FINAL INVESTIGATION

[strangerpeople]

FINAL INVESTIGATION


[Fifteen X-Passes. Six weeks. Freedom at last.



But it's not the end. Of course it's not. There are questions to answer, and souls to save. And now that the group is outside, they can see where they are.

They are inside a massive cavern, illuminated in an eerie green light, standing on a stone path. On one side is the ship-or rather, a massive, ship-shaped tangle of bloody branches, the trunk-like roots snaking out and into the river its buoyed on, as well as into the ceiling of stalactites. Said river is wine dark, but it's clearly not water. No-it is blood.

And on the other side of their little pathway? A root-encrusted palace. It sits over a labyrinthine city, bathed in emerald, and all is eerily silent save for some sounds coming from within the castle. It's clear the infestation somehow started here. And it is here that answers are likely to be found.

The doors are right in front of the group-and they are already open, covered in branches. From the outside, it seems little more than a ruin. Once everyone goes in, though?




It's even worse. The tree has taken over. Whatever lives here is no longer in charge. There's no easy way to disentangle the Qilphoth from this place. But there is life here, somehow. You can see figures entangled within the roots as you explore. And-they are still, somehow, alive. More than alive. They are beings that bleed ichor instead of blood-beings of incredible divinity and power. They are gods. And they are hostage to the tree, forever and ever, trapped in induced ennui, unless something is done.


So welcome, Strangers, to the House of Hades.]







[Once you enter, the investigation shall begin.


Good luck.]



((OoC: And here are team assignments!))

Comments

[lovedthemost]

You were? [he does not sound particularly happy about that]

I'm curious as to what Fate did specifically but whatever the method or the reason, the result is satisfactory. [he's more happy that Hubert's still alive than anything]

[autonomousthought]

...You're really not that different from the other teachers I've had. And you did get us thinking more.

[She may be an absolute wreck both physically and emotionally. But she's glad to see him.]

[voidseeing]

Thank Nero, not me. Even if the experience was rather unpleasant to feel like I was reliving.

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[His arm moves again, as if trying to wipe away her tears, with a frustrated sound coming as he realizes he can't.

Still, the warmth he feels from her as he does is enough for now. Enough to cement that they did it, and they have reunited.]

For now, my dear. For now - yes, I shall have to merely content myself with being able to see and talk to you, after so long of being away!

[He -a bit shakily - stands, a true blob of robes and shadows.]

That alone makes any injury gotten during the attempt more than worth it!

[lovedthemost]

Gai. [oh good--Brain will start floating towards him] It's good that you are well.

As for this form, it's functional enough to assist at least verbally, though unfortunately it seems far too incorporeal for anything else. [he sounds very annoyed by this lmao]

[pegasinister]

[He nods]

I will tell you everything once we are free. No reason to hide things at that point. Though I fear you will... not like what I have to say.

[How will any of the dead feel knowing he knew? That he saw their deaths and still let them die? Maybe he can be forgiven for wanting to wait]

[onychomance]

[This is weird. He nods at Brain in greeting, but what the hell?]

What is that form even supposed to be? Nero didn't look like that... I've never seen a ghost who lost their appearance, but still maintained their memories.

[unpossibilities]

I guess so. I'm...

[He sighs.]

I'm sorry, babe. I...really wish things'd been different here. But hey, Pops really did us all a solid back while we were stuck on the other side. There was a battle and everything.

....I'm also never gonna eat pizza again. When you die, there's. There's only pizza.

[15unknowns]

[After a bit, another, almost sky blue shade appears, with a black wrap around its head.

It starts to float towards Akane, its posture a but morose-but it's mixed with relief.]

...Akane...you're all right.

[lovedthemost]

[CURSE YOU INSUPSTANCIALITY but if a floating blob shadow could look puzzled (he can't, but the vibes are there) as he looks down at her, well,]

...thank you. It is good that you are alive, well and as enthusiastic as ever.

[strangerpeople]

[At the back of the group there is a familiar figure. Briefcase in hand, Charon follows behind everyone else.]

[devilmehcry]

[From nearby:]

You say that like it's a bad thing!

[voidseeing]

Functional enough for me. The rest of us can handle the physical part if you can tell us what we need to do.

With any luck, we'll be getting the real thing back in no time. [... wait.] Or rather, a new version of the real thing.

[He's been there and done that, you can get replacements that are just as good!

[lovedthemost]

Kira-san. [Brain acknowledges him with what looks like a lift of his chin]

I shall be quite honest, I don't know. It was mentioned by one of our adversaries during our escape that our bodies are gone, so I would assume it's something along the lines of a soul, or at least that's what was mentioned as well.

Though admittedly I find that confusing, as Roidmude do not have souls, rather cores, but I assume in my case it has something to do with what this ship has done to my body.

[in any case--]

What has happened up here?

[exequte]

Aoi...?

[lovedthemost]

[hmm???

Brain is quiet for a moment, just kind of staring at Hubert, head still tilted slightly, before--]

...you are intelligent, clever and practical, Hubert. Whatever has transpired, I'm certain there was a good reason behind it.

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[GUESS WHO IS FLOATING OVER TO HIM

IT'S YA BOY]

Charon - Thank you.

[That's said with all the genuine gratitude he can offer, tbh.]

When we are able to leave, I will be certain to give tribute in your name - and I will never forget what you have done for us. For all of us.

[godspiousjasper]

Ah... if I had to guess... you must be Vergil and Dante??

[ Just going by the color associations hes heard about from both Alastor and Nero.

He's got a pleasant smile on his face all the same as he approaches. ]

It's nice to actually meet you and see you two are doing alright.

[exequte]

[Well he, at least, is getting flown at and getting another hug.]

Thank you.

[lovedthemost]

Yes, in that case, I plan to be of as much assistance as possible.

[but also...hm???]

A new version of the real thing? How do you mean?

[unpossibilities]

IT IS! I'M SICK OF IT!

[HELL IS CHUCK E CHEESE]

[pegasinister]

Ah...

[He blushes a bit]

Well. I hope so.

[If anyone would get it he feels Brain will]

[hatesdeerstalkers]

I could hug you - sadly, you'll have to make do with my eternal gratitude! Wahahahaha!

[That laugh sounds creepier (?) coming from a robe shadow tbh]

It is good to see you again, though I am just a little disappointed you didn't manage to make it down to us. Er, no offense, of course!

[countingme]

Oh! Please don't disturb them! They're sleeping!

[ Floating over towards Makima is... a sheep? ]

[lovedthemost]

[awww Bert. Brain is absolutely pleased to have made him at least temporarily lose that sad expression]

I am also clever, intelligent and practical. I'm certain I am correct in my faith in you. [:>]