week 3; monday ( akechi )

[axilium]

[yo, akechi.]

We need to talk. [a beat.] Don't worry—I'm not breaking up with you.

Comments

[doublecrows]

. . . I see.

I believe it's the nature of my role versus yours at play, actually. There's no limit on the questions I can ask, although some of them don't receive answers yet.

[. . .]

Every Historian was a participant in a killing game run by the Crafters approximately one year ago. It's the one referenced in the book in the library, with Beauty and the Beast.

[axilium]

If that's the case, then booooo. On the other hand, she didn't really do it until I complained that too many of my questions weren't receiving answers, so it might've been her attempt to circumvent whatever forbids her from elaborating too much.

[anyway.]

... Huh. So, you've done this whole song and dance before?

[doublecrows]

Supposedly. None of us remember anything about the prior game, though. Our memories were tampered with upon our arrival.

Although. . . today, during our meeting with the Crafters, was the first day we recalled something from the last game. I would hypothesize that's because we finally found each other last week.

I'd also hypothesize our reunion is what caused the Crafters to announce our existence to the group as a whole.

[axilium]

Ah, I was wondering about that.

I don't suppose you could say what you recalled...?

[doublecrows]

[. . .]

We were sent on a journey into a cave, to retrieve a lamp. We had precise instructions not to touch anything else. We obliged, despite temptation, making our way to the lamp room easily.

And then suddenly, we could see visions of Tiger-san in her throne room, with a dagger in her heart. Then we were back in the cave, which began to crumble around us. We rushed to escape, and then there was a voice. . .

"This battle is forfeit. Begone, Beauty. Begone, Beast." It wasn't a command directed at any of us, but presumably at whomever stabbed Tiger-san.

The exit to the cave was sealed off, and we could feel our partnerships being severed. Instinctively, we knew everyone was gone, and the game was over.

And yet, there we were. Still trapped.

[axilium]

[...]

That's, uh, wow.

... At least now I can see why the wishing well stabbed me in the heart when I asked for info.

[doublecrows]

[oh my god. yeah, that'll do it]

What information did you ask for?

[axilium]

Nothing specific. It was only the second week, after all—I didn't know yet what direction I should be going in, so I would've taken anything.

When I complained that I had no idea how to interpret getting stabbed, though, Dragon said it actually told me a lot.

[doublecrows]

. . . I feel like the Crafters could have gotten their point across without stabbing you, but they are the whimsical sort.

[axilium]

Apparently, the well just has a mind of its own. Tiger did advise me to flatter it before making a wish, though. Apparently, it's feeling unappreciated...?

[doublecrows]

[soooo sarcastically]

I can't imagine why.

[axilium]

Heh.

Well, flattering does seem to work. As a Historian, I'm sure you'll maybe be glad to know I did achieve my objective.

[doublecrows]

Is that so? And what was your objective? And your title, for that matter?

There's no point in hiding it from me now.

[axilium]

Weren't you the one who said that if you want an answer to a question, it's far more polite to give one yourself first?

[doublecrows]

[. . . . :T fine]

The Swan Princess. Incidentally, I also completed my objective-- receive a heartfelt confession from someone else.

[was it Akeichi?? Belph will never know]

If you completed your first one, then you received a second objective, correct?

[axilium]

[WHAT THE FUCK GIVE HIM THE DEETS]

White Rabbit. [he smiles dryly.] My objective was to delay a trial.

[...]

Yeah, but you're not getting that one just yet, detective.

[doublecrows]

[8)]

. . . I can't help you complete it if I don't know what it is.

[:/]

[axilium]

Let me ponder over it for a bit longer and I'll maybe get back to you later.

[doublecrows]

Ah, yes. I see your trust only goes so far.

But it's as you wish. My job is to ensure as many objectives are completed as possible. Should you know anyone else who needs help, don't hesitate to let me know.

[axilium]

Sure, but people don't usually go around confessing their objectives to me.

[doublecrows]

Me neither, despite my role. I can't imagine why.

[IT'S 'CAUSE HE KILLED SOMEONE]

[axilium]

Maaaaybe because of the whole—

[mimics throat slashing.]

[doublecrows]

I was being purposefully flippant.

[HE KNOWS]

[axilium]

It's really hard to tell with you sometimes.