sageguidance | brandishes a knife

[ TO THAT CURSED POINT IN TIME ]

... Aye, that I am. 'Tis a place far from home, really—but there is work to be finished there.

[Honestly he's also going home to die so it's not like he doesn't get it, but he still looks unhappy regardless.]

So many here are going from one type of difficult work to another, and it really doesn't seem like a fair thing. I'm certain you will be able to finish your work, but...I wish that there was something I could do for you.

[ he shakes his head ]

You've done enough—pray, you need not worry for my sake any longer. You have a home to return to, remember?

[this is extra funny now that you know that souji knows he's about to have to fight swords to the death

But he just offers a little flicker of a smile, a bit melancholy in nature.]

I can return to home and still fuss over you a bit, you know. I'm very good at multitasking.

[ yeah what the actual fuck ]

Aye, aye...

... Ah, I do have a question, however.

[Things happen in these murdering wilds...

He gives Alphinaud a curious look, though.]

I'll do my best to answer, then. What is it?

You had no memory of what became of you upon your arrival to the hotel, correct? Have those memories not yet returned to you?

[Ah. His smile doesn't falter, but there's a little thinness to it for a moment.]

I had a few memories... Enough to be able to start filling in some of the blanks sooner or later, at least. Nico-kun explained a few more things on Thursday, though. Would you care to know, Al-kun?

... If it troubles you not, but you need not explain if you do not wish it.

I can hardly remember it, so it isn't very troubling.

[Also he's used to such fuckin weird things that he's just out here like WELL THAT'S FINE about it. ANYWAY.]

I arrived at some point between the original staff and our staff for reasons none of us know, currently. I had signed my contract and woke up in the lobby, but clearly it was far too early... The only person there was Qi Rong, though. To say he was startled to see me would be an understatement! All I can recall is feeling some pain and seeing his face covered in blood, but I was told that he consumed me shortly thereafter.

[VORE! VORE! VORE! The hilarity of Qi Rong trying to eat him Again. anyway britt for queen of vore crimes]

Apparently, learning of this incident was part of what catalyzed our staff into action upon their arrival.

[ BRITT YOUR VORE ]

He—

[ HE IS SIMPLY STUNNED INTO SILENCE. What the fuck. What the fuck!! ]

That damned fiend! [ why did it have to be a ghost... ] That... does explain a lot.

[BRITT'S VORE.......

Also fair mood, Souji just cracked a terrible joke when he learned it but he was also like "hm I simply won't look at this too hard" at the time. ALPHINAUD'S TRYING SO HARD TO REWRITE HIS GHOST OPINIONS AND THIS GAME IS REALLY MAKING IT HARD ON HIM.]

Haha... I did recognize his face when he first emerged from the basement, but since I couldn't be entirely certain one way or another, I preferred to keep it to myself. Still, I at least wished to insist that he was a problem - though that was very clear the second he was loose.

Y... yes. I had wondered why the staff were so cross with us, as well... But that is because they were full aware of that he had done to you.

They knew what he was capable of, yes, and we did also knock Flayn-san out so we could let loose an incredibly dangerous cannibal...

[He thinks that the staff are entirely valid even if he's like "WHO WOULDN'T HAVE OPENED THE DOOR" about it.]

[ .... ]

Quite. Erm. I don't regret that we were able to personally deal with him ourselves—in fact, now knowing what he had done to you, I am glad we did—but had I known it was Flayn amongst us...

I would be lying if I said that it didn't feel cathartic, being in the car that ran him over.

[He's not an inherently violent person but putting Kondo's life at risk by killing him is simply unforgiveable.

THAT SAID he just reaches out and gently pats Alphinaud's shoulder with his not-tea-holding hand.]

I believe that if any of us had known, we wouldn't have done such a thing... But we all know that the "staff" of places like this can't tell us everything, so I think we handled that attempt with about as much grace as we could have, in that situation.

Quite so. Well, that Flayn were caught up in our plans is the only thing I regret...

I said I would never open that door again, but if I could, simply to punch him in the face, I would.

That, and the fact that Hope-san was injured... You had to deal with a burden, yourself.

[He wishes that none of them had to deal with any unpleasant things because of Qi Rong!!! But unfortunately, they can't always get flawless victories...

That comment is so funny though holy shit he's charmed, terribly.]

Oh! Maybe it's unkind for me to say it, but I wouldn't mind seeing something like that happen.

[ deep down inside, even Alphinaud gets violent urges sometimes. ]

Ah, if only it could... Unfortunately, I can but dream.

[ sips at his tea ]

[Everyone has a little bit of violence deep down sometimes... Even their nerdiest library punks.]

It's a nice dream, at least. A sweet one, even. [Also sipping his tea...] --Though I suppose it's just as well, if the Nightman wishes to dispose of him. If not, Hua Cheng is here.

He has claimed he is able to handle the likes of Qi Rong, hasn't he... Very well. Mayhap 'tis best to leave his like within Hua Cheng's hands, in the end.

Mm, maybe so! For my part, I'd be content to never see that face again.

[Souji is truly just able to shake off nearly anything... Kondo's still not guaranteed to be safe, but the moment he's back, Souji will really just be like "well anyway" about being supermurdered and vored.]

Though there are quite a few more that I'll certainly miss...

Everyone else's, I presume?

Everyone else's, yes.

[THE STAFF, THE LIVING, THE DEAD... Souji's so fond or at least positive-neutral about like literally everyone here except for Qi Rong and Luo Binghe, absolutely hilarious. The other shady former staff are on thin ice, too...

He's quiet for a thoughtful second after that though, before adding:] I still would have rather none of you joined me, but... In particular, I'll miss those of you that I was actually able to spend time with. It's been my greatest honor and happiness of my time here, getting to know you.

[General graveyard you but also sweet Alphinaud in specific who he is so fond of.]

[ His gaze lowers, but his lips curve into a small, fond smile. ]

Were it my decision to make, never would I have—but full glad I am to have met you, as well. I have expressed my gratitude once before, but... well, simply know that has not changed.

brandishes a knife

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