Round 4 graveyard

[foundationmods]

[When your character dies, however that may be, they will feel themselves floating. For a moment or two they will linger at the site of their death, hovering just above everyone, watching.

Then they will feel a pull and they will get tugged all the way to the studio, through a wall, through the hall, through a door.

The place they end up in looks to be a backstage area. There is an area for storing supplies, a coat rack full of empty prinny costumes, a lounge area, and a place to rest. All of these areas are marked by a green border between the described rooms and the doors that go elsewhere. You will see prinnies come and go, hurrying around as they do their work for the day. But within those borders, some of the prinnies will take off their suits, revealing the human souls within. Men, women, old, young, there is a large mix. They are all very dead, though, and seem used to being dead.

And among all of the dead is one living girl, one who seems to be running the show behind the set. She can be found giving instructions to prinnies and telling them where to put things, but she will always take time to give everyone who arrives the same warning:]

Hi there! I'm Marona, and this is the backstage area. There's a lot to do yet, so if you could help us out I would really appreciate it.

All the areas with the green on the floor are safe to be in as ghosts. Your souls won't get pulled away as long as you stay in the safe areas. If you want to go outside of there, though, you have to put on a prinny suit. And if you do that, you have to follow the rules of the prinnies: no killing anyone, follow the orders you're given by the living, and try not to blow up too much.

If you have any questions, I'll be here! But you can come and go as you like. Just don't give Mr. Dazai too much trouble, okay?

Comments

[merirut]

[There's something searching in his eyes as he looks back at Alcor, gaze lingering for longer than he may normally have done in any other circumstance. But after that moment, there's a curt nod as he turns to take a seat, letting his legs dangle over the edge of the hole.]

Compared to the other kinds around here, this one has more fruit-like notes to accompany it. Perhaps that was why... but I'm glad you liked it. It was the closest thing I could find in this world that resembled the kind I had two thousand years ago.

[visionem]

[ This is nice, some part of him whispers. It's only been a week but it feels particularly long when he's dealt with new and old feelings that have weighed him down, along with countless questions and explanations. Sometimes he's bad at explaining himself and other times he's enigmatic by nature, but it is a relief to be talking with the one other individual who he resonates with on various levels despite their contrast in others. And who understands exactly why he acted as he did that night. His posture relaxes a bit, more lazy than anything else. ]

I had thought I detected a distinct hint of sweetness, but I did not wish to analyze it on a molecular level in this house. Normally I would be able to put it back together with ease. [ He didn't want to ruin it goes unsaid. ]

Oh? I had assumed it was your favorite, but is it more than that?

[merirut]

[He may have understood his reasoning for that night, but it feels like he's in the dark for this one, and that irks him on some level because it was only a week ago that he said that he wanted Alcor to live. But being so clumsy as he is when it comes to anything remotely resembling feelings, he doesn't know how to bring it up aside from being his usual blunt self, which is why there's this weird roundabout conversation about coffee. Because talking about coffee is easy, as is firing off his own opinions of it because it's one of the few things he's had for a long time.]

Brewing coffee may be akin to a science, but analyzing it to the point where you can determine its individual components would be nonsense anyway.

[But when it comes to the matter of anything more personal, he hesitates. He doesn't care much for answering questions about himself a lot of the time, but considering he shared those beans with him... maybe a little bit is fine.]

Hmph... it's nothing more than trite sentimentality. It just reminds me of the first time I partook in a cup of coffee, that's all.

[visionem]

[ Everyone is, but Alcor minds neither the bluntness nor the roundabout conversation. They're both welcome in different ways. ]

For most perhaps, but most of my abilities—cooking included, originate from manipulation at the sub atomic level. [ This is probably the simplest answer anyone's ever gotten from him for all the wacky stuff he does. Moving on though because coffee is truly the way to express things at the moment. ]

A while ago, I could not say I understood sentimentality or nostalgia. But I think I understand these concepts now, at least partially. I feel similarly with green tea, even if it has not been that long since I first shared it with someone. [ He caught that hesitation instinctively because it's so familiar (for multiple reasons now), and it's what spurs him to say something he's not sure he would have said otherwise. ]

...I think I feel the same way with coffee now as well.

[merirut]

[Changing things at a fundamental level he kind of gets, even if it's not something he's seen done in the way Alcor manages it. But he does quirk an eyebrow at that, with the insinuation of 'can't you do it the normal way' hidden in there somewhere.

That expression quickly evaporates though, because he's not really sure how to take this whole revelation about how coffee nostalgia. He's hesitant to attribute any of it to himself because in the scheme of things, they haven't known each other long, but it's equally true that they've shared at least some parts of themselves with each other despite the short timeframe.

So with that in mind, he speaks quietly, his words laced with uncertainty.]

Is that so... [...] Come to think of it, we haven't yet had the time to have that tea ceremony you talked about, either. Perhaps it's something to consider while we're here.

[visionem]

[ Alcor's response to the quirk is his usual upturn of lips and a bat of eyelashes. There are times like this where he knows he's strange, weird, and ridiculous, but this is just how he is.

Perhaps equally expected is the way he blinks at the suggestion and then lets out a small satisfied hum. It's been a bit (since their trial actually) that someone has asked something of him that is entirely pleasant without a hint of bitterness. ]

I would like that, Sandalphon. Even if the scenery will be far from ideal, the company will make up for it. Ah, but we will need to procure the matcha first. I never received any from the house and I did not think to ask.

[ Speaking of inventory he has something to return, but that can wait a moment. ]

[merirut]

[And in turn, it's been a while since anyone referred to him as anything remotely resembling good company; even while with the Singularity's crew, he was known for being caustic and aloof, despite their attempts at getting him to open up and relax. It didn't bother him in the least, but even he's certain they wouldn't consider his company enjoyable.

So it's a little surreal to have that happen here while they're dead, of all things. Adding to that is the potential crisis looming over the horizon, and their own roles in the events to come. All of that still matters to him and there's a part of him that's kicking himself for suggesting some sort of leisurely tea ceremony during this time, but. He's also clumsy when it comes to sorting out the way he feels about certain things, and this would make a better pretense than anything else.]

It might be worth seeing if the house will respond to our summons even now. If not, then there's always convincing one of the others to request some on our behalf.

[even though the both of them are pretty much at a 0% approval rating right now but eh.]

[visionem]

[ Alcor is just strange and therefore his taste is strange. But it helps that he goes into any interaction expecting nothing, so there's very little for him to be insulted by if anything. He also hasn't really sorted out this dead thing either, it's all still too new and therefore exciting, so he doesn't think anything of the oddly timed social invitation. ]

Yes, we should try. I think either the backyard or the confession room may be our best chance of communicating with the house, but the former is less discrete and it may not take kindly to me requesting something of it there again. Nora and I asked for a shark, and it produced a whale shark in its stead.

...and for the time being, it is also probably best we make this request ourselves. I believe most of the house is more upset with me than they were previously.

[ At least he realizes it tho? But Alcor does not seem to care. ]

[merirut]

[There's a blank stare at the mention of a shark because wtf is that... thanks gbf canon.]

A shark? What is that?

[But his face flattens out into a dissatisfied expression at the mention of the confession room. He sure remembers the last time he made a request there, and he definitely didn't want to be reminded of it again.]

I have no objections about doing it ourselves, but I have my doubts about using the confession room...

[visionem]

A large carnivorous fish with many teeth. There are many human movies about the threat they are to swimmers, particularly those who utilize flotation devices.

[ Alcor has seen jaws. Hm, Sandy does have a point though, and he leans forward a bit as he thinks. ]

Perhaps with the two of us, there will be more chance of success? I am amenable to making the request in a different location, but I am concerned in regards to privacy. I do not think prinnies normally drink tea, they seem to prefer brightly colored beverages with electrolytes.

[merirut]

[Someone needs to introduce Sandalphon to more movies and the like because he sure as hell doesn't get the appeal??]

A legitimate concern when you're mortal, but I don't understand why a movie would be needed to warn swimmers when signs and announcements would be just as sufficient.

[He doesn't look that convinced about this argument (or maybe he just doesn't want to embarrass himself again for no reason), but the fact that it's Alcor saying it versus someone else means he will give it a bit of leeway. But just a little.]

I'll acknowledge that it would appear suspicious. But if it's a matter of privacy, then the confession room won't be of any help if our actions will be broadcasted by the camera.

[visionem]

[ Alcor can try! He doesn't really view them as entertainment in the proper sense either but maybe with their powers combined they can understand the appeal behind movies. Or something. ]

I believe it may be because movies are a social activity, given mankind's propensity to prefer packs and groups even in this age. A movie allows them to get receive the warning in a group setting, whereas signs and announcements are more solitary in nature. It also allows for more freedom of expression and creativity as well.

[ Why is this what they're talking about. Surely the confession room is a much better use of their time! ]

That is true. But the confession room is made for broadcasts, confessions and rhetorical questions is it not? As opposed to making such a request on the roof which would be suspicious in numerous ways rather than just one.

[merirut]

[Yes!! Because there's nothing they can't do when they work to-- yeah no they're fucked. Or will be stuck overanalyzing the nuances of summer thrillers involving sharks at the very least.]

I still stand by it being an ineffective method. Sitting through tedious dialogue only to arrive at the main point hours later is the definition of inefficient, even if they find it enjoyable.

[Spoken like he doesn't realize how off the rails this conversation went. What did he even approach Alcor for anyways? Who knows. Maybe it was always supposed to be about matcha and confession rooms all along.]

So viewers will be less likely to think upon it seriously... is that it? [It's so crazy it might just work?! Except for the fact that they still might not get matcha despite risking their dignity. He does put a hand to his chin at the thought.]

[visionem]

[ If they start with Sharknado will they just quit halfway through. ]

A lot of what humanity does is inefficient. Despite this, they are remarkably efficient at continuing to survive despite the limitations they put on themselves. I wonder if we would understand it more if we were to watch one of these movies ourselves.

[ Half curiosity, half he's not really here for cleaning rubble (even if its all his fault). He's more interested in figuring out how to cut off the internet and climb up ladders rather than busywork or feelings bc those are hard.]

Yes. "Hiding in plain sight" is the term for it, I believe. [ Smiling reassuringly, this is a fool proof plan! ]

[merirut]

[Honestly, Sandalphon might just try to finish it out of spite so he can criticize it because aquatic animals?? Attacking people in the midst of a storm??? Plz.

and then he'll die when something similar happens to him back home]

...Well, it's true that they're tenacious despite their frailty. And although they can be reckless beyond belief, they seem to be skilled at finding methods to overcome their challenges, however difficult they may be. [Hm...] There may be some merit in your suggestion.

[Surely nothing could go wrong when Alcor smiles like that! He does sigh though, because it still seems silly to him??]

As long as we don't have to do anything too ridiculous, I'll accede to your plan. This had better be worth the effort, though.

[visionem]

It would me more enjoyable than spending the entire day doing menial tasks as well. [ Why bother to work to pay off your soul debt when it's easier to just fall into bankruptcy anyway. ]

I will do my best to ensure we won't have to, I promise Sandalphon. And I am sure it will be a memorable occasion.

[ And then he explodes when safety cone prinny catches them mid confessional. ]