new year, new you

[cancrymods]

It's been some time since the Executors made their way down to the Gula layer and while things have been quiet, that doesn't necessarily mean they haven't been busy. The snow that had been falling steadily for the past week or so has finally eased, even if a thick blanket of the stuff seems to remain in all the Layers you've travelled to. The ever present threat of an Authority has been mitigated somewhat by Gerda being... well, Gerda and though her intentions and the full scope of her motivations are still a mystery, she at least seems to be willing to assist the Executors so long as they do the same for her in turn.

All the errands they've been running have done a lot to help the Undercity – the kitchen is stocked, and the communal areas feel fuller and livelier. Music often rings out from the stage and all in all, things seem fuller and warmer here.

And yet, that quiet hunger continues to nip at you every moment you spend in Gula. Even if it weren't for the Gluttony Layer's effects, though, there would be answers aplenty to be hungering after – the mysterious butterfly accompanying Ariel, the question of Rei's lack of memories... and of course, the mystery girl who seems determined to see you all returned to mindless Specters once again.

Do you still believe you have what it takes to travel to the bottom of Purgatory and restore things to their natural order?

There's only one way to find out for sure.

[ ... And we're back! After our holiday break, the Gula chapter of Can Cry's metaplot is now continuing! Happy New Year, Executors - let's see what you make of it! ]

Comments

[swordofajerk]

We all did.

[...huh. Interesting.]

I think that's why Medic wants to go when we talk to Gerda. If it goes bad, she can heal.

[ourtomorrow]

It's sensible.

[ Prehnite looks grim. Seems someone isn't fully convinced this will go well. ]

[swordofajerk]

[And Sword instantly feels a moment of comradery with Prehnite.]

I don't think it should be anymore than the four of us going now, but if you want to follow at a distance just in case, I don't think anyone would blame you. Last layer things went surprisingly well, compared to the others.

[ourtomorrow]

[ That....does sound like a good idea, yes. ]

I'd like talking to succeed, but Gerda's answers to our questions have been vague thus far. It bothers me.

[ He doesn't truly think she bears ill will, but someone who's that oblique when providing information.....They just don't know enough about her, or about Gula, to presume their interests will align properly.

He feels a little weird starting to spar on that note, though, since he really would rather not fight her. She seems to have her Layer's best interests at heart. He looks down at his clawed gauntlets, flexing them. ]

Even if it's worth trying.

[swordofajerk]

It worked last time. That is the only reason I didn't shoot the idea down right away.

[Otherwise...]

And I don't trust her, either. I've avoided her, but the fact that she knows how this works is...unsettling.

[ourtomorrow]

How so?

[ This is a different objection, and he's curious to hear more. ]

[swordofajerk]

Granted, I haven't been here for all of them, and I only ever met the last one, but I don't think any of the other Authorities have had any idea about what we are or how it is we take their power. The fact that Gerda does tells me that she is either hiding something and will turn on us, or that she's much more powerful than the others. I don't like it.

[ourtomorrow]

[ All excellent points. ]

And we haven't seen enough of her to know how she'd use an Executor's abilities.

[swordofajerk]

Exactly. It's a terrible idea, but it's the only one we've got for now.

[ourtomorrow]

I'll back you up as best I can.

[ Speaking of...maybe he should practice maneuvering. Insectoid wings pop out the back of Prehnite's armor, buzz into action. He lifts off the ground. ]