18 彡 [video // locked from Nanako and Karkat, 97%]

[toplay_thefool]

[Souji's expression is a tad more uncertain than it usually is. There's also a hint of amusement there, dry though it is. He sighs before speaking.]In regards to the unicorn Nanako is seeing - it's just something on her communicator that she sees instead of more unsuitable things. I asked the Guardian to do something, and it seems like the unicorn

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[toplay_thefool]

[There's a thoughtful pause, Souji's brow furrowing in concentration.]

All of my knowledge of the mansion is second-hand, I'm afraid, and there isn't much of it. I know first and foremost that it's dangerous - ['It messes with your head', is the first phrase that springs to mind, but Guilford won't appreciate that.] Hm...

Link reported that while he was in the mansion he felt nauseous - it was a sensation that grew the longer he stayed inside, until he couldn't bear to explore any further. I believe Lloyd mentioned something similar - at least that there was some kind of creeping unease in the place.

[And things like that can't be undermined.]

There were also whispers and voices throughout the place, coupled with glimpses of things moving. Whether this was some kind of visual and auditory hallucination or an actual presence, we can't tell right now, but either way it shouldn't be underestimated.

I think there were mentions of fae - or something, at least, that we don't encounter around Demeleier itself. I can't recall exactly, but Link mentioned skulls, and I think Lloyd said he was stalked by something that accused him of trespassing, something that he felt meant to kill him.

Beyond that, I'm not sure...

[as_you_command]

More tricks and illusions. [ A pause as he considers those effects. ] Either magic, or something in the air, perhaps. There are few effective means to combat either possibility, that I am aware of. [ In other words, no way to prepare himself. More digging was needed. ] I shall have to ask for person accounts, if I am able to.

With our ever-expanding group of trapped individuals, having more space and more resources to go around would be a boon. [ Even if he has ulterior motives to asking these questions, he is not one to keep them completely still. ]

Our foray into the graveyard was met with little success. I am hoping that, soon, exploration of the mansion will provide better answers.

[toplay_thefool]

[There's something more to this than resources, Souji is certain. The interest is too abrupt, too intent. He isn't inclined to pry like this, but if it's important - there's only one thing that springs to mind off the bat, knowing what he does of the man.

He decides to approach it directly.]

Guilford. Are you hoping to find Cornelia in the mansion?

[as_you_command]

It is but one possibility that I have considered. [ And, approached that directly, there is no reason to hide his interest. ] Given the lack of foot traffic, and the strangeness of the symptoms you have informed me about resonate too closely with information I have already received.

Unexplored territory benefits no one, Mr. Seta.

[toplay_thefool]

[And he agrees with that, remembers running through the TV world, searching.]

Don't go alone.

[as_you_command]

[ He bristles, visibly. ] That would be a fool's errand. [ And, honestly? He's a little offended at the implication -- even if he does have a solo recon mission planned, already. ]

[toplay_thefool]

[Even the smartest people can take a fool's errand up at times. He doesn't say as much, but the term does make him smile, short-lived and grave though it is.]

Who do you want to accompany you?

[as_you_command]

I have not yet decided. There are still too many unknown elements, and organizing a group too large might only hinder progress.

Ideally, I will know more in the coming days as I gather more information.

[toplay_thefool]

Mm. Just let me know when and who as soon as you can. It's not something I want to bring to everyone's attention, but I don't want you to be without support, either.

[as_you_command]

Understood.

[ And then, perhaps more to cement the time-frame in his mind -- to give himself a dead. ] I would like to move within one week. The longer that time passes... [ He trails off, unable to truly finish the statement. ]

[toplay_thefool]

[Souji doesn't need him to. He nods, looking older than his eighteen years.]

She's a strong person. If she's there, we'll get her back.

[as_you_command]

You are correct. [ On both counts; even if only one of those is a certain fact, and the other a dull hope glowing at the end of the tunnel. ] I will report once I have gathered more intelligence. [ Even if he has to do it in person. ]

[toplay_thefool]

Mm. Thank you, sir. I'll speak to you soon.

[And he ends the feed there with a curt nod of the head, almost like a bow.]