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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
( This is honest. And it is true, that it pains him to see Zvei in pain. It isn't like him - and surely isn't common for him, given what Zvei has described to him before, but,
is he just
a little bit happy he gets to be the one there for him?
Yes. Unfortunately and absolutely. (Maybe that's not even entirely true, even - it's not just "a little bit," it's very much so.)
And if - or when - Amaya comes here, he might not have this sole privilege anymore. In fact, he might not be able to procure as much of Zvei's time as he has been. Furthermore, it might be entirely possible that Zvei was closer to Amaya anyway, and that may as well pick up where they left off, should she come here.
... )
... At the very least... you aren't alone with these feelings. Not so long as this humble Yukinosuke is beside you. I just wish I could do more to soothe your heart.
no subject
[He's feeling a little less... aggressively tense, anyway. Not quite fully relaxed, but better. A little more like himself and a little less stuck in endlessly circling thoughts. Perhaps it could be attributed to his general apathy and inability to hold onto his feelings for very long, but he'll be generous and attribute it to Yuki's presence here instead.
(It's easier to think that Yuki's helping rather than the much darker alternative: that he didn't care about Amaya nearly as much as he thought he did.)]
I'm sure I'll be fine with you here. Just as long as they don't do anything particularly stupid, right?
[It's light, like it's a joke. Surely they aren't going to bad end or anything!!]
no subject
... They all seem truly dedicated to understanding what transpired. I would hope they don't do anything too hasty.
( Yuki is going to stress himself into a second grave if he worries about what might go wrong (just kidding, he's worrying about that anyway), so he's going to try to think about how they're being more focused this trial, )
This trial is their choice, now. So they ought not feel pressured by a time limit, votes, or the instruction of our neighbors. ( The NPCs, he means. ) They need only be rational and focus on the truth.
no subject
Yes, I imagine they'll be able to figure this out. They've managed so far, haven't they? No sense in doubting them.
[But he can't help the lingering question of what if that simply won't go away. What if they don't find her killer? What if there doesn't need to be a vote for someone to die? There's so many questions and not nearly enough answers. He's hardly a detective, and he's not sure who exactly this is pointing to, which just makes it even more frustrating. It'd be nice to know who was responsible, but...
No. They'll find the answer. They have to.]
no subject
Yeah, Yuki's not clear on who this is all pointing to, as intently as he's tried to follow the hubbub of a trial. )
... They did. ( He looks from the screen to Zvei's profile, not feeling great about it. ) They discovered both Miss Lynne and I, as chaotic as our movements were. A human killer... ought to be much simpler to pursue. And...
( ... )
... Even if they find some trouble, I cannot imagine them simply letting the matter go. They do not seem that sort of people.
no subject
[That's out of his mouth before he can think to stop it, but it's very true. The ugly truth, yes, but there's no sense in hiding it from Yuki. There's only one ending he'll find satisfying to this, but as long as they find the killer and do something about them, then it'll have to be good enough.]
...Some of them are very dedicated to finding miss Amaya's killer, so you're right. I imagine they'll keep going until they've determined what exactly happened and who's responsible.
[Thank you, Kaios and Seymour...]
no subject
... What would be justice to you, Sir Zvei?
no subject
He does now.]
Death. "An eye for an eye", as they say.
[Even if it was an accident or the inability to control one's transformation again (which it certainly doesn't sound like it is), his answer wouldn't change. They killed Amaya. They should be killed in turn.]
no subject
He studies Zvei, the trial, for the moment, briefly irrelevant.
He disagrees, but this isn't about what he thinks. He's fairly sure Zvei knows what he values, so to speak it is redundant. Rather, he concerns himself more with... )
... I don't think you wrong for simply wanting it. ( Pain, anger, grief ... he can understand that. Isn't that what a doll is for? Comfort during those times? ) ... But you mustn't let the desire consume you too wholly. The more you come to feel, the heavier a life is. Each and every one.
( Even the life of someone who killed Amaya.
This, too, is a feeling, isn't it? All of this is. So ... he doesn't know if he wants to chastise Zvei for simply feeling as he does. Grief isn't rational, nor should it be. But the path grief can lead a person down . . . that's what Yuki is cautious of. )
no subject
...I'll try not to let it consume me. I don't... like feeling like this.
[It's unfamiliar, and that unfamiliarity makes it unpredictable and uncomfortable. For as much as he desires to be like everyone else, the thought of feeling something this heavy more frequently is... distressing, perhaps. He wishes he could go back to the numbing sense of apathy right now. But it's a good thing that he's feeling, isn't it? It's better this way, because it means he cares, and it means Amaya matters to him.
...How do normal people deal with such things?]
I'll keep your words in mind as well.
no subject
Rubs his hand with his thumb gently... )
... It is okay if it isn't easy, or if you lapse. I will not be upset with you.
( It's just for Zvei, and... he doesn't want Zvei to suffer like he is. )
... What feels best is release. Else, they stay trapped up inside. ( Feelings. ) ... What you want is a form of it. But that does not need to be the only way. I'm certain... we can find something, if this feeling still frustrates your heart, after.
( ... He glances with brief agitation as the musical suspects are brought up to bat briefly, the names being some of those he feels bias toward. His lips purse, brows furrowing. )
no subject
Thank you. I'll keep trying, no matter what.
[He wants to live up to Yuki's expectations of him, but it's good to know he doesn't have to be perfect right away.]
Maybe just seeing her again will help. At least there's that.
[He can't imagine how terrible this would feel if he didn't have that. Is this what the others felt?]
no subject
... Perhaps you can give her a hug. The way I hugged you?
( A really tight one!!! )
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...Yes. I think that's a good idea.
[He turns his attention back to Yuki.]
It's a good suggestion. I hope she arrives soon.
no subject
... I'm sure she will.
( Whatever that means, when the passage of time is vague here.
He squeezes his hand. )
... Can I hold you?
( He's not going to ask if Zvei wants or needs it, because that's a question that might need extra thought, and Zvei's spent enough. But he's still going to ask, in case Zvei's heart is too touchy for this right now. )
no subject
But Yuki squeezes his hand and asks that question, and Zvei blinks.]
Sure...?
[It then only finally occurs to him after the entire goddamn trial is over that maybe he's not the only one having a tough time with this. Maybe Yuki knew Amaya better than he thought, or maybe Yuki's having difficulties with seeing it play out again after the last one. Regardless, he hasn't thought at all about Yuki's thoughts on all of this, and you can probably see the realization cross his face.]
I didn't even ask— Are you alright? I imagine this is a lot to deal with for you too... Yes, yes, of course you can.
[He even opens his arms for a hug!! Improvement!!]
no subject
Yuki has been ... down and up and down, and he can never deal with a person being slaughtered, whether it be an accident or not. But... )
... To be honest, I am afraid. That someone may be taken again; that Miss Sasaki was killed; that someone may be killed again. I am afraid . . . that when the living still remember me, all they think of is hands and viscera.
( ... )
Even so, I am most afraid I cannot help you more than this. I'm... worried for you.
no subject
Zvei settles against Yuki, and after a moment it's like he finally manages to find a way to release all that tension. Saying that this helps is a bit of a stretch because he scarcely recognizes such things, but it feels a little easier to bear knowing that he isn't the only one who is worried.]
It's kind of you to be. I don't want you to worry, though.
[It would be easier to go back to his usual demeanor, and while he does want that... isn't it nice that Yuki cares enough to worry about him? Isn't that important in its own right?]
But I wish there was more I could do for you as well, you know. I don't want them to think poorly of you for what happened. I want them to remember you as you were before you became sick. I want them to remember you with the same fondness I hold for you.
[There isn't anything he can do about the rest of it, but that... that much he can easily and freely express. Because Yuki should be cherished and they should miss his presence. Though selfishly, Zvei's once again glad he's here and not on the other side.]
no subject
... It means plenty, knowing you think so fondly of me.
( Knowing that they're both at a loss. He feels at once guilty for taking up space in Zvei's worries, but, at the same time - terribly happy. Please, worry more for yourself - and please, worry about me more exist at odds within his heart. )
... I... do not blame them for how they may or may not recall me. And... truly, I suppose it does not matter either way. Whether they recall me fondly or not, they will move on from my memory regardless.
( ... So... So.
Maybe it would feel better to be remembered kindly as people move on from him, but. Cruelly, he wants no one to move on from him at all. Awful as he is, he doesn't know if he can take seeing people happy without him.
Seeing Hyunjung and Nala cover one another made him terribly happy, for he cares for them both, and yet - shouldn't he be there? (Not really. They were just fine, even without him there.) And so on and so forth - for every person he's been fond of. )
... But you are here with me now, so I am happier to worry over you, above all else.
no subject
Because most of them are human, or have limited lifespans?
[Something that Yuki presumably doesn't have to worry about, as a doll. It's not even something Zvei has allowed himself to think about, because it hardly matters without his memories. It'll be something to think about someday, but not now.
He exhales again; another soft, not-quite laugh at Yuki's words.]
Then thank you for worrying. It truly is nice to have someone who wants to look out for me.
no subject
... Something like that, I suppose. I'll admit, this is the first time I've met such a broad variety of species, so perhaps it is not the same for others...? ... I know it is not the same for me. Not at all.
( He's never considered that perhaps this issue is related purely to limited lifespans... But some aren't human, and they must have already forgotten him, right? No— He's being unfair to them, surely...? After all, Yuki knows he would never forget or simply move on from someone, and his lifespan is theoretically (asterisk) infinite.
He exhales gently, his fears and anxieties at odds with facts and reason. )
... You are deeply important to me, Sir Zvei. ( He brushes his hair gently, contemplatively. ) And no matter what happens, you always will be. If there is ever anything more I can do for you ... you need only say the word. I would be happy to be there for you.
no subject
[And of course, without his memories, he can't exactly confirm that... But still, it's not like Yuki will be left alone for a long time! Besides, who knows how being dead actually works, maybe we'll just be unable to "die" again??
The gentle hair-playing is nice, and he leans into it, mismatched eyes falling closed with a soft hum.]
You already are, Yuki. I doubt I would have handled today well at all without you here.
[He couldn't have really done anything about it, but he likely would have handled it worse... or not at all.]
For now... I'd just like to remain near you for awhile longer. I'll return to my research soon enough, but this is... nice.
[A bit of a plain descriptor, but it's relaxing.]
no subject
Though it may be a small thing, Yuki feels relieved he's done some good. Relieved... and warm in his chest, in the hollow where a heart should be. Zvei is too kind to him, and gives him far too much credit. And, greedily, he will accept it, regardless. )
I'm happy you enjoy it. This is quite nice for me, too. ( fufu!! He really is happy. He loves giving love... ) I will stay with you as long as you'd like. And when you return to your research ... I shall accompany you, too.
( GluedYuki, that's him!!
A moment of gently petting his hair passes, the silence contemplative. )
... Whatever state we may be in now, I do hope you can live for a very long time. ( ... He doesn't want to be left alone. But he thinks... Zvei must be saying it out of kindness, right? Zvei... truly spoils him. Fufu... ) I would be loathe to be without your company. Myself... I can exist so long as my vessel does. So I shall be here as long as you persist.
( And it's not like his body ages or rots, so, you know. It is susceptible to the destruction of his spirit, though - and perhaps that makes his heart's fragility a particular bane. )