorn, someone has to cheer about dying people in my stead.
 

To My Comrades :).

This is for everyone else that I didn't get the chance to speak and grow familiar with. Ah, each and every one of you have the ability to make it through this. I am full of hope. I want to thank all of you for being there, to look out for one another. Please don't let your trust for one another falter.
 

( Flip to the back )

To Okita-kun.

I'm writing with the last faith I have.. It was a foolish mistake to be like you when in the end, I couldn't even tell that you were.. "Okita-kun". I have realized during my stay there that since humans and swords aren't able to get along, if I can't be used to protect than what am I? Again.. I guess being like you didn't help me in any way, shape or form. I'm sorry for trying to be like the person that I admire since in the end, through my death I understand we can only be master and sword. I was a sword to you and even then, I have failed you so I can't be anything. I'm sorry, I've became useless.

To Kashuu Kiyomitsu.

How are you? How are you doing? I wonder how lonely it is and I wonder why it is I, who caused that to you. It was never my intention Kiyomitsu, to leave you alone like that. I've always wondered what our last meeting would be like, and I didn't want it to be like that. I didn't want you to be upset with me, I don't want you to hate me but asking for that seems so selfish. I think about if my last words could have been different, should I have acted different so maybe that I would still be with you. It's because I did not take care of myself that I ended up this way, hurting you. My last note to you shouldn't be of sadness, should it? So I want you to remember that you should smile, not just any smile, the one that you had always shown me without a care in the world. I don't want you to become like me, Kiyomitsu, I don't want you to become as bitter as I have. The humans.. I said hurtful things, hadn't I? I want you to continue to protect them, even though my own heart hurts. In the end, it feels like you won't listen to me, you'll take things into your own hands because that's how you feel.

I want to reminiscence of the days that we were kids or talk about those stupid arguments that we would get into. Pulling at each other's cheeks and hair enough that we'd exert so much energy that not too long after, we'd fall asleep on the floor. Those were such simpler days, weren't they? I like to think that maybe you'll always remember the good days for me? If there's any anger or hatred within you, maybe you can think of me and I'll accept that. There's no reason to hate anyone but me, in the end, I was the liar.. the one who betrayed you. I couldn't even keep my promises to you. Maybe it's better this way, it's what I've realized. I'd say more but I'm running out of space.

I'm always there for you as long as you have my vessel. Thank you for putting up with me all this time.

P.S. Continue to brush your hair, it has to stay as beautiful as you.

From Yamatonokami Yasusada.

[jyoshu]

[The only thing on the paper is written in elegant calligraphy. Kasen can make fun of it if he wants, but there was an attempt, okay?]

The blossom cannot fall / if it never blooms, / the splendid colours / return with Spring

---

[Flipping the page over, his notes are written haphazardly, if neatly.]

Kiyomitsu-kun,
I'm sorry for what happened to Yasusada-kun because of me, I never imagined that what happened to me could cause something like that. But thank you and Kasen-san for looking after our vessels like you have. Be careful, and keep doing your best. I'm certain that things will turn out okay for you if you do.

Urashima-kun,
You'll be alright. Keep her safe. Look out for everyone ー they need you.

Hijikata-san,
[Eraser marks seem to have almost torn the bottom of the paper. Apparently, that didn't dissuade him; written neatly overtop:] A sword like me wasn't able to stay by your side after all, huh. Please look after my comrades in my stead. They're good swords, and I'm sure that you would appreciate them. In the end, I let you down, but you don't need me, so I'm sure that things will turn out for the best.

ーHorikawa Kunihiro

[ossifragant]

[In a slightly messy, old fashioned script:]

A recipe to create a person:

Water, 35 liters; carbon, 20 kilograms; ammonia, 4 liters; lime, 1.5 kilograms; phosphorous, 800 grams; salt, 250 grams; saltpeter, 100 grams; sulfur, 80 grams; fluorine, 7.5 grams; iron, 5 grams; silicon, 3 grams; and trace amounts of 15 other elements.

What are the ingredients of a soul?

[odagumi]

[ It's a mess of constantly scribbled out beginnings and endings to a letter but still legible for the most part with only one neatly written line just above a drawn picture. ]

I'm sorr

Thank you

Kashuu, I'm sorry about our promise
Kasen please make sure that
take care of Urashima,

Auger,

Tell Sayo and Kouset

二度焼けて、その度に再刃されて......でも次は無い。ああ......ようやく自由だ。

[unrecked]

[Written in surprisingly half-decent scrawl in the middle of the paper:]

Sometimes, dying is a lot easier than living.

[meatery]

[She already said most of her goodbyes at her execution... And she feels like most of them wouldn't want to hear anything from her again. Besides, she's certain she'll see them all in person later. What she'd really like to do is write to the other Generals, but there's no way to do that, is there?]

[... Her handwriting is pretty messy.]


★ ★ ★

I know you'll win! Keep going!!

★ ★ ★ ★
Gi-ne



[But then, a few minutes later, she goes back and turns the letter over. She gets to work drawing something else and it takes her quite a while but surely such artistic endeavors are worth it? Move over, Ivan. Underneath that masterpiece, she writes:]

You know who,
Take care of them and be careful! If you don't, I'll be really mad!

Gi-ne

[dolosa]

[ Her letter is written rather neatly, and contains only one phrase, in Japanese. ]

愛する人のため—... [ "For the one that I love..." That's it. That's the letter. ]

[photoshoot]

[ in a neat, girly handwriting. it reads more like a journal entry than it does a letter. there are some doodles all around the page in pen of random things: a spiraled vortex, a revolver, and a lollipop. there's also some very crude doodles that might look familiar. ]

Day 5
XXXXber XX, XXXX

I've been here for five days, but I haven't given up yet. The trial's gonna be later, and I'm not exactly ready, but I think I can do it. I'm done whining and the "woe is Max" shit. I can't vote for myself anymore. I have to think. I have to get home, and I know this is the only way.

Royce told me I should never apologize, and I think I'm gonna get that tattoo'd on my forehead when I make it home. Max's new credo.

I wonder if Royce would like InuYasha. Or if Gi-ne would be good at lacrosse. Or if Pearl would be a band nerd. I bet she'd play the flute or the cello or something elegant like that. They're both from different worlds, so I guess if I go home, I'll never see them, or anyone else here again.. it makes me kinda sad for some reason, given that any of them could be plotting my gritty murder at any moment.

But I'm glad I met some of the people here. I hope they're glad they met me, too. The scared, normal ass little punk who hides behind a lens.

I hope..

That they'll all be okay in the end.

I miss you, Chloe. I never got to say it, but I love you too. We are forever.

[ in the middle of the page is some washi tape which separates this from some more text, which is written in a different pen. this one's dark blue. ]

You guys can use my camera if you want. Hinata or Matt probably know how to use it. Also, Matt someone, if you could take Mary's letter from my bag and keep it safe, that'd be awesome. Thanks guys.

[bywolves]

[ In handwriting that's weirdly neat and small, just a bit scratchy: ]

To Gwen. I love you. I always will.

To Hadrian. You are the closest thing to a brother I have ever had. You just need to know that.

To Matt. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Tell the brat to never stop asking questions.

[adornmental]

[In very cutesy handwriting:]

Clarine,
Looks like I can't stick around to do your hair for you after all. Teach Urashima how to do it better so he can help you out, okay? And buy something extra cute for my sake when you get out of here. Keep your chin up - I meant what I said, you know!

Urashima,
I know you're carrying a ton of weight now but if anyone can make it through this okay, it's you. You still have a lot of promises to keep too, right? I'm sorry I broke ours, but I know you can do it without me. You're stronger than I gave you credit for, so I'm sorry about that too. Stay safe.

Kasen,
Thank you for being I'm sorry that I wasn't You're like a br
Please be okay.

[ghettobatman]

[there's some shitty blind handwriting here, but:]

Be strong.

-Matt.

[accomplices]

[In tidy, meticulous writing, aside from the one scribbled area:]

To Medusa-nim,

Though these words will never reach you, I lovyou have always meant more to me than you know. It's probably for the best that I never told you.


To the others,

Good luck and don't despair. I apologize that I could not be of more support.

— Orca

tfw everyone you'd write to is deda

[laundryjealousy]

[Honestly he really has nothing to write so he just folds it into a Pinwheel

If unfolded you can see some faint writing. Looks like someone tried their best to erase it all! However if one still tried to read it, what they'd get out of it is...]

"Hey! Even if this won't reach you I'm counting on you to take care of Kondo-san as my assistant alright?! If you don't do a good job I'll kill you! I don't care if Hijikata-san would be angry about it. I really will okay?"

[pearlturbed]

[ ah... this is difficult, but she can't not say anything. the letter is written in neat, elegant cursive: ]

I may have failed, and have done nothing to be proud of here, but I know the rest of you are capable of much more than I was in my state. Humans... are certainly stronger, than I'd originally thought.

[ and here, the writing gets shakier, though it steadies near the end. ]

To you, who's like me:
I'm sorry.

- Pearl

[urameshiya]

A girl was walking alone, on a dark and stormy night...she had gotten lost and she had no idea where she was. No matter which way she turned, she kept ending up on the same dusty road...

She heard a noise from behind her and stopped. She was so afraid to turn around...what could have snuck up behind her? She had heard no one approach, but the sound behind her was so close...she could feel something breathing against the back of her neck...

She was paralyzed with fear, but somehow she knew she had to turn around. If she didn't, she would surely be killed...so she whirled around to face her enemy...

It was me! I did it. I scared that lady so bad. She was just super lost so I swooped down to scare her and I was so full I didn't have to scare anyone for like, a month.

Ha ha ha, I spent a long time writing this story so I bet it's my scariest yet!
-Kogasa

[If you flip it over, there's another message on the back.]

Clarine, get Urashima under the umbrella with you! It's a sign that you're a couple! I'll be rooting for everyone, but especially for you two, if you know what I mean!!!!! ;-) (I am winking with my blue eye)

[There is a column of badly drawn hearts all the way down the rest of the page, accompanied by this fucking monstrosity.]

[reckless_but_loyal]

To Lady Clarine, daughter of House Reglay,

I owe you an apology. I swore I'd see you home safely, but it seems that was an empty promise. Don't worry, though. You're doing well, so I'm sure you'll make it without me. I know it's hard, but I also know you're doing your best for everyone, so don't give up.

~Lord Hector, Marquess Ostia