Sea Witch/Hook Game

[oceansoftime]

*So, here we are, stuck in a cell on a boat. Homura is pacing, trying (and failing) to keep a cool head as she ponders the options with which they've been presented.*

. . . . . .

Comments

[becoming_hope]

This... this is really bad.

But if we can figure out how to do the bargain thing... What do you think they would want from us?

[oceansoftime]

*That's right, there is the chance of doing that! Deep breaths, Homura. Deeeeeep breaths.*

Let's see if we can get a straight answer out of them.

*Looking around, calling out to address the Personae, not really caring which one she gets*

Well? Tell us more about this bargain. What do you want in exchange for sparing us both?

[dramatispersonae]

We want a better offer than half of your peers. There really isn't much more to say than that.

[becoming_hope]

S-so it sounds like we have to make something up...

[oceansoftime]

Ridiculous. How are we supposed to know how to outbid them when we don't even know what they're offering?

[becoming_hope]

I don't know. [wrapping her arms around her midsection]

[oceansoftime]

*. . .*

*ADDRESSING THE PERSONAE AGAIN*

. . . What happens afterward? Will the one who dies be revived when the game is over?

[dramatispersonae]

One way or another, yes.

[becoming_hope]

At least that's something...

Do you know what kinds of things these Personae like? [other than being dicks, but maybe saying that out loud is not a good idea]

[oceansoftime]

Other than torturing us . . . well, one is a pirate. Treasure probably wouldn't go wrong, if we had any.

[becoming_hope]

I don't think I have any treasure, though.

...But it sounds like they like power... I wonder if they'd take my skills - that's a lot of power! I could give them the ones I'd already gotten, and any future ones.

[oceansoftime]

*oh . . . oh god conflict*

That's . . . Madoka, are you certain? I know I was the one who told you not to take them, but I'm not sure sacrificing them like that would be a good idea, either.

[becoming_hope]

Better them than you dying! [most determined you've ever seen her, which then transmutes to sheepish]

Or, you know, me dying...

It's worth it.

[oceansoftime]

But Madoka, what if . . . what if by giving them up forever, you're trapped here forever as well?

[becoming_hope]

Do you think that would happen?

[oceansoftime]

I don't know. I don't know that anyone's ever done what you're suggesting. But everyone I know who's left--truly left, not gone into the book--has done so by winning all their memories and skills back.

My intent in stopping you from taking yours was to keep you safe while we were here, not possibly prevent you from ever returning home.

[becoming_hope]

But I'll still be getting them back, just handing them over. Maybe that would be okay.

[oceansoftime]

*. . . . . .*

If this is a risk you're truly willing to take, I don't want you taking it alone. I'll sweeten the deal and offer mine as well.

[becoming_hope]

[bites her lip] I-if you're sure.

[oceansoftime]

You've sacrificed yourself for my sake far too many times already, Madoka. *Taking her hand* This time, we'll share the burden.

[becoming_hope]

Together, then? [her voice trembles way more than she'd like]

[oceansoftime]

Together . . . is what I want to say, but what if this doesn't work? Then we'll both . . .

[becoming_hope]

It has to work!

...But we still have to choose, don't we?

[oceansoftime]

--Ah, you're right. Even if we're refused, it's possible that only one of us will have to die.

I volunteer. I absolutely won't allow you to die as a result of this, Madoka.

[becoming_hope]

But...