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]

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. ]