AUDIENCE: SHARON

[retellers]

Comments

[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?

[retellers]

[ they smile, though it's without mirth. ]

I don't think you need me to confirm it for you, at this point. It sounds like you've got it all figured out.

[maidforservice]

. . . heehee.

[she smiles, but without it reaching her eyes]

I believe I do as well. Then I suppose it becomes a question of numbers.

How many people from each team need to be removed to ensure their already removed teammates will make it home?

[retellers]

--Ah, sorry. A few things have been mixed up.

[ oocly, jan just can't read, but icly fox has a headache. :pensive: ]

It's not that enough people from each team has to die--it's that they must remove enough people and gather the nova from said act, under specific circumstances. [ i.e. on thursday night. ] Specifically, at least two.

[maidforservice]

[PLEASE REST JAN!!!]

[nudges some more cookies at them!!]

I can tell your exhaustion is getting the better of you. Please eat, Fox.

[THAT SAID. . .]

And what happens if a Thursday passes where no one dies?

[retellers]

[ they take a cookie.

wryly, ]

Then we can all sleep in on the weekend for once?

[maidforservice]

[THEY JUST]

[GET A SYMPATHETIC LOOK]

. . . I must confess, you're making me feel a bit guilty, now.

[for trying to kill Soo-Won]

[but only, like. a tiny bit]

[retellers]

... Not saying that trying to kill someone was a delight [ because no!! they still don't like that!! ], but, well. Cater would've died, regardless of your actions.

[maidforservice]

[ah. . .?]

Why is that?

[retellers]

Well, I wasn't involved, so take everything with a grain of salt, but...

[ they tap their finger. ]

Her nova was splintering. If left unchecked, her memories would permanently break, leaving her as good as dead. Removing her and sending her to this dimension was the only way to stop that, and to prevent the effect from spreading to others.