[week four - friday]

[ceded]

[ There isn't much for her to do after the investigation. It's not like she can really move around, and as much as she'd personally like to go see what happened at the lake, she's not going to make someone carry her all the way out there.

She has to think, frequently, that she did literally all of the damage to her leg herself, and she has no one to blame.

So she's kind of stewing and bored in the hotel lobby not long after the investigation concludes when she happens to spot-- ]

Damian!

[ A bit surprised, but honestly, this is a good chance! ]

I wanted to talk to you.

Comments

[bittybat]

[A surprise because, for once, Damian is milling about in the hotel instead of being lost forever all the way at the homestead.

He stops to regard Xion a moment, then seems somewhat better prepared to accept talking when he realizes it's her and not some random person.] Fine.

Let's talk.

[ceded]

[ She tilts her head at him, expression quietly neutral, then nods. ]

Do you want to go somewhere else or just talk here?

[bittybat]

Room. [It's a small risk going to his room with Papika being his bunking mate, but he'll manage it considering he's told Xion she can speak to the girl without much caution.

(He's doing it because they are on the first floor.) He walks alongside Xion, taking his time to let her get there without rushing.] What was it about?

[ceded]

[ She's wordlessly grateful for his slow pace. It's difficult to get around anywhere right now, even just the hotel. ]

I spoke to the Sheriff, like you ask. [ Glances at him. ] ... I had a few questions of my own, but I was able to get an answer about whether or not we can send messages to people who've died.

[bittybat]

Okay. [But he doesn't continue the conversation, instead quietly stepping along with her until they get to the door. He holds it open with his back until she can get inside, and then he closes and locks the door behind the two of them.

You know, just in case.]

What information did you find out?

[ceded]

[ She'll find her way to a seat before she replies. As weak as it makes her feel, she doesn't want to stay standing these days unless she has to. ]

Well, I asked him that question you told me to. About whether or not messages can be passed along to the dead. At the time, he just said I should wait until Thursday and "reply to his letter." I didn't get it until Thursday happened... and all those letters arrived at the post office.

[ Her mouth pulls to one side. ]

I guess I can write back. I'm not sure if you can write a letter to someone who hasn't already written you one, but I guess I could find out.

[bittybat]

I see. [Not minding, Damian allows her to sit wherever she wants in the room, preferably on one of the two beds. Papika wouldn't mind either, he doesn't think.

She may decide to choose Damian's for the sheer fact there is a black and white cat C-curled dead in the center, leaving no room for anyone to lie down.

If she sits there, the cat does little more than unfurl and stretch long like a string before pulling its paws against its face and settling again.] You received a letter from Riku?

[He's only assuming because they had been somewhat close.] You should try to send one back.

At first, I thought this may be a pocket of space and time. Now, I believe it may be a virtual reality simulation, depending on whether communication with the dead can occur.

[ceded]

[ did you say

that there's

A CAT?

Cuz yeah Xion definitely sits by it and will pet its tummy while it stretches, and then scratch the top of its head once it settles again. So soft...

She'll nod at his question. ]

I got a letter from Tarvek, too.

[ Somewhat hushed. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she has the letters squirreled away on her person, and she'll tug them both out, rubbing her thumbs over the paper. Then, she'll hold them out for Damian to look at, if he wishes. ]

I'm going to. I'm not ... really sure what to say, but I will.

[ Virtual reality... ]

You mean, like, all of this could be fake? If that were really true... couldn't we try to hack into it, somehow?

[bittybat]

"Magic" is possible, I guess, but magic is ridiculous and can be explained scientifically. [A true Scrouge for magic. Sorry, Square-Disney princess.] I wanted to find the hub that may be running this town, if there is one, but we're running out of time.

[The cat's tail flicks gently at the the tip. A rumbling purr begins. It seems to appreciate the attention.]

I think it's underground, and a way to it may be in the mines. The tunnels below connect to each of the buildings. Getting through the mines is the issue.

[ceded]

[ ... stares .... at him ....

decides not to explain that she can use magic.

His idea makes her frown - pretty severely, but only in concern. ]

... The Sheriff has helped people who ended up down there, but only if he felt like they earned it, and Natalie and Seizaburo still almost died. Tarvek actually did die. [ Of course he'd also already been shot, but. You know. ] Whatever's down there must be really big, or really mean. You'd have to be able to win, or just ... stay out of the way of whatever it was. Still, if we don't try that, what's left?

[bittybat]

Yes, the Sheriff seems hyper-focused on matters of merit. [Damian frowns.] There should always be contingency plans for everything. We need to tackle this game with several for security.

[ceded]

Then what else do we plan for? Do you really want ... to try and find some way to go down there, or find a way around it?

[ Xion tilts her head. ]

We still haven't found all the entrances that are in town. I wonder where they are.

[ A beat, and something occurs to her. ]

I could try writing to Tarvek and asking what he saw. I don't know if I'd get an answer, but I could try.