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

[meatery]

Oh, I'm sure it's real. [Mostly. It's not something that really concerns her, but all saiyans treat it like something real.] Everyone's sure the prince will become one, but he's still just a child.

[ossifragant]

The prince, huh?

[That sounds about right, actually.]

Sounds like the kid might grow up to be one hell of a fighter.

[meatery]

He already is! My son Raditz is friends with him [Ah, a mother's eyes...] and he told me he's really strong. Apparently he's already surpassed the king, who I know is super powerful. So it's a pretty good bet.

[It'd be nice to think of Kakarrot or Raditz becoming that strong, but... Well, there's only so much low levels like them can do. Not that she'd be that surprised, because her babies are amazing.]

[ossifragant]

[He smiles.]

Maybe you'll be able to see your kid again.

[meatery]

[Hesitates, smile faltering for a moment.]

... Raditz doesn't need me. He's strong and- and he's already a warrior. [Gi-ne, he's nine.] He'd probably be really annoyed if I showed up.

[ossifragant]

[Maybe it's just the way Saiyans are, he doesn't know. But he does notice her smile falter.]

Did... did something happen?

[meatery]

Eh? [From the look on her face, this is just another weird thing about saiyans.] No, he just... grew up. He's nine now, old enough to be sent on missions off planet. He's actually on a mission with the prince right now!

So, you know... Doesn't really want his mother showing up and embarrassing him.

[ossifragant]

[Well, that makes him smile.

It's better than assuming something bad happened. Greed's effectively immortal, and he didn't exactly have a childhood; he can't exactly relate.]

Ah, he's growing up. Kids do grow up fast.

[meatery]

[This is one of the many stupid reasons why so few saiyans live to adulthood.]

Yeah... [Hugs her chest.] Seems like just yesterday he was running to me crying because one of the girls broke his arm while they were playing, you know? Now he's off planet, protecting the prince and killing aliens like he's all grown up!

[ossifragant]

[You know, by "missions", he had been thinking...

He doesn't know. Greed doesn't exactly have a normal person's understanding of what childhood is supposed to be like.

BUT THEN SHE GOES AND SAYS SOMETHING HE CAN'T IGNORE]

Killing aliens?

[Isn't he nine....]

[meatery]

[Stop. Freeze.]

Ah- [Right, she was trying to keep that on the down low... Awkward laughter.] Haha, did I say that? I meant... Billing... avians! Like ducks!

[What.]

[ossifragant]

[............]

Er. Why are you sending children to fight?

[meatery]

[Look, she forgot she was talking to an alien okay. One who she killed.]

Eh? Well, they need to do something... [Though watching Raditz leave was honestly the saddest day of her life up until she had to send Kakarrot away. But that's her problem.] Everyone who can fight does, pretty much. I used to as well, I just wasn't very good at it.

[ossifragant]

It's just what your race does, huh?

[He doesn't sound judgmental.]

He just... seems a little young, that's all.

[meatery]

Yeah... He is.

[She is worried about him. Going on purges is a lot harder than the saiyan kids think and it does have an effect on people- she's worried what kind of mental shape Raditz will be in when she sees him next.]

But all saiyans want to fight and... Well, he wanted to go. It was difficult enough to get him to stay on planet as long as he did, some people send their children away when they're still babies.

[ossifragant]

[He looks like he doesn't understand.]

Even for a warrior race, I can't imagine babies are much help when it comes to fighting.

[....]

I'm sure your kid is fine, though. He sounds like he's made of strong stuff.

[meatery]

Being an infiltration baby is... Really dangerous.

[Frowns and looks down at the ground.]

That's why I want to go to Earth and find Kakarrot. Raditz is strong enough to take care of himself.

[ossifragant]

To find your son?

[He believes her, more or less, about her other son being find.]

If the remaining Generals win, I'm sure it'll be possible.