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suitedreams2022-05-10 09:26 pm
guestservices) wrote in suitedreams2022-05-10 09:26 pm
Entry tags:
WEEK ZERO: MINGLE
W̴͍̎E̴̝̊E̸͚͝K̸͕̿ ZERO: MINGLE
(35 ḡ̴̻u̷͌͜ê̴̯s̶̢͑t̵̻͝s̴̡̐ ̴c̴h̴e̶c̴k̷e̶d̸ ̶i̴n̴)
Needless to say, marble isn't exactly the most comfortable surface to sleep on. Do you even remember falling asleep? Maybe not, but the moment your eyes flutter open and the lingering stardust fades, you come into consciousness with the distinct feeling that your dreams were very important.
You vaguely remember a shadowed hand, the pen and the scroll in its grip as the terms and conditions glow softly before you. You can't quite remember the details, the words blurring and fading fasting the longer you try, but you come to a conclusion rather quickly:
-Someone you care about is in trouble and their life is now your responsibility.
-You have signed a contract to provide entertainment to the Host in exchange for their safe return.
Your other memories begin to settle now that you're more awake. You remember that this isn't the first time you've been swept away for a game by someone else's design. You remember what those games entailed, too, but as the pieces click together you get the sense that murdering everyone around you isn't a solution. It won't get your hostage back sooner. It will only end tragically for everyone involved.
So instead, perhaps it's time to take in your surroundings. Where the hell even are you now? The marble floor of the lobby is still cool to the touch, and the front desk is before you with several keys on hooks against the wall. Each of them includes a keychain with two small, clear star-shaped crystals embedded at the bottom. Too bad you can't seem to remove the keys just yet! Guest accommodations aren't quite ready.
Ah, right. About that. You aren't alone! After all, what's the fun in playing a game by yourself? Should one try to actually count the keys hanging on the wall, you'll find there are 35 in total. You can also learn more about them should you look at the leather-bound book bolted to the front desk. Though some of them may look a bit different, seeing how everyone gathered in the lobby is dressed to the nines. What happened to your other clothing? Worry not. You do want to be presentable at the front desk, don't you?
Speaking of the front desk, while you aren't able to retrieve your keys or even leave the ground floor right now, you will find small gift boxes scattered around the desk as a complementary gift for each guest. Inside these boxes, you will find:
-A flask. Those of legal drinking age will find it filled with a sweet wine, and those underage will find juice of some kind.
-A shaving kit
- A single aspirin
-A keychain
-A condolence card
-A sheet of temporary tattoos
-A small bag of jerky
-A compact mirror with a cute pattern on the outer casing
No other items are on your person even if you were holding onto them prior to your arrival. Perhaps the bellhop has already taken your luggage for you?
But despite the front desk hosting a small cluster of bells, ringing them doesn't seem to draw the attention of anyone. The bells cannot be removed from the desk, but the hotel staff appears to be occupied with other tasks.
It looks as though you're on your own for now until maintenance is finished. But it's just like the first time, isn't it? Get to know the other guests, start asking questions, and settle in for your stay.
You can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave...
N̸A̵V̴I̶G̶A̶T̴I̴O̸N̷.̷
ii
... there are times where maturity may be a bit - how do they say? Overrated.
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Even so, I want to cling to it right now.
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[a glance to her knuckles and the tight hold]
... but like calm, it may elude those who wish to grasp for it most. Or at the very least, it is not something that comes easy to those who are solitary.
Would you tell an old man of your troubles?
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It is an honor to meet you, Mikazuki-san. Tsurumaru-san has told me about you.
[ her grip hasn't eased, and these aren't all her troubles, but.... ]
I'm afraid I am always angry at how cruel the world can be, so I can never be fully calm.
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As I have heard about you, Shinobu Kocho. You have my gratitude, for caring for my crane.
[said with utmost fondness]
You must have witnessed much, and have a very full heart, to hold such anger in conjunction. Does your own rage unsettle you?
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Despite the circumstances, he made it easy.
[ she thinks it's very sweet how fond these two swords are of each other.
she shakes her head. ]
I think I am justified in my anger, but I am not so full of myself to think it won't make me lose reason. [ her self-awareness is decent. ] But I care more about saving as many as I can more than my own self-satisfaction.
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[it needs to stop being pride month immediately.
at least mikazuki is willing to focus on what shinobu says first and foremost.]
... I think that takes great strength, and considerable kindness. Though I must pose a question that my crane once asked me... If you are always seeking to save others - then who shall be present to save you?
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there's a beat before she closes her eyes with a more genuine smile. ]
You two are too insightful. I am saved by those who can reach the future, who will live in happier times. If they can carry my dreams with them and accomplish their own dreams, I will be content.
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[and that is perhaps why mikazuki's own smile grows a little more genuine - and for that reason, it also grows a measure more saddened.]
It will be a beautiful future. However, I just as certainly hope for salvation in your present, Shinobu Kocho.
If only because I am old man who has seen much, and can speak more freely... so even if you do not seek to be selfish, I will hold you in regard instead.
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[ her smile is a little rueful. ]
It's not as if there aren't others who have offered me different routes than the one I chose. I was convinced, to try to be a little selfish.
[ if trying to help a country that's probably five minutes away from war is considered selfish. ]
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[and he sounds very glad indeed]
I will not ask you to choose yourself always. But I hope you are not surprised when your compassion invites others to choose you. Is it not those bonds that tie us that lead to that same future you hope for?
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It is. I know the trust and care I have for my comrades is reciprocated. I'm only surprised when I know I've made cruel choices, those that I know will be hurtful to them, and they still choose me.
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A cruel choice may still stem from kindness.
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If that cruel choice is also the a reflection of your character, it shouldn't be overlooked. We are more than our choices, but our choices also stem from who we are.
[ she takes a drink of her tea. ]
It is sometimes kinder to be cruel.
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It is. So the supposition then only lies on whether someone can look at the whole of you and find that you are still worth choosing.
Though I have yet to find a human that I would not choose, if it were in my capacity to do so.
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Your heart is open. Mine is not as. I know there are some choices I cannot forgive.
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[ . . . ]
I will choose to believe in you, Shinobu Kocho. In your anger, and your kindness.
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[ her life before becoming a demon slayer was much happier. ]
But that does not mean I do not appreciate your insight or your wisdom or your belief because I do think you are able to see much humans cannot.
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Please do continue to rely on us - both myself and Tsurumaru Kuninaga.
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[ even if it is terrible judgment, she already stans mikatsuru. helppppppp ]