I wonder if the brother's death was what Grune-san saw...
[Kanesada-san as well, but Tamamo is also reluctant to bring up that name for now. Her arms fold, head tilted to the side]
A man was killed trying to defend someone, and then a woman was used in a ritualistic summoning.
[tapping a finger to her lip]
Or, possibly, that ritual was the first that started the entire chain of events, much like what happened with Polly-san.
[-- Ah, but that does remind her-- Tamamo clearly hesitates for a beat, but comes to her decision quickly enough, glancing sideways at Junpei]
By the way, I have the notebook that was in Kanesan-san's possession. While I assume he showed it to you already, you are welcome to take it should it be useful.
The drowning. I talked to Grune and got her version of the events myself. A drowning in the fountain, then the ritual that ripped off that woman's arm. I've been trying to figure that out, too.
Dick said that when he and Taako broke into the clinic there was a woman named M whose cause of death was dismemberment. Naturally, they had to put together a woman's body themselves. We're losing track of where things really started with our group and ended with theirs.
[But he looks briefly surprised.] I was wondering where that went. I wrote down the notes when he first showed me, but we should keep it. We might be able to transcribe some of the other pages later somehow.
Hm... so does this mean we need only unravel the mystery of these people, and not commit their same mistakes? Or is the very act of discovering the truth enough to set us free...
[Folding her arms]
Well, in any case, my assumption is the notebook passed to my possession because I helped break into the that room with him. Grune-san likely has the keys to the cell, seeing as they didn't appear in my room.
Maybe the latter. We're missing one role right now, and...have we identified who's missing yet? Who might've been exorcised last night? [NOBODY FUCKING TOLD HIM YET. He just heard Taako's announcement and assumed.]
Those items going to you and Grune makes sense. Izuminokami left them for me but...you're both still alive, so. [A shrug. He's fine with it.]
I'll ask around...maybe tomorrow. If the knife disappears I'll ask Grune for it immediately because, funny enough, turns out we might actually need it. There's a ritual to prepare for, but we're missing a lot of items.
[Haha! But he nods.] The title's Booty Caller. I'm pretty sure they can speak to those on the other side. There's two of them, but I've been in contact with the other. They have no idea who it might be either. I have suspicions, but nothing concrete yet.
We have until day 50 to get everything together. I don't know all of the details, my information's second hand. I just know the kind of tools we're looking for. Your knife was one of them. If a ritual brought them here, then a ritual to send them back almost makes sense.
[He seems surprised by the question though.] Oh. I...guess I never really told you, huh?
[Since he has his notebook, he'll flip to another page where there seems to be a list.
A lot of you don't know what these names mean. [He shakes his head.] Honey Pot is basically someone who uses sex as an allure for people in order to trap them and get information or money or stuff. Items. Whatever.
[Just. A deadeyed look.] Do I look like I'd be a Sugar Daddy, Tamamo? [Listen!!!]
--wait how are you unfamiliar with half of these but you just happen to know what that one means?
[Listen it fits with her lore? She can own this unfortunate fact]
-- And yes, I suppose you're correct. [Ha. HA HA.] You haven't the finances to pull off that title. Never fear, Master, I still accept you, even if you're perpetually broke.
[And honestly Junpei asks a valid question. Tamamo is momentarily caught off guard before--]
My best guess is that when I was summoned, I was gifted that information... I don't really get to choose what I do and do not know, you realize!
It's maybe better that it's not. Their role is a little complicated.
[Also, let's not send his wife to lure people in like that even if it is her normal lore. He narrows his eyes a bit then.]
But thanks. You know what they say about marriage. For richer, for poorer, or whatever. [But he's reviewing his own list. There's also a ? next to Booty Caller to indicate that's the one he's missing.] I never really thought about it that way. I figured you always just knew a lot given who you are. Kind of a weird thing to have knowledge about is all.
[...he taps the word "catfish."] This used to be Izuminokami's role. I had to explain some of these names to him, too.
Junpei knows nothing about what it means to be summoned as she is, and an explanation would bring a pragmatic element to the conversation. No need to make it personal at all.
-- and yet. Tamamo stands there with her gaze turned elsewhere for a moment before nodding]
Is it true that if a role dies, then the role is gifted to someone else?
[...]
If so, that seems to insinuate that they're all necessary in some way. Perhaps for the ritual?
[Tamamo please tell your husband things...the worst is that he may normally be able to call her on this, but right now he's still recovering and also focused on his notes.]
Yes. We've lost two people who had roles, and they've shifted to other people since then. We've maybe lost more, but I think every other role is with its original owner.
It's possible we need all thirteen for the ritual, too. The last group went down to twelve and maybe that's how they failed. But you can see how and why I'm trying to find this last role. If that's true, we need everyone on the same page.
[Yes good stay focused on the notes because Tamamo has zero qualms with exploiting her good fortune, even as she sneaks a furtive glance in his direction]
Yes... it makes sense now why Higekiri-san asked me to aid him in his search.
[Tapping a finger to her lip.]
And that we only lost two with roles is quite fortunate. I'd call it a game of chance, but I wouldn't be surprised if the demons are looking for those with roles specifically to kill them, as well. It's to their benefit.
He asked you, too, huh. [Haha] Someone I'm working with asked him to help and Higekiri's been working on that. It's that reason that lead me to believe who our last role may be, but...I'm not sure yet.
...Escha and Izuminokami. Both died for their roles, but not necessarily in the way you'd think. I don't know if the demons would target them because I don't think most of the hosts that the demons have inhabited have known who to go after. That's going to make the next couple of weeks really, really tricky. We're at the point where there's only twenty-one of us left, and nearly two-thirds of us with roles. It's becoming a numbers game with a deadline.
... Is it possible those without roles must die off?
[It's just a thought, really. She has no idea if it's correct or not, but her tone is musing]
Given what you learned during your last break-in, it would at least give motivation for why our anonymous friend hid information from someone he cared for, and why their friendship ended so bleakly.
You're not the first to suggest that to me. And I'd rather it not come to that, but...someone asked me to make sure I do the honorable thing no matter what it is. I just don't know what that is yet.
How do you really tell people they have to die for the greater good? Not a lot of people on this ship would just agree to that.
And that might precisely be why the last series of events failed. Death is a frightening enigma to most.
[...]
What's worse, knowing that roles can be redistributed would give others more incentive to kill. If the only winners are those who are left alive, then it's in their best interests to tempt fate with murder.
You do raise a good point about that. [Which is a kind of alarming point, but alas.] You think we've had people here kill some of our victims on their own without being possessed? Besides Escha, since that still doesn't entirely count.
[yes, its exactly what she is asking, even as her tone remains light and airy]
Let us speak freely about the matter. Do you not remember I gave you my knife for a reason? It is because I have outlasted my usefulness.
[-- a harsh assessment, maybe, but she doesn't look particularly moved by her self-inflicted cruelty. The ease in which she speaks hints that this was coming eventually]
In terms of our contract, there's very little I can offer you now, regardless of if we'd be forced to turn on each other. Indeed, it would be in your best interest to get rid of me.
[...]
If it still concerns you, here, I'll put your fears at ease. I was not quite honest with you at the start of our agreement - I will likely disappear at the end of this "game", no matter if I survive the demons.
[she keeps a passive smile upon her face, though her expression veils, hiding her thoughts]
I know why you gave it to me even if I don't exactly agree in terms of your usefulness. You're still more useful than you might think. [But...he frowns in thought and leans back to look at her.]
I'm not going to get rid of you unless it really comes to that. [Except.] What exactly do you mean you're going to disappear?
My existence requires me to be anchored to someone -- through their life force, in a sense. Otherwise I can't sustain myself in my truest form, and will vanish as if I never existed.
[a shrug, and she folds her arms, voice almost clinical]
It was always a long shot from the very start, and I realized as much. I formed my contract with you to protect myself and my odds of finding a good match.
But things are different now. [it is brief, unbidden, but there is a flicker of sadness that crosses her expression]
It is best you consider me a phantom doomed to disappear than a participant; it will increase your odds of survival, Master.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Kanesada-san as well, but Tamamo is also reluctant to bring up that name for now. Her arms fold, head tilted to the side]
A man was killed trying to defend someone, and then a woman was used in a ritualistic summoning.
[tapping a finger to her lip]
Or, possibly, that ritual was the first that started the entire chain of events, much like what happened with Polly-san.
[-- Ah, but that does remind her-- Tamamo clearly hesitates for a beat, but comes to her decision quickly enough, glancing sideways at Junpei]
By the way, I have the notebook that was in Kanesan-san's possession. While I assume he showed it to you already, you are welcome to take it should it be useful.
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Dick said that when he and Taako broke into the clinic there was a woman named M whose cause of death was dismemberment. Naturally, they had to put together a woman's body themselves. We're losing track of where things really started with our group and ended with theirs.
[But he looks briefly surprised.] I was wondering where that went. I wrote down the notes when he first showed me, but we should keep it. We might be able to transcribe some of the other pages later somehow.
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[Folding her arms]
Well, in any case, my assumption is the notebook passed to my possession because I helped break into the that room with him. Grune-san likely has the keys to the cell, seeing as they didn't appear in my room.
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Those items going to you and Grune makes sense. Izuminokami left them for me but...you're both still alive, so. [A shrug. He's fine with it.]
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[This is Marie's excuse for only half-paying attention. It's fine, Tamamo would only lose her shit if five people here died]
... And I suppose this means my knife will go to Grune-san if I am ever killed. So if it disappears, you'll be aware of its location.
[A shrug herself. It is what it is]
Are you aware of what the missing role is?
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[Haha! But he nods.] The title's Booty Caller. I'm pretty sure they can speak to those on the other side. There's two of them, but I've been in contact with the other. They have no idea who it might be either. I have suspicions, but nothing concrete yet.
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Then perhaps that is the point of all of this -- gathering the items for a ritual. [A slight huff] Reminds me of when this nonsense first began.
[-- Also she's sorry but she is going to snort at that name, she hates this ship so much but at least it fully commits to the theme]
I'm curious, Master -- what is your official title?
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[He seems surprised by the question though.] Oh. I...guess I never really told you, huh?
[Since he has his notebook, he'll flip to another page where there seems to be a list.
Catfish: 1
Honeypot: 1
Sugar Daddy: 2
Booty Caller: 2
Cockblocker: 3
Doxxer: 4
The ink on the word "catfish" seems to be newer than the rest.]
...if you guess right, I can confirm. [Just to be safe.]
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[Being a Heroic Spirit sucks sometimes, she rocks back on her heels and sighs.]
What on earth does Honey Pot entail? ... well, at least I'm familiar with the term "Sugar Daddy". Is that what you are?
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[Just. A deadeyed look.] Do I look like I'd be a Sugar Daddy, Tamamo? [Listen!!!]
--wait how are you unfamiliar with half of these but you just happen to know what that one means?
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[Listen it fits with her lore? She can own this unfortunate fact]
-- And yes, I suppose you're correct. [Ha. HA HA.] You haven't the finances to pull off that title. Never fear, Master, I still accept you, even if you're perpetually broke.
[And honestly Junpei asks a valid question. Tamamo is momentarily caught off guard before--]
My best guess is that when I was summoned, I was gifted that information... I don't really get to choose what I do and do not know, you realize!
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[Also, let's not send his wife to lure people in like that even if it is her normal lore. He narrows his eyes a bit then.]
But thanks. You know what they say about marriage. For richer, for poorer, or whatever. [But he's reviewing his own list. There's also a ? next to Booty Caller to indicate that's the one he's missing.] I never really thought about it that way. I figured you always just knew a lot given who you are. Kind of a weird thing to have knowledge about is all.
[...he taps the word "catfish."] This used to be Izuminokami's role. I had to explain some of these names to him, too.
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Junpei knows nothing about what it means to be summoned as she is, and an explanation would bring a pragmatic element to the conversation. No need to make it personal at all.
-- and yet. Tamamo stands there with her gaze turned elsewhere for a moment before nodding]
Is it true that if a role dies, then the role is gifted to someone else?
[...]
If so, that seems to insinuate that they're all necessary in some way. Perhaps for the ritual?
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Yes. We've lost two people who had roles, and they've shifted to other people since then. We've maybe lost more, but I think every other role is with its original owner.
It's possible we need all thirteen for the ritual, too. The last group went down to twelve and maybe that's how they failed. But you can see how and why I'm trying to find this last role. If that's true, we need everyone on the same page.
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Yes... it makes sense now why Higekiri-san asked me to aid him in his search.
[Tapping a finger to her lip.]
And that we only lost two with roles is quite fortunate. I'd call it a game of chance, but I wouldn't be surprised if the demons are looking for those with roles specifically to kill them, as well. It's to their benefit.
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...Escha and Izuminokami. Both died for their roles, but not necessarily in the way you'd think. I don't know if the demons would target them because I don't think most of the hosts that the demons have inhabited have known who to go after. That's going to make the next couple of weeks really, really tricky. We're at the point where there's only twenty-one of us left, and nearly two-thirds of us with roles. It's becoming a numbers game with a deadline.
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[It's just a thought, really. She has no idea if it's correct or not, but her tone is musing]
Given what you learned during your last break-in, it would at least give motivation for why our anonymous friend hid information from someone he cared for, and why their friendship ended so bleakly.
[A shrug]
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How do you really tell people they have to die for the greater good? Not a lot of people on this ship would just agree to that.
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[...]
What's worse, knowing that roles can be redistributed would give others more incentive to kill. If the only winners are those who are left alive, then it's in their best interests to tempt fate with murder.
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[... Ha. Haha. Placing a hand on her hip, looking more at the notebook than at Junpei. She's grinning]
But should it be true, that certainly puts us in an awkward position, doesn't it, Master?
Whatever shall you do if the game requires me to die and I don't have a role?
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...are you asking me if I'm going to be willing to kill you?
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[yes, its exactly what she is asking, even as her tone remains light and airy]
Let us speak freely about the matter. Do you not remember I gave you my knife for a reason? It is because I have outlasted my usefulness.
[-- a harsh assessment, maybe, but she doesn't look particularly moved by her self-inflicted cruelty. The ease in which she speaks hints that this was coming eventually]
In terms of our contract, there's very little I can offer you now, regardless of if we'd be forced to turn on each other. Indeed, it would be in your best interest to get rid of me.
[...]
If it still concerns you, here, I'll put your fears at ease. I was not quite honest with you at the start of our agreement - I will likely disappear at the end of this "game", no matter if I survive the demons.
[she keeps a passive smile upon her face, though her expression veils, hiding her thoughts]
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I'm not going to get rid of you unless it really comes to that. [Except.] What exactly do you mean you're going to disappear?
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My existence requires me to be anchored to someone -- through their life force, in a sense. Otherwise I can't sustain myself in my truest form, and will vanish as if I never existed.
[a shrug, and she folds her arms, voice almost clinical]
It was always a long shot from the very start, and I realized as much. I formed my contract with you to protect myself and my odds of finding a good match.
But things are different now. [it is brief, unbidden, but there is a flicker of sadness that crosses her expression]
It is best you consider me a phantom doomed to disappear than a participant; it will increase your odds of survival, Master.
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