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[OPEN] GET SMILING OR GET STRANGLED
Who: You, Rapunzel and whoever else dares to show up to this ambiguous, inaccurately timed spectacle.
When: Backdated to IC 6/28
Where: The Entertainment District
What: An after-the-fact birthday party! Allegedly.
Warning/Rating: C for Creepy AF.
WELCOME TO THE HAPPINESS AND PEACE OF MIND COMMITTEE’S FIRST ANNUAL BIRTHDAY BASH!
Your attendance is very much appreciated.
A. ORIENTATION
[ It’s party time.
For those who saw Rapunzel’s broadcast, it should come as no surprise that she’s decided to throw her own belated birthday party. A party that, for all intents and purposes, is really for Cerealia: this is her way of thanking the city and its people for acknowledging her at all. Apparently she's hosting this party in one of the busiest parts of the entertainment district.
Also she invited robots. And aliens. And natives. And… you.
There are no lanterns, it’s true. But what there is is… distasteful nazi cosplay?
No, no. Relax! It’s just a uniform. Sure it’s strange to have Rapunzel of all people wearing it. And sure it’s strange that she isn’t really doing very much other than standing absolutely stock still and grinning, but at least she’s doing it in front of a lengthy pop-up bar. Everyone in the immediate vicinity seems to be quite drunk already, which is weird because the native tending it is only just breaking into the bottles. Placebo? Atmosphere? Perhaps they're only pretending.
If you’re not a drinker that’s fine, because out of nowhere Private Rapunzel approaches you with a black goblet of what appears to be wine.
And she’s not leaving until you at least pretend to take your medicine. ]
B. TESTING
[ After you’ve had your fill of liquid courage, Rapunzel leaves with a cryptic smile and disappears into the crowd. Presumably because she’s the birthday girl and wants to mingle with people other than you.
Only then she’s back, having changed into a green dress that perfectly matches the green uniform. This time her smile is less rigid, more tentative, and without asking permission she attaches herself to your arm. Her grip, you'll notice, is uncommonly tight. The strength of her nails might even draw a little blood. ]
H - Hey you. Ready for your test of courage?
[ Is the terror in her smile because of the challenge? Or something worse? ]
C. SUDDEN DEATH
[ Farther back and deeper in, towards the walls protecting the colony from Tellus (what do you mean that isn’t that what CERES is doing?!), there is a humble store with a humble man and a humble gaming console.
He, like Rapunzel and her goblet of ceremonial wine, holds out a controller and offers a toothless grin.
The game itself is simple: play as a hamster and escape the wheel. It’s boring. Agonizingly so. After a few minutes, should you decide to quit, you’ll find the old man blocking the entrance to the store and shaking his head. The message is clear: escape the wheel or stay. Indefinitely.
If you fight, he will not move. If you scream, he will refuse to move. If you protest, he will shut off all the lights.
And if you still have the balls to argue after that, congratulations: Private Rapunzel is back. And this time she’s armed to the teeth.
The question is, whose side is she on? ]
D. CONGRATULATIONS
[ And now? Your reward for coming, a reward earned all the more if you decided to partake in any of those options without knowing what would happen! The main area between buildings has been turned into a fully lit stage rigged for pyrotechnics and dramatic lighting. Hanging behind it all is the mural from Rapunzel’s network video, though it isn’t her face that appears on the screen above the crowd. It’s yours! What a twist.
Then the music starts and the lights go down and both Rapunzels - green dress and green beret - appear at the centre of the stage, one of them smiling predatorily, the other smiling placidly.
What happens next depends on whether your character has a theme song of either canonical origin or your choosing. If so, that’s the song that plays next. You’ll also be encouraged (read: forced) to join Robopunzel and Realpunzel on stage by an army of Robopunzel’s robot friends.
If not, you get that song I linked at the beginning.
Better sing along or that army of robots will do something much more unpleasant to you.
Good luck determining which Rapunzel is the real one when both of them are so terribly good at spreading happiness, by the way. ]
When: Backdated to IC 6/28
Where: The Entertainment District
What: An after-the-fact birthday party! Allegedly.
Warning/Rating: C for Creepy AF.
WELCOME TO THE HAPPINESS AND PEACE OF MIND COMMITTEE’S FIRST ANNUAL BIRTHDAY BASH!
Your attendance is very much appreciated.
A. ORIENTATION
[ It’s party time.
For those who saw Rapunzel’s broadcast, it should come as no surprise that she’s decided to throw her own belated birthday party. A party that, for all intents and purposes, is really for Cerealia: this is her way of thanking the city and its people for acknowledging her at all. Apparently she's hosting this party in one of the busiest parts of the entertainment district.
Also she invited robots. And aliens. And natives. And… you.
There are no lanterns, it’s true. But what there is is… distasteful nazi cosplay?
No, no. Relax! It’s just a uniform. Sure it’s strange to have Rapunzel of all people wearing it. And sure it’s strange that she isn’t really doing very much other than standing absolutely stock still and grinning, but at least she’s doing it in front of a lengthy pop-up bar. Everyone in the immediate vicinity seems to be quite drunk already, which is weird because the native tending it is only just breaking into the bottles. Placebo? Atmosphere? Perhaps they're only pretending.
If you’re not a drinker that’s fine, because out of nowhere Private Rapunzel approaches you with a black goblet of what appears to be wine.
And she’s not leaving until you at least pretend to take your medicine. ]
B. TESTING
[ After you’ve had your fill of liquid courage, Rapunzel leaves with a cryptic smile and disappears into the crowd. Presumably because she’s the birthday girl and wants to mingle with people other than you.
Only then she’s back, having changed into a green dress that perfectly matches the green uniform. This time her smile is less rigid, more tentative, and without asking permission she attaches herself to your arm. Her grip, you'll notice, is uncommonly tight. The strength of her nails might even draw a little blood. ]
H - Hey you. Ready for your test of courage?
[ Is the terror in her smile because of the challenge? Or something worse? ]
C. SUDDEN DEATH
[ Farther back and deeper in, towards the walls protecting the colony from Tellus (what do you mean that isn’t that what CERES is doing?!), there is a humble store with a humble man and a humble gaming console.
He, like Rapunzel and her goblet of ceremonial wine, holds out a controller and offers a toothless grin.
The game itself is simple: play as a hamster and escape the wheel. It’s boring. Agonizingly so. After a few minutes, should you decide to quit, you’ll find the old man blocking the entrance to the store and shaking his head. The message is clear: escape the wheel or stay. Indefinitely.
If you fight, he will not move. If you scream, he will refuse to move. If you protest, he will shut off all the lights.
And if you still have the balls to argue after that, congratulations: Private Rapunzel is back. And this time she’s armed to the teeth.
The question is, whose side is she on? ]
D. CONGRATULATIONS
[ And now? Your reward for coming, a reward earned all the more if you decided to partake in any of those options without knowing what would happen! The main area between buildings has been turned into a fully lit stage rigged for pyrotechnics and dramatic lighting. Hanging behind it all is the mural from Rapunzel’s network video, though it isn’t her face that appears on the screen above the crowd. It’s yours! What a twist.
Then the music starts and the lights go down and both Rapunzels - green dress and green beret - appear at the centre of the stage, one of them smiling predatorily, the other smiling placidly.
What happens next depends on whether your character has a theme song of either canonical origin or your choosing. If so, that’s the song that plays next. You’ll also be encouraged (read: forced) to join Robopunzel and Realpunzel on stage by an army of Robopunzel’s robot friends.
If not, you get that song I linked at the beginning.
Better sing along or that army of robots will do something much more unpleasant to you.
Good luck determining which Rapunzel is the real one when both of them are so terribly good at spreading happiness, by the way. ]
B for bust a plugga
His glance keeps changing back and forth between those, and when she finally asks him something about a test of courage, he only stares up at the ceiling. ]
N-No, I... I can't say that I am.
[ This place is giving him the jeebies! ]
no subject
I'm... actually kinda glad you said that.
[ As if to prove it, she relaxes her grip, turning slightly to better read his expression. ]
I haven't felt very courageous lately. But it takes a lot of courage to admit you're scared!
Do you... still want to try? It's all set out already. I figured I'd do it even if no one else wanted to in the end.
no subject
This coke tastes kinda funny, too.
[ And yet he takes another sip. What is this stuff?! ]
no subject
I-I just... thought something – that something serious would-would be better. [ The intensity of her hold changes again: a subtle pull to turn him away from the bar and in the direction of the games center. ]
...You know? And – Wow, Jaune, you have a really terrible sense of taste. Haven't you ever had wine before?
[ Like she's so experienced. ]
no subject
[ And somehow he doesn't seem to mind it. Maybe it already loosened him up a little. ]
Why would something serious be better? I-I mean, don't get me wrong, I... I don't hate it. Ha...
[ But does he LIKE it? That depends on if he figures out what this place is. ]
1/2
It wouldn't be better! I want to do something fun! The colony is - is so serious already, but––
2/Y for You know the deal
[ The second Rapunzel is, as the first, beautiful and flush with excitement (or something), presumably from socializing. She stands tall in the uniform she's chosen, cocking her head just to give the her double a cursory once-over. ]
...wow. That dress really does look gorgeous on you. It's...
I mean- I always thought I was–
done
Meanwhile, Private Rapunzel merely smiles. ] Well. It... doesn't matter. What matters is: are you having fun, Jaune. [ Matter-of-factly asked.
And then she too tries to meet and hold Jaune's gaze. Probably with a lot more confidence in her ability to do so. To look him in the eye and, without words or explanation, make him feel, ideally, what she's feeling.
There's a goblet in her hands too. She offers it to the first Rapunzel, still with a grin. ]
If the answer is no, I... would definitely want you to fix that.
Definitely.
no subject
Little does he know that these doppelbots are going to try and kill him two days later. But for now... ]
Whoa-- you look like each other! That's so weird. I thought only mine did that... I mean, yes! No. Sorry, w-what was the question?
[ Sorry Rapunzel #1, he hasn't noticed whatever you're trying to communicate yet. He also assumes that the second one is the robot for now, if only because she's serving drinks. Not that... real Rapunzel wouldn't do that, either.
Okay, now he's not sure again. ]
1/2
Not that it prevents her pulling again in the direction of the game center. ] Jaune, I think–
no subject
That's... cuteish. ]
Like. Really. I do. You're - brave, Jaune. Maybe one of the bravest people ever to live.
[ For her part, R1 pauses for a beat, watching her double with stunned eyes before abruptly burying her nose in the glass and muttering darkly. ] Yeah. You're the bravest person here and it's
–a good thing. Trust me. I think you'll be fine, heh.
[ R2, who also knows better than to try and persuade herself to change her mind, smiles even wider than before and steps reluctantly away, clasping hands behind her back. Ordinarily it might sting a little to have Jaune Arc going off with some other girl, but...
But it isn't some other girl really. Is it? It's someone she knows and knows how to control Besides. She can do this: rock back towards him on the balls of her feet and slowly, thoughtfully, almost seductively but not quite, place both hands on his chest. Also there's that eye contact thing. ]
I think you should stay positive. It is so important to stay positive, Jaune... Especially here, believe me. We could be killed at any time! And you?
You are so good at doing things that could get you killed. Did you know that?
[ If he ever decides to pay attention to R1 he'll notice her face go completely pale. Not that it's easy to see with her hair half-covering her face. ]
no subject
[ The subject of death makes Jaune a little twitchy, but he turns to R1, ultimately leaving the decision in her hands. It's her birthday, after all, they should do what she wants to do. ]
... A-Are you okay?
no subject
Nonetheless, this Rapunzel smiles, lifting her head so she can push the curtain of gold out of her face. ]
Yeah. I'm fine. [ And to prove it, she clenches her teeth around a protest and nods once at the second Rapunzel, who appears not a little startled herself. ]
See? I'm happy, everyone. This is a happy birthday. [ And louder, to her partner: ] Let's go. I'll - show you where this test thing is supposed to be.
no subject
[ Nor does it look like Rapunzel knows either, but he gives in rather easily. ]
--oh, and... this doesn't count as my present for you! [ No shit. Attending a party is not a gift. ] I'm... I'm working on that part...
no subject
It also seems to lighten her up a little, to loosen her shoulders and free up her lips for a smile. ] It's - not a peacock is it? [ That ship has already sailed. ]
D
And then, at the climax, he found himself brought out onto the stage while an unusual song started to play. Lee shifted nervously as he looked towards the microphone and towards the Rapunzels.]
Ah... I apologize! But, I do not believe that I have trained enough in the art of singing! I... I just wish to wish a happy birthday to my dear hot-blooded friend, Rapunzel-san!
THIS SONG...
The Rapunzel in the green dress (R1), who's been politely clapping along with the music, stops mid-clap and quickly opens her mouth to speak
but R2 gets there first, lifting both eyebrows mildly in surprise. ]
And you need training in order to sing?
The chibi spin-off sure has its share of interesting songs...
-D2as she approaches him, with an apologetic frown.]Er... Yes, I believe so! I do not think that I am very skilled at it, so I have to work hard to make my singing voice stronger. I... I apologize!
no subject
Rock Lee! Come on! We both know that's just an excuse. [ Her expression doesn't change, though she does elbow R1 slightly on her way forward. ] Just...
Do it already.
no subject
I- I apologize! You are right. I cannot rely on excuses. And Rapunzel-san is suc an important friend... I must do my best!!
[He balls up his fists intently, closes his eyes and tries to sing! But he definitely has an unpracticed voice and on top of that he fumbles as he tries to keep up with the lyrics!]
A.... sweats
I'm going to start worrying if this is where I keep finding you. [ Though when she holds out the goblet he takes it hesitantly, sniffing it. ] ...Wine?
[ Well, considering in his time it's usually just ale in a tavern, he's still getting used to all the different types they can get here. It's got to be better than the shots they did that time though... r...ight... ]
1/2 LMFAO WHAT A HOT OUTFIT
[ Her laughter should ease his mind, high and clear and making it clear that she herself hasn't had anything to drink yet despite the revelry. However, her hand only raises the container higher until the lip of it is pushing against Merlin's face. Then she giggles. ]
Hey. Merlin. Do you know? The secret of alcohol? I know it. I know why people love to drink sooooo much. Why my mother likes to drink and won't let me. I didn't understand before but now I do. You should have some.
no subject
Alcohol is the only magic potion in the universe that makes people feel good enough to tell the truth about themselves. It makes people want it. People don't usually want to be honest, do they, Merlin? People are cowards.
But - they need to tell the truth, Merlin. I will not allow liars in this colony. [ What. ]
...A-At this party, I mean. [ Oh okay cool. ]
[1/2] shush i have a folder full of clothes LET ME USE THEM!!!!!!!!
--but then he almost spits it back out when she pushes closer and starts whispering about liars apparently? He coughs once, twice and tips his head away as he tries to stop himself from choking.
The big question is whether it's her words or the wine itself that's doing this. ]
no subject
It isn't anything to do with magic. It just turns people into idiots. What brought this on?
no subject
It won't be the first time he's seen such a look on these features, but it'll be the first time she says anything like ] That was not a theory, Merlin the Magician. It was a metaphor describing a fact. Do you or do you not tell the truth when you drink alcohol?
[ And to show she's heard his question and has simply, apparently, chosen not to answer, Rapunzel lifts green eyes to his, holds the gaze, and then, mechanically and diabolically, winks. ]
no subject
I'm always honest. [ Well that's a lie in itself, but... drinking this isn't going to change that either? ]
D
While his theme was Rather sweet in the background, it didn't stop the problem at hand!]
But Rapunzel-san! [Rapunzel-sans?] I don't know how to sing! How am I suppose to do that with you?
A
Minamoto would have disapproved of her drinking (besides, it's always a lot more fun for her to watch
and worryover drunk people) so she orders a psychometry-tested non-alcoholic tumbler of orange juice. What she doesn't expect is the sudden offer of a goblet full of mystery black liquid.She takes it without protest since she's sure she could just "accidentally" drop it.]
What is it?
[Her psychometry is probably already telling her exactly what went into it and how it was made, but testing people and seeing whether or not they lie has still not stopped being a pastime of hers.]