but even if the stars and moon collide [afterparty]

[allatonce]

[Well, that sucked!

After about an hour, invitations written in colorful ink appear under everyone's doors.]

Understandable if you're not up to it, but we're having a memorial and "don't wanna be alone" hang-out in the restaurant again.

[The restaurant has very much been decorated with the most rainbow fabric she could find in the department store. Jonathan got roped in, mainly so she could make sure he was doing okay, but also because she assumed that he knew how to put a tablecloth on a table. He seemed like the type, anyway.

After consulting with Undertaker, most of the food that's been set out is more traditional Chinese funeral food than Victorian—you can get a whole roast duck in the restaurant—but she tried for a mix of things. There is fruit, the aforementioned roast duck, and several vegetarian dishes along with potatoes for some reason and... cookies? Okay then.

Joy's trying, because that was way less terrible for her than it was for basically anyone else.

Happy Pride Wrath, New Rapture!]

Comments

[vholran]

No, I've none.

[ The implication of 'observing him' is heard loud and clear. ]

Though if you expect to find any weaknesses, you will be disappointed.

[ Vholran isn't exactly the most wonderful companion, but despite his comment, he doesn't seem too bothered. He will simply continue eating in between talking. ]

[pairtner]

[Hoh, finding such things would be nice. Aiba can't deny that's part of the reason why she chose to appear before him]

Perhaps calling it 'weaknesses' is not the right word. I'm not looking to harm or try to worm my way into convincing you of anything.

[Truthfully, using Somnia would be far better for such things. Those tend to reveal the depths of one's head and heart. Just looking at someone probably won't. Still...]

That, and also I'd rather others to not take some petty action against you in retaliation for everything that happened in the trial. I don't rule out that wouldn't happen.

[Which is why, even though Vholran can see her, nobody else can. As far as everybody else can see, he's completely alone. The real, tangible Aiba is somewhere else in the restaurant, hidden away, observing in case somebody gets any bright ideas about retaliation]

[vholran]

[ Vholran would not be surprised. Being picked apart isn't exactly something new to him. ]

I will call it like I see it.

[ Though, there is a pause, and a considering noise. ]

Hm. You'd rather they'd not? Even if they would, which they won't [ ...for now, perhaps. ], there'd be nothing of substance they can do that would affect me.

I am no simple man. I am Vholran, Lord of Ganath Haros, and soon to be ruler of everything that matters...back in my world, that is.

[ But, it's interesting. Vholran has not had someone look out for him, regardless of the reason behind it. He is no sentimental fool, however, so he is certain it is entirely based in logic. Fights have a chance of causing a death, after all. ]

[pairtner]

Even if there's nothing they can do against you, someone trying would bring enough trouble to you and to them it's better to just stop it. There's enough to deal with to get sidetracked with that.

[Well, at least for tonight. Everyone else can do whatever they want once the new week starts, if someone is angry enough they go and, like, throwing food at Vholran's face or something after Saturday, then they're on their own]

Ruler by birthright, or ruler because you will set yourself as the ruler by force or cleverness?

[Wow, Aiba asking straightforward, but she's pretty sure someone doing the latter is going to boast about it proudly, so may as well ask]

[vholran]

Worrywart.

[ Vholran states, as if it is not even so much a possibility. But he is not exactly the most pleasant person at times. ]

I am a ruler by birthright and by force and cleverness.

Anyone who is standing in my way will be disposed of.

[ ...Yeah, that is him essentially boasting. He's not exactly a man of many words, so he doesn't exactly go into detail but the ego Aiba is expecting is definitely there. ]

[pairtner]

I assume by now someone has tried getting in your way.

[Yup, as arrogant as expected]

[vholran]

Yes. There have been.

There is one who still stands in my way, even now. Not that it will matter in the end.

[ Because the implication is that he will emerge victorious, etc. ]

[pairtner]

Surely you won't bend to the Mayor if he ever offers to help you or threatens to aid that person.

[Hopefully there's enough arrogance there for him to spurn the Mayor doing something like using those as motive for murder!]

[vholran]

[ ... ]

I'm glad to know that you have such faith in me.

[pairtner]

It's less faith and more that it would be quite senseless to have to rely on the help of someone like him. You stood up to several who attempted to intimidate you during the trial today, and you claim to soon be the ruler thanks to your own strength and cleverness. To bend your knee to him after all that would be...

[Aiba seem to be trying to figure out the right word. Hypocritical probably isn't the right word, deceitful isn't it either. Hm...]

Contradictory.

[vholran]

[ At that, his expression turns to something filled with contempt and scorn. ]

I bend my knee to nothing and answer to no one. If he tried either of the two, I would refuse him. Those running experiments are all the same—they just want results.

Just to take and take until there's nothing left. Even if I could deign to accept his help in either of those scenarios, I would never trust him.

I'll kill him first.

[ ...It is not the first time he has known of an experiment to take the lives of others. He has no control, and it infuriates him. ]

[pairtner]

Objectively speaking you have the right attitude and I applaud it, although by principle I must oppose the killing him part. That said, I do hope you reach him.

[It's not even entirely because her programming makes her be opposed, Aiba does have moral principles, yup. Still, she does hope the Mayor is reached and stopped]

Perhaps if Penelope had won at the trial and gotten the rest of us executed, all that would happen is that she would have gotten locked away right afterwards. It makes absolutely no sense he would want one single survivor in this underwater city.

[There's definitely a trick to everything going on! But she hasn't figured what it is, welp]

[vholran]

You'll be wishing for him to be eliminated soon enough. If not now, then...eventually.

[ Vholran is plenty sure the only way that can stop the Mayor is certain death. He doesn't appear to be just a simple man. He can't think that after the incentives offered.

Of course he also just wants to kill the fuck out of him, but hey. ]

I doubt he would've just simply 'locked her away'. He's running an experiment. He would have likely tried to run different tests. Until he gets the information he wants.

Then disposed of her.