ninth prayer

[prayed]

Characters: Kyoko Sakura, Naoto Shirogane, Sayaka Miki, Mami Tomoe, and you.
Setting: Dorm 03-01 (closed,) Floor Thirteen (closed,) Floor One (closed,) Floor One Hundred One (open)
Format: Starting in action, but I'll match.
Summary: Serious discussions, plus checking out the newest addition to the tower.
Warnings: None.

Floor One Hundred One open
[The way this floor is built is strange, but it's quite pretty. The timing of it was too coincidental to simply be unrelated to Dax's death. There are flowers everywhere. Of course, there's no way that something like this should be able to exist, but in this place that's hardly surprising. Still, to see all of these plants and flowers...thousands of them, pressing against both the top of the floor and hanging between the one beneath it.

Vaguely, she recalls that sometimes the administrators might request a floor, but it's far more likely to simply be a stroke of inspiration. In other words...it seems that at least one of the other administrators might have been shaken by the loss of Dax as the tower's residents. She places her hands behind her head as she looks around, a stick of pocky clenched between her teeth. When she speaks, it's to no one in particular.]

So this must be some kinda memorial, huh.

Dorm 03-01 ⚜ closed to Mami Tomoe
[For both of them, the subject of death has hung in the air. It's stood just between them, silently known, but neither of them were brave enough to directly broach the subject. It was too unpleasant, the implications that came with it too heavy to deal with when there were so many other things to worry about. The fact that they were alive, after years their friendship finally recognized once more. It's a broken, cobbled together, never quite the same was it was before, never would be, but it was perfect for two girls who were broken by their own circumstances long ago.

Even so, she's been given her answer. That their souls are here, that they might be able to go back, and yet...what will they be going back to? The other girls still have a chance at living. Even Sayaka, if she were able to go back, might be able to change her fate (and Kyoko, deep down knowing how unlikely it might be, nonetheless hopes for it.)

So here she stands, in front of the door bearing Mami Tomoe's name. She has a small tray containing strawberry tea--leftover from the month before--and a small plate of cookies. Nothing compared to what Mami used to do for her, but something nonetheless. Good food makes these conversations easier, less overwhelming. She considers just barging in, but thinks better of it, and instead just raps her knuckles on the door.]

Oi. Mami. You in?

Floor Thirteen ⚜ closed to Sayaka Miki
[It's been something that's been on her mind for awhile, but until now she hasn't quite been able to sit down and work out here thoughts. There's been too much to take in, too much frustration and heartbreak to worry about something as insignificant as her own feelings. Those things that she does her best to push to the back of her mind, hide under the guise of some foolish belief that just living is enough.

But it's starting to nag at her again, that feeling that something is wrong. The knowledge that Sayaka can't, won't indulge in her method of just ignoring the things that seem unpleasant. Every scenario with that girl seems to be one that ends with her irretrievably broken. Back home, in this place...Kyoko can't just ignore that.

So, today, she sent her a simple telepathic message: Could you meet me in the cathedral? There's something I want to talk to you about.

It's a place that feels close to home--but that's not quite why she chooses it. It's because it's quiet, almost unusually so. Because people aren't likely to visit it and with sound carrying poorly, even less likely to try and invade on another person's conversation. So, she sits on one of the pews, her hung over the back of it, staring towards the front and simply waiting.]

Floor One ⚜ closed to Naoto Shirogane
[It's by chance that she noticed Naoto in the cafeteria as she's getting her meal--dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets (and despite herself, she can't help but smile a little at the menu that that kid has chosen.) She briskly approaches her with her usual grin on her face, showing no signs of having having such a busy day. Part of her wants to ask if she received the package that Kyoko sent, but her judgement gets the better of her.

Besides, it'd be kind of embarrassing to have to admit that she sent them to begin with. That she was worried about this girl. It's not like it's something she exactly makes a habit of.]

Yo, Naoto! You in a hurry?

Comments

[detecting]

[She smiles as when she sees Kyoko approach.]

Not at all. I was just about to sit down to eat myself if you'd care to join me.

[prayed]

[Her face brightens a little at the question. She doesn't mind eating alone, doesn't usually even sit down to eat, but even so, it's nice to be thought of every once in awhile.]

Heh, it's like you read my mind, y'know. I was hoping you'd ask that.

[detecting]

Then by all means.

[she takes a seat, gesturing for Kyoko to do the same. She picks up one of the nuggets, smiling a little.]

My grampa used to get these for me all the time when I was a child. I think he enjoyed watching me have fun with something unrelated to a case.

[prayed]

[She'll sit down across from Naoto, munching on a nugget. A smile tugs at her lips at Naoto's statement.]

Jeez. You're not gonna tell me you've always been this serious, are you?

[detecting]

Even more so, if you can believe it.

[beknightedheroine]

<sub>[Could you meet me--

Sayaka gave a start when she first heard the message. It's been a long time since she's heard the telepathic voice of another magical girl - not many girls see fit to use it, and the time when Kyuubey was passing messages through her mind daily was so long ago now as to be a blurred montage. She catches the content loud and clear, anyway. It's hard not to, when it's right there in your head.

It takes her quite a bit of mental and magical shuffling to send her own confirmation back: Okay. Ten minutes and I'm there. Sayaka doesn't spare the time to be proud of herself for mimicking the trick.

She's roughly right on her time estimate, when she's finally took her last step to the meeting spot. Sayaka scans the cathedral once, and easily spots Kyoko - they both stand out, in this still place. She says something by reflex, but it's inaudible - and realizes that a moment later. Her footsteps are actually able to be heard approaching about when she's reached just a pew or so away.]</sub>

Yo, Kyoko! What's the occasion?

[prayed]

There's something I've been meaning to ask you, y'know.

[The smirk that appeared upon noticing Sayaka's arrival fades. There's a second of hesitation as her resolve begins to falter, before she quickly swallows it. Backing down is no longer an option, not now that even the slightest sign of weakness will cause everything to fall apart. Even if she could though, she wouldn't allow herself to do something like that. There's too much at stake.

So instead of hesitating, Kyoko keeps a serious look about her, but scoots over a little. She pats the space beside her, inviting Sayaka to sit down.]

How much do you already know? About your future in Mitakihara...or the one that most of us seem to remember, anyway.

[She shrugs, as though trying to dismiss it. It's impossible to keep up with the jumbled mess of similar, yet different worlds around here.]

standin icon while i rush to renew my paid

[beknightedheroine]

_{[Sayaka's eyebrows shoot up at that initial statement of intent, and there's already that typical coy half-smile curling her face as she sits down, like she's going to make a joke about what exactly Kyouko might have Kyouko called her out to ask - but Kyouko beats her to saying anything by explaining. The goofy smile falls.]}

..Well, that's a tough question. I mean, I think I know everything, but life's sure been full of surprises so far.

[prayed]

[Kyoko nods once. She hesitates to speak again, because if Sayaka isn't already aware of what she's about to say, she's not sure that she wants to say it.]

So then like, I don't need to explain to you about how you and I both died with our boots on.

[beknightedheroine]

_{[Sayaka shows no great reaction, making it clear that she'd certainly been aware.]}

I didn't exactly... I didn't make it that far in person, but I pieced it together over time.

<sub>[She was a trainwreck in action, those days before and when she'd first been displaced. As she learned more of exactly how magical girls worked, her personal death turned into a foregone conclusion.

But that Kyoko went down with her.. Sayaka's still not sure how to articulate a response to that, even within the confines of her own head.]</sub>

[carabina]

[ To mess with fate was something Mami never thought of until she came here.

Was it possibly to save herself from that witch? Her soul was here after all. The admins had successfully taken the soul of a dead person - no, multiple of dead persons - so that meant maybe Mami had a shot of reversing her fate.

Would she make things right? Her time in the tower has given her many things; friends for one thing and the chance to fix her relationship with her student. It was broken, but she was gald they were talking. ]

Kyoko? [ She opened the door, seeing thr younger girl bring in some tea and cookies. She smiles softly, opening the door more and moving out of the way to let Kyoko enter. ]

I'm happy to see you! It's been a while since we've spoken.

[prayed]

Way too long. This should make up for that, right?

[She nods towards the tray in her hands, walks past before setting it down on the nightstand next to the bed that she assumes to be Mami's. She takes a cookie for herself, taking a bite out of it. She wasn't on par with Mami, who's cooking skills were practically unrivaled, but it seems like they turned out pretty well.]

I dunno if they're as good as the ones you used to make, but y'know, I'm sure you've noticed it. The way everyone around here's been all doom and gloom lately.

[She almost finds herself jokingly adding 'you'd think somebody died,' but catches herself at the last second. Somebody did, but that's not what she's here to discuss.]

It's seriously starting to bum me out.

[carabina]

Of course. [ She can't help but smile at the thought of Kyoko baking. She was a big eater, but Mami honestly had no idea if Kyoko could bake or if she took up baking after they stopped being friends. The older girl takes a cookie from the plate and bites into it.

It's not bad, actually. Not perfect - but that's how Kyoko was. That's how Mami preferred her too. Her smile fades slightly as soon as she mentions what's been going on around the tower. ]

It has been rather gloomy hasn't it? I want to make everyone feel better... I just don't know how. [ She bites her bottom lip for a minute. ] I recently ran into two people who only want to help humans out. It's been on my mind for a few days now. I guess it must have bothered me a lot.

I don't understand why anyone would do that, not help others just because of who they are... [ Mami shakes her head at the thought. ]

[prayed]

[Kyoko sips at her cup of tea, rolling her eyes in an exaggerated manner at the mention of the pair that.]

Ah, so you ran into dumb and dumber too, eh? That pair just ain't got the memo yet that whatever the Hell they dealt with back home, it ain't like that here.

[She plucks a cookie off of the plate, bites off half of it as she continues to speak,]

Honestly, they might as well just wear a sign on their back that says, "Please tear out my tongue and shove it down my throat or I will bombard you with idiotic remarks." It'd save everyone a lot of trouble.

Floor 101 - placeholder

[rewindingly]

Perhaps.

[ Homura is on rounds again. Normally she tries not to stay on one floor for too long, but the sight of Kyoko aids in nudging Homura out of her routine. ]

It's nice to think that way.

[prayed]

The timing was right for it.

[A beat.]

It's gotta have been something. It's not like them to just add one floor like this, y'know. All the other times I've seen it's been in batches.

[Of course, she's only seen it happen a couple times since coming here. Even so, it's not hard to see the pattern.]

Floor 101

[hero_of_smiles]

[He's never seen a floor like this before. It must have been added during his time away.

When he looks at it and it all just seems eerily peaceful. Could plants even this high up? It didn't really matter though.

As Cross is wandering, he see's a red haired girl and catches the tail end of what she had said.]

How's this a memorial?

[People didn't even die here.]

[prayed]

[Kyoko snaps off a piece of pocky, chews on the boy's question for a moment as she sizes him up. Either new or extremely inattentive; she's not sure which one's more likely, doesn't care enough to try and mull over it.]

Have you been living under a rock or something? It popped up right after one of our saviors kicked the bucket, y'know.

[Her voice remains level throughout most of her explanation, although it carries the slightly impatient edge that always seems to coat her words, but at the word savior she's almost spitting venom. More than ever, it disgusts to think of them sitting back, patting themselves on the back and pretending they've done a good job.

Especially that girl. "Saving them from themselves." Like anyone's stupid enough to believe that.]

[hero_of_smiles]

Kicked the-?

[He stops cold as he finally processes that. Someone...actually died? His heart nearly stops at the answer. Forget her apparent rudeness someone actually died here and that's a little more than overwhelming.

People didn't just die here, did they? Not even those administrators. But, why would this person lie? His blood feels like it's running cold at this new realization. If they could kill one of their own, what's stopping them from doing it to everyone else.

When it becomes too hard not to breathe he takes in a slow shallow breathe.

But, she had asked if he had been living under a rock the whole time...in a matter of speaking he might of have.]

I was actually gone for a few months. So, I'm kind of missed out on a lot.

[His voice is shaky as he says it. Just admitting his stupidity would probably be better than playing the all knowing hero.]

[prayed]

[...ah. She's heard of that happening before. People going back to their worlds, then destroyed. A glitch in the system, they called it. Of course he wouldn't know.

Her expression softens, but only a little.]

Yeah. If you wanna check out the terminals, you can probably still find it on there. They left it open to the public.

[She rolls her shoulders, shoves her hands into her pockets and looks off to each side of her. Is this really a good way to be discussing this? ...Ah, well. It's not like it matters. She offers him a level explanation, piecing together the pieces of information she'd garnered from the network,]

Here's the short version: Dax plotted out a coup, using some of us to help get the ball rolling--don't ask me about the details of that one, I wasn't there, I just heard about it--but he screwed it up and Ruana killed him.

[She makes a disgusted noise.]

Then after he was dead, she ate him and then spit him out. That girl.

Floor 101

[springserpent]

[There's some movement in the flowers up ahead. Another person, clad in curious crimson armor and an ornate turban. She's even got a tail - looks like some sort of catgirl. She's crouching in a particular bed of flowers, one of them plucked and held between her fingers as she examines it seemingly without much interest.]

I wouldn't have expected any of the administrrrators to be so kind.

[Mihli doesn't stand, but she does actually turn her gaze to Kyoko's general vicinity, mostly watching the scenery rather than the Magical Girl]

There's got to be some other underrlying intent knowing them.

[prayed]

[On the other hand, once Kyoko's caught sight of the catgirl (or whatever this girl is,) she doesn't take her eyes off of her. It's habit by now, to keep her eye on anything unusual, on anyone that doesn't trust with her life. She raises an eyebrow at the tail, but ultimiately shrugs--both in response to Mihli's statement and Kyoko's own questions about her appearance. Not the weirdest thing she's seen around here.]

Right, there's no way they'd do something considerate like that for us. Well, they might, but y'know...knowing the company they keep around here, they'd just get a bunch of complaints stuffed in the box.

[She chuckles, rolls her eyes. There's been plenty of annoyance about the graveyard's very existence.]

But y'know, it's different when it's one of their own. Even a dog will mourn if loses a member of it's pack.

[springserpent]

Didn't realize it was the same for demons.

[Mihli tucks away that flower, more musing aloud than seriously holding a conversation]

This month has been so eerily calm, it's hard to believe that they could be using this time to grrieve, or perhaps they're just interrrested in watching our reactions.

[prayed]

[She wouldn't exactly call it "calm," but it beats last month, that's for sure.]

Ah, that's probably 'cause they've got the kid in charge now.

[A small shrug.]

Doesn't look like he's developed his mean streak yet.

(Floor 101) i am sorry for the late, hope you don't mind

[foodchains]

Maybe.

[Depending on how attentive her doppelganger is to her current surroundings, she might not see the other Kyoko before she hears her. After all, she hadn't been there long -- she had passed by the floor as the other girl had decided to make her proclamation. Interestingly enough, her hands are empty of food for a change, eyelids drawn almost tiredly. It had been a rough month for everyone.

She, personally, had never cared much for any of the administrators. She hadn't had the chance to see Dax try and make a difference in their lives in this hellhole. As far as she was concerned, a dead administrator was a good one, but she hadn't shared that opinion against the popular vote.

Her grief seed count had just about depleted itself, and so she was down to using them only when necessary. It was a drain, compared to what she was used to.]

That or a grave, seeing as how he ain't got one on the other floor.