[She hesitantly nods. Her voice is quiet and a little rattled.]
I told them the truth. That I was under orders not to say anything. All I showed them was the letter I received from Blue, and the clarification that I can't disobey like I might have done in the past. That's all I've said.
I see...[She's glancing between the two of them, taking a cup from Akechi and weighing over her options here.] You guys could have told her why you know about her job, you know. That might have made her less nervous.
[Akechi please be nice to Luna.] ...neither of you have done anything wrong. I promise. We only said you weren't allowed to share because we wanted to keep you safe, but I didn't think...[She scratches the back of her head.]
Nobody's disobeying anybody. [There's a quick smile but also:] Does Phoenix know you guys are here?
[He's not trying to be mean. He's just naturally this way? He does glance at Luna when she speaks, frowning and taking a sip from his drink. That's... probably fine.]
I'm aware. Unfortunately, my partner was against the direct method. If it were up to him, we would have told Luna we discovered her identity because of an item. [Just. Going to casually throw Phoenix under the bus here.] ... But, he's aware that I had plans to speak with you. I intend to find him once Luna's [um] "issue" has been resolved. We are a team, after all.
You give her orders and then say she isn't disobeying for trying to go around those orders????? PEACH WE CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS?????
She's visibly struggling to understand Peach, so the slight change of topic is welcome.]
...I haven't spoken to him. Akechi only approached me after the trial to clarify if I would act any differently. When I didn't, he proposed that the two of us speak with you.
I... don't really know what either of them are talking about, but Akechi has been, um... firm in not divulging anything unless I cooperate. And I haven't been able to.
That sounds like him, yeah. [Phoenix isn't the best at being direct in anything but it's fine. Phoenix is still one of her favorite people so he's done nothing wrong. Instead, she's listening to Luna carefully as she sips her drink, nodding at the right times and seemingly thinking this over.]
...the Master prefers that the guests in this house work together, and that includes those of you who have a bit of an advantage to doing that. I understand Akechi wanting to protect himself. Phoenix, too. But at the same time I think all of you striking an alliance and trying to cooperate together is a good idea. [...]
[Initially, shoots Luna a curious look as well. It's only when Peach speaks that he seems to understand what she means.]
Peach-san will better be able to confirm if I'm right or wrong, but I believe our positions were created after the events of the same trial. I received my assignment the Tuesday after the first execution. [... He opens his mouth here as if to add something else, but. Uh. Apparently thinks better of it.
Ah. No, that's, um... that's not what I meant. The very first trial, I couldn't do anything, either. This is in regards to... I guess our second trial, then. The first one where we had full knowledge of what we were required to do ahead of time.
[She looks a little disappointed, but oh well. It was a theory, anyway.]
Nia was the one I was curious about. I guess it must have just been coincidence, with what happened between her, Asch, and Meltryllis. I figured it might be the best explanation why Asch had been the only one left alive.
...the best that I can assume is that the monster thought Asch was actually dead at the time. [As an explanation.] But Nia was never meant to act as you have.
[To Akechi, she nods in agreement.] That's right! Master Blue chose you guys not long after that. And that's why I think it's alright to change your orders, Luna. [A beat.] You, Akechi, and Phoenix must try to work together.
Well. It's great that Peach has ordered them to work together. Unfortunately, whatever relief he might have felt is currently being smothered to death by... some sort of feeling, as he tries to understand Luna's logic.]
You thought Asch survived because of Nia Teppelin's intervention. Although your assumption was wrong, her death and his survival led you to believe she occupied a similar position. [Ah.] ... Is your goal to protect another guest by offering your life in exchange?
[There's a visible relaxation of her shoulders, her smile apologetic towards Akechi. That's all it took, apparently.]
Thank you for your patience, Akechi. Your assumption is mostly correct.
My role doesn't allow for much, I'm afraid. Mostly access to some extra supplies and a chance to speak with the staff separately about matters. But every week, in a 24 hour period between Monday and Tuesday, I am allowed to choose two people in the mansion to be exempt from harm - one from the acts of the monster, and one from the acts of another human. I cannot choose the same person for both, and the targets must match what harms them exactly - I would not be able to choose you as a victim for a monster and expect to be able to save you if another player decided to take your life.
If I choose someone that has been targeted for murder correctly... then, yes. I will take their place. I will be given an advanced warning in the case that I wish to defend myself. But that's all I can manage.
I... think that's about everything. Peach can correct me, of course.
[Slightly better than he was expecting, but not by much. Luna does not seem like the type who would put up a fight even if someone tried to murder the shit out of here, so. Uh. Haha! He immediately looks over to Peach, scowling.]
I hope your master thinks they're hilarious. Are Phoenix and I allowed to intervene if Luna ends up as a target because of her job?
[Bitch, the fuck!! He takes a deep breath before he continues.]
Luna, when does the 24 hour period end? My job allows me to examine one other person each week. I will know if they will become a monster by the end of the week or not, but my meeting takes place Tuesday afternoon. I can spare you from accidentally protecting a creature from human harm, but that wholly depends on whether or not I can reach you before you make your choice. If I can't...
[Well...]
Does your protection extend into the execution, as well?
Her eyes soften, expression hard to read - touched and concerned and confused all at once.]
Um... I have to make my choices by Tuesday morning, at the absolute latest. Normally I make my choices based off what I know of who is left and who seems they might be inclined to, um... be targeted by the implications of the stories over the speakers. Most of the time, anyway.
I... obviously haven't chosen anything correctly just yet.
[As for the second question... she actually looks towards Peach??]
I assume it's the case, yes. If I were to choose the monster, or the executioner, then I suppose I might have to take their place as well. But... the discussion really hasn't come up, so I'm not sure how correct I am.
The execution wouldn't count. [She's quiet for a few long moments, listening to their questions and looking back and forth between them.]
...in order for you and Phoenix to help, you would need to know that she's become a target. And in order for you to know she's become a target, she would need to know if you've found a monster. There are other ways, of course, but...
[...she's nodding to herself.]
I don't think Master Blue will mind if we change things up a little. So tomorrow morning...all three of you will meet with us, and you can work together.
[Just like that, the tension seeps out of his shoulders. The scowl slides off his face, being replaced by complete and utter surprise.]
We will?
[... Ah. He smiles.]
Haha, that's wonderful! You have my thanks, Peach-san. [YAAAY.] ... I suppose we should meet with Phoenix-san now to inform him of the change. But before we leave, I have one additional question in light of the change. Will Luna be granted the same method of communication Phoenix and I share?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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I told them the truth. That I was under orders not to say anything. All I showed them was the letter I received from Blue, and the clarification that I can't disobey like I might have done in the past. That's all I've said.
...
...Have I... done something wrong?
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[Akechi please be nice to Luna.] ...neither of you have done anything wrong. I promise. We only said you weren't allowed to share because we wanted to keep you safe, but I didn't think...[She scratches the back of her head.]
Nobody's disobeying anybody. [There's a quick smile but also:] Does Phoenix know you guys are here?
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I'm aware. Unfortunately, my partner was against the direct method. If it were up to him, we would have told Luna we discovered her identity because of an item. [Just. Going to casually throw Phoenix under the bus here.] ... But, he's aware that I had plans to speak with you. I intend to find him once Luna's [um] "issue" has been resolved. We are a team, after all.
[For better or for worse. Save Luna.]
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You give her orders and then say she isn't disobeying for trying to go around those orders????? PEACH WE CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS?????
She's visibly struggling to understand Peach, so the slight change of topic is welcome.]
...I haven't spoken to him. Akechi only approached me after the trial to clarify if I would act any differently. When I didn't, he proposed that the two of us speak with you.
I... don't really know what either of them are talking about, but Akechi has been, um... firm in not divulging anything unless I cooperate. And I haven't been able to.
I assumed he wanted to bargain for a compromise.
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...the Master prefers that the guests in this house work together, and that includes those of you who have a bit of an advantage to doing that. I understand Akechi wanting to protect himself. Phoenix, too. But at the same time I think all of you striking an alliance and trying to cooperate together is a good idea. [...]
It's possible to readjust your orders, at least.
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[It's not blackmail. For once!
What he says next is more for Peach than Luna, but.]
Wouldn't Master Blue agree that it's for the best if all three of us are on equal footing?
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Could... could I ask, um...
Was... there another person in my position involved in the first trial?
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...yes, I believe Master Blue would prefer you three to be working together and on the same page. You were all chosen for a reason.
[But to Luna, she looks curious.] ...I don't think so. You're the only one in your unique position. Why?
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Peach-san will better be able to confirm if I'm right or wrong, but I believe our positions were created after the events of the same trial. I received my assignment the Tuesday after the first execution. [... He opens his mouth here as if to add something else, but. Uh. Apparently thinks better of it.
Hm.]
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[She looks a little disappointed, but oh well. It was a theory, anyway.]
Nia was the one I was curious about. I guess it must have just been coincidence, with what happened between her, Asch, and Meltryllis. I figured it might be the best explanation why Asch had been the only one left alive.
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[To Akechi, she nods in agreement.] That's right! Master Blue chose you guys not long after that. And that's why I think it's alright to change your orders, Luna. [A beat.] You, Akechi, and Phoenix must try to work together.
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Well. It's great that Peach has ordered them to work together. Unfortunately, whatever relief he might have felt is currently being smothered to death by... some sort of feeling, as he tries to understand Luna's logic.]
You thought Asch survived because of Nia Teppelin's intervention. Although your assumption was wrong, her death and his survival led you to believe she occupied a similar position. [Ah.] ... Is your goal to protect another guest by offering your life in exchange?
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For clarity: does that mean that with these two, and only these two, I am allowed to speak freely for the time being?
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Yes. You are allowed to speak freely with them regarding your job and the steps you've taken.
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Well?
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Thank you for your patience, Akechi. Your assumption is mostly correct.
My role doesn't allow for much, I'm afraid. Mostly access to some extra supplies and a chance to speak with the staff separately about matters. But every week, in a 24 hour period between Monday and Tuesday, I am allowed to choose two people in the mansion to be exempt from harm - one from the acts of the monster, and one from the acts of another human. I cannot choose the same person for both, and the targets must match what harms them exactly - I would not be able to choose you as a victim for a monster and expect to be able to save you if another player decided to take your life.
If I choose someone that has been targeted for murder correctly... then, yes. I will take their place. I will be given an advanced warning in the case that I wish to defend myself. But that's all I can manage.
I... think that's about everything. Peach can correct me, of course.
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...no, you got it right. That's the major extent of it.
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[Slightly better than he was expecting, but not by much. Luna does not seem like the type who would put up a fight even if someone tried to murder the shit out of here, so. Uh. Haha! He immediately looks over to Peach, scowling.]
I hope your master thinks they're hilarious. Are Phoenix and I allowed to intervene if Luna ends up as a target because of her job?
[Bitch, the fuck!! He takes a deep breath before he continues.]
Luna, when does the 24 hour period end? My job allows me to examine one other person each week. I will know if they will become a monster by the end of the week or not, but my meeting takes place Tuesday afternoon. I can spare you from accidentally protecting a creature from human harm, but that wholly depends on whether or not I can reach you before you make your choice. If I can't...
[Well...]
Does your protection extend into the execution, as well?
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...
Her eyes soften, expression hard to read - touched and concerned and confused all at once.]
Um... I have to make my choices by Tuesday morning, at the absolute latest. Normally I make my choices based off what I know of who is left and who seems they might be inclined to, um... be targeted by the implications of the stories over the speakers. Most of the time, anyway.
I... obviously haven't chosen anything correctly just yet.
[As for the second question... she actually looks towards Peach??]
I assume it's the case, yes. If I were to choose the monster, or the executioner, then I suppose I might have to take their place as well. But... the discussion really hasn't come up, so I'm not sure how correct I am.
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...in order for you and Phoenix to help, you would need to know that she's become a target. And in order for you to know she's become a target, she would need to know if you've found a monster. There are other ways, of course, but...
[...she's nodding to herself.]
I don't think Master Blue will mind if we change things up a little. So tomorrow morning...all three of you will meet with us, and you can work together.
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We will?
[... Ah. He smiles.]
Haha, that's wonderful! You have my thanks, Peach-san. [YAAAY.] ... I suppose we should meet with Phoenix-san now to inform him of the change. But before we leave, I have one additional question in light of the change. Will Luna be granted the same method of communication Phoenix and I share?
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YEAH SHE'S GOOD SHE HAS NOTHING LEFT TO ADD other than to just. give. Akechi another odd look. IS THAT ACTUAL HAPPY????]
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We'll work on making those arrangements. Tomorrow we should have a solution to keep you in touch with each other.