foolishmortals | This is fine. It's fine. We're fine.

[Well that was.

Something.

Underneath everyone’s door they’ll find a slip of paper, in shaky calligraphy, that reads:

INVITATION

Meet in the Dining Room.

Do not bring alcohol of any sort.

Upon arrival into the Dining Room it’s clear that this is very much...not a party.

The center of the room is cleared of all tables, and instead has all the chairs arranged in a circle, facing inwards. On the tables pushed to the side are jugs of water, cups, plates of saltines, and several hastily-made pamplets that read on the front ”How to cope with Child homicide” that contains an advisory list:

Try not to think about it.
Do not get hysterical.
Crying is permitted, but keep it within a reasonable volume. (For the consideration of fellow mourners)
Maintain civility
Do not plunder the belongings of the deceased.
No drinking or gambling your sorrows away. Set an example.

Standing in front of one of the chairs already is Mr.Arrow. He clears his throat as people start to slowly come in.]

I gathered you all here because I believed it would be conductive to group morale if we all worked through our feelings regarding recent events. Talk about your feelings with one another, but not with me.

[He steps back a little, out of the circle of chairs, in what seems to be an invitation for people to sit down and discuss with one another.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It hurts to hear that sobbing, but it's not in Leia's nature to let well enough alone. It's not enough to hear that Kim is alive and breathing; she needs to make sure.

She gives her a half-smile.]

Just wanted to check in on you. I know how hard that was for you.

[ It's a bit too soon for Kim to put on a fake smile, but oh does she try. ...It just looks like a grimance. ]

I, um. I j-just. I needed some t-time to...myself.

[ none of that is convincing ]

[Leia raises an eyebrow; she's not convinced in the least.]

Well, I can certainly go, if that's what you really want.

[But also if you wanted a hug from space mom, she is right here and ready to Hug.]

[ Her lip quivers and the door creaks open wider.

Kimberly raises her arms helplessly. Yes, a hug would be much better. ]

[Leia's ready for it; she moves in as soon as the door's open, wraps her arms around Kim's waist. It's lucky she's only a little taller than Leia herself; it makes it easier to pat her consolingly on the upper back, rubbing in small circles.]

It's alright. We're going to figure this out. Kim, we're going to find a way to rescue them.

[Remember that mirror Randy brought up, the one only Leia and the Beast knew about? Yeah, it apparently can see into Hell, where everyone who's been killed in this game so far has ended up. Fun!!]

[ She's a weepy mess, honestly. Sorry, Leia, your shoulder is getting soaked with newly resumed tears. ]

R-rescue them? But h-how? The- they're- they're dead!

[ ...Oh, she cries harder. ]

[It's alright, Kim. Leia can handle a little salt water and snot. She gives her a squeeze.]

I'm not sure just yet. But there seems to be a consensus among those who have survived this game before that there is a way to do it. So that's what we're going to do.

[ Her sniffling stops a little as she takes a deep breath to speak. ]

H- huh? You- you've t-talked to...?

[ Well here's going to be one way to get her out of her room and out to hellskype. ]

[Leia nods, giving Kim a tired but encouraging smile.]

Yes. We've found a way to talk with our loved ones. Kim, there's a possibility you could do the same.

[ She freezes in the hug and pulls back to look Leia fully in the face. She's not just saying that. Oh. Ohhhh- ]

Really? I- I can talk to m-my friends, or- my mom--

[ Right now, she...really, really wants to hear her mom's voice. ]

I can't make any promises, but in theory? Yes.

[Leia pulls back from the hug, inclining her head towards Kim.]

Still want some time by yourself? Or would you like to come with me?

[ She sniffs and rubs at her eyes, embarrassed. ]

N-no, I... C-can I wash my face first?

Of course, sweetheart. Take all the time you need.

[She gestures toward Kim's bathroom, and goes to perch herself on the edge of the bed.]

I'll wait right here for you.

[ Ah, well...

...She goes in for another quick hug. ]

Thank you. Um- f-for this, and...back there.

[ For helping her, in the trial. ]

[Oh no she's so darling!! She's getting another tight squeeze.]

Anytime. Really. We have to look out for each other.

[ ... ]

I really, really am grateful to have you here.

[ She...could not do all that Leia's done. ]

Likewise, Kim. You and...[She'd been about to mention Jane, but stops herself.] The other kids. You all keep me on track. Remind me that there's a good reason not to give up and let this happen anymore.

[ That's probably a good idea, to not mention her.

She pulls away and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. While it's a nervous habit, this time it's...a bit more shy than uncomfortable. ]

I'll...keep trying to do that, then. [ A kind of forced smile, and she hurries to go wash her face. Compose herself. ]

No need to try, kiddo. You just keep being yourself.

[Kim reminds Leia of Rey in some ways, she muses as she waits for Kim to freshen up. Smart, feisty, yes, but sweet. Strong, but still so young. Too young to have seen some of the things she's seen.]

[ She'll take a few minutes to wash her face. She's going to look a mess whatever she does, but at least enough so it doesn't look like she's been completely crying her eyes out.

If she can talk to her mom... If she can ask Zordon for help, or... Or see Tommy. Even if he doesn't want to talk to her, it would be just what she needs right now.

When she's done: ] O-okay. Okay, uh... Is everyone out there?

[ It's been awhile... ]

[Glancing up, Leia makes herself smile. Even if she doesn't feel like it. She can muster up a smile for Kim as she rises from her seat on the edge of the bed.]

As far as I can tell, a few stragglers aside.

Oh, wow... I didn't think they'd all show up.

[ Gentle guilt in the pit of her stomach, to add to the other guilt.

Don't think about it. ] So! What's this...thing you guys are using?

I think most of us just wanted to be around people who felt the same way as us. [She gives Kim's shoulder a squeeze.] Nothing wrong with wanting to be alone, though.

It's a mirror. An enchanted mirror, from The Beast's world. It allows the user to see anyone they want to, no matter where they might be. He...was able to speak to the girl he loves using it.

[ Ha... That's the problem, she didn't want to be alone. Not really. She just wanted to push people away more.

Let's go. ]

A-and it still works...? I thought so many things here were...oh, gosh. That sounds...way too good to be true.

I know. It know, it does. [She lets out an incredulous half-laugh.] I haven't...used it, myself, but I've seen it work.

(no subject)

pinkflip - 2018-01-29 23:18 (UTC) - Expand

hasit - 2018-01-29 23:30 (UTC) - Expand

pinkflip - 2018-01-30 04:35 (UTC) - Expand