week six afterparty ★ i will expose this heart to you

[excavated]

Mixed feelings rang in the air at the end of the long, long trial - four people have been lost. But in their places, three people returned to their number, as living pieces to play the game once again. While the Witch of Misfortune had said that after this, there would no longer be any more murders, that didn't change the complicated emotions that was brought to the table.🗈

Now, the group was left to their own devices - with the two Witches having disappeared in dark fire and sakura petals along with Natsuno and Shadow no longer to be found along in the mansion. Now the question was this: what would they all do from here?

There was still hope. The execution that Nirrti had done was one that was gentler than the ones that had been committed by the pieces the past two weeks.

And while Tsubasa still held many uncertainties, given that he had done murdered for the sake of someone important to him, that did not change the determination that he had for everyone. Not just those that were alive. But those that had died as well. He wasn't simply going to let the sacrifices go in vain, or that he was brought back.

At the very least, he had to make up and own his mistakes.

Which is why, a little later on, people might find a letter slid under their doors, saying:

To the one who might read this:

There is still a lot to be done and a lot to be said, but there's only a little while longer until we can make it through. I believe that we'll be able to reach to her and change the future so that we will have a happy ending.

You don't need to speak to me if you wouldn't want to, but if you'd like to eat, food will be provided in the dining room if you'd like to not be alone. Nobody deserves that. As always, don't force yourself to come if you don't want to.

- Syaoran

And just as the letter says, food will be provided - while there does seem to be a lot of comfort foods, there are also tacos, along with tempura and inari sushi.

Comments

[goldenmaniac]

[Takumi is here from the start, nibbling food once it's available. Toby is with him once again, and he's tugging at his shirt with a thoughtful expression.]

...think I should wear something like I did at trial more often?

[Later in the evening you might find him in the rec room reading... and eventually passing out on the couch, snoring slightly]

[excavated]

I wouldn't complain if you did. . .

[ Tsubasa is here with the most important input. He's still feeling a little off, but he's better than he was earlier, leaning a little against him. ]

[goldenmaniac]

You're biased.

[He snorts]

It's my mentor's outfit... only you know, re-cut for a man. I felt a little exposed but... strong, too.

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[Moriarty is around, standing quietly in the dining room - though people might notice gold sparkles beginning to come from him as time goes by.

...Though, he doesn't seem to be pointing it out, or acting as energetic as he normally does.]

...So. It seems it's time for me to go.

[improbablenotimpossible]

[Sherlock comes out of the hallway and stops, as he raises his brow at the man rather pointedly]

[excavated]

That's not a bad thing, is it? [ HE'S BIASED AND HE'S PROUD ] You must really care about your mentor a lot.

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[He's got his eyes closed, the picture of someone solemnly accepting their fate.]

[respring]

[ Sakura is in the dining room! And...not eating anything. She's not doing much at all, really, just staring out the window, dejected expression on her face.

Hrm. ]

[oceanicbutterfly]

[After taking some time to almost literally collect herself, Karen wanders in early, not even having actually been to her room yet. She wants to see everyone, she's pretty sure a lot of people will want to see her, and she knows there's usually some kind of gathering after a trial.

Also, she's unbelievably hungry. Hope you made a lot of food, Syaoran, because Karen starts eating and just Doesn't Stop.]

[oceanicbutterfly]

...there's nothing I can do?

[goldenmaniac]

Isn't there anyone here you could Contract with?

[excavated]

Sakura-san. [ It's okay if she's not eating, but Tsubasa is definitely concerned about her. ] Are you worried about Kimihiro?

[excavated]

[ HE DID, ACTUALLY, SO HAVE FUN ]

[respring]

Professor, if there's anything I can do, please let me help...!

[goldenmaniac]

...h-hey, Minazuki-san...

[This is awkward- the last time they spoke she was sobbing in his arms]

[hatesdeerstalkers]

Our contract is broken - and as you are right now, you don't have any Mana to support me with.

[He gives her a bit of a smile, shrugging.]

...Still, I can't complain much, can I? You were a very easy Master to have, after all!

[oceanicbutterfly]

[Karen sees Takumi asleep on the couch, and briefly considers draping a blanket over him.

Instead, she braces herself and shakes the couch to try to wake him up.]

[goldenmaniac]

[He blushes]

I guess it's not.

[They need to Talk about all they said during his trial... but not right now]

And yeah... she's like a second mom or older sister to me. She saved my life.

[oceanicbutterfly]

[...okay, she giggles at that.]

Perhaps one day I'll learn to summon you properly. Then you might feel differently about it.

[excavated]

[ Definitely not right now. He definitely wants to have that talk while they're in private, not while they're around a lot of people. ]

How so? Do you mind if I hear that story?

[hatesdeerstalkers]

...None of you right now have access to mana, and most likely the 'other Witch' has his hands full just keeping Holmes here.

[He smiles, though.]

I have no regrets, however. It was maddening at first - but all of you are stronger than I gave you credit for.

...Even without me here, I am sure you will all continue down your path of Good - so the Villain should quietly make his exit without complaint.

...Unless you'd like me to, of course!

[oceanicbutterfly]

[Good. This is fantastic tempura.]

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[He pauses...before reaching out and patting her head.]

You'd be a good Master to have...but I have to reject it. You'll all need your heads on straight, and not be tempted into the path of Evil by an old villain such as myself.

[improbablenotimpossible]

[After seeing everyone starting to gather, he could no longer keep quiet]

For God's sakes - don't upset them! You have Independent Action! You're here at least for another day!

[hatesdeerstalkers]

Hm! If that day comes, then I will gladly welcome you! Perhaps I'll even manage to lead you down the path of Evil! I promise if you do, I will teach you everything I know!

...For about 300 dollars, that is. Wahahaha!