AUDIENCE: SHARON

[retellers]

Comments

[maidforservice]

Perhaps, but now it seems rather trivial. Do sit down; it seems as though you need rest.

[guiding them to a chair!]

[retellers]

Unfortunately, rest isn't much of an option these days!

[ they say lightly, if a little pained because headaches suck.

but they sit down on the chair, at least. ]

[maidforservice]

[FROWNS. DEEPLY]

[then pushes some tea in front of them, alone with the plate of cookies]

Then that is what I request from you right now. [. . . oh. . .] Simply sit and enjoy your tea and cookies. And if you have any specific requests of me, I will be happy to oblige. ♥

[retellers]

[ they smile sheepishly. ]

That may be a request I'll have to ignore. [ everything is on fire, sharon!! ] But thank you.

[ they take the tea, at least. ]

[maidforservice]

[. . . sighs a bit, exasperated]

You work yourself too hard. [. . .] At least tell me what happened.

[if she can't get them to REST then she can at least be a listening ear]

[retellers]

It's my job.

[ they take a sip. ]

... Too many people have been breaking the rules, especially in terms of revealing their team.

--Ah, it shouldn't be an issue here, but... it's still a rule over there, and breaking it so frequently is causing the Realm to destabilize. We're doing what we can to keep it held together.

[maidforservice]

[oh. . . oh dear]

I see. . . and breaking the rules takes its toll on you, as Leaders.

[she primly reaches for a cookie herself, nibbling delicately, which is at odds with her stern expression]

Honestly, did no one ask what would happen before they decided to break the rules?

[retellers]

Some did, I'm sure. But others probably believe that rules are more of a... gentle guideline. When, in fact, they're sometimes actually rules.

[ they sigh, and sip at their tea again. ]

It is what it is. It's our own fault for not making that clearer.

[maidforservice]

Do you intend to clear up the confusion now that you are suffering for it?

[she's dead so she can't but believe her if she COULD then she WOULD]

[retellers]

It's less about us suffering for it and more that I'm worried about what will happen to the Realm entirely if they keep breaking the rules... but yes, I'll probably send a message reminding everyone to follow the rules.

[maidforservice]

. . . [well. in her mind, they're the same thing!!]

I will see what I can do from this side. Were you able to deliver my message to Master Won?

[because if so, maybe she can send another?]

[retellers]

... I'm sorry. I wasn't able to.

[maidforservice]

That's quite all right. I had a feeling that would be my answer.

[a tiny little smile; she understands]

I suppose I will keep searching for ways to reach them, then.

[ways that don't. involve the Leaders since they seem to be Suffering]

I do have another question for you, related to your plight. Is the destabilization of the realm related to why my team icon is flashing on my-- PHS?

[retellers]

[ ...

their expression freezes, just a tad. ]

That... I suspect is because I've regained memories of the Realm.

[maidforservice]

[!!!]

[surprise flickers in her expression, before it smooths out again]

And what do you remember. . .?

[she. . . isn't sure it's good, if that's how they're reacting]

[retellers]

[ they're quiet for a long moment. ]

Congratulations. I believe there may, in fact, be a way to bring back those of you stuck here.

[ but they still don't. seem all that thrilled. ]

[maidforservice]

[well then]

[she is watching them very carefully as she takes another bite of her cooking, before asking in a very measured tone]

And how does one accomplish such a feat?

[retellers]

[ for a while, they look as if they're debating whether or not to even reveal this. the headache doesn't help, honestly.

unfortunately, they are an npc which means the point of their existence is to give info so they gotta, by mod decree. ]

... Killing doesn't gather that much nova in itself, but the nova it attracts is a certain kind--that helps stabilize the pathway.

[ she can probably guess where this is going. ]

[maidforservice]

. . .

[she absolutely sees where this is going, and honestly? her expression doesn't flicker. it's not like she's unused to getting this kind of news]

So in other words. . . the more people who are killed, the more stable our pathway-- the pathway of the "dead"-- becomes.

[retellers]

... It's not indiscriminate death, so please don't try and send messages to people demanding that they kill. It's based on your connection through me.

[ read: it's team-based. ]

[maidforservice]

[she shakes her head]

I had no intention of doing so; don't worry.

[EVEN THO FOX HAS EVER REASON TO WORRY]

What do you mean it's based on my connection to you? Could you elaborate?

[retellers]

[ HE HAS REASON TO WORRY YES YOU ATTEMPTED MURDERER ]

... For you to cross back over, it would have to be through nova gathered by those on my team, specifically. That is... [ a pause. ] Well, I think you might get the idea.

[maidforservice]

. . . . . . .

I see.

[FROWNING. VERY. DEEPLY]

And the same holds true for everyone here who is not on your team?

[retellers]

[ they tap their index finger, almost idly. ]

... Yes. That should be the case.

[maidforservice]

[a thoughtful pause, and Sharon tilts her head back, eyes slipping shut]

There are six people here from the other side. Myself, Master Virid, Lady Hajime, Master Pikachu, Lady Cater, and Mister Baron.

If all of us were on different teams-- this is a hypothetical, of course-- then. . . enough people from all six teams would have to die to solidify the pathway home for all of us.

Is that correct?