[video]

[notvitiligo]

[Jessica sits in the orchard, a sugar skull in hand. She glares at the mirror.]

OK, this? Isn't funny. For a lot of reasons.

This is a new low for whoever is in charge. Consider this an official complaint.

Comments

[histrionic]

Nonhumans vary, and I wouldn't describe myself as sympathetic. I simply don't like the Queen. [Yes, that's it.]

I would suggest tearing it apart, but perhaps that's not the best option at the moment. If only it were possible to have a revolution.

[notvitiligo]

Yeah, that's why you were talking about why this is messed up.

I've got some, uh, leads, I guess, but... I'm really just not sure what's going on anymore. Less so than usual.

The whole destruction thing is really, really tempting [especially given recent events] but there's people that like it here, and people who'd be dead otherwise. I don't want to spoil it for someone else just because I'm getting kicked in the, um, hypothetical balls.

(That's kind of a weird way to put it, here...)

[histrionic]

I may have my preferences, but my emotions are not the same as yours. I take it you don't understand this simple distinction.

[Wow, Jessica, rude.]

I could destroy a great deal of this place before I was stopped. I'm sure the Queen would rebuild, yet perhaps it would give her pause.

[But another thought distracts her.]

Yes, there are people who wish to be here, and they're sent back, just as those who don't wish to be here are brought here, regardless of their wishes. [A pause.] If someone left here who would die, would you wish to know that they would leave here for death rather than life? Wouldn't you want to know their fate?

[notvitiligo]

Still different from no emotions at all.

[She looks at the skulls in her hands thoughtfully.]

That's... a good question. I'd have to think about it. I guess it doesn't make any real difference, here, but...

[Sigh]

It'd be easier to be really mad about this if I thought Her Majesty had any control over who comes and goes.

[histrionic]

I was speaking of particular emotions, not all.

[Honestly.]

Don't you think it makes a difference where they go? Don't you want to know the truth? Or would you rather believe a pretty lie?

It's possible she's mad, with no control. It's also possible she has more control than she seems--but this is her doing, all the same.

[notvitiligo]

Still looks from here like you're not being all that self-aware.

It makes a difference to them, yeah. I don't know if lies or truth are the issue here, so much as what I can do with the information.

I mean... [She sighs again and squinches her eyes shut.]

It probably is the lie thing. I... I'm usually all for the truth, but... I don't know. If it can't help anyone... If it'd only hurt...

[She sags.] I suck. So much.

[histrionic]

If the day ever comes that you're aware of what I have felt and not felt, then you may speak on it expertly. I do not suffer tyrants, and the Queen is one.

I would rather people know that when I go, it will be to my death. Though we all do, but I more quickly than most.

I know someone who left this place for nothingness. Why shouldn't I say where she's gone? Simply because everyone else prefers the happy lie?

I won't speak to your worth, but I disagree with your choice.

[notvitiligo]

Are you sure she is? How do we know she has that much control over what happens?

...you're... talking about Xion, aren't you?

...I think you're right. It... really shouldn't matter if it hurts. It's important. Not... probably not useful, but still.

Sorry.

[histrionic]

She may not be an effective tyrant, but she wishes to keep us here, and she discounts our wishes. It doesn't matter how skilled she is. I have known incompetent tyrants who were nonetheless tyrants.

Yes. I am.

I believe it matters. The truth is vital. I don't care if she wouldn't want anyone to feel sad. Why shouldn't they? Believing a lie doesn't change what has happened.

There's no need to apologize to me. [Not like Kuja feels bad or anything.]

[notvitiligo]

What if she's just a figurehead? Maybe there's some other power.

She wouldn't want that, but... I mean, we're going to feel sad, anyway. She's gone. Even if she weren't... gone gone, we can't be with her anymore.

[She swallows, wiping at her eyes in annoyance.]