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

[inspiritus]

[ He actually liked Matt well enough, so seeing people getting aggressive over this reminds him of the situation he himself was in too long ago. ]

When it comes down to it, their own feelings and ties are more important than logic and the closest answer they could actually have.

[snackoosniper]

I'll say.

[ She grumpily folds her arms and throws her back to the couch. ]

It's infuriating. This is the closest thing they have to evidence and establishing a reliable source of information, and they'd rather throw suspicion on the messenger. The accused is hardly even defending herself!

[inspiritus]

[ Too many similarities. He's getting bothered, but he tells himself it isn't worth it, and it's best to just coolly observe their mistakes. So he simply crosses his arms. ]

A bit ironic as well, since they were more willing to discuss other topics not truly conductive much to the investigation. Hopefully, this will be the second time they're proven wrong, and this Zaroff taken care of.

[snackoosniper]

[ She huffs and falls silent, seeming to calm for a moment, though her posture is still tense. When she speaks again, her voice is lowered but sullen. ]

Hopefully. They certainly can't ignore such a dangerous role. I don't believe it's fabricated to cause chaos, either. It's too... specific. Too out of left field.

[ She waves a hand dismissively, almost contemptuously. ]

But if they can keep up all this faulty reasoning, maybe the General and his hounds will have a chance at winning.

[inspiritus]

[ Hearing the change in her voice, he looks more or less over at her for a moment (and perhaps to spare himself the chaos). She has a good point.

Either way... the role would be taken care of, right? ]

Given the majority of this crowd's inability to operate with proper logic in mind, I wouldn't be surprised if we found ourselves soon rejoining the land of the living. Although I also hope that would entail us being taken back to our own homes.

[snackoosniper]

Therein lies the rub, as they say.

[ She rubs her temple. Nothing about this place likes to make anything easy. She wouldn't be surprised if they all came back to life only to find themselves on the moon, re-dying of exposure in 15 seconds. Well. Falling unconscious in 15 seconds and dying minutes later, scientifically speaking.

She should at least feel a little happy that they might have a shot at coming back to life at all, but... ]

I guess I'm having a hard time rooting for the other team. [ The General, that is. ]

[inspiritus]

[ He'd never thought he'd emphasize with the children who went 'Can I go home now?' because that is what is happening. Also, at this point, if they came back alive and were forced into another unfortunate situation, that is where not even military training would be able to stop the rampage. But, hopefully he can try to look on the bright side while acknowledging other possibilities are present... ]

It's only natural. They did go to town on you later on after brutally killing you, and we are on the side of the non-killers.

... Even I found myself disappointed at the foolishness, despite knowing it could benefit us.

[snackoosniper]

... Right.

[ She doesn't like feeling so helpless. Even if her forensic kit probably wouldn't have helped very much, at least she could be there arguing with them, helping them find logic... but no. It's better that she isn't. It's better if the General wins. It's better if the General wins... ]

That little cat girl has a good chunk of friends, too. I'm certain that's why so many of them want to turn a blind eye. The General and his friends had better take note if they hope to survive for long.

[inspiritus]

[ Yes, it's best if the General wins... and makes a blood bath out of the rest of the living so they can all come back alive. ]

Take note and also score a lucky guess in their kill tonight, since there appears to be a trustworthy source they cannot shake.

[ Ok that sounds cold, but it's him we're talking about here. ]

[snackoosniper]

[ It is pretty cold, but if you can accept that you're already twice dead, death isn't such a scary topic anymore. ]

I wonder who the Fox is? Someone who can recognize Matt's capability, has a sense of responsibility strong enough to be in favor of stepping forward with their role, and was attentive enough to notice the little cat girl's suspicious behavior.

[ She taps her lip with a finger thoughtfully. ]

Gi-ne, perhaps?

[inspiritus]

[ That is certainly true. ]

Her hesitance at the very beginning has me doubting it, however, and I doubt she is the kind of person who can act that well. Although, I could be wrong...

... My thoughts are on Hinata. He knew Shijima but he accepted it and even pushed for them going with her vote like a few others, but people may have seemed to overlook him. And it is always who we least expect.

[snackoosniper]

Fair point. And there are a couple others who seem to have a good head on their shoulders, too...

[ Really, she doesn't envy the General's position. He has his work cut out for him. ]

... And what about that Zaroff arrangement? Ivan said that the Zaroff played the game multiple times. Knowing what we know, how is that possible?

[inspiritus]

True. Perhaps a little more than what I had originally gave them credit for.

[ But how long will that last? ]

... As for that, I believe it might have to do with how we're judged here due to our actions within this 'game'. What our fate is given after we "die" in these games. Those said to go to Heaven, or those who are judged forced to replay once more, depending on whichever other options may exist. It is the only thing I can think of now, for any rate.