vatheon | (no subject)

[If you've visited the island any time in the past week, then you would have had the briefest conversation with Station Master in the elevator, right before you stepped off onto the island, demeanor as polite as ever as he speaks--]

I'm trying out some new cookie recipes and wanted to know if you wanted to try some. Stop by, when you and your friends are able. I’m thinking of baking up a big batch on Saturday and pass them out where we met before. You really should come.

[--before the doors of the elevator will close, dissuading further conversation. He certainly looked far too serious to be talking about cookies.]

---

[For those who take Station Master up on his offer, he'll be waiting by the warehouse up on the island, distracted, before waving people inside. Inside are cookies, muffins, and cups of water, but those aren't the real reason he's summoned you here. When Station Master steps inside, he removes his hat, but his gaze is still distant, as if he has other thoughts preoccupying him.]

I’m sorry for calling everyone here on such short notice. I’m afraid I had little choice though and my message is not an enjoyable one.

[His expression is serious now, very serious.]

This morning I intercepted a message meant for the Head Nurse from the lead scientists who are behind this experiment. I was able to erase the message, leaving her unaware of its existence for now but I’m afraid I’ve only been able to buy us some time, nothing more.

[He’s reaching into his pocket now, drawing out a folded piece of paper. The message for those who’d rather read it black on white.]

It said they have gathered all the data needed and are shutting down this project. They’ve also given her the all clear on eradicating all left over assets. That is to say… you.

((Now with a summary))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Sora stared, not believing or fully understanding what he was hearing. ]

What do you mean eradicated?

We'll be killed and disposed of like refuse. After all, I imagine it'll be messy if they left behind witnesses to their experiment, particularly witnesses who might seek to bring their former captors to pay for their crimes.

[Go figure, Rin mentioned Sora just the other day. Too bad their first real conversation has to be under such undesirable circumstances, and under the baleful gaze of one very aggravated god of death.]

The question isn't whether we should stop them, but how we'll go about it.

[ Sora scowled and clenched his fist. Forget that. ]

They're not going to get rid of me so easily!

I'd like to see them try!

I applaud your spirited response, but what we need right now is to consider carefully our plan of action.

[dat courage, tho]

[ Sora's overflowing with it really. ]

Right!

[ Sora wishes they could have met under better circumstances, but most friends are made in times of need. ]

I'm Sora, I don't think we've met before.

[ But Sora would definitely know of Kid at least. ]

Death the Kid.

[The sallow young man with the strange trio of white stripes circling his head of otherwise black hair offers his hand formally to shake and adds:]

I've heard your name before. Please, call me Kid.

[ Sora takes his hand easily and shakes, the grip strong. ]

Kid?

Oh! Your Rin's boyfriend aren't you?

[ Now Sora was grinning. So this was one of the Rin's partners. ]

[And likely hardened by calluses from swinging giant keys around all the time. In contrast, Kid's hand has no such sign, and is markedly cooler in temperature than his.]

It's good to meet you at last. Once we are victorious, I look forward to getting to know you better.

You've heard about me?

[ Sora's grin turns a little to the cocky side. He knows it can't be because of his amazing fighting skill, but what can he say he likes knowing his friends talk about him to their important people. ]

Yeah! Same here! But right now we need to figure out a plan.

Not nearly enough to satisfy my curiosity.

[And while he might wish to do so now, this is not the most opportune or appropriate time to go investigating the souls of one's new allies.]

Precisely and exactly. Give me a little time to speak with the others.

[He'll presumably report back with anything he's overheard. And does:]

So far, our options appear to be escape to the mainland, attempting to make the outside world aware of our dilemma and gain their support and sympathy, to strike out at the nurse and the other staff--

There may be more. But I'm afraid we're no closer to finding a way to accomplish all of these objectives than when we first spoke.

[ Sora was waiting pretty much where Kid had left him. He listened quietly to what Kid said, contemplating how well that would work. ]

I guess the mainland would be safer than down in the bubble.

[ At least there was more room to run, and more places to hide. In the bubble they were all sitting ducks. ]

Maybe we can use that to our advantage. If we get them all to go down to the bubble looking for us, the rest of us that are going to fight can trap them there and strike back!

I'm afraid I can't be certain. It could mean sending you all back where you came from, regardless of whether you wish to go or not. It could also means simply ending your lives. And knowing our delightful nurse, I know which one she'd opt for.

So what are you going to do to help huh?

[ Sora looked pissed. ]

That one message isn't going to stop it, we have to do something!

No it won't. In fact, I can try and block her messages concerning this topic, but eventually she will find out. And when she does, she will also realize that we've been sabotaging her. When that happens, we need to be ready to strike. Before that, if we can.

[ At least Sora could get behind that idea. ]

We'll be ready for them.

We will. You are a pretty good fighter, right?

You can count on it!

[ Sora was ready. Wherever they needed him he'd be there. ]

_{[Well, there's a face he hasn't seen since the body swap curse.]}

The hell d'ya think it means, kid?

[ And Sora hadn't seen his, but considering the situation it wasn't too surprising a lot of new people were showing up. ]

Well we can't just let that happen!

Would you be able to kill 'em if it came down to it? Y'look kinda scrawny like the kid I fought before.

_{[Actually, he's a mirror image of him save for the eyes and hair.]}

[ Sora hated that word, but if it came down to it... ]

I can take care of myself!