week three, sunday night

[jettisons]

[Bellamy watches the rest of the executions as those it's his responsibility, some kind of vigil, and then he disappears for a while. He can't handle being around anyone else at first. Vriska's anger is exactly what he's feeling, although in an exhausted way. This couldn't have possibly gone worse, and he doesn't know how to stop this game from continuing. They've hit a dead end.

By the time he finally reappears, it's near sunset. It doesn't take him long to spot Vriska on the beach, and when he does, he approaches wordlessly, simply sitting down beside her and resting a hand on her shoulder. There's not much to say.]

Comments

[hypertoxic]

Yes

[ A sigh through her nose. ]

They're angry, and rightfully so. Many of them will want revenge, or simply for the game to finally end. Worse, though, is that there will probably be those who defend us. The friends we've made, who trust us and want us to live. Discovering all the Sirens will split the village in two in an all-out psychological war between the two sides. We've already seen the explosive results of such a schism! I think there is a very high risk of the village falling apart. And if we don't satisfy at least one of the win conditions, those who have died will stay dead, and we'll all be fucking toast. At least one of the Sirens must live.

[ ... ]

I believe I can trust you, Bellamy. I will tell you the identities of the rest of the Sirens if you swear to help me protect them.

[jettisons]

I will. But...

[This is a lot to take in. He pauses for a second, trying to mull it over.]

They told you we can bring everyone back. Do you believe them?

[hypertoxic]

Yes.

[ Gestures loosely. ]

They have incredible powers we cannot understand. I certainly believe they have the capability. The will is a different question. But Hal, at least, operates on respect. He doesn't tolerate bullshit. If we play his game, and play it well, I believe he'll revive everyone.

[jettisons]

[It's the first real spot of hope he's had here, the first relief he's felt in weeks, and all he can do is nod slowly. Okay. Okay. They have an option. For the first time in this entire conversation, he relaxes.]

Tell me.

[hypertoxic]

The only two you don't already know about are Serph and Fie. Battler obviously got revealed at the trial, and Raven and I told you about our roles. That is all five of the Sirens.

Out of all of us. Fie probably has the best chance of staying alive. If the rest of the villagers take me down, I need you to keep Raven and Fie alive as best you can. Serph is probably toast if anyone decides to get their panties in a twist over his whole cannibalism thing.

[jettisons]

[Serph. Serph. His mind catches on that, and he shakes his head slowly, sighing.]

I can't protect anyone if I'm dead because someone decides to go gunning for Serph. Will they care that you told me?

[hypertoxic]

Good point. [ dryly. ] But right now, Serph's status is an if. So far everyone has been surprisingly okay with the eating people deal. But the more moralistic of the remaining villagers may try to get rid of him if they want to dispose of anyone they see as a threat.

[ .... ]

As for that, I'm not sure. We all already knew Raven had told you about our existence. I don't think it would come as a huge shock that you discovered all our identities, though I can't imagine either of them being overjoyed about it. You've proven reliably trustworthy, though. I can speak to them first, let them know you know.

uses the most huffy icon i have

[jettisons]

Serph's my partner.

[He thinks that should be reason to believe he'll act in their best interests, let alone the fact that he and Raven are attached at the hip. He's almost a little insulted.]

I'll help as much as I can.

lmao bellamy chill

[hypertoxic]

[ snort. vriska will pat his arm. ]

Chill out. I know Serph is a good dude, and I trust you to look after him, too, not just because it means your hide as much as his.

[ A breath out. ]

Thank you, Bellamy. To be honest, it is a huge relief to get all of this off my chest, and know that at least someone is in my corner. Aside from the other Sirens, that is.

he is physically incapable honestly

[jettisons]

[He's not sure he would call most of this a relief, really, but this is a plan. A desperate, morally questionable one, but it's something.]

You're welcome. I still don't like this. I'd rather tear this whole damn thing to the ground than give them what they want.

[But if they can bring back everyone who's died, it's the only choice.]

What do you want me to do? Lie at trials?

[hypertoxic]

Believe me, I would love to do the same fucking thing! If I find a way to tear the whole thing down, you will be the first person to know. For now, I have to test what sway I have and hope it's enough. If we really need a desperate backup plan, we could have Raven kill me and then use her credit to buy another way out.

[ Rubs her face. ]

I don't think I will survive another trial. That probably won't matter, but if I somehow make it that far, then yes. Protect the other Sirens, even if you can't protect me.

[jettisons]

Listen, no matter what happens, no matter how the trial goes next week, we'll figure out a way to save you, even if it's winning this game. Got it?

[hypertoxic]

[ Finally she smiles, though it's without warmth. ]

I know, Bellamy. I believe in you.

[jettisons]

[He really hopes that belief is well-placed. He bumps his shoulder into hers gently.]

Just tell me what you need.