[005]

[fortune_sought]

[it probably comes as no surprise to anyone who knows her that, when Sophie's CAT activates seemingly without her consent, it shows Sophie looking terribly annoyed] What do you mean by asking questions like this just to go in!? I have a headache, and I would like some tea, and you are going to open this door!

[she is standing outside the tearoom, her hands on her hips and definitely not a mood to deal with the hologram in front of her, currently displaying a trivia question: What is the name of the reptilian race that, by the 25th century, dominated a large portion of the galaxy matched only by their rival and sometimes enemy the Earth Empire?]

I have no idea what you're even referring to! Open the door! [grabs the knob, but the door doesn't budge. instead, an angry tone sounds to reveal to Sophie that she has answered incorrectly]

[she lets out a cry of frustration] Curses! Open!

[unfortunately, as she tries the knob again, another hologram appears, this time with the question: What is the name of the weapon that can both unlock all doors and people's hearts?]

[gapes] Whatever it is, it must be black magic indeed! Stop this nonsense and let me in!

[observers might be able to guess that she's been at this for a while. in fact, one by one, strands of her hair have been changing to orange yarn, though not enough to be easily visible yet. she's also about two inches shorter than she should be and her left foot is composed of fabric rather than skin. this is not a good day for Sophie]

Comments

[collector]

[And someone, when he speaks, sounds very urgent]

Sophie, stop playing. Right now.

[fortune_sought]

[glances in irritation at her CAT] I'm not playing! I just want this door to open.

[collector]

It is a game. Surely you have... I don't know, witches in your world that ask you a riddle and punish you if you get it wrong? What is the speed of an unladen swallow and all that. My universe has the Celestial Toymaker and I'd really prefer that you not try to open any more doors until we're completely certain of the rules.

[fortune_sought]

[scowls at him] This is ridiculous! I'm not wandering into the Waste; I just want a cup of tea!

[but she steps away from the door, crossing her arms over her chest] Then what do you suggest we do?

[collector]

To start, avoid thresh---olds... [what was going to be a list of preventative measures trails of as he remembers something] The God of Thresholds. How... coincidental.

[fortune_sought]

[frowns, catching that] Yes, you mentioned that--Janus, the god of thresholds. So the same person who stole our things is responsible for these games. [does not look the least bit happy about that]

[collector]

It does seem something of a coincidence that the riddles pop up at entrances and exits. Do we know who owns that theatre or who arranged for the new arcade wing.

[fortune_sought]

[makes a face] Of course we don't! It's probably the mayor as usual.

Have you been to this "ar-cade"? [pronounces the word slowly; it's unfamiliar to her]

[collector]

[thoughtfully] I wonder if it is. But no. I've been avoiding doors, for obvious reasons. I wonder what would happen if you put a hole in a wall and walked through that.

[fortune_sought]

[sourly] The door won't even listen to me. [turns to the door angrily] And I have a headache, and this is utterly ridiculous!

[collector]

Yes, it is. [He is going to be making his way towards her now. He's worried.] Have you noticed anything about the townspeople?

[fortune_sought]

[waves a hand dismissively] I haven't seen very many of them in the square. Is it important?

[collector]

What have you seen a lot of?

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

... Keyblade...

[fortune_sought]

[turns to Xion in surprise] What?

[unfortunately, Sophie hasn't realised what Xion means in time. the tone sounds to indicate that Sophie has answered the question incorrectly. she scowls, stomping her doll-foot. she doesn't notice that it doesn't make much of a sound] Confound it!

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

[Xion doesn't, either, or the differences in her appearance. She... doesn't really know how to react to the way Sophie's acting.] The answer to that last question -- It's the Keyblade.

[fortune_sought]

The--[blinks] You mean that question was asking about your world?

[ooc: Is Xion coatless at the moment?]

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

Yeah.

[Yes indeedy.]

[fortune_sought]

Now that's even more ridiculous! [turns back to the entrance to shout:] Do you hear me, door!?

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

Um...

[fortune_sought]

[at least the noise brings her attention back to Xion] Have doors been giving you questions that ridiculous!? [blinks] ...oh! You've changed, haven't you? Oh, no, you just aren't wearing that coat. Gracious, I hardly recognised you!

ffffff WRONG ACCOUNT. SAIX, YOU ARE NOT XION.

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

[Xion, self-conscious, flushes. She remembers telling Sophie... She knows that Sophie knows, now. That she's not really... That this body isn't really hers.] S-Sorry.

[fortune_sought]

Now, why are you apologising? It's not as though any of this is your fault!

[frowns. she remembers that conversation well, and Xion's expression right now is making her feel sorry for the girl--not that she wouldn't anyway. she can't imagine being stuck in a boy's body!] Xion...if you'd like, I could try to take that spell off you.

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

No, but... [... but what?]

[Xion's head jerks up in surprise, her eyes wide.] What --

[fortune_sought]

[blinks] You did say you're under a spell. Did you not want it off?