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

[photoshoot]

Still think I'm smart? [ she chuckles weakly. ]

None of that matters anymore. This is my only chance. I know it's not going to be a fun trip to Disneyworld, but — [ oh god tears are welling up again ] Royce, please. I know you don't want this for you, either. Let me help you. It'll be one of the only times I've ever been able to really help.

[bywolves]

[ Yeah, but the difference is Royce deserves this. This was his decision. ] I don't need your help. This was a decision I made and I will take responsibility for it. I don't need your pity and you don't need to look for every opportunity to jump on a sword for a world who does not care who you are or what you've done to save it. You are throwing your life away for absolutely no reason.

[photoshoot]

It's not — [ well, maybe there's some pity. but she feels so small, and weak. ] .. My help really does just screw things up more.

[ she looks at Royce from the corner of her eye with something that isn't exactly a smile, but is a rueful, crooked face. ]

[bywolves]

Shut up. [ He doesn't want to hear that, either!! ] I won't have you pitying yourself, either. It doesn't help either of us.

Listen to Red. [ As angry as he is right now at the guy, Jason's better at this. ] Don't take wild risks like that. You can't rewind time, here.

[photoshoot]

[ Max winces. she doesn't like it when Royce yells at her!! but she doesn't speak for a few moments, ruminating on what her 'friends' told her. ]

.. I guess you're right. I'd gotten so used to being able to weigh out the consequences of — well, anything. But I can't so that here. I'm really locked in. [ a pause. ] I won't do it.

[bywolves]

[ He'd be sorry, but it worked, so he's not. Royce actually looks relieved. ] Good. [ And he reaches over to ruffle her hair into her face. ] I told you that you're smarter than that. You proved me right.

[unrecked]

It's done. [To Max, of course, even if Royce fumes and throws a tantrum nearby.] I've already made the deal, so you don't have to take it. Just wait until the Generals win, then go back home and do what you're supposed to do.

Max. [To get her to look at him.] You'll help more if you go back. Down the road, your friends might need your help again. [It's okay if he doesn't go back. There's more bats and birds. Losing someone like him won't be a big deal.]

[photoshoot]

.. What if she goes back on the deal because I decided not to? She said she wanted something more, right?

[ she can't just screw over Royce after all that. ]

[unrecked]

Possible, but I doubt it. [At least for the going back on it part. Now bringing people he cares about in, though...]

This is a trade, not a double win. Don't give her that, all right?

[photoshoot]

[ she looks away. ] Does this mean I beat the devil at her own game, or I'm just dumb to the Nth degree?

[unrecked]

[He slides his hand over Max's shoulders, giving her a small jostle.] It means you're gonna go back home and help your friends.

It means you get that chance.