Conversation Space III.

[powersthatbe]

A poured concrete floor and cinder block walls are lit by a single bare light bulb hanging overhead. Shackles dangle from brackets on every side, and the chair in the center of the room is clearly an electric chair. A tall glass sits on top of a stool made of what looks like pure gold - but the liquid inside it is almost definitely blood.

Comments

[callmemeibe]

Mortimer sighs, clearly displeased with the question as worded. But nonetheless, he tries.

"I see no harm in restoring our number to twenty-two, if only because of some of my other colleagues' stances on it. It's easy to tell, for some of us - Three and Four have not exactly been subtle in their wishes on the matter, particularly regarding Seventeen. And for others... well, take Zero. It's impossible to tell what that bastard's thinking, since he's always thinking of Nothing. And I don't think Fifteen or Sixteen will be happy with anyone's return. Sixteen might actively oppose it."

Then, Death frowns. "It is... not impossible. But that does not mean it will be easy, nor does it mean it will be successful. From a practical standpoint, it would take far too many variables in far too specific an order to return them as they were when they died. There are some other methods which could be attempted... but one must decide whether the payoff would outweigh the risks involved."

[leftbehindagain]

Well, of course the archetypal parents would want the whole family back together. And of course Devil and Tower wouldn't be happy with the idea, probably for different reasons. But those are things Naoki can ponder later.

(Perhaps the real surprise is that distaste for Fool. Beginnings without change, maybe?)

He nods. "I'd guess that when you're dealing with archetypes there's only so much change that can happen, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't be tricky. I mean, if it were easy some of your number would've already done it, from the sound of things."

[callmemeibe]

It doesn't seem to be vehement dislike, but a mutual bewilderment. Regardless...

"If it were easy, then we wouldn't have had to end the trip to Boston so suddenly," Death answers with a sigh. "But that is neither here nor there. The simple answer is: it can be done, but it is unclear whether it should be done, for many of us."

[leftbehindagain]

So one of them was in danger on that jaunt, but didn't end up dead. Interesting. But Naoki doesn't really know enough about that to pursue it.

Something to think on later, then, alongside the matter of Star.

"Why would it be unclear?"

[callmemeibe]

"Many of the Arcana don't remember much of the other cycles. I am, perhaps, the one who's got the best grasp on them. I would say SAGE is the better candidate for our recordkeeping, but he has spent quite some time locked up, no thanks to Six and Fifteen, so there are... gaps, in his records."

He gives a soft sigh. "Regardless... my more optimistic acquaintances seem to believe that obtaining the World will solve everything. As a voice of practicality, not of pessimism... I'm not sure there is enough to the World to enact all the changes some of our number want to make. They may have to make a very unpleasant choice."

[leftbehindagain]

"It's human nature to bite off more than you can chew. I guess it's not so surprising that it'd be archetypal nature, at least for some of you. But if there's limits to the power granted by winning... they'd probably have to count on winning multiple rounds and nothing else going wrong in those rounds to do everything they want, and if you've got the best grasp on the bigger picture, it's unlikely they can plan for it."

After all, it's not like winning means invincibility.

[callmemeibe]

"For some of us, yes. But ironically, I believe the ones most likely to profit from such mistakes are the ones least likely to overstretch the World's reach," Mortimer responds, raising a brow. "At least, that is my guess."

That draws a smile to Death's blue-tinged lips. "I very much doubt the majority of my fellows plan that far in advance. With the exception of Eighteen, of course."

[leftbehindagain]

"It'd be one heck of a long-term plan, if any of them could pull it off, but that's a lot to bet on." He's also not sure he'd want to see the end results of a Moon Intensifies series of wins, really.

[callmemeibe]

"Indeed," Death agrees, raising a brow. "But many of us have bet on far weaker odds."

He shifts in his seat, then, finally standing up from the electric chair and taking a few steps toward Naoki. "Unless there's anything else pressing that needs to be addressed, I should probably send you back. Your friends will surely be missing you."

[leftbehindagain]

"...No, I think that's everything, at least for now."

If something else comes up, Naoki will find a way to ask it. But as things currently stand, the only question he hasn't raised is one he's pretty sure wouldn't be answered directly, so he won't put Death on the spot with it.

[callmemeibe]

Death frowns. "Very well. But if you do find you have a question, and I am not involved in Liminal Creation, you need but ask for me, and I will meet with you."

He holds out his bony hand to Naoki, politely. "It has been a pleasure, Mister Konishi. I wish you a great deal of luck."

[leftbehindagain]

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

Handshakes still aren't something Naoki's really used to, but he does return it. "Thank you. I think we're both going to need it."

[callmemeibe]

As Mortimer releases Naoki's hand, Naoki will feel the familiar pull of a portal sucking him out - or rather, in. He'll arrive in Liminal Space just as neatly as he was pulled out of it.