[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

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

Yeah. Really certain.

[fortune_sought]

Then...I'm very sorry, Xion, whatever's happened to you. It's...awkward, being trapped in a body that doesn't belong to you.

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

Yeah. Hey, look. Your game's giving you a new question.

[fortune_sought]

What? [turns] It isn't yet. [to the door] And it'd best not if it knows what's good for it!

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

[Distraction success!] If... you still want tea, maybe I could make some?

[fortune_sought]

[glances back at her] That's very kind. Are you at home?

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I'm not very good at these games, so...

[fortune_sought]

Does going home not require a game?

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

It does. But it asks questions about your life instead, so... they're easier to answer.

[fortune_sought]

[frowns] That's...interesting.

But you're right. At least it won't ask me anything about some other universe! I'll be there soon. [spins on her heel and heads toward Luministi Greens West]

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

Okay.

I dunno if it'll ask you a question about my life since it's my house, or... or if it'll let me just open the door for you, or what. But um, if you leave the line open, I'll... tell you the answer so you can get in.

[fortune_sought]

[Sophie has no idea what an open invitation that is] Thank you, Xion.

[but she's headed at a brisk pace, so it doesn't take her long to get there] Let's see... [grabs the knob, and a familiar hologram appears: "Who, aside from Howl himself, caused most of the Witch's curse on him to come true?"]

[her eyes widen, and then she scowls mightily] I did. [but she's apparently too quiet for the door, as it doesn't respond] I did! Is that what you wanted!?

[the door opens, and a very sour Sophie heads inside]

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

[Xion can't say she fully understands the question, or why the house asked Sophie a question about her life since it's Xion's house, but... well. What works, works, right?]

[Xion's sitting in the living room on the couch when Sophie comes in. And she... obviously hasn't had a lot of luck with the so-called game machines, either. Sora's spikey hair, on closer inspection, has become smooth and glass-like, with all the fine details of each individual strand of hair painted on. Her skin is almost glassy, and her fingers have visible ball joints.

She offers Sophie a small smile.] Hi, again...

[fortune_sought]

[at the sight of Xion, she hesitates] Oh, Xion... This town has been quite horrible to us all, hasn't it?

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

... Guess so.

[Xion stands.] I'm... not very good at making tea yet, but. I can try.

[fortune_sought]

[frowns worriedly, silent for a second before she offers:] Shall we make it together?

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

Sure.

[fortune_sought]

All right. [starts toward Xion's kitchen. the layout is easy enough to follow, knowing her own home, after all]

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

[Xion follows her in quietly, shaking her long sleeves over her jointed fingers.]

[fortune_sought]

[Sophie isn't much bothered about hiding her changes. why bother, really, when they all know it's happening] Where do you keep your tea? [starts rooting around, withdrawing the kettle and filling it with water]

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

Over here. [Xion reaches up into a cabinet and tugs it open -- it's a bit too high for her, but it's not too much of a hassle.]

[fortune_sought]

Oh, I see. What kind would you like? [joins her at that cabinet. normally it wouldn't be too high for Sophie, but she has a feeling it's barely within reach at the moment]

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

Um... Any's okay with me. [=x]

[fortune_sought]

Then let's see... [is on tip-toes trying to get a look] Ah! Earl Grey. [snatches it down] Let's get the kettle on the range, and then perhaps we can find something to eat with it. What do you think?

[irreversibly.livejournal.com]

What do you normally eat with tea?