WEEK 5, WEDNESDAY

[reapertoire]

[ Wednesday morning, Setz will notice writing in the back of his rulebook. It says: "Sekreuz! My meeting will take place at the Apple Store at 11 AM! There's coffee and snacks, so don't be late!" ]

[ When he arrives at the Apple Store, he'll find himself walking into a private room -- the door shuts and locks behind him. Inside is comfortable furniture, as well as iPads he can play with, and, as promised, food and coffee. It's mostly sandwiches but there's leftover cake. ]

Comments

[feytality]

[ oh, and maya's there? as well as a puppy. she gives a small wave, and the puppy runs up to sniff him. ]

Hey, Setz. Long time no see.

[subordinacy]

[For a long moment, Setz is frozen on the spot. He doesn't understand.

... And then, with painful clarity, he does.]

You're... the Conductor...?

[feytality]

[ don't be rude to the puppy. ]

That's right! I'm surprised you didn't guess, 'cause I know you met Anthy.

[subordinacy]

[To be entirely honest, he might've known deep down. Like Anthy, it would be someone from the first case. And who among the four could be called cheerful...?

But he didn't want to believe.]

Why...?

[And then, with more force—]

Why? I grieved over you! Shinssin grieved over you! And yet that entire thing was—!?

[... Planned?]

[feytality]

[ she goes quiet while he says his piece, and gives him a moment once he's done before responding. ]

.... I'm sorry. [ it likely doesn't mean much, coming from her. ] We thought it could prepare you Players for what was in store --- but there's no excusing it.

[ a beat. ] But if it helps, I was stabbed for real.

[ why would that help. ]

[subordinacy]

That doesn't help at all!

[Maya, why.]

[feytality]

I'll probably get stabbed again....? Or shot? Or hurt in some other way?

[ is this helping, it's definitely (not) helping. ]

[subordinacy]

[This is horrifying.]

What makes you think I want you hurt!?

[feytality]

Well, not by you necessarily.... but I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to.

[ .... ]

I mean, this Game has been really hard on you. I know that.

[subordinacy]

... I don't consider that justification to wish harm against someone. [...] Besides, this Game has been hard on everyone.

[feytality]

.... I just mean that I'd understand if you did. You're right. [ everyone has been having a hard time. ]

I know it doesn't mean much, coming from me, but I am sorry.

[subordinacy]

[He breathes in, out. He's also, uh, still standing by the door, but.]

You can apologize by saying whatever you're able to.

[feytality]

[ he's still ignoring the poor puppy :( ]

Well, I can't guarantee all the answers, but I'll do my best. Shoot.

[subordinacy]

[What is he supposed to do with the puppy. :/]

I understand that neither of you want us to remain dead, but is this Game a conflict between you and Anthy? Or are you both on the same side, playing against someone else?

[feytality]

[ pet him??? he's a cute puppy wow setz. ]

Which do you think it is?

[ is setz tired of npcs who answer his questions with questions yet. ]

[subordinacy]

[Yes.]

Now that we know about this... other entity, I'm inclined towards the latter.

[But honestly, he's not sure and why the hell can't any of you just answer his questions properly.]

[feytality]

[ the npc life. ]

That's closer to the money, I think. Though, as I'm sure you know, Conductors and Composers do tend to have conflicts in Games. And it isn't like Anthy and I agree on everything.

[subordinacy]

The two of you do seem... different.

[...]

Jacopo said that she has eccentric tastes and a flair for drama—he described her as "problematic". Which is... why he's sent Shinssin after Akira, I imagine.

[And whatever other shit-stirring Jacopo did that Setz will probably come to learn about in the weeks to come, unfortunately.]

What do you think about that?

[feytality]

We've had different lives.

[ rip setz. ]

.... Most people tend to make their own assumptions about Anthy instead of trying to understand her. I think Jacopo is in that camp. I mean, don't get me wrong, all Composers are kind of mysterious and dramatic -- it's part of the job -- but. I can honestly say her aim here wasn't just to make drama.

[ she looks a lil sad about shinshin though. ] I was really hoping.... Infinity Lancelot wouldn't go down that path.

[subordinacy]

... Do you think that whatever he was up to will appeal to her, though? Or benefit our attempt to bring back the Erased?

[...]

I don't think there's anything that can be done to convince Shinssin, at this point.

[Setz?? tried???]

[feytality]

Weeelll, um.......

[ she just makes a face. ] I, uh...... [ shakes her head. ] Well, I mean, you've been working really hard!

[ nice deflection, maya. not. ]

I know, Setz. You really tried. I thought, if I talked to him.... maybe I could convince him he could be more than just a tool for murder. [ that kinda backfired, but alas, that's what she gets for 'dying' week 0. ]

[subordinacy]

[...]

Don't avoid the question, please.

[Listen, that deflection is making him worry?]

[feytality]

[ she just shakes her head again. ]

I don't think so, Setz. Personally, I think he's looking at things through the wrong lens. But --- his decision to put his trust and faith in you was a very good one. That much I can tell you.

[subordinacy]

[He looks surprised for a moment (he'll never get used to people saying things like that about him here?), before it gives way to exasperation.]

That doesn't mean much when he's screwing us over!

[feytality]

Okay, okay, it isn't that bad! [ she holds up her hands placatingly. ] You guys are doing a lot better --- kind of indirectly thanks to him a little -- and while I'm not really down with Infinity Lancelot being used as an attack dog to sic on Akira -- for a few reasons -- it's not going to doom everyone or anything!

It's got less to do with the Reapers and more to do with the Players. It's just that Jacopo misunderstood what we were hoping for.