come out of hiding, i'm right here beside you

[barehands]

[A while after the execution has ended, everyone will find a simple note slipped under their door.]

If you don't want to be alone after everything that's happening, some of us will be in the dining room. Even if you decide not to come, please remember that you aren't alone here.

[The note isn't signed, but the handwriting is feminine and neat.

For anyone who decides to come, there's a good array of food laid out on the table. There are some small and simple cakes, cookies, and pastries, a healthy amount of okonomiyaki, okayu, and other Japanese dishes (with a focus on rice and eggs), along with curry. In addition, there are pancakes, and a large pot of soup. It looks like a few people collaborated to make enough food for everyone here.

Just like the meal they shared together earlier in the week, the candles from the storage room lend a more peaceful light than the fluorescent lights above.]

Comments

[nachetanya]

That's assuming a lot of her, I think...

[ But she nods ]

I agree there is something we're missing though, probably several things.

[ossifragant]

When you've seen as much as I have, you tend to go with your gut.

[That's not to say he can't be wrong, of course.]

[nachetanya]

Oh yes, you are over two centuries old, right? That really would provide you with a great deal of insight.

[ossifragant]

Something like that.

[He smiles.]

I'd like to consider myself "experienced" as opposed to wise or anything like that.

[nachetanya]

The line between those can be murky sometimes... but yes, I think based on your attitude, "experienced" does suit you better.

[ossifragant]

In any case, I'm not sure how relevant my experience is gonna be-- this is... different, to put it lightly.

[nachetanya]

Is it, though?

[ She tilts her head ]

After all, experiences with people are fairly universal.

[ossifragant]

You have experience with being forced into a killing game?

[nachetanya]

No, but I have spoken with people for years and dealt with my own hardships before now. I don't think those experiences are without value... and if you have more, then it's not.

[ossifragant]

Ahh, I guess you have a point. Maybe I'm thinking too specifically about what I've seen.

In what I used to do... well. I didn't always see people at their best, I guess you could say.

[nachetanya]

[ she frowns slightly, thinking about the trial. and- ]

... Honestly, Greed, that might have even more value. Arietta couldn't have been said to be at her best earlier.

[ossifragant]

Maybe.

...I feel bad for the poor kid. I hope wherever she is now, she's able to be at peace.

[nachetanya]

Felicia as well.

[ If not moreso, really. Her tone sort of remains there. ]

[ossifragant]

...Yeah.

The sooner we can get out of here, the more people who will be saved.