Afterparty Buffet

[superstylishsquid]

[So, that trial sure happened, didn't it? And on nearly empty stomachs, no less. That's why people might catch Alastor headed for the kitchen as soon as they're out of the theater, obviously intent on making food. He's in there a while, actually, and the hallway outside of it smells strongly of some rather tasty food.

What he's up to will become clear when he goes around to tell people to visit the mess hall. There, he's set up a varied buffet on one of the tables, all of various foods easy to serve in small portions. This includes small slices of beef only very lightly seared on the outside, but also more fully cooked fare, and even a few fruit and vegetable dishes. Plus the requisite spread of alcohol, because it sure has been A Day, huh?

...Also, while Hermes obviously doesn't eat, he still gets the instructions to go to the mess hall. Huh.]

Comments

[superstylishsquid]

[Yeah, there's...a reason he made sure to bring Hubert a glass of water.]

Seemed like something was weighing on your a bit more physically back there, though.

[voidseeing]

You mean the crystals?

[I mean CAT'S KIND OF OUT OF THE BAG THERE... he takes a swig of his water before continuing.]

I'm actually surprised it took them this long to show up without any treatment.

[superstylishsquid]

You're seriously sick, aren't you?

[voidseeing]

[... and here he closes his eyes for a moment. Well. They would all find out eventually either way.]

... I've got less than a year left in this body.

[superstylishsquid]

Sounds like Ritsu's not the only one I need to find a solution for, then.

[voidseeing]

As much as I appreciate the thought, I've got a solution for it back at home... or rather, my new home. Turns out there are some benefits to being modified so that your soul can be transferred into a new body.

[... wait, what.]

[superstylishsquid]

What do you have planned for a replacement, then?

[Look. He already offered to take care of Ritsu's soul until they figured out a new vessel for it?]

[voidseeing]

I can have a new body created for me back in Kanto. It's just a matter of transferring my soul into it once it's completed.

Good thing I know someone there who specializes in that sort of thing.

[Sometimes there are perks to surviving murdergames!]

[superstylishsquid]

Maybe you could help Ritsu out too, then. I can handle souls, but creating a new body would be a hassle and a lot of resources.

[voidseeing]

It might be possible if there's a way to bring her back with me. By now I think I should be able to call in a few favors there... all things considered, a new body shouldn't be that much to ask.

[superstylishsquid]

If we can get our powers back...I can already move between worlds, if I can find the connections between them. Assuming getting out of here doesn't involve closing those connections off, anyway.

[voidseeing]

Given my previous experience, I doubt it would close them off. If anything, I would say it might end up making things easier.

[superstylishsquid]

Then it shouldn't be a problem at all for me to slip from world to world, or to bring people with me when I do.

[voidseeing]

Good. I'll see what strings I can pull on my end.

[All the more reason to make sure they manage to make it out of here alive.

... he can hold out for a few more weeks, at least. Probably.

He still hasn't touched any of the food, though.]

[superstylishsquid]

But in the meantime...eat, you need your strength. And if there's anything one of us could do to slow the disease down...

[voidseeing]

[That earns Alastor a little attempt at a grin.]

I hope you're not taking this as a personal affront-- it smells delicious. I just need to work on it slowly.

[A pause, and then:]

Don't worry about the disease-- there's nothing anyone here can do for it. Besides, this isn't the first time I've had to deal with it reaching this stage.

[superstylishsquid]

It almost got you in trouble back there, though, didn't it? At least, I suspect that's why you collapsed.

[voidseeing]

... it chooses the worst times to act up.

[And he kind of hates it!]

[superstylishsquid]

Don't they always...

At least you've got people you can rely on when it does.

[voidseeing]

[And again the surprised expression. Someone has not had people tell him that and mean it very many times in his life.]

That's going to take some getting used to.

[superstylishsquid]

[He gives a strained smile, along with a pat on the shoulder.]

For the both of us...not used to this whole 'part of a mutually trusting team' thing, either.

[voidseeing]

[For a moment he tenses up, as though he's going to pull away... but then he relaxes just slightly.]

I'm used to being the leader, not part of the team.

[superstylishsquid]

[A gentle shoulder squeeze.]

I used to rule, a long...long time ago. [Almost half a lifetime.] It's definitely different, no one's going to listen to a leader they can't rely on.

Lately, though, I've just been doing the loner thing. So believe me, I get you when it comes to not knowing how to deal with this sort of thing.

[voidseeing]

[A little laugh, tired and understanding all at the same time.]

You find yourself wearing your leader face more often than not. That was even my title in Kansai... "Leader." How ironic... an entirely different world, and I still couldn't even escape that much.

[But at the same time, it's also the only life he knows.]

[superstylishsquid]

Well, I don't think anyone here is counting on you to take charge. Just...try and remember, alright? You don't have to handle things alone if it's not what you actually want.