week one afterparty ★ where is this warmth going? when it's tomorrow, it'll vanish

[excavated]

The day had ended on a rather solemn note, with not just one innocent dead, but two.

Both the Great Detective, Erika Furudo and the magical girl known as Cure Aqua, Karen Minazuki were killed in cold blood, and all that was left behind was a pool of blood that acknowledged their deaths. And yet, in spite of that, they had to move forward... 🗈

Of course, in spite of the lingering feeling that hung in the air, the possible suspicion that would probably stick through them for the rest of their stay here, if not for the rest of their lives.

Being used to death, he knew very well the sting of having blood on your own hands. He understood too well the consequences. But he didn't want people to simply just blame themselves for something that wasn't entirely their fault.

Which is why after a while, he goes on ahead to search people out to tell them that if they would prefer not to be alone, they can come to the dining room and that there will be food. For those who stay in their rooms, however, they'll find a neatly handwritten letter:

To the one who might read this:

We're dealing with a difficult time and I know that because of this turn of events, that people might start to distrust one another and even make the decision to not face the future. But I don't want to hide and run away from our present; I want all of us to face the reality and change the future so that it isn't a sad one. I'm certain that the two that we lost would not want that from us, either.

Feel free to meet me in the dining room if you wish to mourn, or if you'd wish to not face all of this alone. Nobody deserves to be alone on a day like this. Food will be provided. Don't force yourself to come, though.

- Syaoran

Set up in the dining area are a lot of various comfort foods - a lot of soup based dishes, kebabs, hot pots, you name it. Even if the times are difficult, especially with the results, at the very least there's a small glimmer hope, right...?

Comments

[improbablenotimpossible]

In hindsight we probably should have, however I have a terrible habit of focusing hard when something of interest comes up.

At least we got the book in the end.

[fullbodied]

... It's surprising to hear someone admit so readily that they should have waited.

I was ready for a lot more lecturing.

[improbablenotimpossible]

Part of being an adult is to acknowledge your mistakes.

[Though a wry smile appears]

I don't think either one of us is much for lecturing.

[fullbodied]

Mm. I'm trying to be more responsible than normal.

There's a lot of us hotheads here, you know?

[improbablenotimpossible]

I've noticed - it's not an easy thing at all.

[He always considered himself more of a loner than a leader]

We'll need to redirect the energy and fury of the hothead towards more constructive ends.

[fullbodied]

Believe me, I'm trying.

So? What's the book say?

[improbablenotimpossible]

[He shrugs, lifting his hands up]

It's blank.

[fullbodied]

... Blank?

Has anyone tried writing in it?

[improbablenotimpossible]

Not yet - I wanted to be a bit more careful before we try something more solid. I believe base on the intent on the cover that we might need a key.

[Given his last puzzle solving... set the chapel on fire. But he does open the book]

Do you have a pencil on you? I actually forgot to bring any this time.

[fullbodied]

[she pauses.]

No, not on me. But I have one back in my room.

Any clue what the key might be?