AUBREY'S PALACE

[moodwrecker]

♪ ♫ ♪

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[moodwrecker]

[When she feels Mafuyu take her hand, she gives it a squeeze, like she's holding on to a lifeline.]

I thought I was over it. I finally made new friends. I was just doing my own thing. But then Sunny came back and he and Kel kept harassing me about the stupid album.

I guess Basil told them I stole it. Like he didn't ruin the photos in the first place.

[And if they were just going to treat her like the bad guy anyway... What else was there to do?

So, she became the bad guy.]

[beathollow]

It doesn't sound like anyone handled her death well at all. And none of you were ready or able to even begin figuring out how to help each other.

I'm sorry. You didn't deserve any of this.

( ...


mafuyu is going to give aubrey a hug. it's a little clumsy, like someone who doesn't know how to give affection, but it's earnest. )

[moodwrecker]

[Oh, another hug! She accepts it, closing her eyes at the clumsy warmth.]

I mean... we were all just kids. ...I bet Sunny had it rough, too.

He looked really pale, and kind of thin. I wonder if he's even eating enough?

[beathollow]

You're still kids.

...

( once she does let go, mafuyu presses the flower into aubrey's hands. )

You're not alone. And... you're not out of time. Once you're back home, talk to them. There's a lot happening to all of you, that no one else can see.

[moodwrecker]

[Oh... Seeing the flower gives her a pause.]

...A Lily of the Valley. ...Basil always did say it reminded him of Mari. They're supposed to ward off evil spirits and help people see a brighter future.

[He'd given them each flowers - grown them, too, among all the other plants he loved so much.

She turns to set it on Mari's grave, kneeling before the headstone for a moment.]

...Hey, Mari. Sorry it's been a while. A lot of... really crazy, messed up stuff has happened.

[Her fights with Kel and Sunny. ...Her fight with Basil. And that’s not even getting into everything that’s happened here.]

But... you don't need to worry about me. I think... I'll be okay.

[Especially if all the people gathered here right now are any indication.]

[beathollow]

( mafuyu doesn't intrude on this moment- it seems important. but once aubrey's done, mafuyu does crouch beside her hands pressed together... and she prays. )

[moodwrecker]

[Oh...

She waits until Mafuyu finishes her prayer, giving her a small nod of gratitude.]

...Thanks.

[beathollow]

( a prayer for mari, to rest. a prayer for basil and sunny, for safety. a prayer for aubrey, for peace.

...

she stops and rests against her knees, hands folded together as she glances at aubrey. )

It just seemed right.

How are you feeling?

[moodwrecker]

...Awful.

[For various reasons.]

...But better than before.

[beathollow]

That tends to be how it goes, yeah. ... Let's go back to the dorms. You've been through a lot today.

[moodwrecker]

...Yeah.

Thanks. ...For all this.

[beathollow]

... You don't need to thank me. But, I'd like to share some of my group's music with you. We aim for catharsis, so... I think maybe it might help...?

[moodwrecker]

[The suggestion surprises her, but after a moment she nods.]

...If you don't mind. I think I'd like that.

[beathollow]

Alright. After you rest, I'll bring my phone over.

[moodwrecker]

Sounds good.

...Thanks, Mafuyu.