//EVENT027.EXE

[reparator]

Who: Bachelors/Bachelorettes #1-60 and you!
When: IC: 6/7 ; OOC: 3/15
Where: CERES' new Dating Experience
What: There's no way to get to know each other quite like going on a date.
Rating/Warning: PG-13 for Questionable Situations and a healthy dose of violence. Please let the mods know if the rating needs to go up, or the log needs to be locked!

---

//event027.EXE

Love is in the air in Cerealia -- or, well, it is in ViViD anyway. And nobody cares about your lives outside of ViViD, so that's all that matters. It's an artificial love construct, but for you sad, lonely, little people, it's probably good enough, right? CERES is on a mission to find you your other half, your soulmate, your one and only, and this is how they've decided to do it -- through technology and abuse of your private information! Welcome to your new love life, courtesy of ViViD. For your convenience, CERES has automatically generated dating profiles to help match up the new arrivals swiftly and speed up the "get to know each other" process. Nothing like some not-entirely-agreed-to speed dating to break the ice and improve new relations! You're going to be here for awhile, so you may as well get to know each other. For the older residents, well... you may very well find your soulmate here! You don't want to miss out on that. That would just be an unfixable tragedy. So here, use the handy-dandy profiles and find your new honey. After all, the information on these profiles is 100% accurate, certified and verified by Mosley himself. Why would you ever doubt that? I've never actually been on a date before. Not that there haven't been offers but I'm just too busy a guy! I think to myself, "Mosley, me, guy who's talking to himself, why won't you go on a date with that nice lady who just asked you out?" And I reply, "Oh, you gorgeous bastard, I'm satisfied with my life as it is already! I don't need love." After all, what is love? Baby, don't hurt me. Don't hurt me. No more.

//SCENARIOS.EXE

PHASE I [ 600 ] Gooooood morning, new ViViD compatriots and gamers! You’re not going to get a lot of time to adjust and recover from your sudden retrieval from destroyed and sad code, really, because as soon as you arrive, fresh and new to Cerealia, you’ll be faced with a profile. Oh, look, it’s your face! And… a quote attributed to you? And your favorite object? Hopefully those details are correct, because there’s no going back now. You’ve become an otome love interest. For those who aren’t brand new to ViViD, you’ll be presented the exact same profiles -- but you’ll have to pick one. You know how this works, pick the love interest you want to romance and sweep them off their feet. Better pick the right route too because, haha! You wouldn't want to end up naked and alone in a basement again! That would be crazy. Just pick some rando hottie instead, it's no big. Or, well, that’s what they say. But then you’re dumped into a ballroom, dressed up to the nines in finery, and surrounded by other milling NPCs. You're given a moment to process the whole situation before a genteel-looking older man who seems to be running this party steps up to the microphone. Gently, he clears his throat, and welcomes everyone to the party ("Haven't been to a party this fine since I had all my teeth!"), and then he gestures to a pile of weapons in the middle of the room and finishes cheerfully, “Anyway, whoever survives can leave this room -- enjoy!” It looks like the NPCs aren’t messing around; they’re immediately diving for the weapons, so you might want to get a move on. Welcome to the Cerealia Dating Hunger Games. PHASE II [ 1000 ] When you burst out of the ball room, possibly covered in the blood of your enemies (your poor dress/suit!), you’ll find yourself in what looks to be a sprawling jungle. In reality, it’s a circular arena, and if you travel far enough, you can reach the walls, though they’re electrified with no way out. If you try to get past them, you’re going to fry yourself before you accomplish anything else! Where's the fun in that? The bigger problem is this: there are some unfortunate monsters on the prowl (don't they... look a little familiar?) in the jungle, and they are ready and willing to eat up anyone who crosses their paths. They’re drawn to the scent of blood -- and, even more so, the scent of people in love. So hey, if you're in love right now, it might be a good time to run. Otherwise, you're the top target and about to be hunted. Have fun out there, lovebirds! Meanwhile, the NPCs (or even your fellow player characters?!) are out for blood themselves, so nowhere is truly safe. Was that... was that a scream for help, or someone coming to get you? PHASE III [ 1145 ] At some point, you’re going to need supplies. It starts to feel like you’ve been in here for days without any food or water (but that’s weird, wasn’t this ViViD session supposed to be just a few hours -- ) and you’re starting to feel the effects. So, time to get in touch with your inner man vs wild. There are animals to hunt (deer, rabbit, etc.) and if you can fashion a spear or use a weapon you scooped up in the chaos, you can kill them for food. Alternatively, you can just try stealing some supplies from your fellow players. That's probably a saner option. Which leaves you sneaking up onto their camp, full of sneakiness, and more sneakiness, and a little bit of stealth, you reach out and... Suddenly, there are lights on you! Cameras! Cheering, adoring crowds! There's a narrator narrating every step you're taking (loudly) and there are fans hanging on your every move -- Oh, did that wake up the other player and/or bring monsters roaring down upon you? Whoops. The perils of spectator sports like the Cerealia Hunger Games, really. PHASE IV [ 1400 ] You did it. Someone came at you, and you killed them. Their blood is on your hands, but it’s fine -- it’s just a program in a game. Right? Except when you look again, it’s someone you know. The corpse of a person who’s very important to you in so many ways is lying there on the ground, blood still warm but clearly dead. They’re solid to the touch. They’re there, and they look just like that person you care about so very much. Your heart hurts. And you’re the one who killed them. Then, without warning, it starts to rain because ViViD is nothing if not good at sensing the mood. PENALTY [ why o'clock ] So. You died. This isn't really that surprising, considering it's the Cerealia Dating Hunger Games. People die a lot in games like these. It's the price of love. Don't worry, though! It's just ViViD, so it's not like you really died. You'll get reconstructed, good as new, and they'll toss you right back onto the battlefield. Except, well... it seems like something's a little different. For one thing, you've got claws instead of hands. You can't seem to speak, either; all you can manage is garbled growls and sharp noises. And, worst of all... you're really, very intensely hungry, and you can smell blood (or people in love, that's an even better scent). So yeah, you're one of the monsters now. Don't worry, it only happens the first time you die in this game; if someone valiantly slays you again, you'll come back good as new, a normal person in the Games. What a weird glitch. There's no way that's on purpose or anything, right? No way! [ 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. ]

//RUN.EXE

Welcome to Cerealia's March intro log! For your convenience, we have compiled the characters' arrival experience here, and should you have any questions, feel free to ask them here! You can also check the FAQ for more general inquiries. Should this event log hit Captcha, there is an all-purpose overflow here. Thank you!

Comments

[rejuvenate]

P H A S E I }

[ This was a joke wasn’t it? There was no possible way that this was happening. Giorno isn’t even angry about the profile that they made up for him—it was a lie anyway. All of it, but he wasn’t going to waste any of his time worrying about that. (Though towels were nice; they weren’t his favorite but he could understand why some people might like him. Especially a very plush towel.)

Still though, Giorno will eye the weapons but ultimately abandon the idea of picking anything up. Rushing into battle and fighting people blindly like this was hardly the way that he was going to go about doing things. For those who are most supernaturally inclined, they can notice his stand Gold Experience is hovering close to him, as he watches how others around him act.

If not, he’ll speak up once a weapon is picked up—calmly and evenly. ]

Are you really going to listen to them?

P H A S E III }

[ Was the narrating really necessary? Honestly, Giorno doesn’t have any qualms stealing from people and he’s more than confident that he can walk into and out of a place without being seen or having anyone the wiser about what he just did but— ]

Look at the way our lovely young man manages to take that can of fish from our other contestant without remorse! Folks, I think he might be even a trained professional in these matters!

[ Just why all of this? He had come so far and this wasn’t supposed to be a problem and honestly if Giorno was the kind of character to make rude gestures he might have. Instead he keeps his head low and tries to walk it off. Emphasizes on try.

Please just pay attention to the voice announcing that he was walking away…totally forgetting to mention that he also managed to steal a of dried meats and some trail mix as well. ]

W I L D C A R D }

[ You know what to do! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions! ]

Phase I

[onerous]

It's not a matter of whether or not I believe them or listen to them. [Yuri replies evenly enough, glancing at the sword in her hands]

But others will. And others will probably attack me too. In a game like this, it hardly matters, but a lot of people won't know that either. [She glances over] It's better to be safe and prepared than hope other people will be kind enough to spare me and not just see me as an easy target.

[Her eyes naturally drift to the stand next now that she's looking at him, expression growing curious] ...What is that?

[hairysituations]

( PHASE I ) ❝ WELL, SHIT ❞

[ how'd they go and dig that quote up for his profile? you say one thing while contemplating some poetry...

... haha, just kidding. but he is vaguely amused, though a weird profile is honestly at the bottom of his list of worries at the moment.

but still, if you've decided to pick this charming rogue based on his penchant for getting far too engrossed in his supposed love interest and having odd affection for deadly cleaning robots (... yes), he'll wink once they've both materialized somewhere he'd imagine attracts a few pickpockets. He gestures to himself, an inward sweep of his fingers, ]

Varric Tethras: rogue, storyteller, and occasionally ... creepy date. You made a good choice - I may be 119, but I still look great. Totally outweighs the whole possible stalker aspect, right? [ he's incredibly flippant in his attitude, shrugging his shoulders before sparing a glance at the man at the mic --

good thing he actually has his own weapon. he makes a quick grab for his crossbow, Bianca, already playing defensive, ]

How about this - we team up against these nutjobs, and I won't stalk you for the next 119 years of my life. Deal?

( PHASE II ) ❝ SEEING LITERAL RED ❞

[ there's blood in his eyes. he wipes it with the back of his glove and blinks, trying to shrug off a few bites and shots that got past his defenses. he's fast, but it's not easy being an archer when enemies are on you all the time. spitting to the side, he crouches in the bushes, Bianca poised and ready for action should one of those monsters come along. hell, who can you trust in a situation like this? dog eat dog.

he'd already set up a few traps in the area to alert him if anyone's coming. that, and to cripple anyone that comes too near, should he need to trigger that. he's not the strongest head on, and he's already hurt. there's no way he's going to go down without causing some serious damage to someone else.

there's a scream - he turns, still hidden in shrubbery, aiming Bianca at what looks like an ... abomination about to close in on someone.

thunk.

an arrow goes and hits the thing dead in the eye. it falls - though this one wasn't particularly big - and Varric waits to see what the person he saved will do, arrow trained on them just in case they do something suspicious.

he calls out, ]

So, how murderous are you feeling?

( PHASE III ) ❝ CROWD PLEASER ❞

[ well... he did always like a crowd of cheering fans. just sucks that they totally blew his cover when he was about to snatch some supplies. really, this is embarrassing for a rogue, this is supposed to be his thing.

so plan 'a' backfired. time to move onto plan 'b'. after that? there's the rest of the whole damn alphabet.

caught, he holds his hands up and offers a grin. ]

So, I know, this looks pretty bad. [ y'know, he was totally about to jack your stuff, and run away with it. that. ] But instead of stabbing each other in the face, I think we can come to a compromise. A ...less stabby compromise. What do you think?

( PHASE IV ) ❝ REQUIEM ❞

[ what has he done?

he doesn't even really remember doing it. it's just a flash of red and silver, adrenaline, and... regret. the rain pounds his shoulders and he lowers his crossbow, the tip dipping into the mud, but he doesn't care. shit. shityour corpse. everyone else: meet varric's now dead brother Bartrand, covered in blood and dirt. ]

Shit. I didn't even know...

[ he clasps a gloved hand to his face. maybe he'll just drown in a river of mud with all of this rain. ]

phase iii!

[incendire]

[ Genos looks down at Varric and the goods that were stolen from him and...well, it isn't as if he really needed any of it. Save for the oil that was also included in the pack that he was given. Then again, the idea of anyone just stealing from him instead of asking is kind of the behavior he wasn't supposed to commend so Genos does raise a hand—not quite threateningly. ]

A compromise? [ There's a soft glow emitting from his hand. ]

What compromise are you suggesting?

Ky Kiske | Open

[thispubliclife]

Phase I

[ This has to be nothing but a very sick joke. Ky’s profile is harmless enough, but the fact that it exists is a problem of its own. The suit he’s in isn’t that different from his usual uniform, and Magnolia Éclair — his sword — is still hanging at his side, but he doesn’t draw it as soon as everyone starts scrambling for a weapon.

Now it’s a joke that he doesn’t get. ]

I see no reason for us to fight.

Phase IV

[ Ky’s heart more than hurt, it aches, impossible and shattered and nothing that should have happened. He’s dimly aware of the fact that he’s crying, but the body in front of him, with the blue hair and the wings, is his wife, and even if he understands that Dizzy’s not that easy to kill, that he shouldn’t have been able to, the guilt crushes down on him, makes it utterly impossible to think.

Ky’s voice is quiet, the words strangled, as it starts to rain.]

Even He weeps.

I

[retorter]

[ Souji spares Ky a single glance before unsheathing the katana he arrived in ViViD with. His attention isn't on Ky at the moment, instead he sizes up the party guests that are clearly more murderous at the moment. ]

You'll die if you don't.

[ said with inappropriate levity tbh.... ]

But if you don't care about that, then feel free not to fight.

[diplomaticsolutions]

[Phase I]

[The truth of the matter is that Padmé is not quite too certain what to make of the profile, but then again, she isn't too certain what to make about any of this. Dressed in a gown that she is familiar with, for once the Senator does look a bit out of sorts. While she has never had any issues with public gatherings, no matter what level, she usually does have some notice about it happening. And, considering what has been going on prior to her arrival... She cannot say that she is particularly in the mood for- well, whatever this is.

Yet her attention does turn when the man steps up, and her focus moves to him, regading him. The first part of his speech is normal enough, albiet still not exactly telling of what is happening, but the last? Oh, it does make Padmé freeze, wondering what sort of place this is. There are a jumble of questions that rise to her lips, such as what is the point of these profiles, let alone the point of surviving to leave the room. Padmé cannot say she is exactly in the mood for such nonsense, still feeling slightly weak from her own exploits at home, but she also has no desire to be injured. While she doesn't move for a weapon, she does move to find a more strategic position to give herself time to think, and mutters to herself.]

Just what type of being can truly condone this course of action.

[Penalty]

[Her eyelids flicker upon, eyes focusing slowly upon the ceiling above her. For a moment, she is still, trying to piece together what has happened. Her hand shifts, seeking to brush again wayward strands of hair that have come loose, although she pauses. There is no hand, but rather, there are claws.

Her head cocks, confusion rising, and as she moves to speak, her voice comes out in a guttural tone, low and animalistic, nothing at all like her own. She tries again, harder this time, yet the growl only intensifies, more menacing in nature. Even as her mind attempts to sort it out, she is distracted, and inhaling deeply, Padmé slowly rises to her feet, following the scent that has enticed her.

The scent of blood.]

i | also damn, that dress tho

[ex_forcechoke292]

[He knows ViViD is largely a waste of time, a sink he shouldn't be able to afford, and yet in the long complacency that's seemed to follow Cerealia's last...weird even (read: traumatic), he seems to have nothing but time on his hands. His relationship with Kylo is somewhat strained, and there's no way he's going back to Solo for answers.

...Even Obi-Wan, who should be a source of help in a ridiculous hellscape like this is only found to be younger than Anakin's ever known, and completely unaware of what's to come. (Needless to say, it's the opposite of helpful).

So with all of this time on his hands, he decides to try and kill some. On the worst day possible. His mind stalls when presented with that myriad of profiles, wondering if this is CERES playing a joke, of if this is, yet again, the force's terrible idea of "fate," and he almost passes it over in resentment.

But if Anakin Skywalker is known for anything, it's obstinance. He can't walk away. Not on the potentiality that this is...real.

And so here he is, stuck in "finery" that hardly suits and looks ridiculous, left to stare awkwardly in that way that's never really quite gone away: reverernce bound to an ever present overwhelmed confusion that practically screams his feelings on how little he deserves this.

In that dress, no less.

It's a very, very good thing the guy running this show shows up before he can approach and get an equally-awkward word in edgewise. It isn't until--of kriffing course--chaos ensues that he finally makes his approach...while subsequently rolling his eyes a bit at that overheard declaration.]

Is this really the time for whys?

[meanderingdance]

Phase I

[The profile setup for Kalluto is annoying but one he choose to ignore. He doesn’t particularly care what kind of false information this place wants to give out on him. It’s something small that doesn’t affect him in the slightest. The less known the better.

Now the ballroom blood bath…that’s an attention getter.
Kalluto silently watches the hordes of NPC and people alike charge for the weapon’s table. He back tracks through the charging crowd, somehow not getting stampeded over as he makes his way towards the doors. The young Zoldyck could join in the death match, probably even enjoy himself a little but he’s much to on edge with the sudden changes to want to. He needs more information so for now he stands in the background watching the blood spill.
The small group of NPCs that do acutally notice his small stature on the far side of the room and decide to try and attack, quickly find themselves in a bad situation. He may not look it, especially in a dress, but he’s far from defenceless. The first knife-jab of the first attacker is dodged. Kalluto sidesteps and sweeps his arms out. One to grab ahold the NPC’s outstretched arm, the other to chop down swiftly on it. There’s a nasty bone snapping crack that rings loudly. The moment the knife is released Kalluto is catching it, turning it over in his hand and dashing through. The man barely manages a choking grunt let alone a yell before the blade cleanly slices deep into and across his neck, silencing him for good. Kalluto watches the body crumble to the ground in his peripheral vision but his focus is on the other two men standing still. He takes a step forward, making the pair step back in return. ]

Next?

[He doesn’t smile, just waits. Staring rather blank face. This isn’t a challenge nor does he have time to enjoy himself. While the boy would much rather take his time on those stupid enough to blindly lunge at him….teach them one long last final lession. In a setting like this, with so much going on...it’s better to finish things off quickly. After all..it’s not like there’s a short supply]


PHASE II

[Once out of the ballroom and outside, Kalluto heads into the cover of the jungle. It isn’t too long after some uneventful exploring and lack of results that he takes to the tree tops. He dashes from branch to branch skillfully, somehow not tripping over his fancy blood-spotted attire. It’s easier and more effective to cover ground this way. The monsters that pick up his scent below are ignored and eventually out ran. Though he isn’t paying too much attention to if he’s leading those creatures to some other unsuspecting player. It’s really not his problem. If they made it outside, they should be able to handle a few monsters, right?]

i

[masakados]

[Well, all this is just fabulous. Great party. Great job, CERES, you've done it again. Naoki wouldn't be too hard-pressed to call this the worst one yet; making people fight each other to survive is about the roughest thing you could put a batch of new arrivals through.

Hahh. He's observing the chaos when he spies Kalluto (or, more specifically, the fighting), in time to hear the crack of a snapping neck. He grimaces.]

...Well, guess they've realised not to underestimate someone. C'mon, you two get out of here. [He swings up a hand, aiming it in that direction and at the men who Kalluto's still facing down. Abruptly, wind will sweep out of nowhere, to lift them off their feet and slam them off to the opposite side of the room.]

[bloodtablets]

Phase 1: Their shrouds are bloody and their lips are wet

[Yuki looks around, confused as someone speaks. Others are rushing forward, grabbing weapons, and Yuki stands there in her ballgown watching them go by. Around her neck is a butterfly necklace, her short hair pinned up in the back with golden barrettes with clear beads. Her dress is a deep crimson color, perfect to hide the blood, should anyone try to attack her. Just seeing herself in this outfit brings her back to the ball, before she'd erased herself from Zero's memories.

Hearing others' frantic cries as the fighting begins was the only thing to break her from her thoughts, the knot settling in her belly like a rock.]

Wha- stop! Stop fighting!!

[She rushes forward, grabbing ahold of one of the nearest strangers, only to nearly have a knife shoved into her throat, She grabs it just in time, pushing the attacker away and the only thing remaining is her bleeding hand where the knife cut her. Their victim rushes forward to attack her as well and she spins away from them moving back several paces and looking around. Artemis wasn't on her leg right this moment and the only chance she had to fight was with a weapon from the pile that others were frantically fighting to get towards.]

What is this?!


Phase II: On the vexed Wilderness

[With a weapon in hand, blood staining her unwilling skin from those who had tried to attack her, Yuki pushes onward, looking for anyone who might need her protection. She would heal eventually, but for now her injuries and the smell of blood around her was making her throat hurt. She needed to find blood tablets, or perhaps her brother. The free hand not holding her blade is pressed to her parched throat, each breath labored as she looks around the wilderness for somewhere safe.

That is, until she heard a monster's cry.

Immediately lunging to the side, Yuki barely misses having a clawed hand pin her to the grass. Blade raised, she looks down her new foe, eyes glowing subtly. Her wounds would slow her down, but not enough to stop this thing from hurting anyone.]

Over here!

[She picks up a rock, throwing it at her enemy to keep it's attention and ire on her as she ran towards the woods, kicking off her dress shoes. Yuki runs barefoot, her stockings ripping under the tension of pebbles and twigs. She wasn't concerned about it. She only wanted that thing to follow her and it was quick to take the bait after she'd hit it in the face. Anyone who happened to run into her might assume she's crazy and they might just be right.]


Phase III: And touched the curious wine

[This was bad. While her body was somewhat self healing, it still didn't stop her hunger from rising, the longer she went without blood. It was her nourishment in the way humans needed food. She could survive on food, sure, but her injuries needed tending to. As Yuki approaches the nearest camp for food and supplies, lights immediately zero in on her, applause and other commotion following.]

Ah- I- I just wanted some food!! Honest I wasn't going to steal it!

[That didn't matter now, as monsters were now bolting in her direction.]

Ah-!!!! Not again!

[Running as fast as her legs will take her, Yuki tries to find a safe place in the woods again - away from the monsters. How the heck were they finding her so easily?!]


Wildcard
[Exactly what it says on the tin]

ii

[drinkscola]

[ marco has likewise been running for his life, finding himself hopelessly outmatched against monsters with claws and fangs and teeth. the jungle provided minimal coverage— because, unfortunately, it also provided coverage for monsters. he just happened to be sprinting from one himself.

and literally run into her, right. and so he does, as he crosses paths with her, his suit also worse-for-wear due to the elements, complete with blood spatters here and there. while he slams into her at full-speed, he keeps his balance; perhaps an average human tackled by a rushing football player might have the wind knocked out of them, but she might be a different case. ]

Ah—

[ and he stops, really hesitates. so far, other humans hadn't attempted to hurt him (to the contrary); he doubts she might. and now stopped in his tracks momentarily, his gaze darts about for the monster that had been undeniably chasing her. ]

OTA!

[basesteal]

Phase I
[ Kuramochi's staring at the profile with disbelief. Sure, he doesn't look great when he gets photos taken, it's always of him frowning or making a glare. But this??? Where the hell did they even get this picture of him in the first place? ] What the fuck is this?!

[ And then he finds himself dressed up. Double the what the fuck, this isn't something he'd even choose to wear! He freezes for a moment when he hears the announce go, and stares at the NPCs run for the weapons. So is it some kind of battle royale shit?

He clicks his tongue in frustration as he goes to grab a weapon for himself too; he's not going to get himself killed without having a clue of what's going on! ]

Phase II
[ Kuramochi feels like crap. Not only he's still barely understanding the situation other than that this is supposed to be some virtual game. He doesn't care one bit that the outfit he's wearing is covered in blood and some cuts here and there. He can be fast with his feet, but he's no long distance runner; he can't run at his top speed for miles!

He's out of breath as he has his back against a tree, trying to keep himself quiet as he hears someone nearby. He's hoping they'll go by without noticing him, he doesn't want to kill anymore than he needs to. ]

...Shit...

Wildcard
[ Or anything else! ]

phase i.

[unswerved]

[ yata may not need a weapon to fight, but sometimes, short-ranged battle can be a weakness. he grabs a weapon too.

except what he manages to grab hold of is kuramochi's hand. and he pulls away immediately. ]

Screw off. This is mine.

[ it's just a toilet wrench, you guys... ]

[empathising]

phase i.

( being thrust into the middle of a battlefield with no idea how or why she's there isn't new for elena. she barely spares a moment to consider her profile before she's blurring to the weapons pile and grabbing a pistol. it's not the weapon she's most familiar with, but she knows how to shoot, can fire in a straight line and hit her targets more often than not. she raises her arm, aims at someone across from her —

and stops. what's the point of this, why is she — she's not with the cdc anymore, that's what they said. this is just a game, isn't it? vivid, or something? this is a game, and she's code, and why the hell is she reaching for a gun first thing instead of her words? or, hey, if words won't work why doesn't she just run? how is this what she's come to, in one year?

she hesitates just long enough for an npc to get the drop on her. literally, it drops from the sky, chomping at her face, and elena only manages to throw it off her by virtue of her enhanced strength. after that she runs, tries to find somewhere to hide. there's a pillar on the outskirts of the ballroom, and she drops behind it, pressing her back to the stone and clenching her eyes shut. she can't do this, she doesn't want to be this person, she never wanted killing to be her first instinct.

and yet, the second she hears someone coming around the pillar, she snaps her eyes open and aims her gun directly at their chest. )

Come any closer and I'll shoot, ( she says, and her voice doesn't waver. )

phase iv.

( it's a program. elena says that to herself over and over, like she did with the black box. damon and caroline were trying to kill her, and it felt so real, but it was a simulation. no one was actually dying, no one actually tried to kill her. if she dies, if someone else dies — it doesn't mean anything. it's the only reason she can fire the gun now.

when she fires, though, it's a monster. someone, something she doesn't recognize and doesn't care about. in the simulation in the black box, killing or being killed ended the program one way or another. maybe killing here will do the same.

the simulation doesn't end, and when elena turns around again, it's vriska on the ground instead of the monster she shot. before she can stop herself elena screams, pistol dropping to the ground, and she rushes to the troll's side, pushing up her sleeve as she does. she's never tested her blood on a non-human, doesn't even know if vriska's ghost troll body will be able to accept the blood, but she has to try — she can't let vriska's death be her fault, she can't kill her sister —

she bites into her wrist and holds the wounds over vriska's lips, biting her lip against tears. vriska doesn't die, not here, not like this — it doesn't matter that it's a simulation, it doesn't matter that it's not real, all she can see is her little sister's body on the ground, bleeding out from a bullet elena put there. the blood runs over vriska's lips, trailing vivid red streaks over her grey skin but not a drop making it in her mouth to swallow. the wound is already closing, so elena tips vriska's head back and opens her mouth for her, then bites at her wrist all over again, shoves it into vriska's mouth and leaves it there for as long as it bleeds.

it does nothing. it does nothing, and elena screams, as loud as she can. of all the things she's lost, all the people she's loved who have died, she is least ready to give up vriska. her little sister, the girl she's seen grow from abrasive brat to thoughtful friend, who held her while she choked on her own blood and felt her organs cook from the inside out — she never wanted to lose vriska.

and yet here she is.

elena's scream has attracted the attention of a monster, but elena's not paying attention. if no one steps in, she'll be mauled for sure. )

wildcard

( want something else with elena? let's start something up! feel free to tag me with a prompt of your own, or hit me up on plurk (manibus) so we can plot something out. )

iv

[braidedwonder]

[ Finding a way to get the majority of blood off of his clothing hadn't really been the most pleasant thing. Trying to get blood out of clothing while watching one's back was not the most pleasant thing in the world.It only serves to make him more irritated at the world, slightly over heated and the damp clothing sticking to his skin - Duo had never before missed his leather jacket so much in his life.

Screaming draws his attention and, carefully, Duo picks his way through the brush and trees, one hand on his rifle and the other ready to grab at whatever other fun objects he's got hidden on his person or has shamelessly grabbed from bodies along the way. The scene he finds isn't exactly what he expects to see - someone apparently attempting to feed someone else their blood, but Duo is more focused on the monster she's drawn in with all of the noise, not to mention all of the damn blood everywhere, and the blood scent she was currently supplying with whatever attempt at healing or weird sacrificial shit - he was't even attempting to make everything make sense anymore. ]

You're better off leavin' your friend and getting the hell out. [ It's callous, yes, but this is war - his voice is low, those oddly indigo eyes fixated on the monster that's quickly making its way toward them. ] I imagine dying by that thing isn't gonna be fun, but it doesn't seem too interested in the bodies.

Just.. come back for it or somethin.' [ Why the hell is he offering advice to this random person? He isn't sure he really knows. ]

bellamy blake | ota (cw: blood, death, etc)

[anarchos]

( phase i )

[Bellamy Blake has never worn a suit. He's trying to remember if he's actually even seen one before, beyond in pictures, but suffice to say it's uncomfortable and seemingly limits his maneuverability. Pass. The tie alone is tight enough to warrant him loosening it ungracefully. His apparent profile leaves much to be desired, even if he can imagine Octavia making old man jokes at his expense. There's automatic rejection towards choosing a date, not even just because he hates being told to do something, but he doesn't have time to dwell on whatever the consequences might have been.]

[Because if everyone else is going to be diving for a weapon like a switch was flipped, Bellamy is sure as hell going to make sure he gets one too. It's probably not the smartest thing to do considering he knows the dangers of a mad crowd, but he charges in along the edges, weaving around bodies in his attempt to grab - something. Any weapon is better than just his hands on this point.]

[Someone swings a knife at his face, and he grabs his tie, ripping it from his neck and transforming it into a dagger. He blocks the blow and stabs the man without hesitation in defense. The body drops, but Bellamy only takes a moment to be relieved that this particular brand of his magic works here. He doesn't need to fight for a weapon after all. Anything here can be transformed. This isn't home and this isn't the Drabwurld and his entire body is tense, twitching with the fresh memory of a dead mountain, and he just needs to get out of this room. He's so tired of being yanked around in different directions; Cerealia's barely had him for more than a half hour, and it's already on his shitlist.]

[It doesn't stop him from calling out warnings though. He's all too familiar with being taken somewhere against your will, and not everyone here looks interested in murder dating.] Hey, watch it!

( phase ii )

Jesus fucking christ.

[The jungle is familiar in a way the ballroom wasn't, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating when there are a million places he'd rather be. His suit has been bloodied and beaten, ripped in convenient places to allow him better agility. There are smears of blood on his face, only some of which is his own. The general idea is to just - keep going, get out, find someone he knows (if they're even here), but he keeps finding some roadblocks in the middle of his, admittedly aimless, plan to just keep moving.]

[Namely, beasts. Monsters, whatever the hell you want to call them. He's not sure what it is, but they keep crawling after him like he's a beacon. (It's the blood and the love both, but if anything, he'll only make the connection to the former.)]

[He has no qualms against killing them. It's easy, almost tedious, and he's already turned a downed branch into a sharp sword to go with his dagger, looking far more medieval than modern. He's used to being hunted, and at least these predators are coming at him point blank.]

[It doesn't stop him from being an idiot, even when he's not the target. Any scream has him rushing off in its direction, likely with the intention of making himself the target anyway. He saw kids back in the ballroom, and if they're out here in the jungle too - honestly, what the fuck kind of place is this?]

[Or maybe he's actually found a moment of downtime and is vaguely attempting to deal with a gash on his arm from when claws got a little too close, ripping off the cleanest part of his pants to try and staunch the bleeding. Emphasis on moment: the monsters sure like to chase him after all.]

( wildcard! )

[ insert other scenario of choice here!! ]

phase II

[zerotohiro]

[It's in that moment of downtime that Bellamy may hear footsteps. They're certainly not human footsteps though and the longer he stays seated the closer they're going to come. It soon becomes obvious from the way it moves that the steps belong to something (or someone?) mechanical and pushing his way through a cluster of trees is a six-foot-six robot dressed in bright, shiny armor. It's possible that the arm of the armor even looks familiar to him.

Baymax had picked up on Bellamy's reading from a short distance away, and now with the man in front of him he can clearly see the gash. He approaches, stopping in front of him before speaking.]

Hello, I am Baymax. It appears you have sustained a deep laceration. I advise cleaning the wound first and applying an antibiotic ointment before covering with a bandage.

[i.e. Bellamy you stupid shit don't actually use your dirty pants, let him help you.]

[cultivations]

phase i;

[ He should be offended, he supposes; the portrait was less than flattering, first of all (but also fascinating, what with how true to life the image looked, but never mind that), and second of all, that quote was probably taken completely out of context, if he had uttered those words in that particular sequence ever in his life.

Mostly? He's amused. This is hardly the most insulting thing anyone has ever attributed to him, and there would be worse yet in the future, he imagines.

And besides, he has bigger things to worry about, like not committing social suicide, or not ending this night, naked in a basement, or -- oh, yes -- not dying. And not getting blood or viscera on his clothing (modern Tevinter-esque fashion? Thank you, ViViD). Dorian manages to avoid the initial melee, seeing as how he's already armed with his trusty staff, and he carefully makes his way toward the door.

He deftly sidesteps someone who, unfortunately, seems to be bleeding to death, and he sighs, almost wistful. ]

A few corpses cooling in the corners? Dozens of backs being stabbed? Worrying over all the stains this blood will surely leave in the marble?

It's almost enough to make a man homesick.

phase ii;

[ One would assume that the bloodshed in the ballroom was the greatest of their concerns. Standing in close quarters among men and women with access to sharp, pointy objects, frenzied by desperation? Not exactly one's idea of a good time.

Outside proves no better, considering the monsters roaming about, and considering the fact that Dorian is hardly dressed for the occasion. What he wouldn't give for his usual travel robes -- at least he would be armored and have access to his potions. As it is, his mission to Not Get Murdered has left him drained, his mana nearly depleted -- which is entirely bad news, since one of the party guests seems to have tracked him down. The NPC, armed with a sword and an unreasonable thirst for blood, swings at him, and Dorian blocks his attacks with his staff.

That cry for help you heard just now? Probably Dorian. And specifically, he shouts this: ]

Help for the mage, please!

ii!

[swordsitter]

[ help comes in the form of a.. spirit? maybe? it's a vaguely human-shaped, featureless, slightly glowy figure wielding what looks like a sword-shaped weapon, anyway. it slips between dorian and his attacker effortlessly, blocking the next thrust of the blade, its edges rippling faintly, as if it's only barely holding together. in the next moment, a small, slightly bloodied figure skids to a stop behind dorian's attacker, slapping what looks like a piece of paper on his back. immediately, the stranger freezes in place mid-blow and, gasping for breath, haru stumbles a few steps back as his shikigami disengages and moves to stand defensively in front of him. ]

You-- [ he sucks in a breath, peeking uncertainly around the shikigami. ] Are you okay? That-- That won't last long, we should-- [ a helpless gesture toward basically anywhere else. maybe he shouldn't be trusting a complete stranger this quickly, but haru's never been the best at looking out for himself first. ]

[animated]

[ PHASE I ]

[ You know, Charlie's all for fancy parties. He loves fancy parties, even if his profile leaves a lot to be desired.

But it quickly becomes apparent that somebody has taken that one Pat Benatar song way, way too seriously. Love is not a literal battlefield, guys. Stop that.

Charlie's read The Hunger Games, and if he's learned anything aside from the fact that editor-mandated love triangles are the absolute worst, it's that you don't go for the cornucopia. Charlie doesn't know any of these people from Adam, aside from a small handful of familiar faces, so he can't be sure who are NPCs and who aren't, but when people start diving for weapons he knows chaos can't be far behind.

The wizard runs in the opposite direction, finding a corner in which to defend himself. Anyone who gets within about five feet of him will suddenly fall victim to one of Charlie's defensive spells: Any inanimate objects near him will suddenly freeze and cannot be moved- and yes that includes clothes, so enjoy being held prisoner in your fancy duds by a five-foot-six wizard. ]

If you're looking to kill somebody, maybe find another corner.

[ PHASE II ]

[ Sweet holy Jesus, this really is the Hunger Games. Awesome.

Only not awesome at all.

Charlie was content to just get lost in the woods somewhere and hope that nobody who was actually taking this seriously would find him. And, well, that's true for the most part. What he does find is something who takes this very, very seriously, and probably a little personally considering when last they met, Charlie threw a desk at it.

He managed to salvage a knife or two from the chaos in the ballroom, but that's not going to do him much good right now.

Charlie simply turns tail and runs like hell back through the tress. If he happens upon your character, he'll grab them by the arm and try to drag them along. ]

We gotta move!

[ PHASE III ]

[ It's official, this is the worst video game ever. He's pretty sure he hasn't been in here long enough to be this hungry and tired, but he sure feels like it's been days rather than hours.

(Of all the pieces of earth culture for these people to pick up on, why dating games and Suzanne Collins? Why those two things together?)

After prowling around a bit for food or water and coming up empty-handed, he finally catches sight of a camp through the trees, a decent pile of supplies in the center. Charlie has no way of knowing whose camp it is, and he'd rather not take unnecessary chances. So, taking care to stay out of sight, he casts a couple of quick spells- ice blue light flowing from the tips of his fingers as he etches out a few runic marks close to the ground and hidden by the brush. A canteen and a few rations begin to work their way free from the pile and drift slowly towards his hiding spot.

Which is about when the spotlights kick on, and Charlie pales for a second before breathing out, ]

Son of a bitch.

phase ii.

[faceplate]

[ zero is armed, too, holding a long blade and a pistol in their belt, but at the yank they're pulled along, though not without a ! of surprise displaying from their helmet. once they catch up, they almost run ahead of him. ]

What is it?

[swordhandled]

PHASE I;
[ His profile leaves much to be desired.

But Owain can't do much about the profile, not when the Cerealia Dating Hunger Games begin. Owain is slow to get moving, not really believing that this is a situation that could even possibly happen. Yet, when he sees countless NPCs running for the pile of weapons. Luckily, with his base 6 Speed coupled with his Avoid+ skill, he's not left too far behind and he manages to snag a sword from the weapon pile.

Weapon in hand, he's quick to try and make an escape. Owain isn't focused on attacking anyone he comes across, instead he simply just wants to leave alive. That doesn't mean he isn't quick to defend himself should he be attacked. With a flourish, he slices through someone attempting to skewer him with a lance. ]

RADIANT DAWN!!

[ Yes. He named his attack. ]

PHASE IV;

[ There's been far too much bloodshed already. Whether it be a program or not, Owain isn't too happy with the situation, but there isn't much he can do about it at this point. No, all he can do is simply protect himself and try to make it out in one piece. He grimaces as another person comes and tries to attack him and it's practically instinct how he parries the attack and lands one on his own.

And the cry he hears from the person is familiar enough that it makes his blood freeze cold. It's a cry he heard once before, and one that he never wanted to hear again.

He looks at the person he's slain and sees blonde hair, pulled into pigtails, a yellow dress stained red, and a face that should be warm and smiling, but is instead cold and dead.

Owain sees his mother.

He drops the sword and he can't even feel the rain falling against him. Owain can't feel much anymore.

All he can do is stare at the body in front of him in horror, before he drops down onto his knees, grabbing hold of it. ] --Mother!!

WILDCARD;
[ feel free to to write your own prompt! ]

phase iv.

[psycholawgy]

[ somehow, this whole feeling is particular. seeing one's mother and all that. this person is familiar too; how could she forget somebody so... eccentric?

athena approaches owain slowly, careful that she doesn't trigger him in any way. ]

Owain...? [ she wants to comfort him—in fact, she already knows what to say, but... she can't seem to find the words.

not right now. she has to wait for him to come to his senses first. ]

[spiritheal]

PHASE I.

[ alright, she can play along. the profile is a little weird, but amusing. the fancy dress is, well. it's not her favorite thing, but it's not that much different than mage robes, so she can deal with it for now. it's all well and good until the old man says enjoy and then it's just--

what. ]

What.

[ no, really, what's the point of this? this is the most ridiculous thing amell's ever seen. so ridiculous, in fact, that she stands at the edge of things for a little while, gaping at the chaos. it's not until a stray... something whizzes past her ear that she joins in. ]

Alright, that's it. [ with a scowl on her face, she stalks forward towards the fighting npcs. a blast of lightning leaps from her hands to the nearest one, throwing him back until he's a twitching lump on the floor. ] There's plenty more where that came from. Who's next?

[ if one looks carefully, one may see that the npc she just hit is not, in fact, dead. injured, yes. possibly with a new heart problem. but not dead. ]

PHASE IV.

[ by the time this rolls around, amell is capital-d Done with all this. darkspawn and deepstalkers she can handle. but this whole attacking everyone else for no apparent reason, fight to the death thing? yeah, she's not a fan. not a fan at all. the blood on her dress is evidence enough that she's done what she's had to, but she's avoided confrontation where she can.

this... this is sadly not a fight she can inch out of. her enemy is skilled and it's taking everything she has to stay out of range of their sword and shield. amell fires spell after spell at them, slowly wearing them down, until a well-placed bolt of lightning finally does them in. she leans over then, hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath.

at least, she is until she sees the face of the man she just killed. it's alistair, her friend and fellow warden. her heart stops for a moment. she can't really have just--no, that's not possible. but, sure enough, when she kneels beside the body, it looks like a very dead alistair.

that doesn't stop her from pulling on her magic to try and heal him, though. ] No, no, no. You don't get to die on me, you royal bastard. Not like this. Not now when I've almost found it. [ she grits her teeth and tries to ignore her exhaustion. ] Andraste's tits, wake up.

WILDCARD.

[ got an idea or want to do something in another phase? feel free!! ]

iv!

[kirkwalled]

[ hawke has built up a tolerance to the trauma that vivid inflicts on her quite often (read as: buries it deep down inside and ignores it). so, she's adapted pretty well. ripped the frills off her dress, ditched her heels to go bare foot, found a pretty nice sword to defend herself with. she's survived easily! she's covered in blood and dirt and the usual other cuts and scrapes but otherwise, she's fine.

she turns a corner, whistling a jaunty little tune to herself, sword hitched up on her shoulder as she steps through the dirt when she comes across a... mage? a mage who is very desperately trying to heal someone. hawke raises an eyebrow, watching from a distance and is about to leave and let them continue on their way when she hears the andraste's tits and oh. well, that changes things. hawke takes a few steps forward, still relaxed as can be but watching with a careful eye. ]

Found yourself in a bit of trouble, have you?

[ with what the corpse and the emotion and the everything. hawke figures this must be someone new. heck, hawke's pretty sure she stabbed her brother (again) earlier but she's getting really fucking tired of vivid doing this to her so she dismissed the event as a fluke. a new person wouldn't know that it's fake, would they? ]

[spaghettibia]

[ PHASE I ]

[ DATING START

As unexpected as this particular turn of events may be, Papyrus is determined to take it all in stride, and far be it from him to not make the most of the fine opportunity to go on a date! After consulting his dating profile and spending a moment puzzling over when he said that particular quote (it does sound like a good pick-up line, he'll keep it in mind), he's dropped into the ballroom in the illest suit you've ever seen a skeleton pull off.

Time to earn some dating participation medals!!!

...Not that he's quite sure where to start. Does he wait for someone to come to him? Does he wait until he dramatically locks eyes with someone across the ballroom floor? This is why you need rule books for this kind of thing!

However, his dilemma is soon solved - or diverted, rather, when the old man stands up to make his announcement. Chaos breaks out and people are running everywhere, and Papyrus knows what to do.

It doesn't matter if they're young or old, big or small - he grabs whoever's closest to him and tries to move them behind him, striking a heroic pose. ]

Don't worry! I, the Great Papyrus, will protect you from these rabble-rousers!!

[ PHASE III ]

[ One of the vastly infinite benefits to being a skeleton is that you don't need to eat or drink. Need to, though Papyrus wouldn't say no to a plate of spaghetti right now. Made by him, of course, and shared with everyone. If he could just find a bounty of pasta...what they should have given out instead of weapons, smh.

Anyway, by some means or another, he's caught wind that people are looking for bunnies! Maybe they help forget about their hunger with their absolute cuteness. Maybe the bunnies know where to find a bounty of pasta. In any case, being the helpful skeleton he is, Papyrus is collecting bunnies.

Perhaps Papyrus stumbles into your camp, bunnies adorning his shoulders, head, arms - wherever a bunny will fit, really! Or maybe you come upon him collecting them out in the trees. They don't seem particularly spooked by him - of course, he was well-acquainted with several similar monsters from Snowdin. He knows bunnies.

Or maybe you're looking pretty desperate and Papyrus is gently setting a bunny into your arms. ]

Here!! You appear to be in dire need of this!

[ What now? ]

[ WILDCARD ]

[ Choose your own skeleventure! ]

phase III

[freeinghorror]

[A skeleton just gave him a bunny. Jinga stared down at the fluffy creature - like most things that really could tell what he was, it had frozen in panic at his touch - and then looked up at the skeleton. He blinked and sighed softly before setting the rabbit down and crossing his arms over his chest. He refused to acknowledge that he needed anything like that. In fact, he really didn't need anything to eat, at least nothing that could be found in this game.]

I don't need anything. Why are you handing out rabbits?

[Because that was almost as strange as having living electricity try to hit on him. Not that he didn't appreciate the attempt, it just wasn't something he needed.]

I doubt many people know how to cook one.

ota!

[asteraceaes]

Phase I

[ That's nice... The first thing Shion wanted to do was question basically all of this because one: he's not that old! two: souvenir hats... aren't his favouite thing? and three: ...that quote.

This is all wrong.

To be fair he shouldn't be worrying about that now because he's stuck in a room and people are - rushing for weapons!? It's happening all too fast and Shion doesn't know where to begin! He looks around, finding the location of the weapons and then the exit... Okay, he can do this- maybe? But it looks like he's not the only one kind of standing around (possibly) semi-confused so he reaches out for the stranger and places a hand on their shoulder. ]

We should get going, it looks like it'll get messy in here.

Phase III

[ Now, sneaking up and stealing wasn't his idea because he would never do such a thing. Though, deep down... A part of Shion thought maybe anyone would be kind enough to help him? Going into a random stranger's territory is definitely a big risk, but he has to try.

He managed to swipe a small pistol which is currently tucked into his pocket. If he's attacked he'll surely run, but it's there for last resort.

...Then lights, camera and action!? Shion's preeetty sure he heard someone stir. So, he lifts his hands up instead to show he's harmless! ]

Ah... This looks pretty bad doesn't it? [ Duh... Shion only lets out a nervous laugh. ] But trust me, I just wanted to ask for help.

Phase IV

[ It all happened in a blur, and not even Shion realized what he had really done.

He opens his eyes to only see that familiar shape on the ground. Then the realization dawns on him and he immediately rushes over to the body on the ground. ] Nezumi--!!

[ Shion crouches down, and rolls the body over. He begins searching for any signs of life - a pulse, just anything, almost desperately too. There's too much blood and no way he could've survived. He knows that, but yet... It's obviously too late, he's giving into his own emotions, and he can't find himself thinking too rationally. He grips the body's shoulders and try to give it a good shake. ]

We can't meet like this... Open your eyes.

phase iv.

[unswerved]

[ yata knows this feeling all too well. seeing someone in his arms—someone so very important—dead. he didn't see the whole scenario where shion had "killed" this nezumi guy, but yata just stands there frozen.

he doesn't even know who these two people are, but he feels for shion. he feels for nezumi who's now killed. he doesn't know that this is all fake. and now that they're caught in the rain and that their clothes are wet, all he can offer is a soft: ]

Hey. We need to get out of here.

[criticalhip]

PHASE II

[Something in the back of Sans' mind tells him he should be somewhat offended by the stereotypical monster behavior being portrayed by ViVa la ViDa, but he's too busy making sure he and his brother (who he keeps on losing. AWESOME.) don't get all jacked up. And by jacked up he means catching a case of the deads. And by catching a case of the deads he means HELLO. YES. THIS IS SANS. WHAT IS GOING ON.]

[If you're screaming for help, sorry pal, but unless you're over six feet tall, wearing a bright red cape-scarf thing, and are literally a skeleton, chances are good he's not going to stop for you. Certain humans may receive amnesty from those criteria.]

[Unless you guilt him. That could totally work.]

[On the other hand, if you're coming at him all up in his bony grill... actually you may get more of the same EXCUSE ME THANK YOU GOOD-BYE treatment, but hey, give it a shot and let's see what happens!]




PHASE III

[Skeletons, particularly of the magical monster sort, don't need to eat or drink to survive, or at least not as much or as often as those water-slash-carbon based humans do.]

[That doesn't mean that they don't need supplies for a makeshift shelter, and that's at the forefront of Sans' mind: get the hell out of everyone's way, and eventually the hell out of Dodge. And in a perfect world, that's exactly how it would work out (barring the fact that in a perfect world this Grade A Pasteurized Bull-to-the-Shit wouldn't be happening in the first place).]

[Seeing how no world is, by definition, perfect, Sans is making do by trying to sneak some blankets from whoever happens to be camped nearby. NPC, fellow user, whoever, it doesn't matter. He has a job to do, and for once, he'd like to see it through.]

[Or at least he would, if someone didn't decide to Photoshop the world with nothing but the exposure setting. Sans jerks back in surprise, blinking his eyesockets to try and adjust to this sudden development.]

[Although nothing can prepare anything for what happens next. The narrator clears his throat and begins, well, narrating, into his microphone in a game show host voice that would make Bob Barker weep tears of despair and joy:]

HERE WE HAVE A NEWCOMER TO THE HUNGER GAMES: COMEDIAN, SMOOTH JAZZ ENTHUSIAST, AND RENOWNED DRAGON DILDO CONNOISSEUR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, GIVE IT UP FOR SAAAAAANNNNNNNS THE SKELETOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNN!

[And the crowd goes wild.]




WILDCARD????

[WILDCARD!!!!]

2

[zombiedude]

[Nico wouldn't be surprised to see a skeleton running at him. But no, this one is running right past him and he's a bit puzzled why. He takes a quick glance behind it to see if it's running from anything, but when he doesn't see anything coming, he decides to follow after it, calling out.]

Hey, wait a moment!

[lethechained]

[ Phase I ]

[After spending a couple of minutes attempting to explain to the uncaring void – or more specifically anyone who happened to be capable of hearing her while she was on that weird profile screen, which appeared to be no one – that she was not, in fact, 21, could say with absolute certainty that no sentences involving ’50 credits’ or what one could get for them had ever passed her lips, and that she didn’t even know what a shot glass was, Naminé is already somewhat perplexed by the time she pops into existence in the ballroom. This, in turn, only bemuses her further; so much so that she doesn’t even realize that her normal white dress has been upgraded into a much nicer white dress until people begin to make a run for the weapons and her first, immediate step in exactly the opposite direction causes her to turn an ankle. Said ankle happens to be clad in a cute, strappy young lady’s dress shoe which, otherwise, she might find quite palatable-- if not for the fact that it’s a much higher heel that she’s at all familiar with and thus is definitely not suited for running. Maybe even less so than she is.]

[That doesn’t stop her from trying. Or—starting to, anyway, because her initial stumble reminds her that she didn’t come in alone and she pauses briefly to cast a look toward the people who were nearest to her when this whole thing started, which… may or may not include her ‘date’. It kind of defeats the purpose of pulling a Cinderella, but--]


[ Phase II ]

[By now, things have had time to get a bit more… spread out. This part of the jungle, at least, is relatively quiet in comparison to the mayhem of earlier, though that of course doesn’t mean that it’s safe.]

[Case in point: there’s a body face down in the dirt. An NPC, by the looks of them – they lay prone, though upon closer inspection it may readily be discovered that they don’t actually appear to be deceased, just unconscious. (How long that’s going to last is anyone’s guess.) Perhaps less obvious but more readily problematic is that there seems to be something else odd in a nearby tree. Whatever it is, it mostly looks like a mass of white through the branches, and is difficult to make out from the ground.]

[Unsettlingly, however, it just moved. And it was definitely not the wind moving it.]

phase ii!

[trueend]

[Well. They had initially stopped to inspect the NPC, morbid curiosity forcing them to make sure they weren't dead, but it doesn't take long for them to notice something moving in a nearby tree. They pause, making sure they're a couple of steps away from it just in case they need to make a run for it, and then they tentatively call out—]

... Hello? 'S someone up there?

[unpreparer]

[Phase II]

[Well apparently ten thousand years of pining for someone not interested in him at all, has gotten him into trouble. Again. Who would have thunk?

Like moths to a flame, he attracted a few monsters. While one did not prove to be too much of a problem, he seemed to have picked up a spare monster on the way. Two managed to keep him rather occupied, and when he suspected a third was approaching, he simply picked up one of the beasts and hurled it in the direction of the intruder... which was not another monster. Whups.]

Oh. Sorry.

[Phase III]

[Of course nothing quite takes the edge off after a good fight, like chasing down and killing some small helpless animal. Illidan had managed to catch himself a nice fat deer, and was cooking it over an odd, unpleasantly green, fire.

He didn't seem to have his guard up, nor was he making any attempt to hide. He hadn't thought anyone would be bold enough to try and take food from him, blind or not.

That is, until, he heard all a manner of commotion from behind him. He turned and just stared at the intruder for a moment before addressing them. Because clearly no one could fail a theft that bad.]

What are you doing?

[Phase IV]

[Well this place was turning into a happy little murder vacation, so it wasn't too surprising that he killed someone. However, he wasn't expecting said dead thing to suddenly turn into his Twin brother. He gave the corpse a few inquisitive nudges with his hoof. Not terribly broken up by this odd development, though.]

That is not what you looked like when I killed you.

[Wildcard]

[Make your own prompt!]

II

[aslyfox]

[ SERIOUSLY what the heck is this?! Why is Kogitsunemaru on the receiving end of a thrown monster? It's probably as surprised as he is, except this yellow and grey clad sword spirit doesn't care for silly things like 'projectiles' and 'safety'.

Thank goodness he has his weapon--- not like he'd be able to exist without it. So with one fluid movement, he makes sure it doesn't hit him at all! He'll actually walk right through it because it's now in halves on the ground. ]

Huh. So you're not one of those creatures?

[feytality]

>> P H A S E I; don't quit your day job, maya

[Well, this thousand year old is looking pretty cute and spry for her age!! Particularly in that layered cake one might call a dress!! It's a wonder how she can move in that thing.]

[Regardless, near seconds after the murder announcement (Wow. People trying to kill her. What a strange and exciting plot twist!! NOT!!), Maya makes the extremely wise decision to make a mad dash towards the microphone, in lieu of snatching a weapon. Once she's in vocal range, she'll hastily add in her own announcement:]

Heeeey, folks! That was the pilot for our new reality TV show, CERES CAPERS! It's a work in progress! A-Anyway, my co-host, Dappy McOldpants, was totally kidding around! It's an elaborate prank! It's--

[Well, now half the room is pointing weapons at her. GOOD JOB, MAYA.]

[You might want to take his opportunity to run, while she's got the diversion going]

... I tried.

>> P H A S E I I - A; at least it isn't a tarzan cosplay

[So, one of those lovely dates of yours (aka: a monster), is lumbering after you, jaws outstretched. It wants a love nibble.... of sorts. Regardless, you're making the smart decision and fleeing the scene! You may be struggling. You may doing fine. But no matter what you're doing, your flight will be interrupted by Tarzan-- or well, a tiny teenaged girl's terrible Tarzan impression, as she swings in on a jungle vine to grab hold of you and rescue you!!!]

[Or smacks right into your chest and slides to the ground, depending on how big you are and comedic timing]

[Or maybe she just misses you entirely and keeps swinging]

WOAAAAAH!

>> P H A S E I I - B; we're gonna capture pikachu;

[So, Maya's attempted to touch the wall. This is evident in that her hair's sticking up and she's, a little, uh, charged]

[She's also managed to gain herself some admirers, what with her sparkling personality. Monsters and NPCs alike!]

Guys, I'm flattered, really, but I'm one thousand apparently! Maybe you should be dating girls your own a---

[and this would be the time where she loses her balance, goes tumbling down through a canopy, and lands--- either directly on you, or into your arms, depending on how good your reflexes are.]

[This would be all well and good, except-- apparently, she's pikachu. Congrats on catching your very first pokemon!! Enjoy that minor electric shock upon physical contact. ZAP!]

Woah! Another date, so fast? I'm totally shocked!

[(Maya, no.)]

[But, uh, think fast, because her other admirers are headed your way, fast]

>> P H A S E I I I; screw you zelda fishing

[Well, Maya's apparently decided to get in touch with her while side and constructed a fishing rod with thick branches and... what looks like parts of her fancy dress. She's sitting peacefully by the water, line (?) in the steam.]

Woah! Was that a bite?

[And without warning, she yanks on the rod a little too hard, and the bait--- one of her fancy slippers - going flying past your ear and thonks against a tree.]

[Yeah, she just used a shoe as bait]

Ugh! I totally had that Kingfish!!

[Get it?? Wait, there aren't any kingfishes in the jungle!]

>> W I L D C A R D;

[HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT]

phase i.......

[incendire]

[ THIS GIRL AGAIN.

Honestly Genos doesn't know what to do with her and even though he hadn't seen her in a while the fact that she just randomly shows up now and here of all places and then does this is just—

Was no one going to step in and save this girl from herself? What are a few sharp objects pointed in his general direction anyway? It would be just like being back home. So he'll quickly, and politely make his way through the crowd and to her side. Who said anything about running? ]

What do you think you're doing?

ota;

[havent]

PHASE I.

[ his profile is outrageous. the way his eyebrows have almost disappeared into his hairline ought to be a portrait, and he was about to make another dry quip regarding the scenario, ( "they're not wrong," he would've said, "but all the same, i'm really too busy to be in a ballroom." ) but then the MC steps up to the plate and mentions a dreaded word: survive.

he knows the word in context of films and games and the like. not here where it has potentially dangerous, or even fatal, consequences. he has no fighting skills, he doesn't even trust the fact that he can outrun half the people here by himself if necessary. but he's watching the crowd. he's watching the people who walk confidently towards the weapons or not at all, and ignoring the ones who, like him, are befuddled by the situation. not him. he doesn't have that luxury.

anyone he knows ( ooc; from the tdm is fine! ) or anyone who looks strong enough ( feel free to assume on your part ) will be approached by him, and kei will ask them a simple question: ]

Do you want to partner up?


PHASE IV.

[ it was an accident.

he couldn't even tell how it happened in the first place. he was covered in blood and guts and he had managed to steal a simple weapon - a bat with nails sticking at the end, so rudimentary, but it smells, oh it smells - and kei was shaking. the rain isn't helping and his mind is a blank haze.

it did not make sense. the rules and setting of this vivid session did not make any room for this kind of tragedy and he was caught unawares. he tries to tell himself, this is just a game. using loved ones as a tactic to terrify is nothing new, they do it all the time in those yakuza movies too. sci fi, as well. decoys and androids abound. isn't that the same here as well?

except that he doesn't sound as confident as he'd like to be and he feels the need to puke. to wash his hands. to somehow figure out a way to get out of the simulation and sleep, for a very, very long time. he can taste something metallic in his tongue.

the only good thing about the rain is that he can't really tell what he's seeing because the water's in his face, too, but he's cold and he feels like he can't leave this corpse alone.

so there's a tall kid looking as pale as a sheet dragging a corpse to the side, with his jacket covering their face. it doesn't make sense. nothing makes sense. but he can't leave him there. if he died he wouldn't want to die in the open. it only makes sense that he drag the corpse away, right? with those kinds of injuries a person can't really recover without any lasting damage. the most practical way to deal with this was to set them aside in a place where others can't trip or misuse the corpse for whatever purpose. he takes it to a spot that's more or less shaded from the rain and from most of the crowd. after that, he washes his hands from the rain water that falls on the gutters of the awnings of the building, slow and deliberate as he takes care to get the guts out between his fingers. his hands are still shaking. he knew that face. even before he covered it with his jacket, he knew -

( in any case, if he's doing something, then he's not standing and parsing his emotional state. that's good, right? dispassionate to the point of utter calm. there are certain benefits to knowing that kind of state. ) ]


WILDCARD.

ooc. hit me up with whatever. if you're not sure, let me know @ plurk or via pm. i'm gonna be a bit slow this week thanks to work, but i'll be tagging back as often as i can!

phase i.

[psycholawgy]

[ athena is physically strong and she's even gotten stronger by training at the gym, so kei made the right??? (no, it's the wrong choice... it always is.) choice. she's armed herself with a cute little spear too. she might be an attorney, but she's learned how to use it thanks to one (1) emo and annoying archer.

but the point is, her being strong isn't really that obvious. but maybe kei thought athena knew what she's doing... which does seem to be the case. ]

Hey. [ she even gives him a warm smile. ] We can partner up for sure! My name's Athena. Nice to meet'cha!

[ the dark atmosphere aside, she seems to be able to make the scenario a sunny and bubbly one with her personality. ]

ota.

[buginette]

PHASE I. (MARINETTE)

[ not again. taking in the info dump, as furtold by chat noir, is indeed a lot, but must be put on hold after marinette finds herself thrown back into the dating pool, all dolled up and with quite an interesting profile to match. not exactly the most humiliating thing that has ever happened to her (she is classmates with chloé, after all), but her pure maiden heart loves only ♥adrien♥ so stop. trying. to hook her up already!! ]

They're right about your super exciting life, at least.

[ (... and maybe the skinny jeans. they are quite fashionable, ty.) ]

That's for sure.

[ marinette presses against a wall, trying not to get caught up in the rushing masses as she peeks around the corner in search for a place to hide away for Reasons!1!1one alas, there are just too many people. ]

This looks bad, Tikki. We need Ladybug.

[ because you totally wanna date the girl talking to her purse, amirite? ]

PHASE II. (LADYBUG)

[ by day, she is just a normal girl caught in an otome game from hell; but when destiny calls on her to fight, she transforms into the miraculous ladybutt. that's her little secret though so shhh.

and of course ladybug follows the call for help echoing off the trees. bad idea, especially when the effect of the game is strong, having equipped her with a fancy ballgown over her normal suit in an unsettling case of déjà vu. stunning it may be, the fashionista in her has already thought up a million and one ways to improve the design after struggling to detangle the skirt fabric from the jungle foliage as this lovebug pursues her with an unquenchable thirst for revenge. or maybe he just smells the dokis on her. either way, it looks bad. ]

Ugh! I told you already, you aren't my type.

[ good thing luck is on her side in the form of you. ]

WILDCARD

[ no puns allowed. ]

1

[blueeyesbond]

[Hi, Marinette. This kid here is also hiding in the same corner, although he's looking to make a run for the door instead of peeking around the corner. He looks at her in confusion, wondering who she's talking to and what she needs a ladybug for.] Who's Tikki...? [He asks it in practically a whisper because he doesn't want to alert other people nearby to their presence.]

[speariting]

[Phase I]

[This is familiar, in a sense. Not the setting that ViViD has conjured up this time, but the fact that Sano finds himself in such a strange situation altogether. Again.

How long has it been since he was last in this place? It feels like no time at all, but at the same time, it's a little hazy. But there's no time to truly dwell on the details because even though everything starts off seemingly innocent, Sano knows better than to take it all at face value.

(This...dating profile, however, is something he can easily push aside as complete rubbish. Pay no attention to it, please.)

So while he hangs back against the wall somewhat stiffly - he's had experience with more western fashion during his last stay in the city, but a tuxedo is hardly comfortable - Sano still keeps an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. Or familiar faces. It's not like Sano can't function on his own, but this sort of place is easier with friends at his side, or a certain one at his back.

And then the man presumably throwing this party speaks.

And all hell breaks loose.

Suddenly Sano is all action, fighting his way into the fray toward the weapon pile, throwing punches when he needs to and quickly acquiring a spear. Finally, he feels comfortable. But since the goal is to leave the ballroom, he begins to rush toward the nearest exit. And if someone is in need of a quick tug to get going, as well, Sano provides.]

Time to go.

[Or perhaps you're just viewing this all along with Sano and not necessarily in need of rescuing.]

[Phase III]

[Sano is hungry. He'd been poor before, back when he and the others stayed at the Shieikan with Kondou, but at least then they hadn't had to do their own hunting. They had some revenue, however small.

But failed hunting attempt after failed hunting attempt have left Sano not just hungry, but aggravated. Honestly, how can he call himself a man if he can't even secure food for himself? Okay, so a few times that disembodied voice had spooked his prey, so that hadn't been entirely his fault, but the rare times when he had been left blissfully alone? Inexcusable.

Clearly the better option is thievery. No, he couldn't stoop that low. Negotiations, then. Surely someone in this place would be kind enough to spare even a bite of something.

So when he comes across a camp that night, he doesn't sneak inside, but instead sits outside of one of the dwellings, his spear at his side, but not held offensively, and waits until someone discovers him or that voice - ]

What is this strategy? Does Harada hope to get into his fellow competitors' good graces?

[He sighs, not quietly, and looks to the sky, or wherever that narration is coming from.]

How is this actually happening?

[Phase IV]

Maybe he can blame it on his lack of sleep, or heightened caution. Maybe the constant threat of monsters and others trying to take him out is the real reason.

But regardless of the cause, the effect is very much clear.

Because the body at his feet was defeated by him. Because that body is...]

...Ch...Chizuru.

[In any other circumstances, Sano is sure this would never happen. He could never hurt her. Except this isn't any other circumstance and he did.

Or is all fake? It wouldn't be the first time this place has toyed with his mind and he's confident it won't be the last. Hell, if he looks at her body - though he tries not to, just the idea of Chizuru dead is too much for his heart - he can convince himself it's not real. He didn't stab this person, this fake through the heart. That's the only way to kill a demon, right? Yeah. He got this thing just a little too far to the left. Ha, they can't fool him.

And yet...try as he might to convince himself that it's not real, he glances back at the body, at that face he knows so well, the face he's come to treasure, and he can't hold back a sob.

He falls to his knees beside her.]

No. No, it's not...it's not real...

[But it looks real. It feels real. Everything hurts.]

No...please.

[The rain falls, but he doesn't notice.]

iii!

[adornmental]

Trying to get into my good graces, huh? You should've brought a gift if that's what your plan was.

[PUNK.

But apparently this little encampment belongs to one (1) tsukumogami who - actually doesn't need anything here, and is mostly just stockpiling for people who do need it. That's part of the reason he doesn't seem fussed at all about the fact that his base is suddenly under both the metaphoric and literal spotlight.]

[downburst]

ＰＨＡＳＥ  Ｉ
[Here it is, his incredibly inaccurate profile. Has there ever been an 80-something year old bachelor that looks so fine? The fact that he's been thrust into some ballroom wearing a three-piece suit that doesn't belong to him at all (but fits well enough) is a shock in and of itself. When there's some weapons acknowledged and a scramble of some sort, Raiden's uninvolved. He's OP enough to not require outside weapons, first off.

Second of all, this outfit is constricting his movements (it's not tight, but it's confining to a degree). He's just going to start shoving his fist through NPC-related faces -- only the ones that're seemingly taking aim at him, which is almost all of them.

Feel free to join in.]


ＰＨＡＳＥ  ＩＩ
[The good thing is that, while he's covered in his own artificial white blood (minimally) and the blood of his enemies (majorly), he's not feelin' this forced love thing. He's not coupled with anyone here (to his knowledge) and any love-related interests are far from this VR game. He's absolutely not going to do anything to instigate a riot with this guy, nor this fellow. They seem occupied with each other in the distance, and it's not as if he's fearful.

He's just dealt with that centipede motherfucker and he was a pain in the ass, impossible to kill type of cretin. Notto diso shitto again. The bigger issue here is the electric fence.

Until he hears the brush rustle just to his side; as he turns to see what it is, and possibly be eaten by a deformity, he moves to draw a sword from his side -- except it's not there and he wouldn't even be able to access it with this fancy, shredded outfit.

He's like a cat with tape stuck to his legs.]


ＰＨＡＳＥ  ＩＶ
[Raiden's responsible for killing so many people; here, back home (planet earth ffs), and apparently everything in between. When he kills a straggler out for his head on a platter (possibly since that's the last of him that truly remains), it's done so with minimal effort, but when he has a looksee at the results....

Maybe Mr. Lightning reacted too quickly; he's fairly certain he didn't just snap Solid Snake's neck, but there's that old man lying there on the ground. He's realized some time ago that this isn't at all indicative of reality, but he can't help but second guess himself suddenly. He's squatting down by the corpse, searching it for a pulse or any inaccuracies (like he'd know Snake's body so intimately, jeeze louise). He's

In a very subtle, still-developing panic.]

Phase II

[sunbaths]

(Will has a crush, thank you very much. He's not bleeding heart in love (yet) and he would have bet his entire savings that Aphrodite was behind this mess if he wasn't so trusting of the fact that Nico had told him that this wasn't at all home. In any case, Aphrodite pulled a lot of bullshit but forced monster attacks didn't really seem her style.

Which meant that this world really was filled up to the brim with total bullshit. Awesome. Will's had better days. He's ditched the dress coat forever ago, leaving him in a white dress shirt now untucked with the sleeves rolled up. It's filthy with dirt, blood, and sweat and his hair is an unruly mess.

Yet he somehow still looks pretty bright and unfairly perky as he comes out of the brush, walking with a certain confidence of someone who didn't know how to worry in situations like these. He did. Just. No one was around for him to worry about.

At least he thinks this until he walks out and sees...

This guy. Will comes to an abrupt stop and he doesn't reach for the quiver on his back. He's not naive enough to think all people mean him well but he's not inherently hostile either so he winds up gaping at Raiden in surprise.)

Oh. Uh.

(So eloquent, so sophisticated.)

You're from the thing. The dating thing.

(Yeah he kinda remembers this guy now. He snaps a finger and points.)

Likes pretty dresses.

(As if Will can even talk. His profile was redonk.)

[nostatus]

( a; phase i )

[ .. okay, this is just ridiculous.

Isn't it a little too much to suddenly throw people into this? Sure, it's not like it's all strange to Shinpachi anymore, he sure remembers ViViD bullshit from before.. but even so, his mind still feels a little foggy when he tries to recall certain details of, and suddenly being thrown into this shit all over again would be enough to make anyone feel confused, he's sure. Especially when there's something like this-- really? Is this supposed to be a first priority upon being dumped in this place again?

More importantly, what is a frat?

The suit sure doesn't help either, and although Shinpachi knows he should be a little more on his guard than this, he's too busy trying to pry open some of the buttons on it since these clothes are way too tight. He's tried wearing a suit before, he knows-- but he's a grown muscled adult, okay, those muscles need to breathe.

The moment everyone starts diving for those weapons though, he's ready. Shinpachi is not one to attack without reason, sure, but he isn't going to stand there and wait for someone to shove the pointy end of their sword into him. Nope siree.

So he's diving for the pile as well, managing to pull out a sword (good enough, even if it isn't his own) since he can shove one of the NPCs aside with his arm at the last moment.

.. except he's shoving said NPC straight against you. Whoops? At least he notices once he has the sword in his hand, and no matter whether you look like you're about to grump at him or punch him for that accidental domino shove, Shinpachi's already grabbing your arm. ]

Come on, time to get your ass outta here!

[ Are you a team now? Yes. You don't have a say in this, apparently. ]

( b; phase iii )

[ Look, at this point you don't even need to tell Shinpachi what to do anymore. He's really hungry and it's not like he hasn't hunted before to get some food.. and rabbits and deer sure are a hell of a lot easier to catch and kill than crocodiles or gigantic snakes, let him tell you all about it.

So when you're wandering the place you might in fact run into Shinpachi poking with his sword at a dead deer lying on the floor-- although he'll look up the moment he hears you, glancing at you instead. You don't look like a monster or someone about to kill him, so.. ]

Do you think it's edible?

[ He might even share if you're good about it. Fresh dead deer. Yum.

Either that, or feel free to be creeped out by the sight of a guy who looks like he could snap someone's neck with his muscles in a half torn open suit (not even the work of one of the NPCs, he just couldn't stand how tight it was..) that's splattered with blood on top of it. Not like he can't look intimidating if you don't know he's a moron. ]

Phase I

[niceguypose]

[Rock Lee has been steadily pursuing Shinpachi ever since he saw him on the dating profile. He didn't seem offended by the person being shoved at him and simply flipped the NPC into the air at the kick. But as Shinpachi grabbed his arm, Lee's eyes shimmered with tears.]

But... but... Shinpachi-kun, what about our heartfelt and hot-blooded reunion?!

cw; death

[feminine_carnivore]

Phase I - Ouji Type!

[ There's no way in hell has Chie has ever played an otome game. Or any kind of dating sim or vn. This is all new to her, aside from the most mild of idea what this is. But most frightening of all is her profile appearing in front of her. A profile that others will see. ]

Wh-what is this even supposed to be?! There's no way I'm that old! I'm still in high school!!

[ She yells fruitlessly to... well, whoever is in charge here with making that. The only response is feeling herself falling, falling, falling... and then suddenly landing in a ballroom. Surrounded by other people, all turning to look at her, she hasn't even realized that she's dressed strangely in clothes she's pretty sure she would never pick out for herself. ]

Huh?! What's going on here?! [ Confused, she ends up backing into someone else, quick to spin on her feet, hands up to apologize. ]

A-Ah, sorry, I didn't see you there! [ Did you pick the princely option for your date? Well, Chie certainly fits the part even if she didn't pick it herself... ]

Phase II - Dine and Dash

Just run!

[ There's no point in trying to talk their way out of this, Chie's already realized that after having to launch a flying kick at the nearest NPC who tried to get a little handsy with her or her date. The jungle seems like the safest choice, compared to the nightmare that is the ballroom. Why there's a ballroom in the middle of the jungle Chie doesn't even question, instead she's running, planning to put some space between her and her date from those crazies after them.

Or perhaps, she's just running into someone else in the middle of the forest, hands up, trying to show she means no threat. ]

H-Hey, I'm not one of them! Seriously! What the heck is going on here?!

[ Either way, there's no going back to the ballroom... and logging off isn't something she's thought of trying yet. There's something strange about the jungle though, something that leaves Chie on edge, her muscles tense, wishing she had an outfit that was a little more conducive to her fighting style. ]

Wait, did you hear something?

[ Must have just been the wind~. ]

Penalty - There's Something In the Air

[ Ah, it's normal to want to put yourself in between an arrow and a friend, isn't it? Self-sacrifice is commendable... right? It's what... a police officer would do...

She had done it without thinking. Her body moved and that arrow struck through her chest. It was surprising, it hardly even hurt at all. The only thing she thought she saw as she felt her vision fading was Yukiko, reaching out to catch her, before she slumped to the ground.



Hungry.



So intensely hungry. As if all the steak in the world had stopped existing. But there's something in the air that catches her attention. The smell of something familiar, but strangely new at the same time. It's hard to remember.. the how, or the why, but it doesn't register important in her mind. She can't stop her legs from moving, bounding straight into the jungle after her new prey, claws scratching at tree bark as she vaults over an overturned tree.

She's become the hunter, and she's going to find her prey... ]

phase I

[pseudonyms]

[She sure as hell did pick the princely type the moment she realized who it was she was picking, so when Chie happens to bump into her she'll find Rise in a dressy gown herself and grabbing her shoulders in relief (and to steady the two of them from toppling over.]

There you are! Yu-senpai and I thought we lost you! What happened to you?