15strangers | FINAL INVESTIGATION

FINAL INVESTIGATION

[The morning of the last day-the day of the deadline promised by the Elder Steward--there is a loud CRACK that echoes through the Mansion. It comes above, over, and around them.

Indeed, it seems to originate from outside.

Those who go outside will find themselves staring at a sky that is cracking everywhere. The cracks Osomatsu had seen before had somehow spread over the days unchecked. Now, the cracks become larger and larger, until finally, the sky itself breaks.

Glass-like pieces fall downwards as it shatters, dissipating lone before they hit the ground into sparkles. A cool breeze suddenly blows through the garden, while the sun suddenly appears for the first time, shining high in the sky. A...slightly creeping-looking, laughing sun, but that doesn't seem to be an illusion, unfortunately. Also it doesn't look ready to swoop down to attack them, which might be a small comfort.

The hole in the wall that had been made earlier is still there, large enough to crawl through. And when they do, the Strangers will find themselves in a more open grassy field, with a beach to the south.

The nice weather and grass, however, is not all that is there. It's clear there are other places in this complex to explore.]

[Before anyone can react, there is the sudden telltale ticking that begins in their heads, and their investigation scrolls appear. It's clear that the Stewards have started a countdown for them to get to the Temple, which sits beyond their immediate area, within a forest of trees that the grass transforms into. But, perhaps, the Strangers can use this to their advantage. Now, they know they have a time limit to search these places for more information about just why they are there.

Perhaps, now, they might have a chance to find something useful.

There are six strangers left. Best get to work.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Indeed! I was busy setting up the plates and everything! BUT! No one came! I waited, alone and forlorn, for untold hours, with piles of plates at my disposal, yet no one responded to my carefully crafted invitations...

And so you see, this is why, the moral of the story is, never drink white wine after Labor Day. Or is that never eat white meat before Valentine's Day?

I never got an invitation! [he sounds sad about that. he's actually pouting]

What? Of course I did! I gave them to everyone this morning!

Indeed, I was inspired by the crashing noises, and thought, that is not how you spin plates!

The crashing noises? Where? At the mansion?

Indeed!

[hmmm!]

Did you only hear them, or did you see anything happen there?

Of course, I only heard them! So I was unable to catch the plate-shattering culprit.

That sucks. Well, I'm glad you're okay. Miss Emma was really worried about you, you know.

Ah! Yes, the one who named me. I noticed she had taken ill earlier this week. She had collapsed on the floor, and was not moving! I did say hello, but she didn't respond. She was acting quite dead for some reason.

I have not seen her since! So, unless she is dead, I must assume she is avoiding me for some reason. Ah, but what faux pas could I have committed? Surely it cannot be as bad as the time I attended the masquerade of Palais Garnier, dressed as the Red Death! I had recently finished my magnum opus of opera, Don Juan Triumphant, and had demanded it be performed promptly! But the lady who was to be the lead soprano of my masterpiece convinced me that perhaps I should not have arrived thirty minutes late to the ball, and so, instead, we agreed on a Christmas release and a live read-through beforehand. Just to work out the kinks, of course!

Edited 2019-05-25 04:59 (UTC)

[does he ever stop talking?

Osomatsu's quiet for a moment, thinking of poor Emma, and then Franciscus. he will not bother this weird creature much longer, but he has to know]

...Hey, Excalibur. Do you know if... Is it possible to bring people back from the dead here?

Edited 2019-05-25 05:03 (UTC)

FOOL! I do indeed know if it is possible!

No one can simply overcome death in this universe! Even immortality is no guarantee! It is the same as taxes! Unless you are dead. Then, who knows!

Edited 2019-05-25 05:13 (UTC)

[well. at least he knows now. he shivers a bit, frowning]

I just have one more question, then. Do you know of someone named Maka?

Do not be so worried! Though it is supposed to not be possible, perhaps you may yet undo death, if you undo taxes. And Tuesdays. And brie cheese. And the concept of shuffleboard dancing. There is a list of things you would need to do that may take some time to do. I suggest starting soon.

[A pause.]

Maka Albarn...who doesn't know her? Unless you are not from the twenty-first century. Then, you would only be able to find her great-great-great-great-

[you get the idea]

Her legend is not quite to my level, you see. Not yet!

Edited 2019-05-25 05:24 (UTC)

[a list of things to do to undo death... well, at least that was better than having no hope at all... he nods]

She's from the future then? [hmm] Is it somehow possible that she got back to this century?

FOOL! Anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and billions of dollars at your disposal!

[he wonders how she got here, then. was it the same as the rest of them? Osomatsu rubs his chin, thinking]

Y-Yeah... you're right. If we all work together, maybe we can undo this mess. [though he doesn't think they will be working together very well] Thanks.

Hm!

[he is pleased to be thanked]

You seem to be quite an intelligent person to recognize my legend!

Edited 2019-05-25 05:41 (UTC)

[HA]

Well, I've sure never been called intelligent before! But if you say I am, then it must be true!

Indeed! Perhaps, then, you might be worthy to wield me in battle, as all great men have been!

Of course, there are a few provisions you will need to follow for our partnership to work...

[And out pops a book that says 10001 PROVISIONS.]

[Osomatsu looks pretty excited for a moment.

until that book comes out. why? why are there so many provisions?

he catches the book, then opens to the middle page to read it]

No. 679. Always place a dehumidifier in your room.

[that provision seems okay. though... there aren't any dehumidifiers now.

he'll turn a couple more pages, reading more rules]

No. 786. Never eat California rolls made with surimi.

[what.......... then what do you have left?

he turns to the very last rule]

(no subject)

15unknowns - 2019-05-25 17:53 (UTC) - Expand

relieable - 2019-05-25 17:56 (UTC) - Expand

15unknowns - 2019-05-25 21:12 (UTC) - Expand

relieable - 2019-05-25 21:14 (UTC) - Expand

[...Oh. What the heck is this thing.]

....Do...you mean Emma?

[Arthur still looks a bit green around the gills but. Um. Hmmm.]