![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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.
no subject
But he cannot help himself. His head snaps toward her, the hand at his cheek trembling. Whether spectre or reality, she is what she is, and he cannot escape what he knew he might encounter. At once there seems a propulsion of movement for him to stagger to a stand; but his footing simply stumbles as he aborts the effort, and he drops down into a full and complete dogeza, his posture immaculate. )
—I cannot... I-I cannot even begin to apologize. ( The words fumble from his clumsy mouth, but he presses through anyway. ) But, please, let me try, though I— I ask for no forgiveness.
no subject
Reiju's smile is much more measured to his words, but she means no harm by it. It just means that Yuki is more honest than she is, though there's nothing for her to hide at this point.]
What are you apologizing for?
no subject
... I ... murdered you senselessly, brutally. ( He swallows hard, for it is his life's purpose to protect - and yet... ) I ... hunted you down, though you tried to reason with me. What I did to you was torture.
( His voice trembles on his lips, but he does not let it falter completely. In the split second before he had taken to the ground, he had seen her - her as she had been just a few nights ago, the image of Ageha overlapping her. Even now, in his minds eye, he sees them both at once, and it curdles and clots his heart. )
... I was not... well then, but that does not change what I did to you. If there is anything you would do to me, would have from me, I will cooperate, even if you asked me my life. ( How would that even work here? Well, he'd find out. ) Though it would not be enough, it would be the least I can do.
no subject
I have no interest in revenge.
[She unfolds her arms. Her hands hang at her sides, devoid of any urge to reach out spitefully.]
All I'm interested in are answers. Why don't you sit up, so we can talk?
no subject
A beat, as if he is afraid to face her (and this is true), but... he does as she asks, and presses himself up. He shifts into a seiza just as immaculate, the perfection a habit as much as a show of deference.
He looks like someone stricken but who's trying to keep calm. He looks like he wants to look her in the eye but he's having trouble. He's trying not to make this about him, so he needs to be composed, but it's not hard to let every tsunami of feeling crush him as they roll in from opposite sides. )
... Please, ask me whatever you would like. This foolish Yukinosuke will answer to the best of his meagre abilities.
no subject
. . . Did you die?
no subject
... I believe so. They held another trial, and . . . fortunately, they did discover me. I believe . . . what happened to Sir Giyuu happened to me, though I cannot be perfectly certain. I... relapsed, when it was happening.
( He was just actively hallucinating, and isn't completely certain any of this is real. Did it ever end? But it feels real, and at this point, that's the best answer he's going to get until someone tries to snap him out of it, again. )
no subject
Then both of us are dead—or supposed to be.
[Reiju draws her legs together and bends her knees, lowering herself to a crouch before him. It doesn't matter that he tore her apart mere moments ago for her. She doesn't fear death, so nor does she Yuki.]
Do you think you'll relapse again?
no subject
He swallows, and for a moment he allows himself the chance to close his eyes and reflect on his body once more - as he did after he settled in here (following a brief emotional shattering, but we put ourselves back together again), but he owes it to her to be more certain of his answer.
...
After a moment, he opens his eyes again. )
... I can't say for certain if the disease remains with me or not. And so... I would suggest it's possible.
( An honest assessment. He doesn't want to overstate his risk out of guilt, nor does he want to understate it because he isn't sure. It's better to be safe, especially if he's in this enclosed space with others of the supposedly deceased. )
no subject
I'm not angry.
[Not at him, anyway. She's used to thoughtless men who crave violence and think nothing of life. At least with her, he's been honest and conscientious.]
I'm just sorry that it had to be you.
no subject
His brows furrow and his lips purse, his chin quivering. Little by little, his eyes glisten and wet. No matter how much he tries to restrain it, tears, like pearls, roll down his face. )
... I hardly deserve your kindness.
( Maybe she doesn't think it's kindness, but, to Yuki, it's exceedingly generous. How can she say that...? Why wouldn't she more fully condemn him? Everyone else did in their voting, or, at least, he feels this way, and she deserves to condemn him the most. His fingers curl into his kimono, at a loss. )
You deserve to at least strike me. At the very least.
no subject
Boys seem to take even the smallest act of mercy for great kindness. Her demise was never meant to be mourned—and so, in answer to his implied offer, Reiju rises by straightening her legs.]
Thank you, but I won't do that. If your death was anything like Giyuu's, it must have been painful. Unless you enjoy punishment, there's no need for it here.
no subject
He purses his lips, but ... finally, he nods. He is quiet for a time, and tries to sort of regain himself. )
... To persist would make this a matter of fulfilling my wishes, not yours. ( He exhales. Punishment would probably assuage his guilt, but this isn't meant to be about him. ) ... If you insist upon this, I will respect it. And, if anything... I can devote myself to discovering what this place is, and why we are here, if we are meant to be dead.
( It wouldn't be true atonement, but at least he can make himself useful. For one, is this a true purgatory, or...?
Regardless-- Genuinely and seriously, he says: )
... However... If you and any others are able... If there is a chance I seem to be relapsing, I would ask that, if it is not a burden on your psyche, you do strongly consider killing me, or whatever the equivalent here may be. I do not wish for what happened to repeat, with you or anybody.
no subject
None of that's worth voicing right now, though. She watches him, letting the gravity of his request sink into the very ground under their feet, and simply asks:]
Are you sure?
no subject
( And if there were a way to prevent that blood ending up on another's hands, he'd take it, but... he couldn't even stop himself from transforming during trial, or coming undone toward the end of his execution.
... )
... In truth, I do wish to be saved. ( A kernel of truth he will only relinquish now that he's dead. ) ... But I truly do not wish for it to come at the expense of injury to anyone else. I would not be able to bear it.
no subject
Reiju does know one thing, though, and that's enough for her to nod after a moment, enfeebled as she is here.]
If that's how you feel, I'll see what I can do.
no subject
... Thank you. I will do all that I can to repay your generosity.
no subject
Oh? What will you repay me with?
[Playful amusement lines her words. They're dead, if not as good as. Aside from information, which he's planning on gathering as some form of misplaced atonement, is there anything of value here?]
no subject
Unfortunately, he takes this too seriously. He picks up on her tone, but he doesn't think he's in the position to take it as a joke??? he ripped her limb from limb????? )
Of course, if I discover further ways to be of use in this locale, I shall offer what I've learned to you first and foremost. ( But that isn't something tangible, and who knows if he'll even find "further ways to be of use"? So, of course, he continues: ) However, if there is anything more this meagre Yukinosuke can provide, in body or service, I would gladly provide this to you in the present.
( Despite how it may potentially sound, it doesn't sound like he intends innuendo by it - tragically, he sounds very genuine. )
no subject
As of now, there isn't anything. [She looks up at the artificial sky.] I'm not tired, and this place feels endless. It's more space than a handful of us needs, so it would be easier to move as we please.
no subject
... He nods. He does wish there was more he could offer, but, at present, there is little. )
. . . I understand. But, if that changes, I would be happy to be of use. Even if it is simply to test a dangerous mechanism . . . or to venture before you as a canary in a coal mine.
( Bleak, but! If she has no need for poolboys or buttling, there is that, should she discover something in these endless exhibits. )
But I do not wish to leave you claustrophobic, and it is true we may be better served spreading out to better comprehend this place's strange peculiarities. ( So, yes, he won't hover . . . even if a part of him wants to. ) Simply know that, if the need arises, you may always seek me out.
no subject
We'll keep in touch. [She'll neither force nor withhold her company. He can approach her at any time.] Until then, I'd prefer you to be careful.
no subject
... If you ask this of me, I will dedicate myself to it with my entire being.
( ok yuki... But he is serious, at least. While he'd still gladly sacrifice himself, her request will weigh on him before he does it too carelessly, as he usually does. )
May safety follow your steps, Miss Vinsmoke. Do take care.