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

[loosetongue]

[There's watching the whole progress of the Hunt from the room set up like a lounge, and there's--not really watching it, because people screaming at each other about who to kill can only be interesting for so long.

Alois does tune in for the execution, though, and so not long after he's aware of Sephiroth appearing in their little dead people den, he turns to lean over the back of his claimed lounge couch and wave him down.

yes. come here. come here and talk to first blood.]

[inspiritus]

[ Sure, why not? He nears Alois soon enough, his expression composed as always. ]

... Alois, correct? It's unfortunate we did not have a chance to speak now, but I suppose we do now.

[loosetongue]

[Everyone knows who he is...! That's so nice, even if it's for all the wrong reasons.]

That's right! What did you do out there? It looked like a complete mess.

[inspiritus]

[ Oh, Alois... ]

I threw out a name to see if it would get them thinking on doing something else other than abstaining or truly deciding at random near the last minute. And at an attempt to gauge reactions, see if there was anything I could glean from that.

However, most of them simply became enraged at me naming Souza and turned it around on myself.

[ Meh, he tried. ]

[loosetongue]

[Alois raises an eyebrow - less because of the idea and more because he has... no idea who Souza is.]

Who is he, the most popular idiot on murder island? You really got them to kill you over a suggestion?

[A beat. hmm....] I can't say I'm surprised!

[inspiritus]

I suppose it was less that he was popular and more that he had many friends than I presumed.

[ He doesn't respond nor react to that last rude comment, because he can't say he's surprised either, after finding that out. ]

[loosetongue]

That's what popular means. [waving a hand, never mind!] Ah--wait.

You mean to say there's a whole group of people out there who are all friends, and no one thinks that's suspicious? Imbeciles!

[inspiritus]

[ That gets a dark laugh out of him. ]

Yes, hardly anyone thought or seems to think that is odd. I am also sure someone must have felt threatened someone they did not know very well was taking central stage.

[ He believes three or so people might now. Might. ]

However, if what that woman said is correct, then we come back to life if those killing everyone are victorious.

[loosetongue]

So we should hold out hope that they're a gang of killers who can pick off the rest as quick as possible. [He hums mirthlessly, like he doesn't believe it's going to happen. What are the chances they get out of here alive, properly alive?]

I don't like that woman. I wish they'd hurry up, either way.

[inspiritus]

[ Actually he thinks that it might happen, if they keep having Rei and Hinata lead them-- and it's not because he's being optimistic. ]

Ivan was more kind, yes.

[ He wishes it could be quicker, but... ]

... It appears we also have a long few weeks ahead of us. Perhaps we could use that to figure out more in accordance of our situation.

[loosetongue]

[Ah. Work.]

How are we supposed to do that? We're dead--we're incredibly dead.

[inspiritus]

[ Si, work. Although, mostly easier than the work when alive, for sure... ]

It could involve a waiting game of some sort, but when others arrive, they will ask her some questions, and if she gives answers, we could discuss what we have learned.

Or if something happens when we're here that would allow us to undercover any new information.

[loosetongue]

Hmm. [He slumps a little where he sits, which paints a good enough picture of how into even that much work he is... but!]

Do you suppose we can haunt them? Leave mysterious messages, shake the curtains, wail a bit? I've already used up my letter.

[inspiritus]

[ ... Alois, bad. ]

I have already written my own. So those are out of the question.

You can do your fair share of wailing, and shaking the curtains is debatable. But, all in all, one of us would have to attempt to see if we can 'haunt' them successful. So a trial and error.

But, I doubt it.

[ And not something he wants to spend his time doing. ]