PHASE I [ 9 00 ] The peace of the morning in the Residential District shatters just as the wall caves through. It’s a small segment of wall -- no more than five feet across at most. And yet the crash and groan of the metal being stretched is ominously accompanied by the distinct piercing screech of metal and another sound. A raucous noise, a combination of ungodly wailing and sharp, victorious laughter spills forth from the hole left in the wall as a myriad of ghosts and spirits erupt from the newly created exit. Characters with any type of spiritual sense will find themselves nearly overwhelmed by the amount of negative ghostly energy that suddenly floods Cerealia and characters with no sense of preservation will find any attempt to enter the hole blocked by the fiercest of ghosts, met with deadly force if they try to pass, as the ghosts won’t hesitate to do things such as reach straight into your body to try to stop your heart.
These ghosts are out for blood, and they don’t seem to stop no matter how you try to talk to them -- they just hiss out, over and over again, “Murderersmurderersmurderers.”
From there, the ghosts move on. Their true target, after all, is CERES… but to them, there’s no difference between the character players and CERES. They’ll go for whoever gets in their way, phasing through walls and becoming tangible long enough to reach for characters before fading away again. Characters with special abilities will find themselves in a similar state. Their abilities may increase and decrease in power sporadically, or be completely gone. They may attempt to cast a spell only to find that the wrong spell is cast instead, or an attempt at healing may end up a more dangerous spell. Be careful with your own magical skills!
Those with items or powers specifically intended to ward off spirits will still fulfill their intended purposes when used – unless malicious spiritual energy gets to them first.
PHASE II [ 1400 ] It seems the ghosts have more tricks up their sleeves. It seems that a not-so-friendly ghost has decided to play a game with you. It doesn't matter where you are, or what you're doing, because a moment later a voice calls out -- Hey. Can you see me? -- and once you turn your head, you’ll come face to face with a surprise.
Who is it in this world (or your world, or any world) that you have managed to disappoint the most? A family member? A friend? Yourself? They face you now, eyes full of sadness, and they say, “I need you to do something for me.” Without another word, they’ll turn away and begin to walk. Your vision grows foggy, focused solely on the need to do whatever this person wants – they need you, after all. Your legs move to follow them, unless you manage to somehow resist.
But you apparently don’t seem to notice that you’re the only one who can see this person – or that they’re leading you stray toward that monorail track with the sound of the train coming closer, or that busy intersection, or right off the sky bridge.
PHASE III [ 600 ] Other ghosts don’t feel like borrowing faces in order to inflict damage. No, they’ll inflict their damage on a far more personal level. They manifest suddenly and without warning – then all it takes is a simple touch. A ghostly hand reaches out to you and it feels like the cold wraps around your heart, and your vision skews, and then... they leave just as suddenly as they came.
Those who have been around for awhile may very well recognize the ghosts, at that.
But the damage has already been done. Depending on a character’s assigned sense, they will feel one of the following changes:
Sight: Hopefully you aren’t in the habit of bending the truth. Dead men tell no tales, they say. But what happens to a living person unable to tell lies? Any attempt at telling any lie or falsehood will cause the character to feel as though their throat has closed off, and they can do nothing more than choke.
Smell: The cold passes, but in some way that it never really leaves. And then everything seems perfectly normal. Nothing has changed, right? You're fine -- except that in a short period of time with how crazy things are, it becomes apparent that you're unable to feel pain. The damage to your body is the same as ever, but dangerously, you can't feel a thing.
Taste: It would appear as though the ghosts have a sense of humor. From those who rest in eternal slumber, try a few days of being unable to sleep. Everything seems fine at first... but slowly but surely, that lack of sleep will start to take its toll.
Hearing: Most others would feel relief once the ghosts left, finally a moment of peace. But you? You don’t feel anything – nothing kind, anyway. Rather, you have been left unable to feel joy. Everything seems either bleak or as though it simply has no emotional impact at all.
Touch: How many deaths have been caused in the name of heroics? Apparently in an attempt to keep future casualties down (or perhaps for their own laughter), the ghosts have left you unable to be brave. Suddenly, a situation you'd face fearlessly is one that has sent you running, panic sharp in your chest.
These effects will last throughout the event, if a character is caught by them.
PHASE IV [ 1000 ] While chaos erupts throughout the city, some of the more misguided ghosts (but still bloodthirsty, so very bloodthirsty) just happened to run into the wrong part of town and don’t know how to give a proper scaring. One ghost seems to think that it was a great idea to possess a masseusebot from the Spa. You’re grabbed suddenly! You fight for your life but can’t seem to get yourself out of its metal grip! With expert precision that only a robot can mange, it finds your pressure points – and releases all that tension from this Incredibly Bad Day. The ghost inside the robot is confused, distressed -- why is this human suddenly so relaxed? It only wants to murder. But the only illegal thing happening here is how good this massage makes you feel.
Maybe later you’ll walk down the street and get stopped by the ghost that possessed a balloon dispenser. Perhaps a ghost has possessed the friendly McCERES mascot, and is now handing out coupons with murderous intent. And of course, there are always the hug bots...
Look, they tried really hard, okay.
Of course... they might end up possessing technology a little closer to home as well, at which point it's not so funny.
BONUS [ xxxx ] Hopefully you have friends who have ghost-fighting skills. Or ghost-taming skills. Or ghost-bellydancing skills, who knows, we won't judge them if you don't. But what of those poor people who come from worlds where the supernatural is some weird television show?
Worry not, poor souls, for CERES is here to provide! Some time after the ruckus begins, characters will find what looks to be a hand-held vacuum cleaner situated innocuously in their rooms (only one per person, you greedy gus). The logo on the side will helpfully inform you that this is of CERES make, because the paper pamphlet beside your new device? Well, it's more like a picture book. Observe Stick-Man Sully as he uses his vacuum cleaner to capture ghosts! Learn from his stellar example! Do not stick the hose in your mouth or attempt to give the vacuum CPR, there's a big X over that picture. Also of the one where Stick-Man Sully sets his captive ghosts free once more, we don't want that, do we?
Your new ghost vacuum should prove effective against any ghastly ghoul that shoots your way, but beware! Should you capture a ghost and not turn in your vacuum to CERES for weekly ghost disposal, your ghost will serenade you in the wee hours of the morning with its song of choice. If you capture a whole horde of ghosts, well, congratulations. You have a boy band living in your vacuum.
[ Remember to apply proper warnings on threads with sensitive or inappropriate material and do let a mod know if your thread careens off into maiming or canoodling so we can lock the log. ] |
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Phase II? To eventually transition into III?
As he was aggressively parkouring from building to building, wearing the blanket from his sickbed like a cape, Rock Lee noticed a very alarming site at the sky bridge. It was Yuri... and it looked like she was going to fall.
So, Rock Lee threw himself right at the skybridge with all of his force while continually crying out her name, to come to a landing right behind Yuri, then reach out and dramatically pull her back, with one hand gripping each other her arms. It's probably one of the smoothest rescues her coul-]
YURI-SAAAAAAAAAAA-ACHOO!
[-oh right he accidentally sneezes on her in the process. But he has no time to dwell on that as he's getting lost in those memories he got from her touch. If Yuri's getting some memories too, it can be any random ones from here or WHEREVER TAKE YOUR PICK.]
works for me!
She's perfectly aware that he's seeing her memories-- and at the same time, she's catching glimpses of his. No nonono, she didn't want this!
The emotions hit her stronger than the pictures she's seeing, particularly in regards to his teacher (the name 'Gai-sensei' comes to mind). She can't feel a connect to what she's seeing, she can't quite grasp that level of dedication and desire to overcome when in comparison she wants to lay down and die most of the time. But the gratitude and respect Lee has towards Gai...That she can understand. It's not too far off for what she feels for Hisoka. Though in different ways, she gets the feeling Gai and Hisoka saved them both.
Ah, she didn't want to see these things, but it certainly explains somethings, allowing Yuri to see him in a whole new, much better light.
How pathetic she must seem in comparison.]
Lee-san-- [She wrestles control of her mitori power, forcefully pulling herself from his memories and expelling him from her own. It's a lot more effort than it should be thanks to the spirits or whatever making her powers go wonky, but she squirms in his hold.] Let go! I'm not-- I'm not jumping...!
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Rock Lee stares on a moment longer, as if in a trance as he processes all of that. Yuri by the cliff... and that person, whose words almost sounded like those of Gai-Sensei. To put your life on the line to protect a younger person... of course.
There are tears in the corners of his eyes, but he pays them no mind. Rather, her word and her squirming snap him back to reality and he becomes aware that he is still gripping her.]
I- I am so sorry!! [He cautiously releases his hold on her while looking right at her.] Ah... Are you alright, Yuri-san?
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I... [She looks at the edge of the skybridge--not a cliff, she tells herself, she's not on the cliff now-- and takes a deliberate step away from it, and then another.] I... don't want to jump...anymore.
[it's said slowly, like it's difficult o get through and she turns her eyes away to look at Lee for a long moment.] I'm sorry. [it's all she can think of to say and she looks away, ashamed.] That shouldn't have-- I mean, I shouldn't have been able to see... I didn't do that on purpose.
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Yuri-san... [He looks on with a concerned and thoughtful frown.] I do not understand what just happened. Was it... some sort of trance?
[Lee shakes his head, with his expression softening.]
Of course, what truly matters is that you are alright now, Yuri-san. And that you do not intend to- to... do that! [...That sounded awkward. He wonders how he could save this pep talk.] And... ah...
[What words could help Yuri at a time like this?
...Of course. The answer must be here in him all along, so fresh in his memory. He raises a thumbs up towards her, with a light smile.]
...You are not alone, Yuri-san!
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I can control it, usually, and I try not to use it on the living. [She says this all in a bland tone, like she's trying to distance herself from her own explanation. Her tone becomes harsh and a little rushed:] I'm a freak, I know, I get it, I understand if you hate me or--
[You're not alone, Yuri-san!]
Ah... Ah? [Hisoka's words, thrown back to her. Miu's words too, when she'd begged Yuri not to leave her. It's not true, she thinks, because in the end everyone dies alone. You always die alone.
But-- Yuri looks away. Those words always get her.] ...Yea, I guess not. [She supposes he's right, in some way or another.]
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[He looks her over carefully as she says it. So that's why he saw those memories... To be honest, that had been the one part of this situation that he had found to be the least strange, as within this world he's ended up seeing some others' memories before. But the way she seems so troubled by it is concerning, and he flinches as she calls herself a 'freak'.
Now he shakes his head at her.]
Y-you are not a freak, Yuri-san! And I could never hate you. You have a unique ability, that is all. [He doesn't know anyone at home with a power like this, but maybe it's a like a bloodline limit.] It sounds like you try to use this ability to responsibly. There is nothing to hate about you.
Rather than a freak... You are Yuri-san! [His thumbs-upping hand had sunk while he was speaking, but now he raises his right back up to reaffirm his support.]
A-and I am here for you, no matter what!
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She looks away in the face of his unbridled optimism. Jeez... How can he says those kinds of things so easily??] You're so... I don't get how you can do that... I saw all of those painful things, and you're just smiling?
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[He nods while giving an uncertain smile.]
Ah... You must have seen a number of my memories. Why... Why do I keep pn smiling...?
For all of the people who have supported me and had faith in me. If I can make them smile, it inspires me to smile as well! I cannot let them down. And one of those important people taught me about the springtime of youth.
That is another great reason to smile! Because I am young and alive. My whole life is ahead of me! Even if things are not going well... Holding onto all of those great things about living and growing and being young- It a helps me to keep on smiling!
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I can barely smile, and I can't cry. I'm barely strong enough to even stay alive. I can't think of the future. But I... have people that want me to live... I suppose. Even if it's not much, for now I guess that's enough.
...Thank you.
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I... I would like to thank you, Yuri-san. Your words... They are very kind.
[Lee nods and tries to reach for more words to say.]
A-and, well... Yuri-san, I believe that you are very strong as well! Even if you feel that you do not have enough, please know that strength does not have to come with a smile. I hope that you earn many smiles, of course, but beyond that...
[He smiles lightly as he looks right at her.]
...You seem to have endured a lot. And you are still standing. That is strength in itself! And- and an inspiration!
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Instead her shoulders slump somewhat and though she looks tired, her expression is much softer than before, a faint pinkness starting around her cheeks] ...Thank you. If you think so, I won't argue with you.
[Maybe one day she'll be able to smile fully, if people like Lee keep believing that much in her and all. Yuri takes a deep breath and looks back over her shoulder, rubbing her arms with a shiver.]
...Can we get away from here? Please.
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Y-you are very welcome. [Another thumbs up.] Thank you for respecting my most honest opinion!
[Then he nods at her suggestion as he looks around.]
Yes, we should leave this place area behind! Would you like me to carry you, Yuri-san?
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I might see something I shouldn't again. I can't control my powers very well right now, you know. Or... you might end up seeing something too. I've seen a lot of things that people shouldn't-- I don't want to force you to see them too.
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...But I do not want you to be uncomfortable if your powers activate again. If our skin does not make contact - would that work?
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A deep breath and she considers. She doesn't think skin-to-skin contact matters, sure she's accessed memories from Ren while he was sleeping and touching him through his clothes. But...] I'm not sure. I suppose it's a risk we could take. The longer we take to get somewhere safer, the more likely it is that we get attacked or something...
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Th-that is correct. I promise you, I can move very fast! [Then he remembers the blanket that he is wearing like a cape.] Ah, and if it helps, I can wrap you in this blanket!
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[Though she also suspects he said it for his own benefit as well. After all, it was far more likely she might invade his head and grab some memory or another than the reverse to happen.
Yuri lowers her arms and watches him a moment, head tilted with a thoughtful frown.] How are we going to do this...? [Bridal style? Piggyback?? Which would be the least weird, she wonders.]
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Ah, what would you prefer? In my arms, or on my back, Yuri-san? I am very capable of both?
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[It's said automatically and Yuri clears her throat to quickly explain herself.] If something happens and I slip, it'd be easier to grab me that way, right?
[And it's a little less embarrassing]
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Y-yes! I understand. That... that will work better! [He then holds out his arms... not sure if he's expected to scoop her up or wait for her to hop into them.] I will not let you out of my sight, Yuri-san!
[Surely Lee will find some way to make up for the embarrassment lost.]
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Learn something new every day.
But she takes a deep breath and walks up to him, carefully placing her arms around his neck and glances up--he's a good couple inches taller than her--tilting her head expectantly. And then, as if he needs prodding:] You need to actually pick me up.
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A-ah... No! I am- I am not! [He does actually feel kind of embarrassed and flustered. Normally he is able to carry others without any thoughts of shame. But, sometimes he can feel shier about it with girls... especially when Lee recalls that incident by the library.
But her arms are around his neck now - he stands stiffly for a moment, but he looks at her, summons some courage and nods affirmatively.]
It is time to lift you!! [Then he leans over to try to scoop her up, bridal style.] A-and, to be off!
[If that happens successfully, he is soon sprinting along the skybridge.]
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He's much, much faster than she thought.] You're amazing...! [It's said in total awe, because honestly this is amazing, especially to someone like Yuri whose world, MORE OR LESS, works on the "real world" level of logic.
Supernatural powers aside. It's not like she had actual ninjas in her world or anything.
But it's not like she can watch where they're going; she instinctively tucks her face against his neck and closes her eyes against the wind after a few seconds, concentrating instead on keeping her powers under control. No need to blast him with another horrific memory or something.]
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He hearts the awe in her words and feels her press against his neck. It inspires more of a blush on Lee's face, but even more than that, it gives him a new surge of confidence that casts away his nervous feelings. His hold grows firmer as he moves onwards, taking the way from the sky bridge down to the street level. A confident smile grows on his face, and it reflects in his words.]
Thank you.
I will not let you down!
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