[CONTINUE + 4] Week 1 || Act: mingle

[foundationmods]

Monday comes onto the snowy town once more, though it still looks as if it's 'night' as ever.

Then again, you are underground. That's just to be expected, considering no natural light can get down here in the first place. The Monsters around you are just as friendly as ever, though now there's far, far less of them.

Is time running out for the mission? How many more loops do you have?

...You feel as if something is watching you when you're not looking.

FUN VALUE: 9
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[le_mat]

.... for their SOULs...

They were just kids.

[He's looking a bit pissed]

[finalring]

They could not have gone out to hunt them. My barrier would have stopped them from that.

[ ... ]

But that does not stop a human from coming here on accident.

[le_mat]

Kids are curious... damn it.

[oceanicbutterfly]

They're curious, and they would have had a hard time finding their way back out.

[If that was even possible.]

[finalring]

It's easier to come in than it is to leave.

[ ... ]

That is how I designed it.

[le_mat]

Solomon... if we can solve this. If we can undo what's been done.

[He turns to face him fully]

I think... it's time to free them. Don't you?

[finalring]

How will they live? Humanity is dangerous as it is and I can't just 'free them' like they're...animals or something.

[ but he knows that something must be done. he's just not sure what it is. ]

A decision like that can't be made easily. I'm sorry, but I can't give you an answer to that right now.

[le_mat]

I know, but the Foundation credo has Protect, not just Secure and Contain- and honestly? If nothing else coming here has proved us 6350's- [He gestures to him and Karen] Are as much Monsters as we are Humans. We're proof that there can be... an accord.

I know it won't be easy, but avoiding it and hoping an answer will just arrive won't work anymore.

[oceanicbutterfly]

[Hm, this makes Karen cringe a little for some reason.]

[le_mat]

[He arches a brow at her]

Something wrong? Too cheesy?

[oceanicbutterfly]

Ah--no, it was fine.

[finalring]

If you go by that route, then Humans themselves are Monsters as well.

[ he's still reeling a little from the discovery. ]

But you do not need to tell me that, Ren, when I am more than aware. I am aware that something must be done, but I am telling you that it is not as easy as flipping a switch. What you're asking for is a change of incredible magnitude.

[oceanicbutterfly]

[cringe ii: the flinching]

[le_mat]

Yeah...

[He sighs]

It's easy to say that when I used to be able to do exactly that with just a few shadow fights and some heart-stealing. But... you know we'll have your back whatever you decide to do, right?

[finalring]

...Right.

[ solomon smiles at ren, though it's clearly strained. maybe there are still a few walls that ren has to knock down before he can steal his heart ]

[accessorytomurder]

Well... if the Foundation was able to do it for us, There should be a way for them... right?

[She's been quiet, mostly. Kept her pen to her paper, even in a white knuckled grip.]

Being stuck in a dismal place... even when the people just outside might hurt or kill or lock you up... W-Well. I mean.

[She laughs, more sad and hollow than really... humored.]

We were part of the Winchester investigation, Doctor. The freedom to even be able to choose to leave and face those dangers... is really, really important. We both know that.

[finalring]

It's a different story with all of you, unfortunately. And I have to also consider what is the best for everyone. And by everyone, I mean both Monsters and Humanity.

[ he sighs. ]

Last time, war broke out. I do not want a repeat of that because I blindly went ahead and followed what our hearts wanted without weighing risks.

[accessorytomurder]

Why is it different? The Foundation... no, even you didn't really consider us people back then, did you?

[There's no blame in her voice, really.

But clearly, somebody reviewed those redacted profiles, at some point.]

I guess, um, I guess I... I guess I just don't think it's right to keep a war crime going for centuries on end. But, I guess when you don't have a normal lifespan, it's, um... it's a different scale you plan on.

[She looks at the coffins, now, her shoulders slumping.]

...I-I don't... I don't like the thought of them all just living and dying down here in the dark while they're trapped, Doctor.

[oceanicbutterfly]

Personally, I don't care who does or doesn't have a normal lifespan.

[oh, Karen's still here]

[foundationmods]

whoops made a wrong turn.

[ hello everyone. sans is here, and is now turning around to walk the other way ]

[accessorytomurder]

Um.

[She coughs, faintly.]

S-Sorry, were we being too loud?

[oceanicbutterfly]

Ah.

[...is there a way to ask "how much did you hear" that doesn't give away that there was something to hear]

[finalring]

Lifespans have nothing to do with this conversation. And I will admit my mistakes as well, Yachi.

[ he sighs, shaking his head. really, it's things like these that he doesn't like explaining... ]

I am not telling you "I won't do this" or "I don't want to do this". I am telling you that I cannot make a change like this all on my own. Even just believing that I can do something like that without taking in consideration the consequences of those actions is the height of foolishness. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, and acting without proper planning would undoubtedly lead to disaster.

But I understand my own mistakes better than anyone. Especially when I can see the consequences so close to me.

[accessorytomurder]

Does that mean you weren't the only one to set this up in the first place? ...um, w-wait, that came out more accusatory th-than I meant... Um. Sincerely, though: were you... the only person behind setting that barrier in place?

[If so, okay. If not... that's something else to consider.]

...if two of your number are willing to stand for the Monsters, shouldn't that be a good foot in the door?

[oceanicbutterfly]

I agree.

[Karen doesn't turn to face anyone.]