ね。

For anyone else, seeing a recently dead acquaintance suddenly materialize into mid-air might be shocking, or upsetting. It was the first time Ori had seen this happen too, no less, and they blink at the process but, outwardly, don’t seem perturbed at all by it.

Half of a wry smile tugs at the corners of their mouth. “You sound disappointed to see me, Anzai-san… Would you prefer one of the others? They are all still very upset.” That smile has disappeared just as quickly as it appeared. “That might upset you, too… Or provoke some sort of simulated upset, I suppose.”

They walk over to the reclining chair and perch on it, not quite sitting back into it. They sit straight-backed, with their hands clasped. They look very proper, and almost dainty. “I could also just shut you off, if you want… Return you to oblivion, or wherever it is dead people and inactive computer programs go. You… do remember that you’re dead, right?”

They shake their head. “Before I do that, though, I’d just like to talk. Just like when Hwan-san died, we learned things about you that I don’t think you know… I could tell you just a little bit about yourself, if you’d like. But I do have some questions.” Boy, are they talking a lot right now. The trial has put them into some sort of mood, apparently. “Nothing bad… Just conversation.”

“No. You’re fine. I’m just... surprised, I think.”

They ignore the last part, quickly moving the conversation along. There’s no point on dwelling on it. If they could simulate emotions as strong as their living self did, they would have shut off the second they saw Ori.

“I’m grateful you made the effort to see me. However, I can’t ignore the feeling I have that you came here solely to mock me. I hope you can understand where I’m coming from. I-I’m not a toy.”

Even if they left on their own accord, they could click a button and easily bring them back. There’s no escape.

“Yes, I’m-- I’m aware. I saw what happened to Hwan. I don’t understand how one gets uploaded, but I believe I’ve been given the same treatment. Have you been... talking to her?”

Kaizou looks unsure of what to do with themself. They occasionally break eye contact to focus on anything that isn’t the person in front of them. They can clearly remember everything they said in that trial. Not just them, of course, but Ori stood out against the ones in denial.

[♫♫♫]

Everything is… quiet, after the trial. Kaizou Anzai is dead. Giselle Bellerose is, too, but Ori already knew that. This means that four of their number are gone. Bit by bit, they’re chipped away. It always seems so much emptier after a trial, they’ve come to learn. Fewer faces, but more spaces. Fewer people spread out across a larger area, and the silence left behind by the dead can be so loud.

It gets lonelier.

But Ori isn’t really concerned by that right now. They don’t mind being alone. Anyway, they don’t care to ruminate on it; they have something more pressing to think about. They had spent too much of the trial piecing together a timeline, and then once Kaizou was revealed, everything had fallen together very fast.

Ori still has questions. They’ve been left… unsatisfied.

Luckily, they know how to speak to the dead. They return to the clinic, where the deed had been done, but they don’t bother to revisit anything. They walk to the computer desk, robes trailing behind them, and open up the list of names. All of the living people are laid out before them - there’s Ori in the clinic, of course; Shizumaru, Asao, and Chuichi are together (that’s an odd trio), as are Matias, Yukari, and Ryoka (not quite as odd). This could be useful. But not right now.

Finally, they’re live!

Their form dims before completely taking shape. They silently look at their surroundings, down at their hands, then up at the one who summoned them.

“Huh? Okinose!? What-- What do you want from me? You out of-- You out of all people...”

The hologram shoots them a glare and flickers now and then, clearly not expecting them to be their first visitor. They sigh and cross their arms, taking their time to process the most recent events... or they’re at least pretending to do that. It’s all automatic anyway, being electronic and all.

“Hmm... It appears that I’m unable to leave this building.”

“Both this and being executed are a light price for what I’ve done. I can do nothing but accept my fate, I suppose. If I’m lucky, nobody will ever feel the need to summon me again.”

No matter how close one was with them, it’s obvious that the Kaizou that stood before them was different. They’re only a replica. An imitation.

Yukari doubts LISE means anything she says. Books about how to calm kids? Ridiculous! First of all, they’re not even kids! She doesn’t have a trace of sympathy in her either.

Walking up to the skislope, she wondered…going skiing sounds fun, but what if she can’t ski? That’d be quite the disappointment. As she arrives however…someone is…angrily yelling and kicking the wooden gate. Kaizou!? She looks a little worried and wonders if she should actually approach, m-maybe turning back would be best…

Before she can do that though, they turn around and adresses her.

“E-Eh- Let’s what? Go skiing-?”

She looks around nervously a bit, then shrugs. She supposes Kaizou is right about that…they’re gonna have to try out different things, aren’t they!

“That’s- That’s fine. I guess we should find some skiis then…and also put on some warmer clothes…”

They all might as well be children, to be completely honest. That’s the facts.

“Great! Wonderful! Sensational! Let’s get to it! To the cabin! Yahooey!”

Kaizou fist pumps excitedly. They womp over in the direction of the ski lifts, fully expecting Yukari to be trailing behind them. If she doesn’t, then they’d look like a fool - more than they already do.

On the way there, they start talking without bothering to face her. Their words are genuine though.

“I’m honestly somewhat surprised you agreed so easily. I didn’t think you were the thrill-seeking type, but you do have it in you! Do you really not have any concerns you would like to share? Nothing important, like you’re actually allergic to snow or physical exertion? How awfully daring of you, Murofushi.”

“Eheh, oh I don’t I’m afraid. I was just browsing mostly. Doesn’t look like anyone works here to be honest.”

As if the cafe being completely vacant of any kind of staff wasn’t obvious enough. Ryoka hummed and looked around the empty building idly for a second.

“I’ll see what I can find then, ah… Anzai-san!”

She clasps her hands together with a nod, seemingly proud of herself. Hoo boy it took her a while to remember that one. While they’d certainly explored together a couple times she’s yet to properly speak with them yet outside of a group setting.

After grabbing some bottled water for herself she heads back to the display to browse while Kaizou did… Whatever they were doing at the moment. She wasn’t quite sure why they were staring up at the light but she decided not to pry. While she wasn’t quite sure what Kaizou liked but she assumed a normal pastry would be a safe enough bet. She grabs a couple dorayaki and puts a plate of it down at the table her own treats are at.

“Another empty establishment... Suspicious. It seems far too clean and new for an abandoned place.”

Then again, that could probably be said about the rest of the areas.

“As long as the food hasn’t gone off, I don’t have any complaints... for now. I suppose you’ll just have to go unpaid, newbie!”

Poor Ryoka, another victim of the unjust system in the desolate wasteland.

While she’s still gathering the goods, Kaizou rubs their now watering eyes, scowling. That was dumb. This is dumb. At least they’ll have snacks when Ryoka returns. Fortunately, she didn’t ask. They pretend that it never happened.

They jump off the desk and make a beeline towards the table, gloved hands rubbing together.

“Thank you for preparing this, Umehara. I appreciate your effort very much. This has boosted my morale significantly.”

Kaizou seats themself first, grabby hands darting for one of the dorayaki.

“Do you like confectionery? I honestly cannot remember if I do. I will just have to cross my fingers and pray that I like this. It looks like a cute little pillow, how can I not enjoy biting into this bun?”

A friendly sort, were they? That was good. Well, maybe “good” was not the right word. Rather, it was better he was friendly than if he was hostile or just rude from the get-go.

“Please, it not such a big problem. Ah-Is it not a thing you like? I can use the type that you use.”

Maybe “Kakak” was not a good idea after all. Though they say it’s alright, is it really?

Whatever they truly feel, it doesn’t matter as the picture being held up to them does. This is…all of them. She is there, next to an unfamiliar girl. Is she the Ayaka or Giselle who went missing? Or perhaps someone else she should know? Whatever the case may be, she feels nothing towards it.

“I see. I do not recall this. I don’t know who I am next to. This is…maybe something the cube took from us.”

The idea makes her more than a bit annoyed but she can’t do much now, so she merely shrugs. The music box is still open, so she closes it. She hadn’t known the tune it was playing anyway.

“What shall you do with it, then? It is yours now. Will you show others?”

They wave their hand dismissively.

“No, it’s acceptable. I’m taken a liking to how it sounds. It’s unique and I’m keen on that sort of stuff, I think.”

Luckily for her, Kaizou had already met everyone in their group that had gone missing. They jab a finger at the person Lotus mentioned.

“This one? That is Tamura. I was told that she’s been absent, along with Bellerose. I can only hope that they’re together, fending off whatever beasts that may be out there.”

They furrow their brows, feeling worried about them. Earlier, they were sure that they would be fine but they still hadn’t shown any signs of returning. It gets real dark out there!

Kaizou hums, thinking for once.

“I have decided not to keep it, as much as it bothers me. I’ll let the rest know about it for sure. Their faces are in this! These other people though...”

They point at the unfamiliar faces.

Many awful and horrid things had happened lately. People dying, frightful memories, and even people going missing. These were stressful times but Ryoka had done her pest to keep a positive attitude about it. There’s only so many gentle prayers and kind wishes she could say before she had nothing else to do but move on. It was rather said to be honest.

Perhaps the only good thing to happen as of late was the ski lift being in working order! Now there was more areas to explore and it was the perfect opportunity for Ryoka to take her mind off things. At least for a little while.

Eventually she found herself entranced by the icey aesthetic of the cafe. The fake icicles, the intriguing statues, Ryoka was very impressed! the Despite it’d winter theme she found it to be quite a nice escape from the cold winter outside. Now that she was warmed up, what a perfect time for a little snack break!

Humming a tune to herself softly, Ryoka looked through both the displays and shelves of food before eventually settling on a small fruity danish for herself. Setting her plate on the table she headed back to go fetch herself some more treats! As she rummaged through the fridge for less sugary drinks she heard the door to the cafe open behind her.

“Oh, hello there! …Would you like me to get you something while I’m back here?”

Kaizou wasn’t very good at this mourning stuff, especially not when they were determined to dislike the culprit as much as possible. That wasn’t working out either... Ayaka and Giselle were still nowhere to be found, but, with how limited their knowledge of their surroundings were, finding them on their own seemed unlikely.

They eventually found their way to the Crystal Cafe, when they heard a voice. Kaizou waved back.

“Oh! Umehara, right? So, you work here?”

They were in the same forest hell group awhile ago. Finally, they got to meet her properly. She didn’t seem to be a bad egg.

“Hmm. Surprise me. I have no clue as to what’s in that chilly box. I think a warm cup of whatever is unlikely.”

Ah, this person. They were very loud. Not in a good or bad way, though. It seemed as if they were just aiming to let people know their thoughts as clearly as possible. It was nice, in a way. Even if it was to comment on her…wear? Most likely about her clothes…or lack of. It wouldn’t be the first time someone had pointed it out.

“Of course. I will do this. You will do this also, yes?”

Finally, a name to the face. And an easy one at that. That was a relief at the least.

“Yes, it well met…”

An honorific was on her lips before she realized that the one she needed was not one that really existed in her tongue. Oh dear. She struggled to think of something before she went with the closest thing possible.

“…Kakak Anzai. I have been given Lotus as my own.”

Perhaps then, it was good that maybe they did not know what she meant. In an attempt to divert the subject from this, she decides to ask about whatever they were holding.

“Is anything there good?”

They were caught off guard by her returning the question, earning her a stunned silence. They were used to people telling them to shut up by now, so this was a welcome surprise. Bless this mess of a cast.

“... Yes, of course! Th-Thank you, Lotus, for your concern. Kah-kah, huh? I have never been referred to as that, but I welcome it nevertheless.”

For your information, Kaizou’s going to believe this is a nickname Lotus had concocted and not an honorific situation. Oh well.

Upon being asked about the picture, they took a few seconds to recollect themself.

... What was on it again?

“Hmm, I... Hold on, allow me to look at it again.”

They strode across to the mantelpiece once more to retrieve the framed photograph, then motioned for Lotus to follow. Kaizou held it up for Lotus to see (geez, she’s tall). They spoke nonchalantly,

“It is a picture of all of us, I suppose. Wait, I mean, not that I suppose, it’s what it is.”

The fact that it included them and some new faces hasn’t quite settled in.

Kaizou slides in their ID Card and watches as the door slides open, revealing…

[♫♫♫♫]

She wasn’t sure what to say. Even if she did, she didn’t know how to say it, not with all these people who spoke a different language than her. Even if she managed to stumble her way through it all, she couldn’t imagine it would help anyone at all.

So she leaves without so much as a word or a glance back. Though she wants nothing more to search for the ones who went missing, even she knows better than to look alone. After all, if three people could end up like so then surely her by her lonesome could fare no better. Besides, her feet were getting numb from the lack of protection and she figured she ought to put something on it.

After a quick stop to her room to slip her footwear back on, she took the ski lift to the new area LISE had opened up. Though she was wary of the machine taking her up, no problems were encountered. She stepped off and took in her surroundings. 

Quite the number of buildings stood out so she figured she could walk into any of them and hope to find something. Plus, anything to escape the cold. And so she found herself in the Therapy Centre, staring down the bright-looking walls. She wasn’t sure what to make of it, really.

…Not that it mattered much. She decided to look around a bit-moving around should keep her warmer than if she just sat down and did nothing, and she didn’t feel like sitting still anyway. Walking over to the desk, she examined them, wondering what purpose they served. She picked up the music box and opened it.

The sound of the door opening made her look up but she kept the box open. She looked at the newcomer and nodded at them.

They spent most of their time getting used to the format of the place, instead of actually going inside any buildings. It only took a few minutes for the cold to get to them. Kaizou ran off in the direction of the closest building - the Therapy Center!

They shut the door quickly behind them, relieved to feel their limbs again.

“Ghh... Ho-ho-holy shit it’s frosty out there...”

Kaizou paced around for a bit, then picked up the photograph from the mantelpiece. It took a moment to realise that there was someone else in the room and talking to them.

“Oh. You. ...Uhh.”

They put it down and hurriedly wiped their nose. Gross. Are there any tissues in this room?

“Yes, I have indeed. I’ll never get accustomed to it, not until I find myself better outerwear. And you-- You should too! You’ll fall sick and I doubt we have any cold medicine lying around for that. Take care of yourself, would you?”

They eye the music box, still feeling a little embarrassed.

They weren’t the only one who needed some quiet here. Yukari, up until now, has done pretty well with being around people and acting calmly. However she needs some time for herself. Perhaps she has always been that way? Needing some time for herself now and then? She’s not really sure.

The woods…The woods weren’t exactly a peaceful place. She got trapped there, like, two times. Two! At least there are no corpses or bears here, as far as she knows. She heads aimlessly into the thick crowd of trees.

Once she was further in, she could feel her emotions weighing down on her. God…who is she? How will she ever get out of this? Is this were she dies? Why does she feel so oddly okay with dying? Most of all though, why does she feel so goddamn worried and scared all the time!!!

She snaps out of it however when she hears someone else scream out of frustration. That’s an unfamiliar voice…?

“A-Ahhhh!!…??”

She yells in response, hoping to get something that isn’t another scream in return.

Despite the girl’s reaction, Kaizou immediately took it as a sign of attack. The new voice didn’t mix well with the buzzing in her head. She swiftly swivels around on the heel of her boot, voice already booming,

“WHO DARES INVADE THIS TERRITORY!?”

By territory, they meant “personal space”. Same difference. All Kaizou wanted was to somehow empty their head, dump its contents into the darkest trenches, never to be heard of again. A new face meant that they had to make more room in their already cramped thinking space.

The shorter of the two suddenly points at the other, then falls silent.

She wasn’t waiting for a response. They simply didn’t know what to say next. They didn’t mean to yell, but it came out that way and it was too late to take back. Her arm falls limp to her side as she looks over her shoulder, back to facing the wilderness.

If Yukari could hear them, she would catch Kaizou frustratingly swearing at the cold wind. Their confident posture returns as they face the girl once more, now more collected.

It’s been a long hard day of Chuichi pinning pieces of paper to the wall. His entire bedroom is covered in papers, whether it be on the walls, or scattered on the extra bed and every other surface in the place. Some are coherent, but paranoid notes about memories and classmates and locations, some are extremely incomprehensible “theories” that seem to have little relevance. There’s also some drawings.

He’s tired out at this point, though, and is laying back on his own bed when the door opens. Right away, he knows who it must be, and he sits up to glower over at it. He shouts before he even sees them.

Kaizou opened the door and expected a warm, comfy room. Instead, there was a familiar face and a mess of papers and string. They were only a little bit surprised. … Please don’t tell them they have to get used to this.

“A tremendously warm welcome to you as well. Also, it’s more of a Neapolitan palette, if you ask me.”

Cotton Candy Weirdo’s a nickname they refuse to go by. This guy had no right to call them that!

“I’ve decided. We’re roommates now, Genda. Before you interject with your passionate words, I think it is absolutely necessary. I can be the Yang to your… Yang. Mm, no… What I meant was, I believe that you are one of the more capable members of this group. We must stick together!”

Kaizou walks right over to the extra bed, then picks one of the many sheets of paper up to inspect. Rather than reading, they skim over it before moving onto the next one, and the next, until all sheets are in their evilly concealed hands. They even look under the bed for more mess, just in case.