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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.
no subject
So he wanders in a little late to find Yuki, though not late enough to miss this in its entirety. It's hard to make out exactly what's happening until that sudden, ominous silence.]
...A memory, maybe...?
[He says it more to himself than to Yuki, frowning. No, that doesn't seem right.]
What do you think that was?
no subject
... Sounds of slumber... and then...
( ... he doesn't want to jinx it, but, )
... Do you suppose what has happened before has happened again? Individuals ... awoken during the night, and...?
( He feel antsy just thinking about it. )
no subject
[But then, this place has already proven that it doesn't operate by conventional logic. Why else would everyone else fall asleep and not awaken until someone's killed? The first three deaths were accidental in some form, but this... Was this also a case of some kind of accident? It didn't really sound like it to his ears, but it's hard to tell with such limited information.]
It's a bit hard to tell for sure. I sincerely hope it isn't a precursor to another trial.
no subject
... I certainly hope not. Another trial means... unanimous intent might condemn someone to the same fate as Sir Giyuu... or myself. It's not a fate I would wish on any person.
( He tacks on "myself" with a little bit of hesitation, like he's not sure if it's worth mentioning. Through backflips of logic and guilt, he feels what happened to Giyuu was less deserved and what happened to himself was more deserved.
If he can manage it, he's stealing Zvei's hand ... this time, it's just for himself, to help himself stress a little less over a hypothetical. )
... It does call into question what this place is. If there is a chance what we have heard is something that's gone on in our previous location... then perhaps this location is not so isolated as we thought.
( At least, it's not a true purgatory. )
no subject
That's certainly something worth looking into - at the very least seeing if we can establish a means of communication from our side to theirs. I imagine they would want to know that we do still exist in some form, after all.
[If not for sentimental reasons, then for purely practical ones.]
Regardless, we should visit this room often to see if we can overhear more. That will at least let us know if our guess is correct.
no subject
... I agree. If anything, it wouldn't be difficult to circle back here regularly. If we are simply somewhere else... ( whether as... spirits? or something else... ) ... then that would surely affect the angle of their research.
( What is this entire place, why is it capturing the "deceased" like a butterfly in a net... and so on. There may be things they can learn from the outside that they cannot from within here. )
And... those who might miss any of the ones lost here, I'm certain, would love to speak to all of you again.
( Very important!!!
He falls quiet for a moment, letting the feeling of something beyond the shell of his body, Zvei's hand in his, anchor his thoughts before they fall away to a river of feeling about this particular topic. Let's see... The trouble is... )
... Do you know how long it's been since we first arrived? I was not keeping track because I felt it might not matter, but...
( He can't say for sure, for example, if this potential death has happened precisely a week apart, as Beryl and Zvei & Reiju's were, or if it was sooner, later... )
no subject
Well, he'll let it slide for the time being, since Yuki did ask him a question.]
To be honest, I'm not very good at keeping track of the passage of time even under normal circumstances, and now that I don't need to bother with eating or sleeping, the days truly have blurred together...
[It's probably been multiple days! But how many? Two, five, ten?? He really cannot say. This is the problem in giving him the freedom to research as he pleases, his tenuous grasp of time becomes even worse.]
I would assume a week has passed, but that may just be because of our earlier assumption about what these sounds are.
no subject
It would be reasonable to presume a pattern may be emerging, considering it has happened on the same day twice. I wonder...
( He ponders... there are ways to timekeep without the sun or a clock, but would they work, with the way exhibits seem to work?
Since Zvei's reminded him, though... He lays the back of his hand against Zvei's forehead, as if checking for temperature. Zvei seems completely fine, but What If? )
... Are you certain you feel all right? It did worry me to hear you up and about in our room . . . and we are not quite certain of our state here. You haven't felt tired; gotten any headaches; anything unusual . . . ?
no subject
I feel just fine! I haven't slept or eaten this entire time and I've been doing just fine, so I think it's safe to say that neither are required for our continued existence here. Really, going without sleep has been nothing but a boon! I wish I could have discarded that far earlier...
[Imagine how much work he could've gotten done if he didn't need to sleep!!! Sigh.]
no subject
It's not an unreasonable assumption to make... ( Yuki, who checked anyway? His hand lingers there for a few moments more, like he just wants to be extra sure. ) I have always thought it was an advantage for others to be able to sleep. Does the mind not need rest?
( Finally, he will let his hand fall... Patient Zvei is allowed to check out of the clinic......... For Now. )
... Though, I will admit, I did not particularly enjoy needing to sleep when I initially arrived. It felt... unproductive.
( He never needed sleep back home!! His current depression naps aside, he could use those beautiful extra hours to stand* watch at his master's bedside...
*ok he was doing the golden retriever thing and being curled up against them while they slept but he was Also on watch duty while doing that so he was actually being twice as productive actually )
no subject
Does it?
[Maybe Zvei is not the best person to ask about that. Does this man look like his mind is ever at rest.]
That might have been a bit different, though? I assume you were processing a lot of thoughts and feelings. Perhaps it was a bit much, and needing to sleep helped regulate all of that?
[It's phrased as a question because like hell if he knows. He barely has feelings on a good day, let alone too many of them running wild.]
no subject
Well, have you tried resting?
( Like... ever... a broad question,
That said, that's lowkey a callout for Yuki and he can't totally deny it with someone he's said he intends to be open with. It's not Zvei keeping him to his word, it's Yuki himself, )
... I suppose rest does grant me a period from my thoughts and feelings. There was a period of about ten years where I had no choice but to be still and think, and I will admit I did somewhat wish I could let my mind rest then.
( So maybe he's just projecting when he thinks Zvei should rest... but also maybe he's just a worrywart. Yukis contain multitudes. )
no subject
But Yuki continues and Zvei inclines his head as he considers.]
Well, I can see where remaining still with just your thoughts would be rather difficult. I doubt I could do that for very long - let alone ten years.
[the joke here is that he gets to sit in jail for five years at a slightly later canon point. he's totally fine though!!]
no subject
It was a little bit difficult. ( lol!!! ) But... that is why I am very grateful I am able to speak with all of you now. I have been luckier than most other dolls, in that I do have this occasional privilege to move and speak.
( The difficult smile is not fully accurate to how he feels about his ten year period of being locked in, but it's habit - he doesn't like to whinge, though Zvei has said he won't mind it. )
... And I certainly consider it a privilege to be able to voice my worries about others like this, even if it may seem as if I'm nagging.
( So he will continue to fuss sorry not sorry but it's enrichment in its own way, he is taking note of zvei definitely seeming like he really doesn't rest, )
no subject
Well, I'm quite glad you're capable of both here. I hope that remains true for you for a long time to come.
[Yuki should not have to deal with the torment of being trapped in your thoughts without the ability to move or talk ever again, thanks!!!]
You know I don't mind it. Even if you are nagging, I wouldn't mind. It's nice to have someone who wants to look after me!
[...it's not like this is the first time, it's just it's the first time he's recognized it...]
no subject
... Yuki softens, his eyes shining. )
... If you continue to be too kind to me... I'll grow greedy, Sir Zvei.
( He says it gently, as if chiding, but - despite his tone - it sounds like a true ... suggestion of caution, in a sense. Not caution for Yuki though. Just for Zvei.
He has feelings in excess at nearly all times, and he can't change that about himself - or, perhaps, he's simply resigned to it. It's a handful; it's isolating; he's self-conscious of it - he's envious of Leo, who seems, somehow, to do so much better with other people. Perhaps, when one soul was split in two, Yuki got an uneven cut - and it's remarkable to him that, even after that first night, Zvei still doesn't find cause to mind it.
Were it Leo in his place right now, he would surely be much more miserly; but Yuki feels . . . )
. . . In truth, I'd like to look after you for as much time as we have together. ( The future is uncertain, especially given their present predicament, but he can commit to this with sureness. ) I . . . have not been at my best here, but I have enjoyed our time together, even if a great deal of it may simply be me pestering you. And, so long as I can move and speak, I'd like to continue to do so.
( Zvei would probably be fine if Yuki weren't here . . . at least, that's how he views it, so that means Yuki's the one pestering. But . . . that's probably okay!! Because Zvei is okay with it, and Yuki is happy doing it. Dying (or "dying") really made him reconsider if it was worth being so shy about the things he wants to do. )
no subject
[His smile is easy, relaxed, but not at all fake. He does mean it; while he can't even begin to understand where Yuki's problems lie, the simple matter is that he likes Yuki, he likes spending time with Yuki, and Yuki's more overbearing nature doesn't trouble him in the slightest. If anything, it's kind of a refreshing change of pace. Zvei's used to most of his coworkers being very hands-off, and not just physically. Most of them were humans, and many of them were at least a little afraid of him, and not just because of his research and the rumors surrounding him.
So it's nice to be someone who is wanted, whose company is enjoyed. Nothing wrong with Yuki's greed there.]
"Pestering" implies that I didn't enjoy it, you know! I've greatly enjoyed all of our conversations and time spent together. If I hadn't... if this had been an act... Well, you wouldn't know nearly as much about me.
[Besides, he's really not all that great at putting up a normal front, let alone properly acting. What you see is what you get with him, for the most part. It doesn't have to be any more complicated than that.]
no subject
And it makes him feel voracious. )
... No, I ought to apologize. I've never felt you were less than authentic.
( That may just be a testament to Yuki's bad judgment, but anyway!! He recognizes his being humble isn't doing any favors to what Zvei is trying to express, and he's truly trusted him at his word when he said he was being honest, so.
He'd like to give back this feeling a hundredfold, if he could. He just has to figure out how. )
Please continue to tell me more about you. And please listen to these small things about me. For as long as we are able, and then ... beyond that. I'd like that... very, very much.
( He drops Zvei's hand.....................
So he can throw his arms over Zvei's shoulders and give him the biggest, tightest hug EVER!!!! if he had a tail it would be wagging at hyperspeed, )
no subject
[If anything, it was that Yuki was too trusting in his supposed good nature that really made it clear how much the man means to Zvei. Once again, he's struck by the sheer absurdity of them both landing in this place at the same time, and what things would be like if it hadn't happened. He doesn't know any of the other deceased all that well, and maybe he could have pestered them into friendship - but it'd take time and effort and wouldn't be the immediate gratification of having someone familiar around. A roommate; a friend.
But thoughts like that are rather cruel, considering just how they both ended up here, and what Yuki did. So he'll keep them in his head where they belong.
And then Yuki hugs him tightly, earning a surprised, somewhat-startled laugh from him. He also squirms a bit - not quite to escape, just to get the tentacles out, just in case Yuki feels like repositioning; he doesn't like anything pressed against his back, after all. Four of them emerge quickly and he settles, adjusting to allow Yuki to continue hugging, if he wants.
Zvei is (rather obviously) pretty inexperienced with such things; he's allowed Yuki's physical displays of affection and slowly grown used to them, but he does try to hug back this time!! It's a little tense, a little too careful, but it's An Attempt and that has to count for something. Two of the tentacles even get in on it too. The other two are just sort of hanging out so they're not stifling poor Yuki in tentacles.]
Good! Then I expect to learn much more about you, Yuki. Thank you.
[For accepting me, despite everything. For being my friend, despite everything.]
no subject
He will feel terrible for not considering the situation, when they (presumably) learn they overheard Amaya's death; he'll certainly mull on his own selfishness, and how he really oughtn't be rejoicing in Zvei's kindness given the context of their situation. It feels like it should be wrong to enjoy anything in a circumstance like this. But Zvei makes him happy - is that wrong? His feelings on his past are complex, but they're framed in the present, and so it's maybe much simpler than it seems.
It all counts. It absolutely counts, because Yuki knows very well none of this comes easy to Zvei - the openness and these attempts at returned affection. Even allowing it was something Yuki is very aware he had to work up to. Even trying to reassure Yuki again and again means something. He doesn't have to. He doesn't have to! And that it's freely given warms the hollow of his chest. )
I'll accept your thanks— ( nom ) —I'll thank you once more, and again and again. ( He presses his cheek to Zvei's neck, as if parking right here permanently. ) You can rely on me for anything, Sir Zvei. Please don't forget that.