And we're back! Sorry for the delay. My work schedule has changed quite a lot over the last several weeks, and I've also gotten increased hours. I'm employed full time now, which has also shifted my sleeping schedule quite a bit. I'm still getting used to it, honestly, so that might impede my ability to write. I apologize for that, and will do my level best to update at least four times a week. We'll see if I can manganese hold to that.
But enough about that. For now, the game must go on.
[x] Faster, Stronger, Better, Harder
You float in blackness, numb to everything around you. Nothing can hurt you here, for nothing exists save yourself. Memory is but a few fragmented wisps, bare slivers creating the only thing that separates you from the emptiness. You've no idea how long you have been within that darkness. Ultimately, it does not matter.
Eyes form out in the nothingness, glowing red. They are gigantic, easily larger than yourself and illuminating a long, sinuous shape that goes out into the dark before melding with it. But aside from tilting your head to look, you give no response. After all, how could this be important? As long as nothing matters, you can avoid being hurt.
Something massive reaches for you, though you cannot see it very well. It is the same color as the tenebrous gloom that makes up this place. But you think it might be a claw, though far larger than any you can dredge from your foggy memory.
The claw comes within feet of you, about to make contact, when fire erupts around your form. Your eyes widen as the flames encircle you, and your memory begins to solidify. It is hazy as of yet… But you can grasp your name. You are Hiruma Sosuke, of the Crab Clan.
The reaching appendage recoils at the sudden heat and light, and the eyes vanish. So, too, does the serpentine shape that rested behind them. You are left alone now, with nothing but this strange fire to give you thought and form against the nothingness you've found yourself in.
"How very
interesting," a deep, oily voice says from the darkness. "So this is what has become of you? My oh my."
A figure steps into view, clad in fine ebon robes with a gray trim. He has long black hair, but his features are oddly indistinct. It's not that he is ugly, but it's also that he is not particularly good looking either. His face is rather plain. In truth, there's really nothing recognizable about this man at all.
Save for the eyes… Those, at least, seem to glow with a crimson light. The same light you saw just moments ago.
"If only I could observe you for a little longer," the man says, cocking his head as if noting something. "But for now… Ah, our time together is already ending." He smiles. "I'll see you again."
This strange place fades, and you feel yourself being pulled elsewhere. You do not fight the sensation. Now that awareness has begun to return to you, you find this place strange and disturbing.
Best to be gone.
o\O/o
You awaken to a dull ache that seems to cover your entire body, and a deep weariness that goes down to your bones. Your eyes are heavy as you open them, and you can see from the gathering light that it is morning. That is your first indication that you are no longer in the cave, the second being that you are resting in a bed.
The cave…
Memory comes back in a flash, and you almost gasp for breath at how sudden it hits you. The cave, the Maho-tsukai, the Oni… As well as the strange fire that almost consumed you as you fought the enemies of all who live.
Finally, your thoughts turn to Shasa, who sacrificed herself for your sake. She was your friend, and perhaps she was becoming something even more precious than that… But you'll never know now. Shasa is dead. She died for you.
You blink your eyes as tears fall down your cheeks. You put forth only a token effort to restrain them. No one is here to observe your weeping, to bring shame to your grief. You are alone. And, in that solitude, you can let down your guard for at least a little while.
Shasa deserves that much.
Almost an hour later you have composed yourself, sitting up and leaning against the wall next to your bed. Your chest and limbs are covered in bandages, and you feel exhausted. Hunger and thirst also gnaw at you, and you are pleasantly surprised to see a cup of water resting nearby. You take a shallow sip, moistening cracked lips and a dry throat. It is painful at first, but soon enough relief comes.
You are half way through the cup when the door opens. You attempt to bow as Yasuki Goro walks in, but the motion makes you wince in pain. Your superior raises a hand as you try again, forestalling your efforts.
"No need for ceremony now, Sosuke-san," the courtier says. "Not in your condition. It'll be another day or two before you're ready for that."
"How long…" you ask, your voice raspy despite the water you drank. "How long was I unconscious?"
"Three days," Yasuki Goro replies before sitting down in a nearby chair. "During which I have had the people of this village take care of you and treat your wounds."
"Three days?" you ask, bewildered. You raise a hand to your head, suddenly dizzy. "I was… How did I get out of the cave?"
"The ogre brought you out," your superior says with distaste. His lips draw into a firm line. "Both you and Shirou, along with the child and Shasa-san's armor and weapons. I have questioned him on what happened, though the creature is tight lipped on the matter. Shirou was more forthcoming, but his memory is addled from a blow he took." He leaned forward. "I was hoping you might be able to explain better what went on inside that cavern, Sosuke-san, and why Shasa-san is dead."
[] Tell the whole truth.
[] Tell part of the truth. (Write in.)
[] Tell a lie. (Write in.)
