The sky shines differently today than it did yesterday

[employeeoftheyear]

[Perhaps to the surprise of no one, there is no after party after that trial. Two children were dead. Two children were dead over a simple accident and the Wizard cared more about himself than anyone else. But they won't give up, they can't give up. They had to keep fighting until everything's been set right.

At the Lobby ofrenda later that night, there are six origami pieces accoupling the other memorials. A penguin, a rose, an octopus man, computer, a music note, and the last one are of a boy and girl holding hands. Along with that there is a plate of strawberry cupcakes with blueberry icing and a note that reads:]

There is still hope and love in the world

Never let The Wizard make you think otherwise 💗

Comments

[themuseabandonsyou]

Right. I can't claim to know you better than you know yourself? But I trust you, and I think a lot of the others do too. It means a lot to me that I got to meet you.

[mayavericks]

I... hope I can live up to their trust, then. That I will not let them down along the way.

[themuseabandonsyou]

You will. [ he says, smiling gently, before his expression goes melancholy again and he looks aside. ] I know it's been hard. Finding out your friend went missing, and... what happened during the trial.

[ He breathes out, slowly. ]

That was terrifying, and tragic, and unfair, and while I'm glad you didn't go through with it, I... I understand what you were trying to do. It was selfish, but it was also brave and it was because you cared, and I don't think any of us were really thinking straight. Who could, at a time like that? So. I'm not upset. And I don't trust you less for it.

[mayavericks]

[It's probably the liquor, what strikes her so heavily. Certainly nothing to do with the words, or the toll they take on her. It's definitely not something that she knew she needed to hear.

And she definitely doesn't feel the need to step forward and give Orpheus a hug. She certainly doesn't, and that certainly isn't what happens.

No, definitely not.]

Thank you.

[themuseabandonsyou]

[ Whatever does actually happen, Orpheus will reach out to put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. ]

Of course. This is hard but we're - together. And we'll do everything we can to stop this from happening again.

[ It rings a little hollower, now, after it's happened so many times, after they've lost seven of their number. But Orpheus still has conviction in his voice as he says it, because hope is all he has. ]

We'll get out of here. And we'll find your friend. And we'll stop the Wizard or anyone that comes after him from doing this to anyone else.

[mayavericks]

[They are definitely hugging (or at least Maya is hugging him). She's had a long hard day and needs a break(down).

My apologies, Orpheus-san. I am sure you don't need to deal with my grief on top of everything else.

[She takes a few steps back, along with a few steadying breaths along the way.]

[themuseabandonsyou]

[ No that hug is absolutely mutual for as long as Maya wants it to be. He'll let her go when she steps back, though. ]

No, it's okay. I'm happy to listen. It's the least I can do, at a time like this. I want to be here, for all of you.

[mayavericks]

We are lucky to have you, at least in as far as anyone can be "lucky" in this place. Not that I am pleased to have anyone here.

But I should not keep you from the others. Not when you are doing such good work.

[themuseabandonsyou]

Thanks. I'm just... I'm doing my best. If you're sure you'll be okay, I'll go for now, but you don't mind if I come and check on you again later, right?

[ It... seems like she might kind of need it. ]

It's not bad or a sign of weakness to admit you need help, sometimes.

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow

But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on

[mayavericks]

[She sways just a little, maybe to the music or maybe just because her balance is shot. But she looks... certainly better than she did a few minutes prior.]

For it won't be long
Till you're gonna need
somebody to lean on

[She starts to take a step back.]

I... Will be in the Nurse's office tonight, I think. Or outside. Somewhere that is not Broadhurst. Not today.

[themuseabandonsyou]

[ Orpheus nods, solemn and understanding. ]

I'll see you there. Be sure to drink plenty of water? I don't think you drank enough to get hungover, but it's good to do just in case, especially if you're not used to alcohol.

[mayavericks]

Mm, yeah. [She gives a nod.]

I always do. But thank you.

[She gives a little bow. Stumbles in the process but... rights herself and scurries away.]