[it's late morning on this fine thursday by the time sora rolls himself out of his hammock and rejoins the waking world. he's still a little tired from all of the fighting the night before, but he's mostly reenergized and ready to get back out there.
he's a man on a mission today, actually, and that mission is to find hua cheng wherever he may be. as he wanders in his pirate outfit he soon spots him ahead and takes the opportunity to flag him down with a wave.]
Hey! Are you busy right now? I wanted to talk to you about some stuff.
[ What a day, huh? Sora sleeps for 500 years, Hua Cheng is - not used to being sore and tired, actually, not since he was still alive. But he gamely ignores it, has been patched up, and is going about his day as he investigates the fact the port is back to normal again.
He raises his hand in a still greeting when Sora flags him down, letting him come up to him rather than meeting him halfway. Especially if - ]
Nothing seems to be on fire at the moment, so I think it's safe to say no, I'm not busy. [ Right now. Not holding his breath. ] Stuff that needs to be taken elsewhere?
[right now. sora had to deal with fake fire last week, and then real fire, and then real fire again. so hua cheng gets a grin for his efforts and sora shrugs a little. give him a second to reach into his pockets though and he pulls out a handful of papers.]
I think if we keep moving people won't catch on. Besides, I should get these hung up before curfew hits.
[somehow nobody's caught on that sora's the one hanging up the "FIND A CURFEW BUDDY" signs and yet here we are.]
After everything that happened yesterday, I wanted to pick your brain a little about how things should go on Saturday. If we have to have another trial and look for injuries...we're kind of out of luck, aren't we?
[from this close, too, hua cheng will be able to feel thoughtfulness, and also a shroud of interest and nervousness that may hint this isn't the only reason he's flagged the man down. and of course there's still lingering excitement because he got to captain a pirate ship and fight a bunch, so he had a good time.]
[ While Sora is a bundle of thoughts and emotions, Hua Cheng remains fairly even keel. That storminess from his call for efficiency still bubbles under everything, but that just makes it more obvious that it's just. A thing. He is always kind of full of aggression. But Sora obviously piques his interest, and he -
Even goes so far as to hold out a hand, fingers making a gimme gesture. ]
Two sets of hands, then. [ He'll help. Might as well make them both busy, as they set out. ]
Depending on the rest of the evidence we find, it's entirely likely that we're going to have some trouble with looking at injuries, yes. I don't think very many of us got out of that unscathed. [ A beat - consideration, thoughtfulness, something wry. ] I don't know about you, but there were people with me the entire time - except when I got dragged underwater. So someone might be able to point out if an injury seems out of place. Otherwise...
[having someone steady is actually nice. he'll be completely honest with that and when hua cheng offers to help there's a blip of relief as he hands over a few of the fliers.]
Thanks. [onward then.] We're gonna have to hope there is evidence then, and if there is that it makes any sort of sense. I'm pretty sure we were all with other people but we were scattered. I was out on the ships fighting with pirates the whole time so I completely missed what was happening here. Especially when the kraken showed up.
[ A blip is unintentionally returned, but it's fast. Positive, at least, but fast. He enjoys his time with Sora, even if he won't say it. ]
En, I was in the port with a few others, but underwater when the kraken showed up. It's sort of hard to miss a monstrosity like that even when you're occupied, though.
At least the port town is back to normal. We had a hard enough time finding evidence the last two times, the idea of looking for anything in that mess gives me a headache.
No kidding. The emporium last week was bad enough, but if everything was still on fire? It'd be burned up. [he's easing into the conversation at least, that uncertainty breaking off piece by piece while they work.]
I thought about putting up another sign reminding people to take notes if we have to investigate tomorrow, but I didn't want to take a chance of jinxing it or somethin'. Then again...it's pretty much guaranteed this is gonna be a regular thing.
[give him a second to tape up a sign.]
Have you talked to your leader much about what's going on?
Ashes and rubble are a productive way to hide evidence, not find it. [ Really hate that thought, honestly. But he responds easily, as he keeps his stride shorter, taking a sign off the top. ]
With the way things have gone the past two weeks... [ shrug, unhappy ] No, I don't think it would be jinxing it. Sharon may have been involved in Cater's murder, but that would still leave her murderer. There's still someone out there.
[ Except he's determined to do something about it, and that's obvious enough. ]
Some, yes. And you with yours, I take it? [ There's something - there. Like he's waiting patiently for Sora's answer before he shares something bigger. ]
[...yeah about that. judging by the sudden sense of frustration he may just know something about that and he'll want to share in a bit.
instead though, he nods to show he's listening before he focuses on the latter part of the discussion.]
I like mine a lot, so we talk all the time. But I try to talk to all of them as much as I can. It's helpful for getting a better idea of what's going on, especially when half of them are here and half of them are working on stuff at the castle.
[ Ha Ha Ha. He picks up on that, but he doesn't react besides the emotional equivalent of an eyebrow raise. Hua Cheng can play the waiting game - one thing at a time. ]
My opinion of the leaders as a whole still hasn't raised very much, to be honest, but mine at least is - trying, I guess, is one way to put it. They're competent when we're speaking one-on-one.
[ It isn't the whole truth, judging by his emotions, but not a whole lie, either. There isn't quite respect, but a kind of... understanding. ]
But I learned something, before the mess the pirates made. Which may help or hinder, depending on how the information spreads, and to who.
[stop he'll get there!! he doesn't seem to realize he's visibly pouting a bit in reaction to that emotional feedback.]
They're all trying to different degrees, I think. They're just as confused as we are in places but I know they're working on it.
[but hm.] A ton of people are keeping secrets already, probably for the same reason. [which is annoying? feel his annoyance.] But I think if we're careful with how it spreads, we can stop it from getting too out of hand.
[so the question is, does hua cheng trust him enough to share?]
[ Some amusement comes out, because he's a bully, through and through, but he doesn't comment otherwise. The feedback is enough.
Even as he inclines his head, acknowledging it. His opinion is obvious even without his emotions, because the leaders are ranked depending on their usefulness, competence, and general... trying. ]
I've been in the business of secrets, and people keep them for every reason under the sun. But the ones from home? I honestly don't care - what are we going to do with that knowledge? Caginess is exhausting when we have more important things to deal with.
[ To start? ]
Three people. [ ??? fafa????
No, he continues after a beat, putting up a sign. ] You can tell three people, once a week, what team you're on.
[ Secrets here are... mildly understandable. He doesn't have the patience for them, though, with what they have to deal with. So fuck that.
... but there's a bark of a laugh to go with Sora's response, and surprise but not-surprise at the same time. Because of course. Of course this has come about like this. At least his trust was immediately rewarded, he supposes, and he cocks his head ]
Did you get a hint? [ He sounds amused, but the emotion is. Fond, maybe, but definitely satisfied. No misplaced trust here. ]
[the laugh is a nice surprise of it's own and it just means that excitement grows as he gives him a wide grin, arms folding behind his head briefly.]
What, you don't think I could figure it out on my own? [this is a joke because he absolutely would not have figured it out without help.] But maaaybe I had a little help.
You're smart, but there's over thirty of us here. I would have thought you'd thrown a dart, to be honest, without a hint. [ Bullying, but gently, and he flops the signs at him since he can't pat or push without shocking both of them. ] No, they told me that they were trying to give hints.
[wow. someone called him smart. a miracle. he doesn't even seem to mind that he's simultaneously being dunked on because he'll take the victory.]
They gave me a hint last week, too, because I'm their favorite. [thank you sora.] So I know just about everybody on our team except for...probably one person.
[ Sora is smart but drinks dumb bitch juice: shounen flavored. At least, Hua Cheng thinks he's smart about the right things, and that's all that matters. ]
Ah, the favorite. Of course. [ thank you sora ] I can rule out a few people, based on my conversation with Swan, but I can't point you towards that possible missing person.
[that's not wrong. despite everything, sora does try his best to focus on the right things and change what he can, and above all else help others.
it's also why he likes hua cheng a lot the longer they talk. hc is a man with a plan.]
Even if I can't find them myself, I bet Swan'll give me the last hint next time. I've already found you and three others. [the implication is that swan seems to keep giving sora hints knowing he'll figure them out immediately. but he does frown.] ...they also kinda hinted that one member of our team got knocked out already. But I'm not sure who.
[ He's quiet, thinking again - trying to be that man with a plan - as he picks another sign off the top to slap in a very public place that will shame anyone that tries to pretend they're Jared, 19. ]
Unless someone from gege's group - he, Chiron, Won, and Ochako - didn't speak with Swan after they returned, that last one you haven't found yet from Swan's team isn't any of them. They indirectly confirmed it, when I was speaking with them about something else. [ He doesn't have all the information yet, otherwise he would share more, and there's no reticence to imply secrecy. ] I'm guessing that at least one killer has been on Wolf's team, given the fact they've been in the lead since the start. Perhaps someone from Goat's, as well, as they shot up from last place the way they did.
[ snow can't remember what place rabbit was in so whoops - ]
So far, we've lost Hajime, Pikachu, Virid, Sharon, Cater, and Kano.
[he taps his chin in thought. which means he's essentially hitting himself with papers.]
Let's see...it's definitely possible that someone from Goat's team was a killer. But the rankings are also determined by people who vote correctly. We get nova from voting, and then more nova from getting the rest of the information right. So it's possible that Wolf's team is just made up of people who're really smart.
Cater was probably Wolf. Based on some information somebody told me. So unless another Wolf killed her because they didn't know what team she was on, Wolf's team was probably safe this week.
[a beat.] Sharon's death was a self-defense kill, by the way. Not sure if you heard. I tried asking Kano about his Leader before he died and he dodged me like usual. But...it's possible Hajime was Swan. Just based on who else is on our team.
[ Filing that information away - and laughing a little as he just. Hits himself with papers. Sora? ]
That just leads to a question of whether or not the killed generate enough nova to matter, when they're killed, or if it becomes a loss of it. [ Something to ask, later. ] But that further cements our collection of nova, regardless. Generating nova, we're able to do that by completing tasks - whether they're the asinine ones or the "expeditions," as Swan called your trips - as well as our general actions of creating emotional situations, the murders included. Committing them or accurately completing the information.
But your expedition did more to gather scattered nova, as well.
[ Can't wait for the scattered nova to come up later because of Shima's self-doxx. ]
I would ask who else is on the team, but I believe that may be a bit of a bigger breach of the "rules" as can be ignored. [ Cater and Sharon are filed away, as is Hajime. Kano not answering Sora's question doesn't particularly surprise him, given his less than cooperative nature during trial, but. ] Though I have to wonder what your hint from Swan was for me if you were already on your way to get me.
You think? [it's more of an aside because it's not like he can disagree, and it's not like he doesn't understand.] I guess when you put it that way, you have a point.
...I can probably tell you later, actually. I asked Swan, but I want to make sure we're all still alive after this weekend. That makes sense, right? [but he beams instead because he's very smart and very proud of himself.]
Swan said "they recently started a very important discussion in public." [no one said swan wasn't a cheater.]
[ He tilts his head - a theory is just a theory until they get some evidence, so it's only something to consider, rather than fixate on. But he huffs. ]
It makes sense. I can wait - I've got my own questions to ask, and more information to sort through. [ So much amusement. And a little proud? But it's a quieter sensation, by comparison. ]
Ah, they did say that they were willing to bend the rules. I guess not too many people were saying much at the start of the week.
Maybe when all of us are together we can share what we know and make sure we know everything possible. It'll help us get more nova together, too.
[there's a laugh then.] Their hint last time was pretty easy, too. But it worked! I think it's making them happy to know we're starting to find each other though. And it's not like they're wrong. You brought up a lot of important points.
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w2 thursday
he's a man on a mission today, actually, and that mission is to find hua cheng wherever he may be. as he wanders in his pirate outfit he soon spots him ahead and takes the opportunity to flag him down with a wave.]
Hey! Are you busy right now? I wanted to talk to you about some stuff.
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He raises his hand in a still greeting when Sora flags him down, letting him come up to him rather than meeting him halfway. Especially if - ]
Nothing seems to be on fire at the moment, so I think it's safe to say no, I'm not busy. [ Right now. Not holding his breath. ] Stuff that needs to be taken elsewhere?
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I think if we keep moving people won't catch on. Besides, I should get these hung up before curfew hits.
[somehow nobody's caught on that sora's the one hanging up the "FIND A CURFEW BUDDY" signs and yet here we are.]
After everything that happened yesterday, I wanted to pick your brain a little about how things should go on Saturday. If we have to have another trial and look for injuries...we're kind of out of luck, aren't we?
[from this close, too, hua cheng will be able to feel thoughtfulness, and also a shroud of interest and nervousness that may hint this isn't the only reason he's flagged the man down. and of course there's still lingering excitement because he got to captain a pirate ship and fight a bunch, so he had a good time.]
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Even goes so far as to hold out a hand, fingers making a gimme gesture. ]
Two sets of hands, then. [ He'll help. Might as well make them both busy, as they set out. ]
Depending on the rest of the evidence we find, it's entirely likely that we're going to have some trouble with looking at injuries, yes. I don't think very many of us got out of that unscathed. [ A beat - consideration, thoughtfulness, something wry. ] I don't know about you, but there were people with me the entire time - except when I got dragged underwater. So someone might be able to point out if an injury seems out of place. Otherwise...
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Thanks. [onward then.] We're gonna have to hope there is evidence then, and if there is that it makes any sort of sense. I'm pretty sure we were all with other people but we were scattered. I was out on the ships fighting with pirates the whole time so I completely missed what was happening here. Especially when the kraken showed up.
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En, I was in the port with a few others, but underwater when the kraken showed up. It's sort of hard to miss a monstrosity like that even when you're occupied, though.
At least the port town is back to normal. We had a hard enough time finding evidence the last two times, the idea of looking for anything in that mess gives me a headache.
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I thought about putting up another sign reminding people to take notes if we have to investigate tomorrow, but I didn't want to take a chance of jinxing it or somethin'. Then again...it's pretty much guaranteed this is gonna be a regular thing.
[give him a second to tape up a sign.]
Have you talked to your leader much about what's going on?
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With the way things have gone the past two weeks... [ shrug, unhappy ] No, I don't think it would be jinxing it. Sharon may have been involved in Cater's murder, but that would still leave her murderer. There's still someone out there.
[ Except he's determined to do something about it, and that's obvious enough. ]
Some, yes. And you with yours, I take it? [ There's something - there. Like he's waiting patiently for Sora's answer before he shares something bigger. ]
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instead though, he nods to show he's listening before he focuses on the latter part of the discussion.]
I like mine a lot, so we talk all the time. But I try to talk to all of them as much as I can. It's helpful for getting a better idea of what's going on, especially when half of them are here and half of them are working on stuff at the castle.
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My opinion of the leaders as a whole still hasn't raised very much, to be honest, but mine at least is - trying, I guess, is one way to put it. They're competent when we're speaking one-on-one.
[ It isn't the whole truth, judging by his emotions, but not a whole lie, either. There isn't quite respect, but a kind of... understanding. ]
But I learned something, before the mess the pirates made. Which may help or hinder, depending on how the information spreads, and to who.
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They're all trying to different degrees, I think. They're just as confused as we are in places but I know they're working on it.
[but hm.] A ton of people are keeping secrets already, probably for the same reason. [which is annoying? feel his annoyance.] But I think if we're careful with how it spreads, we can stop it from getting too out of hand.
[so the question is, does hua cheng trust him enough to share?]
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Even as he inclines his head, acknowledging it. His opinion is obvious even without his emotions, because the leaders are ranked depending on their usefulness, competence, and general... trying. ]
I've been in the business of secrets, and people keep them for every reason under the sun. But the ones from home? I honestly don't care - what are we going to do with that knowledge? Caginess is exhausting when we have more important things to deal with.
[ To start? ]
Three people. [ ??? fafa????
No, he continues after a beat, putting up a sign. ] You can tell three people, once a week, what team you're on.
[ Yeah; Hua Cheng trusts Sora enough to share. ]
Swan is my leader.
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but...ah? he...grins a little, tilting his head as he looks at hua cheng quietly...
...and there's a big, strong wave of confidence.]
I thought so. They sent me to find you. [:D]
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... but there's a bark of a laugh to go with Sora's response, and surprise but not-surprise at the same time. Because of course. Of course this has come about like this. At least his trust was immediately rewarded, he supposes, and he cocks his head ]
Did you get a hint? [ He sounds amused, but the emotion is. Fond, maybe, but definitely satisfied. No misplaced trust here. ]
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What, you don't think I could figure it out on my own? [this is a joke because he absolutely would not have figured it out without help.] But maaaybe I had a little help.
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[ Well, here's two, at least. ]
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They gave me a hint last week, too, because I'm their favorite. [thank you sora.] So I know just about everybody on our team except for...probably one person.
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Ah, the favorite. Of course. [ thank you sora ] I can rule out a few people, based on my conversation with Swan, but I can't point you towards that possible missing person.
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it's also why he likes hua cheng a lot the longer they talk. hc is a man with a plan.]
Even if I can't find them myself, I bet Swan'll give me the last hint next time. I've already found you and three others. [the implication is that swan seems to keep giving sora hints knowing he'll figure them out immediately. but he does frown.] ...they also kinda hinted that one member of our team got knocked out already. But I'm not sure who.
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Unless someone from gege's group - he, Chiron, Won, and Ochako - didn't speak with Swan after they returned, that last one you haven't found yet from Swan's team isn't any of them. They indirectly confirmed it, when I was speaking with them about something else. [ He doesn't have all the information yet, otherwise he would share more, and there's no reticence to imply secrecy. ] I'm guessing that at least one killer has been on Wolf's team, given the fact they've been in the lead since the start. Perhaps someone from Goat's, as well, as they shot up from last place the way they did.
[ snow can't remember what place rabbit was in so whoops - ]
So far, we've lost Hajime, Pikachu, Virid, Sharon, Cater, and Kano.
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Let's see...it's definitely possible that someone from Goat's team was a killer. But the rankings are also determined by people who vote correctly. We get nova from voting, and then more nova from getting the rest of the information right. So it's possible that Wolf's team is just made up of people who're really smart.
Cater was probably Wolf. Based on some information somebody told me. So unless another Wolf killed her because they didn't know what team she was on, Wolf's team was probably safe this week.
[a beat.] Sharon's death was a self-defense kill, by the way. Not sure if you heard. I tried asking Kano about his Leader before he died and he dodged me like usual. But...it's possible Hajime was Swan. Just based on who else is on our team.
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That just leads to a question of whether or not the killed generate enough nova to matter, when they're killed, or if it becomes a loss of it. [ Something to ask, later. ] But that further cements our collection of nova, regardless. Generating nova, we're able to do that by completing tasks - whether they're the asinine ones or the "expeditions," as Swan called your trips - as well as our general actions of creating emotional situations, the murders included. Committing them or accurately completing the information.
But your expedition did more to gather scattered nova, as well.
[ Can't wait for the scattered nova to come up later because of Shima's self-doxx. ]
I would ask who else is on the team, but I believe that may be a bit of a bigger breach of the "rules" as can be ignored. [ Cater and Sharon are filed away, as is Hajime. Kano not answering Sora's question doesn't particularly surprise him, given his less than cooperative nature during trial, but. ] Though I have to wonder what your hint from Swan was for me if you were already on your way to get me.
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...I can probably tell you later, actually. I asked Swan, but I want to make sure we're all still alive after this weekend. That makes sense, right? [but he beams instead because he's very smart and very proud of himself.]
Swan said "they recently started a very important discussion in public." [no one said swan wasn't a cheater.]
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It makes sense. I can wait - I've got my own questions to ask, and more information to sort through. [ So much amusement. And a little proud? But it's a quieter sensation, by comparison. ]
Ah, they did say that they were willing to bend the rules. I guess not too many people were saying much at the start of the week.
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[there's a laugh then.] Their hint last time was pretty easy, too. But it worked! I think it's making them happy to know we're starting to find each other though. And it's not like they're wrong. You brought up a lot of important points.
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