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

[snackoosniper]

[ ... She must be going crazy if she's actually starting to accept that Shijima just might be as old as her profile said... ]

Ever considered going into a coma? At the very least, it would be a nice, long nap.

[ Is she joking? Probably not. ]

[liven]

Unfortunately, I've got no choice in the matter.

[ A sigh. Shijima could actually prove she's a cat, too, since she can still shift...she's learned Tricks in her many replays of this game. ]

So do you think Jason is the gunsmith? [ An abrupt subject change, but. ] If Royce knows for sure that crazy sword got a gun, it's possible that guy is some manner of detective...he did, after all, kill a member of the opposition.

[ It's pointless speculation, but what else do they have to do? ]

[snackoosniper]

Jason? Would be really supply Crazy Sword?

[ Not that he was as crazy before today. At least, not on the surface. ]

I suppose it's possible, if a Fox was able to look into Crazy Sword early on and notify Jason, then check Orion afterward. And somewhere in there, Royce's investigator just happened to check on Crazy Sword as well. It's a tight series of coincidences, don't you think?

[ Some people really are that lucky, but best not lean on such an unscientific principle. ]

I'm more inclined to believe that a sword is the gunsmith.

[liven]

I find it hard to believe Royce would trust one of the swords.

[ so if someone he trusts told him...Jason had to find out somehow. Or Gi-ne... ]

I'm just trying to figure out who his "source" is, here. What do you think?

[snackoosniper]

[ She falls silent for a moment as she sweeps some shards of glass up. Who indeed would Royce trust...? ]

Jason might be the source, it's true. He's been quiet -- letting Royce speaking for him, maybe. But I could also see a number of people confiding in Royce because he's discreet. People listen to him.

[ For some... reason... Being a jerk is really captivating apparently?? ]

It could even be someone as good-willed as Max, who doesn't have a deceptive bone in her body. I know I'd be more inclined to believe her.

[liven]

Max could be a foxhound, you know.

[ Any of them could be...but she nods. ]

Whatever the case, hopefully Royce doesn't get offed by a majority sword vote.