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GRAVEYARD
THE MUSEUM
So, you’ve met your end and regardless of your beliefs, the expectation is that is where things end. Rebirth. Damnation. Salvation. A simple black screen… None of those things happen; how (un)fortunate for you. How jarring it must be to have your last moments not be your final moments. On the bright side, all the injuries you’ve sustained are no longer present. You’re as good as new!
Now, whether you’ve met your end violently, peacefully, or something between the two, you’ll find yourself sat in front of a sprawling behemoth of a wall tastefully covered from floor to ceiling (where is the ceiling?) with various objects on display. All of them carefully and neatly framed or kept safe within a box attached to the wall. Not only that, but there are cages hanging from the “ceiling” that contain even more objects for viewing. However, other than the walls, the hanging cages, and the bench—there is no padding on the bench; only a cold, hard surface that does not give—you find yourself sitting on, the rest of this room is completely empty.
At least, after giving a survey of the area, it will be obvious that it isn’t an enclosed space. There is an opening to a hallway—hopefully. Only one way to find out. Spoilers, there are many, many, many other rooms that make up this place.
Oh, but just what is all out on display?
Well, it varies and depends on who is looking. The hanging cages contain skeletons of creatures from home. Whose home? Your home. It’s the same story for everything that has been framed. They’re all images, items, objects—things—from home. Your home. Fortunately, not everything is familiar as unfamiliar items are included in equal parts. How did they all get here? What are they all doing here?
Have you considered the similarities between a museum and a graveyard? Both are places where the living go to marvel at the dead.
Now, whether you’ve met your end violently, peacefully, or something between the two, you’ll find yourself sat in front of a sprawling behemoth of a wall tastefully covered from floor to ceiling (where is the ceiling?) with various objects on display. All of them carefully and neatly framed or kept safe within a box attached to the wall. Not only that, but there are cages hanging from the “ceiling” that contain even more objects for viewing. However, other than the walls, the hanging cages, and the bench—there is no padding on the bench; only a cold, hard surface that does not give—you find yourself sitting on, the rest of this room is completely empty.
At least, after giving a survey of the area, it will be obvious that it isn’t an enclosed space. There is an opening to a hallway—hopefully. Only one way to find out. Spoilers, there are many, many, many other rooms that make up this place.
Oh, but just what is all out on display?
Well, it varies and depends on who is looking. The hanging cages contain skeletons of creatures from home. Whose home? Your home. It’s the same story for everything that has been framed. They’re all images, items, objects—things—from home. Your home. Fortunately, not everything is familiar as unfamiliar items are included in equal parts. How did they all get here? What are they all doing here?
Have you considered the similarities between a museum and a graveyard? Both are places where the living go to marvel at the dead.
EXHIBIT #04 - COMFORT
Likely the first room that you’ll come across after moving from the initial room. This room feels just as grand and just as empty as that room, but at least the walls aren’t covered in things from (your) home. 
Instead, there will be surfaces to claim, if you wish. Beds, sofas, couches, chaises lounge, bean bags, you name it—if someone could consider it comfortable then it will be present in all shapes, sizes, and variations. The only real catch is that each surface will be displayed individually and cannot be moved. Obviously.
Against one of the walls is a very small plaque that reads:
[ FOR DISPLAY ONLY – DO NOT TOUCH ]
Oops.
Instead, there will be surfaces to claim, if you wish. Beds, sofas, couches, chaises lounge, bean bags, you name it—if someone could consider it comfortable then it will be present in all shapes, sizes, and variations. The only real catch is that each surface will be displayed individually and cannot be moved. Obviously.
Against one of the walls is a very small plaque that reads:
[ FOR DISPLAY ONLY – DO NOT TOUCH ]
Oops.
EXHIBIT #09 - VIEWING
What’s a museum without some sort of media installation, hm?
For this room, there is only one thing and one thing only—a projector. For much of the time the projector being on (you can’t turn it off. In fact, where is the projector?), it won’t be displaying anything but a white light on the blank wall opposite of it.
However, while the wall is blank, every so often it’s possible to hear faint voices coming from above. Especially during the night before—you know.
For this room, there is only one thing and one thing only—a projector. For much of the time the projector being on (you can’t turn it off. In fact, where is the projector?), it won’t be displaying anything but a white light on the blank wall opposite of it.
However, while the wall is blank, every so often it’s possible to hear faint voices coming from above. Especially during the night before—you know.
EXHIBIT #03 - GARDEN
It’s here that you can finally see the ceiling even if it’s still more of a “sky” than a true ceiling. 
Those with keen eyes will be able to tell that it’s an artificial sky, and, for those who are less aware, then how it randomly flickers should help with that. Or not. Regardless, the presence of a “sky” isn’t the only surprising thing about this room—it might not even be the first thing that goes noticed. Despite all the expansive and seemingly never-ending hallways that lead to rooms that are void of anything living, this room is alive. Somehow.
A small plaque on the wall will describe this exhibit as an “interactive” medium with gentle suggestions to not be too rough with anything. This exhibition will be a picturesque garden full of all kinds of flowers and plants with a small pond with lily pads and lotus located towards the center of the room. The only physical structure within this room is a very small and simple gazebo containing two chairs and a small table. Perfect for having afternoon tea—if that’s your kind of thing. However, if you were hoping to listen to any bird song, look at what animals have taken residence in the pond, or generally any other kind of life then you’ll be disappointed.
Those with keen eyes will be able to tell that it’s an artificial sky, and, for those who are less aware, then how it randomly flickers should help with that. Or not. Regardless, the presence of a “sky” isn’t the only surprising thing about this room—it might not even be the first thing that goes noticed. Despite all the expansive and seemingly never-ending hallways that lead to rooms that are void of anything living, this room is alive. Somehow.
A small plaque on the wall will describe this exhibit as an “interactive” medium with gentle suggestions to not be too rough with anything. This exhibition will be a picturesque garden full of all kinds of flowers and plants with a small pond with lily pads and lotus located towards the center of the room. The only physical structure within this room is a very small and simple gazebo containing two chairs and a small table. Perfect for having afternoon tea—if that’s your kind of thing. However, if you were hoping to listen to any bird song, look at what animals have taken residence in the pond, or generally any other kind of life then you’ll be disappointed.
EXHIBIT # — ???
Nothing is on display in this room; all that is there is just empty walls, empty “ceilings”, empty floors…
The only thing that can be found is a small, simple white card free from any kind of writing. A completely blank card. If you try to take it out of the room, it will instantly disappear from wherever it was stored and return to the room.
The only thing that can be found is a small, simple white card free from any kind of writing. A completely blank card. If you try to take it out of the room, it will instantly disappear from wherever it was stored and return to the room.
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Still, he isn't sure how Zvei will feel about this, but... )
... I... believe so. I... was not in my best mind when that happened to me, but... My disease... was relapsing, but I did not feel heat near me to suggest Miss Lynne was.
( Perhaps shaky evidence, but it's the best he has when his perception was out of whack. In his fragile doll heart, he sure Feels people wanted him thrown out, but his reason now tells him to look at the facts - what people have done and said. )
... It seems that only whoever takes the vote is taken. I do not think the majority wanted me dead, even if I would have accepted it, if that was their verdict. It would explain why Sir Giyuu was taken even though we had no intent to harm him... perhaps.
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[Something he likely shouldn't say, but it leaves him anyway. As always, he can't help but be enthralled by the mysteries of this place and what this could possibly mean. Though what purpose is there in that right here and now? He's dead, after all. They have their own set of mysteries to contend with.]
I'll keep an eye out for her just in case. I hold no ill will toward her for what happened - especially if it truly was out of her control, as you said.
[Maybe he should be angry, or at least annoyed that he was denied a chance at learning more about what was happening over in the land of the living. But ultimately that involves feelings Zvei simply doesn't have. He isn't mad, he isn't annoyed, and he isn't... much of anything, really. But that's hardly abnormal, despite the abnormal circumstances.]
I am sorry that you wound up here. I can't imagine any of them wanted you dead, and now that they know that the vote seems tied to such a thing... Well, I hope no one else joins us.
[As lonely as it might be, it's better this way, right? That's the sort of sentiment most people would have.]
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His expression softens, at a crossroads. )
... You are a truly kind person, Sir Zvei. ( On both counts. ) I did ask that they cease voting, if only I was taken, and see if the remedied this strange occurrence. And...
( ... )
... For what it's worth, Miss Lynne was truly remorseful for what she did. I don't... know precisely how you experienced it, but she said she was hoping to save you. It... likely was an authentic sentiment, given how she persuaded so many.
( ... So, obviously, they voted him when they really didn't have to, because... )
... Still. I'm truly happy we could meet again, and that you are hale and whole, even if it is in such circumstance. Accident or not, you hardly deserved...— I'm so, so very sorry that happened to you. I wish I could have done something, somehow.
( He isn't totally crying but his eyes are MOIST!!!! 🥺 )
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...Yuki should know, at some point. It isn't fair for him to take and take and take and let Yuki live with the assumption that he's a good person. Zvei already did that once, and look what happened.
(He doesn't regret Fiona's death. How can he, when he's never experienced such a thing, when he isn't even capable of feeling it? And yet— and yet he can't do this again, not to someone so eager and willing to trust him. Not again.)
Yuki continues and Zvei reaches up to absently pat him on the head. Pat pat.]
I don't doubt her at all. Thank you for passing her words on. [It's so kind of him to worry about such a thing even before himself.] But don't go thinking like that now, Yuki! There isn't anything anyone else could have done. Unfortunately, it's just the way things happened to go.
[But he smiles after a moment, dropping his hand from Yuki's hair.]
My offer still stands, you know. If you need me for anything, you can seek me out at any time. No sense in going at it alone in this unfamiliar place, right?
[He isn't a good person, because he hides his own desperate desire not to be alone behind words like this, to frame it as an offer rather than a desperate attempt to connect. Perhaps that's what keeps him silent on his own actions; because if he tells Yuki the truth, then Yuki will leave and he'll be alone. And that's a more dreadful thought than even dying.]
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Though, now that Zvei's been in contact with Yuki for a second and not because I completely forgot, he have noticed two things in particular - his hair feels very nice, but it's glossy and of a texture unlike his usual (synthetic), and he has a faint scent of silicone so close up - also new. Maybe if he finds a perfume exhibit he can get that sorted out until the scent fades naturally...
But, ah... The reference to their promise is what seems to cheer him most, and, silly as it may look, a little bit of light returning to the waver in his eyes. )
Of course! And, please - seek me out as well. If we can resolve our current situation, together - or, at least, discover what all this is . . . I would be very happy.
( Look at Yuki, referring to "seeking" like he's not going to be trotting after Zvei like a guard dog. )
Have you looked around much? I'm afraid I haven't witnessed more than a little. Why don't we set out together?
( He sets down his usual "if it pleases you" habit and just shoots for offering. He's apparently Double Dead whats the Point of being too demure !!!!!! )
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But! For now the momentary unease abates; Yuki is none the wiser about Zvei's internal struggles, and now hardly seems the time to bring all of that up. So later. Later he'll tell Yuki about the things he's done, so at least Yuki is aware. They'll likely have plenty of time here, after all.]
There's a garden here, have you seen it yet? It's certainly an odd thing to be present here - the sky itself even seems artificial!
[So yes, let's go exploring!! Zvei is a simple man, if he can examine things and learn something new, then he's happy (except not really because he can't feel that, obviously).]
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( He will part so they can head off, though he is slow to, as ever. Feeling Zvei is something tangible and real helps, in a way, even if those senses can be fooled, too.
Still.
He is going to offer Zvei his hand :D Let's Hansel and Gretel this :D )
This place... Seems much like a museum. Am I right to think it all loops back into itself...?
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Which he isn't going to think about! ✩ Anyway! Off we go!]
You're correct, I went wandering off and eventually found my way back here somehow! Though what's a museum?
[We do not have those in his fantasy world. Which is both a blessing and a curse because he would've just lived in one.]
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You haven't encountered one before? ( Yuki seems surprised, turning his gaze to Zvei as they walk. ) Well... They're archives of historical artifacts, works, and relics - these things can be fossils, tomes, silks . . . tools, paintings, clotheswear . . . They're distinct from collections because museums are designed to be visited and viewed by others - like this, if typically more conventional.
( He kind of gestures generally to the stuff laid out on display. )
And with detailed information about each display written out on plaques, ( gestures to one such plaque, ) or in accompanying audio guides. They're institutes of learning.
( He actually quite likes explaining things like this. Local prep nerd rep!! )
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How fascinating! [This explains the plaques too!] It's a shame we don't have anything of the sort in Aelios, why, I shudder to think of how much knowledge has been lost without a proper repository for our research...
[Seriously, this setting is so backwards smh.]
Audio guides, though? As in... a speaker giving lectures about the individual artifacts and the like? Or do you mean something else?
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Oh, it's . . . ( Well, Zvei was studying magic rocks, so maybe they don't have this sort of thing in Aelios? ) In a sense. Those do exist - those are museum guides, or guided tours. But those individual lecturers, so to speak, can record their lectures and store the lecture in a device. A visitor can then listen to it as they make their way through the museum at their own pace. There's a whole system to it, but that's the general idea.
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[He has the most vague idea about technology but maybe someday he will learn. Or maybe not.]
Well, if we must be stuck somewhere, I'm delighted that it's somewhere fascinating! It would seem there's quite a bit to learn here as well!
[Anyway, here we are! Welcome to the garden.]
It's quite impressive, isn't it? I only determined that the sky was a fake because it flickered. I wouldn't have been able to tell otherwise!
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I'd be curious to know of the sort of technology employed on Aelios . . . I'd be happy to share what technology I know, in turn. Earth may not be as advanced as certain other homes, but perhaps it will be interesting to you?
( And so they arrive....! )
... How beautiful.
( He takes another step forward, their arms bridging between the distance, taken. It's a false facsimile of life, certainly, but . . . isn't Yuki, also?
His gaze slowly traces its way up toward the sky, lingering there - as if waiting to see the seams of this place, the flickering.
... )
... Might I ask you a strange question?
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...Speaking of, shouldn't Yuki be taking this worse? It's one thing when Zvei does it, because he's... well, he's Zvei, but Yuki...
He dismisses that thought in favor of Yuki's question, moving to follow Yuki in and turning his gaze skywards as well.]
Always, Yuki. I'm sure I've asked my fair share of strange ones already, and there's bound to be more of them in the future.
[Both because of who he is as a person and his undying curiosity and because there are things he just... doesn't get. May never get, really. Yuki's been remarkably patient with him so far, anyway.]
What is it?
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... Are you real?
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[Zvei blinks. Then it occurs to him that he should probably actually give an answer that isn't sounding mildly questionable.]
I feel as real as I always have, anyway. I certainly feel better than I did not all that long ago!
[The talon scratches are gone, without the need to rest and recover from them. There's no sign of burns, and he's certainly not dead. Definitely an improvement.]
Are you concerned that you're just imagining me?
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( He shifts on his feet, his sandal swiping in a slight semi-circle along the grass. Real, fake, real... )
I've imagined quite a few people this week, to my understanding. I suppose, due to the disease. And before I ... dissolved, I suppose... I saw people who should not have been there, but I wanted to see. And, of course, I've wanted to see you.
( So it fits, in a way. It was all very surreal, the way things ended for him - or "ended," as it were. Who's to say he didn't imagine that? Who's to say he isn't imagining this? ... And perhaps, in fact, these past two weeks have been all a long dream in the final moments before oblivion, just after he'd departed from Ageha to be unmade. )
... Even so, I do not mind. ( Is it fine? Well, it has to be. ) Whether real, or fake . . . I suppose that doesn't change that I'm speaking to you now.
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[He says, completely cavalier, not bothered at all by the idea. But... hmm.]
Well, it feels real enough to me, and that's good enough for the time being. As long as I still exist in some form, I can still work toward my goal. That's good enough for me.
[It has to be, because anything less is unacceptable.]
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... Your goal? Studying those stones...?
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Reclaiming those memories that I've lost. My research was in service to that goal.
[His tone's slipped into something a bit more serious than the usual because this is... well, it's everything to him. Sure, Zvei has always enjoyed learning for the sake of learning and would have studied the magicaeli regardless, but...]
I won't truly be whole until I know everything there is to know about who I once was.
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He revokes the step he took before, coming a step closer. )
... If that is what you want, then I want it for you, too.
( This is the truth. It doesn't sound harmful, so why wouldn't he want this for Zvei? But. )
... But why wouldn't you be whole now? Is the Zvei here now not just as important?
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[Yuki asks questions that are so truly baffling, because of course "Zvei" doesn't matter. "Zvei" has never mattered. All that matters is finding those memories and reclaiming who he once was, because then - and only then - will he understand his place in the world. Then everything will make sense. Then he'll know why he's like this why he's so—]
I only remember the past seven years. That's not nearly enough. I don't know what happened that led to me being so...
[He catches himself there, like maybe he's gone too far, said too much. But it's a bit too late to stop now, and his mismatched eyes dart instead of staring Yuki down. None of this is Yuki's fault, and it isn't fair to take it out on him. Zvei knows this. But the idea that he - that "Zvei" - could be worth something is just so fundamentally wrong with everything he's told himself for the past seven years that he doesn't know how to reconcile it.
I'm happy we met the way you are now. And I hope we might still along, even if you find your past again. I'd like to think that you are you, no matter how time might change you. Yuki had said, not all that long ago. He can't imagine Yuki's lied about these thoughts and feelings, and yet accepting them for what they are - that Yuki is glad to have met him, that Yuki likes Zvei is—
It's unbearable.]
...Forgive me. I suppose this is a topic I am still rather... worked up about.
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... Perhaps they are opposites, in this regard. Their circumstances are not at all the same, but Yuki always wonders why it is he always meets failure when he tries so hard. And he's had no choice but to resign to the fact that - perhaps he was carved under an unlucky star. Perhaps there's really nothing he can do about it. All he can do is look to the future, and hope, with enough effort, things might change. They won't. But maybe, maybe, maybe...
... But Zvei has his gaze fixed on the past, and Zvei wants to know why. )
... There is nothing to apologize for. It's important to you. It's how you feel.
( He lays his other hand on top of the hand he's held, and he holds it up between them. )
... It may not mean so much coming from me, but... I don't find you lacking, or wrong. ( He isn't sure what the ending of what Zvei began to say is, so he can only guess. ) I think... if you wish to recover your memories, you have my support. They're yours; you have this right.
( ... But... )
... But... I just wish... you wouldn't be so cruel to who you are now.
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...I don't believe you'd like me very much if you knew the things I've done trying to reclaim my memories.
[It's softer than usual. An admission, finally. Because he can't keep taking and taking and taking, not after last time. Not after he told himself not to and told Amaya everything, just to ensure that she didn't keep taking from her too. It's only fair to do the same for Yuki. Yuki deserves to know what he's dealing with.]
I've done a lot of terrible things. I can't say I regret them because I was so close... But it isn't fair for me to keep lying to you. I really am quite a terrible person, you know.
[It's not self-deprecating when he says it, the usual smile tugging on the corners of his mouth. It's fact. It's the truth. He accepted it from the moment he decided he'd do anything in the name of his memories. There aren't any regrets, and there never will be, because he can't feel anything like that. Not like normal people can.]
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...
Yuki is a good person. In a sense, it isn't his choice to be, no more than it is his choice to be content without autonomy - he was created to be good; was given the goodness, and the fear, in his creator's soul when it was split to in two. He had gone as far as to be willing to ... understand Giyuu, if Giyuu had truly been acting on good reasons against an evil person. He has comfortably occupied the light side of the binary with little resistance since the start of his simple, simple existence.
... What did you do? (He isn't sure he wants the answer to that.) Would you do it again? (... The way Zvei speaks now, Yuki isn't certain he wants to hear it, either.) And why wait to tell me now, after I'd mourned for you? (It doesn't seem like a long-running joke.)
But Zvei grips his hand, and he calls this implicit deceit unfair. He'd let Yuki wheedle and cling, and he'd said they were friends. Is that also ...
... )
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