With barely any shock over being approached by a ghost, the shopkeep simply took the gold coins offered, went to the back of the store, and then returned. He gave Chara a block of hard, uncooked noodles, curled open itself and wrapped in plastic.
He spoke a few lines of Cantonese and pidgin English mixed together, to which Krupinski turned in her seat and addressed Chara.
"He said he can provide hot water, a bowl, and utensils for just a single coin more, if you want."
@Blackout
"My thanks," the ghost replied as they peeled back the plastic, "but that will be unnecessary".
They took a bite out of the uncooked noodles, chewing and swallowing.
"I find that they are better dry."
She took a long swill from her Coke, and hiccuped. ""Genocide-like acts"," she hissed, "Those little... sons of... rrrrGH!"
Chara hummed in assent as they floated over, still eating their block of noodles.
"The most despicable are those who condemn such actions, while standing aside. Those who have the power to do something. Yet hold themselves back. When things have reached that point... All the talk in the world will not stop the events in motion."
They brought out a hand, a bright red glow igniting within themselves as a small, pulsing heart-shape separated from their chest, hovering in their palm.
"A genocidal murderer... will not be stop unless forced. You must take away their petty little game. And teach them the meaning of consequences."
They closed their fist before opening it again, the light gone.
"Aaand..." she continued. ""Your worlds can't be all doom and misery 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Maybe you could share what your hobbies are? Anything you like to do for fun?
As for me, pretty girls and alcohol are two of my greatest pleasures in life. Give me a lifetime supply of both, and I don't need anything else to die happy."
"I suppose I do enjoy knitting."
They stretched the fabric of the sweater still poking out from beneath the short-sleeved uniform.
"I made this, and one for Mom, and one for... Dad... and..."
Chara trailed off as their voice broke, standing absolutely still for a split-second before continuing on as if nothing had happened.
"I also watched human entertainment, particularly animated shows, when I was still alive, though we only had a very motley collection of episodes from across multiple seasons in the Underground."
The ghost's expression brightened slightly, a bit of excitement leaking into their eyes.
"It would be interesting to see if I cannot find the complete runs of those shows here."