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

[foxhounds]

[ She laughs, but nods towards the game room. ]

Sure, Birdie. Behind the bar, top left drawer.

[unrecked]

[Jason's lips quirk, and he turns, but then stops. A glance back over his shoulder.] Am I going to go to Hell if I smoke? [A pause.]

Actually, I guess I should ask: Am I going to Hell if I promise to stop smoking before you tell me I'm going to Hell?

[foxhounds]

You can smoke as much as you want. Technically nothing you do here matters, but I don't advise making a mess.

the real twist: ivan is actually behind everything

[unrecked]

I'll be sure to smoke like a freight train then. One free pass before things either go to shit or get better.

Hey. [Surprisingly, he doesn't look back.] Are you the Judge?

:)

[foxhounds]

[ She nods ]

I thought that was fairly obvious. But yes. The puppet is bad at keeping secrets, but it doesn't matter much.

[unrecked]

I gotta confess a sin. [He turns back around.] I told someone about you. I'm sure you know. But nah, I don't think it matters much. They probably won't figure it out, the idiots.

So: judge away, Judge. I should probably figure out how hard I need to smoke before I go digging for the cigarettes.

[foxhounds]

Trust me, I know. I know everything that happens on this island. [ She shrugs, clearly unbothered, then adds with a smile: ] I'm sure Royce didn't tell you about our deal, for example.

[ or if he did and I just missed it then idk she fell asleep, BUT ]

Anyways, lucky you. [ She speaks in a very automatic way, as if she's done this countless times before. ] Since you arrived here, it wasn't clear where you should fall. Jason Todd, the judgement of the Hunt has decreed that you shall pass on to Heaven.

[unrecked]

[Jason laughs, short but hard. It could be because of Royce making a deal with the Judge, what that could mean, and it could be that he got news he's going to a place he didn't think he would.]

What do you know. Heaven. [Would Bruce be proud of that? Would he want Bruce to be proud of it? He can't tell.] What's the criteria?

What makes a person go to Heaven or Hell?

wtf you can't hurt me with batfam feelings out of the blue

[foxhounds]

[ She smiles, then brings her finger to her lips. ]

It's a secret.

HAHA poor jay tried to be a good boy voting only for himself are you proud dad

[unrecked]

Tch. [But he grins.] That's rude.

Guess I can't complain. [A pause. If he had known, would he have killed people, too? To save them? Maybe. He kills the bad people to save the good people back home. It's the same thing, right? Killing to save. Does that make it right?

Would Bruce be proud of that, if it had happened? Probably not. It's better, he thinks, that he was a Fox.] Thanks.

UGHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhh

[foxhounds]

[ She shrugs, but actually, Jason has gotten the friendliest reception from the Judge so far. ]

You're welcome. Go enjoy yourself, Birdie. We've only got two days or so left.

[unrecked]

[Good. He's too cute to be mean to.] I think I'll do that.

[He bobs his head in a nod, chin-first, then turns to track down those cigarettes.]

[unrecked]

I'm back. [And he's laughing. A little.]

Is there a way to get any fish? You know, like maybe a couple of little guppies or something. Treats. For the cat lady. Friskies? Anything fishy.

[foxhounds]

I think she would be a little pissed if you gave her Friskies. But that's also what I'm inclined to offer.

[unrecked]

Yeah, you're probably right. Can't say I didn't try, though. I'm dead, not God. If we had a fish tree, I'd pick her some, but we don't.

Couldn't hurt to ask. I'll take the Friskies. Might can butter her up.

[foxhounds]

[ She laughs, though it's short and harsh, she does at least seem genuinely amused. ]

Fine, I'll do you better. Smoked salmon's waiting for you in the fridge.

[ Which usually only has booze in it, but apparently the Judge likes Jason... ]

[unrecked]

Holy shit. Maybe I should learn to turn into a cat. [The grin turns into a laugh, surprised.] You're a magical woman.

I owe you one. [Make him do something nice. You know, like probably leave you alone...] I'll make sure Miss Kitty eats all of it.

Thanks--again.

waits for judge greatly disapproves to pop up from the pestering

[unrecked]

Royce's body? Is it going to stay here until one of us moves it?

it's okay she's not solas

[foxhounds]

[ The Judge just looks at her hands, like she's considering getting a manicure more than considering his question. ]

Well, that would save me some trouble. I'll move it before he gets here, don't worry.

[unrecked]

I'm moving him now. [Not a question.] He's not an art piece on display.

Where? [He doubts he can ask Scotty to beam him up so he can bury the guy.]

[foxhounds]

[ She motions towards the coffins, since there are six new ones, though they're all empty at the moment. ]

Pick whichever one you want.

[unrecked]

[For a moment, he stares at them; six new ones. He stares in silence. Coffins put a bad taste in his mouth. He looks back at the woman.]

What number was he to die?

[foxhounds]

[ She looks up towards him finally, then smiles. ]

Last night, you mean? He was the second to go. Someone was busy last night.

[unrecked]

[Jason returns the smile with a tight frown. Without answering, he departs to collect Royce's body and put it away in the second coffin.]

don't act like you're surprised

[unrecked]

Let Royce out of the deal.