I'll tell you all how the story ends

[cleartranquil]

Who: Ghost Quest kids and all those who want to see them.
What: So as it turns out, going against the label might've been a bad move. Who knew, right? 
When: Feb 3rd and after 
Where: Pride HQ
Warnings: Talk of torture, aftermath of violence, aftermath of brainwashing, dudes there's some dark stuff.

For the past three days, the troublemakers and ghost helpers of Pride Records were kept locked away from their friends and their bands. 

As far as everyone else knew, they were just gone. And then they were back. 

They are all worse for wear, some far more than others and some much more mentally than physically, but they are all returned to their penthouses, finally, at the end of their ordeals. 

But, at least they're back. Somewhat in one piece. For the most part. 

Comments

[variaboss]

Totally insistant. It's for the Carnies that were taken, after all. He owes them so much. He wants to be able to help them and he can't if he doesn't know what might have happened to them. And sure, he could ask them, but Mai is better, because he's not attached to her the way he is to Luci and Yuffie.

"Break your hands... But how could you play music if they did that? I would think that you being a valuable musician would keep that safe. If anything, I would have threatened to break your legs. You can still play music, even if you can't walk..." Not that he was looking down on her or that threat, but it really doesn't make sense to him to have a music label threaten the means with which to make music.

"But they threatened you... Anything else. Did they do anything? Say anything? Did you see anything you weren't supposed to have seen? I need to know because I want to be able to help them. And I can't ask them."

[maipokerface]

"At that point I don't think they really gave a damn if I could or not. Not Lesedi anyhow."

Lesedi was mad. Even remembering just how angry she had been was enough to make Mai feel a combination of both revulsion and fear.

"And why can't you ask them? Because as far as I know, everyone's experience was different. I was threatened but Tooru actually had his knee broken. And plenty of others got way worse treatment. Well, I'm pretty sure they did because most of them did most of the actual fighting."

She just played taxi to a ghost more or less.

"Besides if this is something concerning them, you sure they're going to like you going behind their backs and talking to others?"

[variaboss]

That...that is concerning. That the management no longer is hiding behind the excuses of music and making money. He knows how this works. He knows intimately. How fear rules people.

"I don't want them to worry. I made a promise to them. To Yuffie and to Luci. I told them I wouldn't do anything stupid. I think asking them would be sort of in the realm of stupid. I doubt she wants people poking around about what happened or why." he frowns and sighs. "I don't want to break my promises, but I have to know so I can help them. Them and maybe you." Fuck the rest of everyone though.

[maipokerface]

"Then take my advice here - don't start looking for people to answer for what happened to us. You may not care if this sort of crap happens to you but I'm pretty sure Yuffie and Luci would rather not see you hurt like they were."

She's stern about this and her look over at him is just as sharp.

"I don't mind answering questions. If you do anything based on them though, I didn't tell you and you're an amazing idiot."

[variaboss]

He frowns at her. Her sternness is not lost on him. He knows she's right and he hates to admit it. Even if he did know, he couldn't act on it. Those two had done so much for him already and he doesn't want all their sacrifices to be in vein because he decided to take revenge for them.

"Well, I'm tying not to be an idiot anymore. So... I guess I should just ask them. Or at least ask them what they need from me. I was left alone but they weren't. You too, Mai. You're an old friend, so let me know if you need anything."

[maipokerface]

Mai finishes off her drink and stands.

"Good. I'm sure if you offer they're not going to run you off. If you care enough to try and help them then that means a lot."

She offers a slight - if somewhat weary - smile.

"I know I appreciate it anyhow."