((Sophie McDowell continued from It's a butterfly whose wings span the world))
Sophie walked quietly as she and James neared the edge of the island. It had been a few hours since Clio had died, and the two of them hadn't talked much. They were getting close to the Cliffs, and soon Sophie would be able to see the ocean.
The whole walk, Sophie had pondered what would come next. The next day, everyone would know she killed Clio. If they hated her for killing Jeanette, they'd doubly hate her for that. She had only a few hours of possible peace, and even then it wouldn't be guaranteed. Who knows if they'd find another friend of Jeanette or Clio as they walked to the Cliffs? How could she be sure that person wouldn't try to kill James as well?
Finally, Sophie could see the Cliffs. She sighed as they approached them.
"Well, that's quite a view," she said, looking out over the ocean.
I Hope You Find Your Peace Falling on Your Knees
Open, late Day 4
I Hope You Find Your Peace Falling on Your Knees
G014: Mayumi Tendou
((James Mulzet continued from It's a butterfly whose wings span the world))
It was a quiet trek across the island. It was difficult coming up with a conversation topic normally, now add in the general death, blood and emotional trauma and you had the general feeling that permeated this place. However, it allowed James the chance to think and plan, something he hadn't done in a while thanks to the general fuckery of a certain hat wearing dickhead.
James didn't know how many there were that got taken, however, he knew how many had died. There had been 7 deaths on day 1 and 2 and 10 yesterday. 24. But then the question was 24 out of how many? 60? 70? There couldn't have been more than 70 were there? It was just a field trip so can’t have been more than that.
Anyway, as his mind went through the numbers, it clicked for him. If it was 70 it would be 34 percent and 60 it would be 40 percent. So, if and this was a big if, his math was right and his classmates continue proving themselves psychotic enough which a few certainly have, he and Sophie would have to survive 4 or 5 days more.
Jesus, that might be too long for them. He’d seen with Damion and Theo in just two days what could happen, he’d seen with Clio what could happen in four days. Sophie might turn around and not believe him and end him. He was not going to allow that to happen.
And then there were the killers. Could they do anything about that? According to his math what they were doing could shorten their time here. He didn’t want to stay here any longer than a few days, it’d be hell on earth if he had to stay weeks here. and then If they met one, then what? Avoid or maybe they could.... yeah, that was a possibility. Only if one of them was sane enough for it though.
He was taken out of these thoughts when her voiced entered his ears and he realised where they were. He hadn't noticed they had reached the cliffs til Sophie spoke and suddenly the view across the ocean and the smell of the sea finally processed. He had been so into his thoughts he had entered cloud nine. It was careless of him.
A proper lookout told him everything he needed to know. There was nothing but sea. Disappointing, but something James had expected at this point. He stared out and took a breath. It was nice to get some actual clean air around this place and just think in peace. He used to take that for granted back home, not anymore. At least now he knew what to do
"Sure is. Didn't notice it til now. Kind of hard with all that's going on, you know?"
It was a quiet trek across the island. It was difficult coming up with a conversation topic normally, now add in the general death, blood and emotional trauma and you had the general feeling that permeated this place. However, it allowed James the chance to think and plan, something he hadn't done in a while thanks to the general fuckery of a certain hat wearing dickhead.
James didn't know how many there were that got taken, however, he knew how many had died. There had been 7 deaths on day 1 and 2 and 10 yesterday. 24. But then the question was 24 out of how many? 60? 70? There couldn't have been more than 70 were there? It was just a field trip so can’t have been more than that.
Anyway, as his mind went through the numbers, it clicked for him. If it was 70 it would be 34 percent and 60 it would be 40 percent. So, if and this was a big if, his math was right and his classmates continue proving themselves psychotic enough which a few certainly have, he and Sophie would have to survive 4 or 5 days more.
Jesus, that might be too long for them. He’d seen with Damion and Theo in just two days what could happen, he’d seen with Clio what could happen in four days. Sophie might turn around and not believe him and end him. He was not going to allow that to happen.
And then there were the killers. Could they do anything about that? According to his math what they were doing could shorten their time here. He didn’t want to stay here any longer than a few days, it’d be hell on earth if he had to stay weeks here. and then If they met one, then what? Avoid or maybe they could.... yeah, that was a possibility. Only if one of them was sane enough for it though.
He was taken out of these thoughts when her voiced entered his ears and he realised where they were. He hadn't noticed they had reached the cliffs til Sophie spoke and suddenly the view across the ocean and the smell of the sea finally processed. He had been so into his thoughts he had entered cloud nine. It was careless of him.
A proper lookout told him everything he needed to know. There was nothing but sea. Disappointing, but something James had expected at this point. He stared out and took a breath. It was nice to get some actual clean air around this place and just think in peace. He used to take that for granted back home, not anymore. At least now he knew what to do
"Sure is. Didn't notice it til now. Kind of hard with all that's going on, you know?"
(Adopted from Espional)
Sophie closed her eyes as the sea breeze wafted over her. She could smell the salt in the air and feel the cool touch of some scattered water droplets hit her face. She was sure she could hear seagulls nearby, and wondered if they were near a nest. She opened her eyes and looked around.
"Yeah, it is really weird to think," Sophie said in response to James' comment. "We're in a natural paradise, and yet we're reminded of death and decay everywhere. It's the part of the life cycle that's less than pleasant to look at."
Sophie looked around and noticed another structure nearby. It looked like they were near a lighthouse.
"Maybe we should check that place out," she said. "There could be people there, but there could also be shelter otherwise."
Sophie began to walk closer to the lighthouse. Of course it was risky to go near any shelter, and something like a lighthouse would be a prime hiding spot.
However, there was something nearby on the ground that gave her a lot of pause. Sophie stopped in her tracks and stared at the body.
"Paris?"
"Yeah, it is really weird to think," Sophie said in response to James' comment. "We're in a natural paradise, and yet we're reminded of death and decay everywhere. It's the part of the life cycle that's less than pleasant to look at."
Sophie looked around and noticed another structure nearby. It looked like they were near a lighthouse.
"Maybe we should check that place out," she said. "There could be people there, but there could also be shelter otherwise."
Sophie began to walk closer to the lighthouse. Of course it was risky to go near any shelter, and something like a lighthouse would be a prime hiding spot.
However, there was something nearby on the ground that gave her a lot of pause. Sophie stopped in her tracks and stared at the body.
"Paris?"
G014: Mayumi Tendou
He stood and listened as Sophie spoke about the place they were. It was true what she was saying, a lot of it had a sense of beauty about it that was now tainted by death and drenched in blood. Sure, the tunnels weren't exactly a tourists dream and the shipping yard and whoever made it could go fuck themself, but the rest of it. As far as he'd seen anyway was fine.
It was then Sophie noticed the building. A lighthouse. She wanted to investigate it for use as a shelter. James nodded and followed her. He didn't like the idea of meeting others, not while he still missed his real bag and Theo was out playing guardian angel or whatever the fuck. And then Sophie stopped like a deer in headlights and said a name that James hadn't thought off in a while. He quickly pushed past her to see and it was him.
-
James sat in the library and tried his best to focus on the material in front of him. Memorize it for the test that was in three days, but try as he might he couldn't muster himself to do so. Instead he'd laid his head down on the table, he'd seated himself far enough out of way of the librarian to make sure she couldn't' bother him about it. Right now he was not up for a lecture, he just wanted to crawl in a hole. And then he heard movement and thought to himself that the librarian finally caught him. But then he felt a hand on his shoulder. Sure as fuck wasn't her hand. For one there was actually meat on this. " You're not exactly inconspicuous with the way you're sitting." The sentence hung in the air as the recipient's head laid face down on his desk. He wanted nothing more to be left alone, but you don't get what you want most of the time and clearly the speaker had no intentions of giving up and leaving. That wouldn't be fun of course.
"Paris?" James lifted his head and stared at him. He had smile on his face. An inviting one as if to say it's alright, you can talk to me. James didn't know how to feel about that, normally he didn't want to talk with anyone when it came to this emotional stuff, especially something like this, but Paris had a way with words and expressions. The right thing to say or the right thing to do at a specific moment, and he could get you to open up like a reality show contestant sob story.
"I heard you and Clio broke up." James sighed to himself. It wasn't long ago that it happened, and of course it spreads fast. Especially when it comes to a girl like Clio, he'd already heard she'd managed to find someone else. He wished he had that confidence when it came to dating, but it felt like a sledgehammer had been taken to said confidence. He hadn't even managed to get reading for that test.
"Yeah..." He turned back to his desk and planted his head down again. He hoped for it to send a message, but Paris was nothing if not persistent. If he saw something worth doing he wouldn't give up about it.
"Sure as heck got you down no?"
James grunted in response. Paris had a small laugh at that. "What are you even doing dude? People have been talking about you sitting here like this the last few days, and all over a girl? That’s pretty bad don’t you think?”
James steeved in the silence. He wasn’t going to satisfy his curiosity about his relationship, it was his business dammit.
“Hey, it’s cool, it’s cool. I’m not judging you or anything like that. People react differently to that kinda stuff, but I have an idea for you, if you’re interested.”
“What?” He turned and looked at him. He stood to the side of him now, hands in his pockets as he gave that smile to him.
“Yeah, dude. How about I help you meet a girl? I know a few who might fit the bill.”
James’s expression must have been one of disbelief as Paris took notice immediately. “What? It’ll be just an occasional thing dude. A date here and there with a girl with similar interests. Easy stuff!”
“Uh huh. And what’s the catch?” He looked at him skeptical, there was something else to it. there always was when it came to this kind of stuff.
“Well, none! Unless you count using a study group and helping with that as a catch. Use that as an introduction between you, right?”
Would it work? He has helped people in the past when to came to math, he did so with Clio and it helped them for a while...
"How about it?"
James thought about it. It could be just a way for Paris to get in good graces with someone he knows is good in a subject, but what the hell, let’s give it a shot.
"Alright, sure." He smiled at the answer and patted him on the back. "Great, I'll look into it later today dude. Try not to get too mopey about it alright?" Another pat on the back and he walked away. James might have agreed to something he would regret later, but right now it didn't matter. If Paris was serious it meant he could get past Clio and maybe have another actual relationship, if not. well. Then he knew enough to avoid him. Either way, works out for him.
--
It didn't. It really didn't.
He’d gone on a few dates since, but it didn’t work out. He ended up helping Paris with math outside of that, on the rare occasions he needed it. And the times he’d bring a girl over to study and then try and convert her. It wasn’t the best arrangement, that’s for sure.
The name was enough for him to feel ill. The corpse just added to it with it's smell and general existence. He stared at it wide eyed. How had he forgotten? he'd been on the announcement just two scant days ago. James had taken an hour to process it then. Paris was an oddity, he didn't know whether he could call him a friend, but he couldn't call him an enemy either. He was just Paris.
And even if that thought so much as crossed his mind. Would it have changed a thing? Could he have stopped it? Could he have been there for him when he was needed? Like he was for Damion? And if he was, should he have?
"Shit, I...I’m sorry..” He had to turn around, he felt it in his stomach and upwards.The smell of the dead mixed with the smell of the sea.
It was then Sophie noticed the building. A lighthouse. She wanted to investigate it for use as a shelter. James nodded and followed her. He didn't like the idea of meeting others, not while he still missed his real bag and Theo was out playing guardian angel or whatever the fuck. And then Sophie stopped like a deer in headlights and said a name that James hadn't thought off in a while. He quickly pushed past her to see and it was him.
-
James sat in the library and tried his best to focus on the material in front of him. Memorize it for the test that was in three days, but try as he might he couldn't muster himself to do so. Instead he'd laid his head down on the table, he'd seated himself far enough out of way of the librarian to make sure she couldn't' bother him about it. Right now he was not up for a lecture, he just wanted to crawl in a hole. And then he heard movement and thought to himself that the librarian finally caught him. But then he felt a hand on his shoulder. Sure as fuck wasn't her hand. For one there was actually meat on this. " You're not exactly inconspicuous with the way you're sitting." The sentence hung in the air as the recipient's head laid face down on his desk. He wanted nothing more to be left alone, but you don't get what you want most of the time and clearly the speaker had no intentions of giving up and leaving. That wouldn't be fun of course.
"Paris?" James lifted his head and stared at him. He had smile on his face. An inviting one as if to say it's alright, you can talk to me. James didn't know how to feel about that, normally he didn't want to talk with anyone when it came to this emotional stuff, especially something like this, but Paris had a way with words and expressions. The right thing to say or the right thing to do at a specific moment, and he could get you to open up like a reality show contestant sob story.
"I heard you and Clio broke up." James sighed to himself. It wasn't long ago that it happened, and of course it spreads fast. Especially when it comes to a girl like Clio, he'd already heard she'd managed to find someone else. He wished he had that confidence when it came to dating, but it felt like a sledgehammer had been taken to said confidence. He hadn't even managed to get reading for that test.
"Yeah..." He turned back to his desk and planted his head down again. He hoped for it to send a message, but Paris was nothing if not persistent. If he saw something worth doing he wouldn't give up about it.
"Sure as heck got you down no?"
James grunted in response. Paris had a small laugh at that. "What are you even doing dude? People have been talking about you sitting here like this the last few days, and all over a girl? That’s pretty bad don’t you think?”
James steeved in the silence. He wasn’t going to satisfy his curiosity about his relationship, it was his business dammit.
“Hey, it’s cool, it’s cool. I’m not judging you or anything like that. People react differently to that kinda stuff, but I have an idea for you, if you’re interested.”
“What?” He turned and looked at him. He stood to the side of him now, hands in his pockets as he gave that smile to him.
“Yeah, dude. How about I help you meet a girl? I know a few who might fit the bill.”
James’s expression must have been one of disbelief as Paris took notice immediately. “What? It’ll be just an occasional thing dude. A date here and there with a girl with similar interests. Easy stuff!”
“Uh huh. And what’s the catch?” He looked at him skeptical, there was something else to it. there always was when it came to this kind of stuff.
“Well, none! Unless you count using a study group and helping with that as a catch. Use that as an introduction between you, right?”
Would it work? He has helped people in the past when to came to math, he did so with Clio and it helped them for a while...
"How about it?"
James thought about it. It could be just a way for Paris to get in good graces with someone he knows is good in a subject, but what the hell, let’s give it a shot.
"Alright, sure." He smiled at the answer and patted him on the back. "Great, I'll look into it later today dude. Try not to get too mopey about it alright?" Another pat on the back and he walked away. James might have agreed to something he would regret later, but right now it didn't matter. If Paris was serious it meant he could get past Clio and maybe have another actual relationship, if not. well. Then he knew enough to avoid him. Either way, works out for him.
--
It didn't. It really didn't.
He’d gone on a few dates since, but it didn’t work out. He ended up helping Paris with math outside of that, on the rare occasions he needed it. And the times he’d bring a girl over to study and then try and convert her. It wasn’t the best arrangement, that’s for sure.
The name was enough for him to feel ill. The corpse just added to it with it's smell and general existence. He stared at it wide eyed. How had he forgotten? he'd been on the announcement just two scant days ago. James had taken an hour to process it then. Paris was an oddity, he didn't know whether he could call him a friend, but he couldn't call him an enemy either. He was just Paris.
And even if that thought so much as crossed his mind. Would it have changed a thing? Could he have stopped it? Could he have been there for him when he was needed? Like he was for Damion? And if he was, should he have?
"Shit, I...I’m sorry..” He had to turn around, he felt it in his stomach and upwards.The smell of the dead mixed with the smell of the sea.
Sophie stared at Paris' body. It had been a while since he died, and being left in the open by the sea left his body in a fairly gross state. James seemed pretty affected by it, whether it was because he knew Paris or the smell reached him. Sophie glanced downwards when James turned away.
It had been hard to think about the last time she really interacted with Paris. It was probably back at the open mic night when she played Mama Cass and he left without playing. Suddenly, she heard a more melancholic version of "California Dreamin'" playing in her mind. Maybe it was the Sia version, but the song in her head was playing much slower, and in a different key. It probably wasn't the right song for this moment, nor was it one she was sure Paris liked, but it played out in her head as she thought of Paris and how his life was taken by Jasmine.
But Jasmine was dead too. They were probably missing half their class at this point, and it was all the more likely they'd find more former classmates as they walked. Not even the majesty of the cliffs could distract from the miserable atmosphere of the island's game.
Sophie let out a sigh.
"Should we do something for him?" she asked James. "We could cover him or..."
She glanced over to the cliffs.
"We could bury him at sea."
It had been hard to think about the last time she really interacted with Paris. It was probably back at the open mic night when she played Mama Cass and he left without playing. Suddenly, she heard a more melancholic version of "California Dreamin'" playing in her mind. Maybe it was the Sia version, but the song in her head was playing much slower, and in a different key. It probably wasn't the right song for this moment, nor was it one she was sure Paris liked, but it played out in her head as she thought of Paris and how his life was taken by Jasmine.
But Jasmine was dead too. They were probably missing half their class at this point, and it was all the more likely they'd find more former classmates as they walked. Not even the majesty of the cliffs could distract from the miserable atmosphere of the island's game.
Sophie let out a sigh.
"Should we do something for him?" she asked James. "We could cover him or..."
She glanced over to the cliffs.
"We could bury him at sea."
G014: Mayumi Tendou
It was a grotesque sight to behold, unlike Jeanette his body hadn't been covered post mortem and the result was plain to them. Jasmine had not been kind, that much was obvious when he thought of how she was back home so it wasn't a complete suprise. Probably fell into the idea so many of these idiots do. Kill, kill, kill and then you go home and everything would be fine. Damn everything else in their way.
She was dead too, and James could hazard a guess as to why. That was how it would be for all of them big players, eventually they'd bark the wrong tree and end up eviscerated for it.
With the sound of seagulls echoing throughout the cliffs. Sophie brought up up their options in regards to Paris, James already knew which one he'd take. Sure, it wouldn't stop the smell and he'd probably fuse to whatever they put on top, but right now he was not in the mindset. Time away from him and he could build that courage, at least a bit.
With his back still turned to Paris, he answered her. "Yeah. Le-let's find something to cover him with before we... try the sea."
She was dead too, and James could hazard a guess as to why. That was how it would be for all of them big players, eventually they'd bark the wrong tree and end up eviscerated for it.
With the sound of seagulls echoing throughout the cliffs. Sophie brought up up their options in regards to Paris, James already knew which one he'd take. Sure, it wouldn't stop the smell and he'd probably fuse to whatever they put on top, but right now he was not in the mindset. Time away from him and he could build that courage, at least a bit.
With his back still turned to Paris, he answered her. "Yeah. Le-let's find something to cover him with before we... try the sea."
"Okay. Let's look around," Sophie said.
Sophie spent the next few minutes looking around the area of the cliffs. It was looking to be unlikely to be anything as grand as what they did for Jeanette or Clio. There weren't any trees around, so they weren't likely to find any branches. There was some tall grass, but it was brittle and if they tore them, the wind from the sea would just blow them away. There were some rocks, so maybe they could make a cairn. That soon became a less-than-savory option when Sophie realized how different the sizes of rocks were. The small ones would barely cover him, and the large ones were too heavy to drag over. Even then, they were running out of daylight, so working together with James was going to make it unlikely they could do the task during the day.
Sophie returned to Paris' body and dropped some of the rocks she did gather. This wasn't going to go as well as they hoped. They could barely do anything for him in life or after his life.
"Um, I don't think this is going to work," she said to James.
Sophie spent the next few minutes looking around the area of the cliffs. It was looking to be unlikely to be anything as grand as what they did for Jeanette or Clio. There weren't any trees around, so they weren't likely to find any branches. There was some tall grass, but it was brittle and if they tore them, the wind from the sea would just blow them away. There were some rocks, so maybe they could make a cairn. That soon became a less-than-savory option when Sophie realized how different the sizes of rocks were. The small ones would barely cover him, and the large ones were too heavy to drag over. Even then, they were running out of daylight, so working together with James was going to make it unlikely they could do the task during the day.
Sophie returned to Paris' body and dropped some of the rocks she did gather. This wasn't going to go as well as they hoped. They could barely do anything for him in life or after his life.
"Um, I don't think this is going to work," she said to James.
G014: Mayumi Tendou
Place was barren for anything that could help with a burial or murial or whatever the fuck, respecting the dead is what they were going for, but the area barely had stuff in it and what there were was inadequate. Unlike Jeanette and Clio where the wind was blocked by the trees allowing them to be relatively undisturbed, the cliff side with it's winds and salty air would blow away anything they would put on him that weren't rocks. Which wasn't exactly kosher material for this.
Still, they got together some rocks to at least attempt it, but of course it didn't look good. By the end of it, it was clear to them both it wasn't going to work which left them with one option left.
"Shit. Guess the sea it is then... I'll grab the arms and you take the legs." He felt it churn in his stomach as the reality of what they were going to do fully set in. Their best attempt at respecting a dead classmate was to throw him into the ocean. He swallowed as bile in his throat made it's presence known as he walked over to Paris.
Still, they got together some rocks to at least attempt it, but of course it didn't look good. By the end of it, it was clear to them both it wasn't going to work which left them with one option left.
"Shit. Guess the sea it is then... I'll grab the arms and you take the legs." He felt it churn in his stomach as the reality of what they were going to do fully set in. Their best attempt at respecting a dead classmate was to throw him into the ocean. He swallowed as bile in his throat made it's presence known as he walked over to Paris.
Burial at sea it was. Sophie wished it didn't have to be something so definite like that. She wasn't sure what happened to the bodies after the game. Presumably the military collected them or something. She never read much about the last game, so she didn't have any idea what they did. When she dressed Jeanette and Clio, there was some idea that they could be recovered and buried at home. Even when she first suggested burial at sea, she didn't realize how permanent that would be at first. They would let Paris be claimed by the sea instead of the earth, and that was all there would be.
"Alright. Let's go."
After some finagling of her bag and weapon, Sophie and James stood at opposite ends of Paris and hoisted him into the air. Sophie carefully moved sideways towards the cliff edge. The last thing she wanted was to interrupt the procession by stumbling and dropping Paris. That sort of thing seemed really disrespectful, even if it was unintentional. Paris was someone pretty devout, so even he probably had ideas on how his body should be treated after death.
As they neared the cliff edge, Sophie stopped moving.
"Hold on, before we do this," she started, lowering Paris' legs to the ground.
When she saw James had lowered the rest, she looked at her companion.
"Maybe we should say something. Parting words and so on. Then we can proceed."
"Alright. Let's go."
After some finagling of her bag and weapon, Sophie and James stood at opposite ends of Paris and hoisted him into the air. Sophie carefully moved sideways towards the cliff edge. The last thing she wanted was to interrupt the procession by stumbling and dropping Paris. That sort of thing seemed really disrespectful, even if it was unintentional. Paris was someone pretty devout, so even he probably had ideas on how his body should be treated after death.
As they neared the cliff edge, Sophie stopped moving.
"Hold on, before we do this," she started, lowering Paris' legs to the ground.
When she saw James had lowered the rest, she looked at her companion.
"Maybe we should say something. Parting words and so on. Then we can proceed."
G014: Mayumi Tendou
As they lifted him up and made their way to the edge of the cliffs, it came to his mind that he didn't know what happened to the bodies once it was all done. Did the military get them back? Or did the terrorists get a hold of them and just burn them all? Get rid of the evidence and hurt our families even more. James didn't know, and neither did Sophie probably, and now they were about to cast him into the sea in a disturbed form of respect for the dead, make the job more difficult for those who have to get them after they die.
But when they got to the edge, Sophie stopped and lowered her part of Paris to the ground. He did so as well as she talked about performing a funeral rites of sorts for him. Like they did with Clio, except there they left her respectfully on the ground when they were done, at least they weren't responsible for his death.
"Yeah... we Probably should do that..." He looked at Paris's prone form as he tried to formulate something approaching a good enough speech, James had no problem talking, far from it, but there was something about this that didn't sit well with him.
"I'll uh... I'll start I guess. Um, truth be told I didn't know Paris that well. We talked at school and he was a friendly guy there, very devoted to his religion... although he uh, tried to help me after me and Clio split and I never really got the chance to thank him for it, and he didn't deserve to go out like he did, so I hope the path for him in the afterlife is clear and.. I hope he is in a better place." It felt awkward to say these things when he truly didn't know Paris. He knew of him, he'd spoken with him and helped him on the occasion, but never did he feel like he knew him personally. And here he was holding his unofficial funeral. It was always such a formal thing that would have family and friends gathered to wish the departed well on their travels in the beyond, there's only two people here if you don't count the seagulls and neither knew him that well or are related to him. So why was he doing this for him?
He coughed and looked over at her. This would be the third person that she would do this for. And the reason became clear.
"Yo-your turn." He felt it rise again in his throat, it had been difficult to do anything close to a speech when the recipient reeked of death, decay and salt. He swallowed and looked out into the ocean.
But when they got to the edge, Sophie stopped and lowered her part of Paris to the ground. He did so as well as she talked about performing a funeral rites of sorts for him. Like they did with Clio, except there they left her respectfully on the ground when they were done, at least they weren't responsible for his death.
"Yeah... we Probably should do that..." He looked at Paris's prone form as he tried to formulate something approaching a good enough speech, James had no problem talking, far from it, but there was something about this that didn't sit well with him.
"I'll uh... I'll start I guess. Um, truth be told I didn't know Paris that well. We talked at school and he was a friendly guy there, very devoted to his religion... although he uh, tried to help me after me and Clio split and I never really got the chance to thank him for it, and he didn't deserve to go out like he did, so I hope the path for him in the afterlife is clear and.. I hope he is in a better place." It felt awkward to say these things when he truly didn't know Paris. He knew of him, he'd spoken with him and helped him on the occasion, but never did he feel like he knew him personally. And here he was holding his unofficial funeral. It was always such a formal thing that would have family and friends gathered to wish the departed well on their travels in the beyond, there's only two people here if you don't count the seagulls and neither knew him that well or are related to him. So why was he doing this for him?
He coughed and looked over at her. This would be the third person that she would do this for. And the reason became clear.
"Yo-your turn." He felt it rise again in his throat, it had been difficult to do anything close to a speech when the recipient reeked of death, decay and salt. He swallowed and looked out into the ocean.
James said his piece to Paris, and Sophie listened in carefully. It sounded like he didn't know Paris that well, but Paris at least helped him a bit in a time he really needed to. Sophie did glance around the area. For a moment, she wondered if someone came across them and what they'd think. After all, Sophie was a two-time killer standing over another body. She had been granted peace for two previous funerals, so maybe she'd have another for a third.
James then passed the figurative mic to Sophie. She bowed her head and looked at the dead boy at her feet.
"I also didn't know Paris too well. I knew he was devout, I knew he had a lot of influence on others, and I know he was a bit polarizing. However, that was never the Paris I saw," she began.
"I remember the Paris who sat with me before an open mic and encouraged me. I was about to put myself before a bunch of strangers and hope they liked my covers of The Mamas and The Papas. He made me feel really good, even if it was to just compliment the kind of tea I was drinking. It was minor, but it helped me through the night. He gave me a good night, and that's a lot now that I have to count my blessings in this game."
Sophie breathed in a bit, then out. All this talk about music gave her a thought.
"Hey, would you happen to know any of Paris' favorite songs?" she asked James. "I could sing something before we send him to the sea."
James then passed the figurative mic to Sophie. She bowed her head and looked at the dead boy at her feet.
"I also didn't know Paris too well. I knew he was devout, I knew he had a lot of influence on others, and I know he was a bit polarizing. However, that was never the Paris I saw," she began.
"I remember the Paris who sat with me before an open mic and encouraged me. I was about to put myself before a bunch of strangers and hope they liked my covers of The Mamas and The Papas. He made me feel really good, even if it was to just compliment the kind of tea I was drinking. It was minor, but it helped me through the night. He gave me a good night, and that's a lot now that I have to count my blessings in this game."
Sophie breathed in a bit, then out. All this talk about music gave her a thought.
"Hey, would you happen to know any of Paris' favorite songs?" she asked James. "I could sing something before we send him to the sea."
G014: Mayumi Tendou
He stared out in silence as Sophie gave her own piece about Paris, true to what he thought neither really knew him, but he had helped them in some way back home. Small world after all. And here they were trying to honor his life and memory. Funny how that works out.
But then Sophie came with a question that took him off guard. His favorite song? A question that put James to the spot as he had no clue. He wasn't that focused on music to begin so whenever they talked it never really came up between them. There was a thought of lying about it and just saying a random song, but he couldn't. Not during this.
"I don't know... Amazing Grace?" He looked at her with a smile at that. At least it's a nice song, and hey, Sophie could be pretty good at it.
But then Sophie came with a question that took him off guard. His favorite song? A question that put James to the spot as he had no clue. He wasn't that focused on music to begin so whenever they talked it never really came up between them. There was a thought of lying about it and just saying a random song, but he couldn't. Not during this.
"I don't know... Amazing Grace?" He looked at her with a smile at that. At least it's a nice song, and hey, Sophie could be pretty good at it.
Amazing Grace. That was a traditional song for this sort of affair. Sophie had sung it in church and in Sunday School, and she had heard it at her grandfather's funeral when she was eight. Sure, Sophie could sing something like that to Paris. He would probably appreciate it.
Sophie cleared her throat and prepared to sing. Before she could, she found herself pausing. This wasn't just a song of Paris, she suddenly realized. This was a funeral Paris was granted, but it was the closest thing she and James would have to any sort of religious experience here on the island. Sure, they could bow their heads and pray, but there was no guarantee they could have anything like this when they died. She hoped they would; should James die before her she would give him rights and she'd want him to do the same for her.
But if this was one of their few moments of peace, she couldn't just sing one traditional hymn. She needed to sing something for herself, James, Paris, and everyone else.
"Actually," Sophie said to James. "I think I know what to sing."
Sophie closed her eyes and clasped her hands together. This was a hard song to sing, especially since she couldn't sing the Italian parts and would have to make up for it by nailing the English verses. But if she was to channel Celine Dion, this was the time.
Thus, she began:
I pray you'll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer
When we lose our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe
I pray we'll find your light
And hold it in our hearts
When stars go out each night
Let this be our prayer
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
We ask that life be kind
And watch us from above
We hope each soul will find
Another soul to love
Let this be our prayer
Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Just like every child
Need to find a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Need to find a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Sophie finally opened her eyes when she was finished. She didn't realize it, but she must have started to cry closer to the bridge of the song. She looked to James, wondering what he thought of her version of "The Prayer," and hoped he found it appropriate for Paris.
Sophie cleared her throat and prepared to sing. Before she could, she found herself pausing. This wasn't just a song of Paris, she suddenly realized. This was a funeral Paris was granted, but it was the closest thing she and James would have to any sort of religious experience here on the island. Sure, they could bow their heads and pray, but there was no guarantee they could have anything like this when they died. She hoped they would; should James die before her she would give him rights and she'd want him to do the same for her.
But if this was one of their few moments of peace, she couldn't just sing one traditional hymn. She needed to sing something for herself, James, Paris, and everyone else.
"Actually," Sophie said to James. "I think I know what to sing."
Sophie closed her eyes and clasped her hands together. This was a hard song to sing, especially since she couldn't sing the Italian parts and would have to make up for it by nailing the English verses. But if she was to channel Celine Dion, this was the time.
Thus, she began:
I pray you'll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer
When we lose our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe
I pray we'll find your light
And hold it in our hearts
When stars go out each night
Let this be our prayer
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
We ask that life be kind
And watch us from above
We hope each soul will find
Another soul to love
Let this be our prayer
Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Just like every child
Need to find a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Need to find a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Sophie finally opened her eyes when she was finished. She didn't realize it, but she must have started to cry closer to the bridge of the song. She looked to James, wondering what he thought of her version of "The Prayer," and hoped he found it appropriate for Paris.
G014: Mayumi Tendou
At first it seemed like Sophie was ready to sing Amazing grace, preparing herself for it. She'd probably sung a bunch of times in the past, but at a sort of funeral? Most likely not. In a way, James was looking forward to it. He'd never heard her sing and she took this process very seriously as he'd seen with Clio. She wanted to do right by them any way she could, and James would help.
She suddenly stopped and for a moment James didn't know what to do as he heard the wind blow past them, but then she said something he didn't catch and suddenly out came a song that shook him. He'd heard it before, but he didn't know the name nor the artist. It was a beautiful song and she sang her heart out for it. At one point James had to steele himself. The emotion in her voice, along with everything that had happened to this point and what they were doing, it was almost too much.
When she stopped and looked over at him with eyes tearfull. He gave her a smile in return. "It was a great song, Sophie. I'm sure Paris would have loved it!"
She suddenly stopped and for a moment James didn't know what to do as he heard the wind blow past them, but then she said something he didn't catch and suddenly out came a song that shook him. He'd heard it before, but he didn't know the name nor the artist. It was a beautiful song and she sang her heart out for it. At one point James had to steele himself. The emotion in her voice, along with everything that had happened to this point and what they were doing, it was almost too much.
When she stopped and looked over at him with eyes tearfull. He gave her a smile in return. "It was a great song, Sophie. I'm sure Paris would have loved it!"
Sophie sniffled and wiped her eyes a bit as James spoke. She nodded.
"Thanks. I hope he does."
Sophie looked down at Paris. Obviously, she wasn't going to get a comment from him. She could hope there'd be a sign from Heaven that he liked it; maybe a parting of the clouds or a rainbow or something. Even she knew it was unlikely. If Paris did somehow see and hear her song, he wouldn't be able to tell her what he thought. She'd have to ask him herself, that was certain to her.
"Okay, I think we should do it now."
Sophie crouched down and picked up Paris' legs as James lifted the rest of him. When Sophie was younger, her older brothers had played a fun game where they would pick her up by her arms and legs, swing her back and forth, count to three, and then throw her onto a couch. For some reason, it was the funniest thing they could do to her when she was three years old. But eventually, they all moved past that game and onto new ones.
Now, she was playing again, but she was the one swinging the child around. She began to sway Paris with James in the same motion.
1...
This was a kindness for Paris.
2...
This was something she'd hope someone could do for her when she died.
3...
This wasn't fun at all.
She let go. She watched as Paris disappeared over the edge. She didn't step closer to watch him fall down and disappear. She trusted that it was happening.
"Thanks. I hope he does."
Sophie looked down at Paris. Obviously, she wasn't going to get a comment from him. She could hope there'd be a sign from Heaven that he liked it; maybe a parting of the clouds or a rainbow or something. Even she knew it was unlikely. If Paris did somehow see and hear her song, he wouldn't be able to tell her what he thought. She'd have to ask him herself, that was certain to her.
"Okay, I think we should do it now."
Sophie crouched down and picked up Paris' legs as James lifted the rest of him. When Sophie was younger, her older brothers had played a fun game where they would pick her up by her arms and legs, swing her back and forth, count to three, and then throw her onto a couch. For some reason, it was the funniest thing they could do to her when she was three years old. But eventually, they all moved past that game and onto new ones.
Now, she was playing again, but she was the one swinging the child around. She began to sway Paris with James in the same motion.
1...
This was a kindness for Paris.
2...
This was something she'd hope someone could do for her when she died.
3...
This wasn't fun at all.
She let go. She watched as Paris disappeared over the edge. She didn't step closer to watch him fall down and disappear. She trusted that it was happening.
G014: Mayumi Tendou