The thing about Cerealia is, there really isn't any nature to be found here. Sure, you can go outside the walls of the city and explore the land beyond but who wants to risk a terrible, horrible death just to sniff the flowers? Not you, that's who! CERES understands that, CERES sympathizes, and sometimes CERES decides to take action when such problems arise. As part of the company's current "Healthier and Happier YOU" initiative, they've decided to let everyone get back in touch with nature a little.
Via ViViD.
Of course, this being CERES, the nature they've sent everyone to is more of a swamp. The place is disgusting, a real marvel of ViViD ingenuity and it smells like the dead. There's strange rustling among the leaves from creatures that may or may not want to eat you, and random pits that open up right under your feet with the goal of sending you straight into the marsh. It's not really that fun. There's no welcome sign either, no nothing except for swamplands as far as the eye can see.
Welcome to ViViD!  This is Mosley. One of our programmers forgot to include a welcome greeting for the level this time. How incompetent can you get? He's been fired now, it's fine. Instead, I will greet you today. Lucky you! You've been invited today to participate in CERES's "Healthier and Happier YOU" level where we've combined both physical exercise and relaxing meditation into the ultimate ViViD experience. Isn't that fun? You can... go camping and stuff. Or whatever. I don't... know...
Honestly, I don't even care. Have fun.
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PHASE I [ 6 00 ] Welcome to your new healthy living training ground! What does a swamp have to do with healthy living, you may ask? Absolutely nothing! To make up for it, CERES has outfitted all players with the proper equipment for their new healthy living lifestyle. They also may or may not have let you keep your shoes based on how benevolent the ViViD gods were being at the time. (Not very.)
Oh, and all newcomers will have something additional on their fancy new yoga shirt. It will be displayed loudly and proudly all over the front and back of it. And if you're one of the few not wearing a shirt, it will be on the back of your pants. As in, your butt. It will be on your butt.
What’s ViViD trying to say, anyway?
Regardless, it probably doesn’t matter as much as finding your way through the swamp. Some sort of dry land would be really nice right now, wouldn't it? You'll have to watch out for the mud that will suck you right down under the marsh, and the creatures with lots of teeth that will never surface from the mud but won't hesitate to snap up an unwary foot or two.
CERES is sure you'll be fine. Totally and completely fine.
PHASE II [ 800 ] Eventually, if you try really, really hard, you’ll make it to a house. Actually, it’s more of a shack, really. If you clamber your way out of the mud and the gunk and the marsh into said shack, you will find it to be empty aside from a table. A table hosting a huge pile of... well, health drinks. See, there's totally a health theme in this level. CERES would never make a ViViD level that wasn't thematically appropriate. Never! Health drinks of all sorts and types and sizes can be found here and there’s even a sign too; it simply says:
Take one.
Well, that seems safe.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to leave said shack until you do take one. And drink it. The door will lock shut and cover itself in more swamp until you do. Yay. Depending on your luck, the drink may do the following to you: ➟ Cause your ViViD experience to glitch. This may involve phasing through walls, seeing everything in 8-bit, or hearing really annoying old video game music everywhere you go.
➟ Cause status effects. This can include suddenly moving incredibly slowly, being turned to stone for a period of time, suddenly being on fire, suddenly being poisoned, etc etc.
➟ Be healthier. Mmm, kale and hummus smoothie. Taste those veggies. If you try to take more than one, that’s fine too, nobody will stop you, but you probably won’t get lucky more than once.
PHASE III [ 900 ] And back you go, out into the swampy wilderness. Don’t give up! Keep going! Eventually, you’ll find the end of this level. Probably.
Eventually, though, you may stumble across something in the mud and the muck. It’s... a little doll?
In fact, it’s a little doll of one of your most important people (or, alternatively, of someone you absolutely hate). It might be someone in Cerealia currently, or someone who isn’t, but either way, the doll is there and it’s clearly them (covered in mud and all). Be careful, though. If you toss it aside, you’ll suddenly see that important person being tossed aside. If you cut the doll, you'll suddenly see that person bleeding. Even if they aren’t present in Cerealia, whatever happens to that doll, you'll see it happening to them. Is it a hallucination or are they actually there? That's a little more up in the air.
And if they are present in Cerealia, well... doing things to that doll might very well hurt them too -- for real, this time, though.
Be careful! Or don't. You do you, as CERES would say.
PHASE IV [ 1200 ] And then, eventually you reach a quiet, swampy area. Not that the rest of the swamp isn't swampy, this area is just extra swampy.
There’s very little happening here in this swampy place; even the birds are no longer squawking. And for a long moment, everything will remain quiet and peaceful, a place of reprieve... until the swamp begins to bubble. Then suddenly, a new friend will burst out of the swamp, showering mud and gunk everywhere.
Without warning, that creature is going to try to grab for the nearest person (it might be you!) and let out a mighty roar when they have them. Then, they'll hold them up to... read the nutrition facts on their shirt? What?
Of course, it will try to gobble you or whoever else it grabs if it finds, say, the salt content to be acceptable (the monster is watching their carbs). If it's not, then they'll just fling you away and move onto the next snack. For those without a handy nutrition facts label on your shirt, well, it might just take a gamble and try to eat you anyway.
Great. A health-conscious monster. That's just what this level needed.
BONUS [ xxxx ] Finally, you’re free of the game. Without warning, you’re dumped into Cerealia properly and you’re able to scrub the mud and gunk from your clothing (wait why did that come back with you and where are your normal clothes?). You're able to then make your way to your new place of residence (or old) and...
There is a tiny tree there waiting for you. Isn’t it cute? And if you take care of this tiny tree, it will eventually bear fruit! Tiny fruit. Itty bitty fruit.
Depending on which tiny tree you get, it will be one of the following: a tiny dildo tree, a tiny bacon tree, a tiny kazoo tree, a tiny carolina reaper tree, or a (dumb) tiny hats tree.
Everything will, naturally, be tiny. Enjoy your new healthy CERES gift!
[ 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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(But he thinks of Rutee--she was sent away for her own protection, too. Is that...what's happening here?)]
I don't know what you're talking about. You have to be clearer, if you are going to ask questions like that.
[Also he's kind of...curious despite himself. You can't just hint at it and not explain better!]
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Of all the people I've met thus far? Just in - say, twenty hours? A good 80% of them came from homes where it was their duty or mission to protect themselves and others. They're made for places like this. For... the outside world.
[ Instinct tells her to look away, but determination instead causes Rapunzel to meet Leon's eyes. She doesn't look bitter, exactly, but the happy-go-lucky light from before has changed. ]
What I'm asking is whether it's the same in your case. If you don't have to worry about the people you care about being hurt. Or about being hurt yourself. Because you've trained for this, I assume, and because you could get through this place without me. I... I want to know if that makes living easier.
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Leon's surprisingly patient as she rambles, listening quietly, meeting her gaze with the same calm expression he's worn for awhile now. Rapunzel... she's sheltered. Naive. A civilian, in its truest form. It's not her fault that she can't handle this sort of thing.]
... You are a civilian. It is only natural that you do not belong on the front lines of a battlefield. You are not prepared for this, and have no way of being prepared for this. [Harsh.... But he doesn't necessarily mean it cruelly. He's seen civilians accomplish amazing things, given the preparation and the opportunity, which is why he continues a moment later:]
If you are given the opportunity to learn to defend yourself, take it. Answer that question for yourself, because I do not intend to answer it for you.
[Life... isn't easier, when you can fight like he can. He's strong and he's capable, but there is always someone stronger, and more capable. But... he thinks she might very well respect herself more (like Philia, Philia who had grown to stand with her spine straight and her chin raised after she'd learned how to defend herself) if she learns how.
... .... .... NOT THAT HE CARES.... she was just reminding him of someone!!!]
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And he's not doing it to hurt her, she's sure of it. Why? Pfft. Heaven know. ]
I'll take that to heart, Leon. Thank you. You're a lot kinder than you pretend to be, I think. But maybe that's just me.
Ah. And... believe me when I say I have no intention of standing by while other people do the fighting. [ Rapunzel smiles and clasps both hands behind her back. Then she leans in and AAAGH GOING IN FOR A KISS ON THE CHEEK??? What are social mores anyway?!
Sorry man. ]
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He's already flustered, honestly, by her thanking him and pointing out that he's nicer than he pretends to be, because that's as embarrassing as it gets, he can't handle that at all, and he's already opening his mouth to snap out something undoubtedly incredibly tsun--
And then Rapunzel is leaning closer, and he panics. His personal space is important, and more than that, he doesn't deal well with physical touch; even though Rapunzel is about the least threatening person in the entire world, he's automatically jumping back, bristling and clearly flustered and embarrassed.]
W-what are you-- don't touch me!
[Leon, you're such a baby.]
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She sees Leon's face contort at the last moment and draws back, surprised EVEN THOUGH SHE SHOULDN'T BE that one gesture could cause such a reaction. Ugh, poor Leon. It's hard puzzling out how she feels. Let along finding words.
Then this face. ]
...Heh. Waste of your time, huh?
no subject
Mostly because it'd be embarrassing and he has nowhere to run to, but still, this is progress!
He scoffs faintly in response, face still a little red even as he looks away, arms crossed and completely huffy and petulant.]
If you want me to continue to assist you, I suggest you keep your distance and don't try something like that again! [What, Leon.... a kiss on the cheek... calm down.]
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Alas. Her own face turns red - something that's been happening more and more lately! ]
S-Sorry. I just wanted to thank you for your honesty, Captain. Geeze. [ None of this is his fault and she knows it and she huffs anyway. ] You know. I will be taking you up on your advice. You'll see that - that someday I won't need your assistance. Promise.
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... Hmph.
[That's like Leonese for "I hear you and understand" but really it just sounds like a petulant angsty teen (because that's what he is.)]
Fine. Do what you want. But I don't intend to believe in merely words. If you truly intend to do something like that, I will expect actions to back it up. [In the future... naturally not in the middle of a ViViD swamp.]
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[ She's only about 12% kidding here. As she was laying it all out, Rapunzel got increasingly excited over what was supposed to be a punchline, and now is hoping he'll think these ideas are actually fantastic. It's all incredibly pathetic. Like her. ]
... What do you even do outside of swashbuckling and giving good advice?
no subject
W-what? Nonsense, don't act as though I'd want to see you that often--!
[He... maybe wouldn't mind seeing her again maybe??? It's hard to tell, he's not sure how to friends or feelings but.... UGH IT'S COMPLICATED, he'll focus on her other question instead.]
I... [Wait, what does he do. He... he was a knight, but does he even have the right to claim that anymore? It's been getting harder and harder to pretend like he does, when he knows very well what he did before appearing here. That's too complicated for moments like this, though.] ... I am a knight captain.
[Yeah, at the baby age of 16]
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Then – I mean. You could show me. What being a knight entails, I mean. ONLY because I... know you don't want to be my knight and have to - rescue me. All the time. [ Christ. It really is pathetic how often she's needed to thank people for that precise thing. No more damsel nonsense.
And it's not as though she wants to see him that often EITHER. ]
And it's not as though I want to see you that often either. [ Knowing look!!! ] But. It could be fine. Do you live in a knight... house or something?
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Do you even know what you're saying? It is not as though it is some simple task. You cannot just be a knight!
[He's kind of touchy over it... because he worked really hard for his status. Like. Really really hard-- wait what.]
... A "knight house". You must be joking.
no subject
Well. No, not for her it wouldn't, but EMPATHY EMPATHY! She can see how it might be! ]
I know. I... won't be the easiest study, but - I'm a pretty hard worker! I think. I don't want to disrespect something that means so much to you, Leon. Really. I don't.
no subject
Her wanting him to teach her... doesn't that just make it worse?]
I am not going to teach you.
[Ah yes, Leon being... Leon. Except he seems a little sharper than usual at that, crossing his arms and looking away. It's hard... to know that someone is apparently so eager and exuberant to look up to him for something like this, when he's already nothing more than a traitor. He should probably find a way to get her to go to someone who isn't a traitor like him.]
... Find someone else more willing to waste their time.
[#nailed it]
omg this got sent to my SPAM FOLDER AUGH
But why on earth would she choose any of those things when instead she can smile serenely at her new friend (she's decided; it's official!) and fondly look back on that time he seemed pleased with her. That's what she wants to see again. It's no small thing to share something valuable with somebody.
The last time she made a stabbing gesture at opening up to another person about her lifelong dream was... Well, it's what led her here. ]
Fair enough, Captain.
as it should because leon is trash tbh
He crosses his arms uncomfortably then, frowning, but it's more out of confusion than anything.
But... if he doesn't have his rank anymore, then...]
... Just Leon.
[Don't take it as an overture of friendship or anything, though!!!!
He just knows that he has no right to be called something like that now.]
sets all leon tags to go to trash automatically from now on
Just Leon it is.
p e r f e c t
He looks at her suspiciously at that, but a moment later he nods hesitantly. Yes.......right. This is fine. Even if she's being strangely cooperative now.
... Ahem!!! Onwards.
And they can continue onwards in awkward silence, this sounds great!! (Leon, please.)
At least, until there's a shift in the swampy ground, and Leon almost loses his own balance, offering up an automatic:]
Watch your step. [at least he's used to looking out for the people traveling with him, if only by habit.]
no subject
What is it?
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Well, it looks kind of pathetic.
Leon's sword and dagger are both drawn, but even he just pauses, frowning slightly. It just looks kind of...sad.]
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Rapunzel, naturally, after a beat or four of plain staring, cracks a broken smile and lifts a hand in a wave. ]
H...i. There.
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What do you think you're--
[Of course the monster lifts a hand in a sad, pathetic wave.
.... ...........]
What?
[Oh god he's so lost and confused.]
no subject
[ Rapunzel is wasting no time in rushing up to the monster, offering both hands in a plaintive greeting. ] Hey there buddy... You lost out here too?
no subject
But he...trails after slowly, if only because leaving her to be gobbled up by a monster feels wrong, and... then he just watches as the monster grabs her hands with...well, gross, swampy, slimy, leafy limbs. Enjoy that, Rapunzel.]
Why are you talking to it?
[It's a monster!!!]
Stop that right now.
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