AUDIENCE: ELSA

[retellers]

Comments

[retellers]

Emotions, usually. So the theory is that people are getting murdered to draw nova from the strong emotions for that.

[ they make a gagging motion. ]

I don't think that's right. Just you guys being here, being yourselves, is enough to draw nova in. And yeah, killing apparently does get nova, but you also get it from doing other, non-murdery shit too. I don't think killing people would get nova any faster than not, so it's not worth it.

[showyourself]

Okay. [she hums again, thoughtfully.] We're the sponge. We soak up the plant's spilled water—the nova—and give it back to the Realm.

[...]

Are we losing nova, somehow? In any way? Do we--do you know what made it scatter in the first place?

[retellers]

Apparently it's some creature that's taking it. Like a monster? We don't know what it looks like, just that it's some kind of life form.

As for losing... you guys are losing memories, but the six of us are shielding you and this place from losing things a lot faster. It's why we traded our memories in the first place--we gave the Realm them so that it could power us up more. So as long as that holds up, we shouldn't lose anything more than what's already happening.

[showyourself]

[she's nodding again.] That makes sense. The monster... it's... it's a parasite. Like mistletoe.

Does the monster have any thoughts? Or is it similarly... uncaring?

If we can find it... remove it... that's our solution.

[none murder necessary!!]

[retellers]

We don't know if it has thoughts, but... I think we should just assume it's possible it does have some, and it knows exactly what it's doing, or that it's just a creature that might be doing this for some other reason.

[ they nod. ]

We have no idea where it is at the moment. But if we find that out...

[showyourself]

Right. But we have to find it, first.

[she's pacing.]

If it's taking the nova, then we... can't we track the nova? We can follow where it goes.

I want to find it. I don't know what I'll be able to do, then, but... [she looks at Tiger.] What do you think? Where do we start?

[retellers]

[ they don't respond right away, and instead just look at her. ]

You're pretty smart.

[showyourself]

Huh?

[she stops, mid-pace, and blinks.]

I... thank you?

[???]

[retellers]

No, you understood a lot more than like... almost everyone else here?

[showyourself]

...Well, if that's the case... Then I can tell everyone about it.

[...]

Is that allowed? There's a lot of rules.

[retellers]

As long as you're not being obvious about which Leader you spoke to, yeah, I think it should be fine.

[showyourself]

Okay. Then, the next time everyone is gathered in one place, I'll tell them. I think... it's important that everyone knows. Not just a few people.

It could mean that we all finally focus on what really matters. [instead? of?? MURDER???]

[retellers]

[ they nod. ]

Yeah. I'm sure there's people who haven't bothered to ask us anything, so that'll work.

[showyourself]

[hmm. moody people, she assumes.]

Thank you, Tiger.

I'm not certain if we should be doing well in the ranks, or not, but... I'm glad I'm on your team.

[retellers]

[ there's a beat. ]

You are?

[showyourself]

Yes. Of course.

Why wouldn't I be?

[retellers]

Have you spoken to the other Leaders...?

[showyourself]

I have. Or, rather, I'm getting around to it.

Are you comparing yourself to them?

[retellers]

It's less that, and more that I know what people are drawn to.

[showyourself]

Well... maybe my type is you?

[retellers]

[ they... start laughing. ]

[showyourself]

[hey???]

Oh, come on!

[retellers]

What sort of pickup line is that?

[showyourself]

[!!!]

Type of...! Type of friend!

[retellers]

Wow. Nice save.