estoria | //EVENT033.EXE

//EVENT033.EXE

//event033.EXE

What new and wonderful and exciting ViViD level awaits you today? What fun time will you have in ViViD this time? Surely it will be a work of art that CERES has been working on for months and months --

Actually, wait, CERES isn't even around, are they?

Uh oh.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzt.

Error: Files Not Found

//SCENARIOS.EXE

PHASE I

[ ???? ] This time, ViViD is a deathtrap.

There is random magma everywhere, monsters will spawn at random, and at some points, the game is entirely unplayable. It’s like the dev team totally disappeared mid-constructing the level.

Oh wait, that’s exactly what happened.

Monsters may spawn on top of you, you may suddenly be standing in a poisonous bog, you may suddenly lose your powers, or your senses, or so many different things --

It’s time to get out of here, ASAP.

Thankfully, the exit is obvious. Like. Blindingly obvious. It’s got a big sign over it that says EXIT

And just like that, you’ll be out of ViViD and --

PHASE II

[ 0830 ] When you wake up (and it’s strange, because you were sure that you were logging out just a second ago), it’s in a pile of bodies.

They’re cold, but not in the same sense that a dead body would be cold. While they are lifeless and look incredibly real, they don’t feel real. They feel like dolls, mannequins, empty models and nothing more. Their code doesn’t seem to be functioning right.

And what some characters may realize upon looking at this pile of bodies is that they are all of the characters who were sacrifices before. Any character that was dropped who had a high magical or spiritual affinity is there in that pile of bodies, lifeless and eyes blank and vacant. Even you might be there, staring at your own dead body -- but it isn’t real It can be touched, but it’s really nothing more than a lifeless body.

You’ll have to crawl out of that pile of bodies to get anywhere, and then you’ll realize -- you’re in the Sanctuary, a building built by the characters as a safe place from CERES. And it’s looking pretty run-down at this point. The technology in it no longer functions, there is no security on it whatsoever…

Oh, and now there’s a pile of bodies. Great.

PHASE III

[ 1000 ] There’s also a robot.

It’s wandering from place to place, though it’s impossible to follow. One second it’s there, the next it’s just gone.

Also, it’s wearing this. Weird.

But even with that on its face, the robot seems focused on one thing in particular. In fact, it has a sign, and it says:

Down with CERES. Up with Robots.

That’s a happy, cheerful message. If you try to go up to it to talk to it, it will look at you before...bonking you on the head with the sign and running off. That’s incredibly rude.

Alternatively, you may be safe and sound in your home, but then the doorbell rings, and there’s the robot again. The duck mask is gone, but now instead it has a pin on his fake lapel, and then he’s shoving a pamphlet at you.

He tips his hat, and then he’s gone. Weird.

(Also, if you hold onto the pamphlet, it will lead you directly to the person whose picture is on it, and you’ll feel like you’ve known them and have loved them for years.)

PHASE IV

[ 1245 ] But not all is fun and games and shenanigans. There is something...well, strange happening, and the first real realization of that will be when it starts to rain. More than just the localized rain that a few unfortunates have dealt with -- no, it’s raining completely and totally, and that’s when it might hit you.

For the first time in Cerealia, there’s weather.

It’ll rain for a few hours, and then it’ll stop and become hot and sunny. It may get humid, considering it’s a jungle planet. At night, it’ll get rather cold.

Seems like whatever was keeping Cerealia’s atmosphere stable is now gone -- which also means that characters may start to occasionally experience headaches, nausea and dizziness if they go too close to the walls. It seems safer in the center of the city, and the Residential District is still okay, but… there’s no doubt that the planet’s atmosphere is starting to encroach on the city.

BONUS

[ why o'clock ] But who cares about all of that? More importantly, you are here in this… totally not shoddy city to have fun, and it’s still being advertised as a pleasure colony. Or, well, it would be if, you know, CERES was still around.

But close enough.

And as a pleasure colony, it would figure that the first robots to really get fixed are...well, the Pleasure District robots. Unfortunately, the Pleasure District is still a nice big mess, so now they’re wandering the entire colony, looking for people they can hug, massage or...try to drag into more explicit activities.

Welcome to Cerealia!

[ 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 September 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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[And you get another sympathetic pat on the head, Keigo!]

You two must be very close. Are you all on your own here?

[ this time around, keigo didn't get particularly flustered over the touch to his head. he merely shrugged. ]

We're... pretty close, I guess. [ depended on what one considered as "close," honestly...] But yeah, I'm... no one else from my home is here with me. I'd be able to sense them pretty much immediately, I think, if they were.

I see. [There, there, it'll be alright, Keigo. Pat, pat, pat.

Then he smiled gently.] Well, if you don't mind. I could be your friend. You did save me after all.

[ oh... how adorable of him. keigo blinked and looked... pretty taken aback by the offer. people just didn't offer to be his friend like that! ]

W-well...

[ he cleared his throat, offering up a soft smile. ]

I'd like that. --Ah, though, I haven't introduced myself yet, have I?

[ talk about rude! sorry ichigo... ]

I'm Asano Keigo. I'm glad to meet you.

[Ichigo smiled back. A sweet and friendly smile~]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Asano-dono!

[ oh... those honorifics... he wasn't kidding about being an ancient sword, was he? it actually wasn't as jarring as it could have been, however; some of the shinigami used those honorifics back home, after all. ]

Well, now that we've gotten that out of the way...

[ keigo stood up from the ground, reaching his arm out to offer his hand to ichigo. ]

Ichigo-san, shall we leave this place?

[And a prince as well!

Ichigo looked a little amused at the offered hand, since he was usually the one doing the offering and not the other way round. He took it anyway and stood up with a flourish of his cape. Then he dusted himself off and quickly checked that his true sword self was securely sheathed and fastened to his side. Once he was satisfied that everything was in order, he nodded.]

Please lead the way then, Asano-dono.

[ helping his new friend to his feet, keigo kept a smile on his face throughout. it was funny how easily he slipped into a more or less positive attitude thanks to one person's kind words. he stepped forward, looking around them, searching for a good direction to head towards. ]

Hm... well, where should we go... You have an apartment here, right?

[ keigo knew where those complexes were, at least. maybe leading him home would be the best solution... he wasn't sure where else to go! ]

Well, I'm not certain.

When I was in that other place that was supposed to be a game, Mikazuki-dono said most of us were staying together in a set of apartments our Master had found for us. However, I'm afraid I don't know where they are... Is there a part of the city where most people stay in? Perhaps its there.

[ hm. so that meant... ]

There are other tsukumogami here? Maybe I can find them...

[ sensing spirits was about all he was good for, anyway. ]

How many of you are there, anyway?

[Ichigo nodded.]

There are. I'm don't know how many of us are here in total though... There are at least six of us here, including me. I met Tsurumaru-dono, Mikazuki-dono and Kashuu-dono in the game and I was told that my uncle and Kokitsunemaru-dono are here as well and that...

[Here he trailed off as he remembered being informed about an upcoming wedding between two of the swords. The thought of who was getting married made his heart hurt... He knew it must have something to do with the past he couldn't remember... His head started to hurt a bit as he tried to recall why the marriage saddened him. He started to sway and lose his balance...]

[ keigo's eyes went a little wide. ah, he recognized one of those names! ]

Kashuu-san... He's a tsukumogami? Hm. I should be able to...

[ keigo had felt something different about him, for sure, but he'd never put it together that he was a spirit, too... rubbing at his chin, he tried to pinpoint kashuu, but... ah, ichigo was looking a little off balance! ]

--Ah, Ichigo-san! Are you okay?

[ keigo impulsively reached over and grabbed ichigo by his shoulder, trying his best to steady him. ]

[Ichigo nodded.] Yes, he is. Kashuu-dono is one of the younger swords. [Only around 300 years old and so a baby compared to himself!

Ichigo snapped out of his reverie at Keigo's touch but he still looked a little dazed.]

I... ah, thank you, Asano-dono. I'm not sure what came over me. It must be because of the fire... Every time I try to remember things from before it... I... I think I should sit down for a bit if it's not too much trouble.

[ keigo looked on with concern stricken across his face; he wasn't familiar with the type of spirit that ichigo happened to be, so he wasn't sure what was normal behavior for them. he held onto him regardless, nodding at ichigo's suggestion. ]

Okay... here, sit back down, then...

[ keigo offered up his arm to ichigo, in case he needed it to keep his balance on his way back down to the ground. ]

Is trying to recall memories difficult for you?

Thank you.

[Ichigo held on lightly to Keigo's arm as he knelt neatly on the ground. He sighed softly. He hated showing weakness but since Keigo had already seen him at his lowest and had pulled him back up from it, there was perhaps no need to have to put up a facade around him.

He nodded sadly.]

I was badly damaged when Osaka Castle was burnt down and had to be reforged, and I've lost most of my memories of my life before the fire... I remember bits and pieces sometimes but when I try to focus on them I...

[ as ichigo sank back down to the ground, keigo followed after. he couldn't bring himself to just stand over him like that. sitting next to him, he listened attentively; his explanation was saddening, but admittedly rather interesting. keigo knew so little about tsukumogami that any information given to him was intriguing. still, he couldn't help but feel pained by his words. ]

I see. I'm sorry... that must be really difficult to deal with. I couldn't imagine losing that much of my memory...

[Ichigo gave a grateful little smile and once again touched the boy's head lightly for a moment.] Thank you for your kind words, Asano-dono.

[And you'll never be able to convince him that you're not a good person, Keigo! Ichigo looked off into the distance as he decided to tell Keigo something he's not confided to anyone else.]

Mikazuki-dono looked so sad when I said I couldn't remember him... He did say that our previous masters were together for a long time, but I can't recall any of that. Yet, somehow I feel this closeness to him and his presence comforts me. So I guess that's why when I heard... [His voice trailed off for a bit before continuing and he brought a hand up to his heart.] ... that he was getting married... Is it selfish of me to want to stop it? I should be happy that he's happy, shouldn't I? For whatever we had is all in the past now. And how can I lay claim to something I don't even remember...?

[ keigo allowed ichigo to touch his head and hair as he pleased; he figured it must have been a soothing action to him. keigo wanted to impart any little bit of comfort he could.

and his words... they struck a particular chord with keigo, something he couldn't exactly describe. while he had no issues with his memories, the concept of watching someone he cared about go off with someone else... it hit very close to home. keigo closed his eyes and exhaled softly. how could he answer him? keigo himself was a selfish person, at times, but ultimately... he allowed those he cared for to do as they pleased. how could he comfort ichigo when he wasn't sure how he would comfort himself?

after a moment, he shook his head. ]

Maybe it is selfish... but all the same... I understand it.

[ he opened his eyes and fixed ichigo with a pained look, contrasting the way his lips curled into a soft smile. ]

Sometimes, you just feel a pull to someone that you can't explain. Even if you can't remember it-- [ keigo placed a hand to his own heart then. ] --your soul must. And no matter how hard you try to let it go, it'll always be there.

So I think... it's not a bad thing that you feel that way. It doesn't make you a bad person. And... you just have to figure out a way to accept those feelings and still be supportive of that person. It'll hurt... but...

[ keigo sighed. ]

It would hurt you more, I think, if that person were to feel guilt over how you feel. If that makes sense.

[The action did comfort him and Ichigo lightly stroked his hair for while more before realizing what he was doing and withdrawing his hand.

He glanced over at the boy when he heard him say he understood how he felt. He wondered if something similar had happened to Keigo but did not feel it would be polite to ask, not just yet.

Then he noticed the pain behind the other's smile. Perhaps it was the caring older brother in him or maybe it was just because he'd found a kindred spirit...]

... Asano-dono...

[... as quite naturally and without thinking his gloved hand reached out to touch keigo gently on the cheek.]

... I'm sorry I made you recall something something unpleasant. You're hurting the same way, aren't you?

[And this was his way of coping. Concentrate on helping someone else so he won't have to think about his own pain and sorrow.]

[ keigo certainly wasn't expecting that level of reaction from ichigo. the way his hand fit against his cheek was disarming in a profound way, enough to have his eyes widening slightly. just like before, keigo was utterly at a loss for how to react to such a candid display of comfort. no one had ever given his feelings this much consideration before, especially not anyone he'd just met! his face flushed again and, in an attempt to diffuse it, he laughed softly. ]

I... well.

[ keigo sighed again, staring down at his lap. how could he explain himself? he didn't really know. it wasn't like he was experiencing the same problem ichigo was... not really, anyway. he just... somehow felt that same pain; something in his subconscious supplied him with the information and now... he was thinking it over.

it made sense, when he gave it a moment's thought. ]

It's nothing to apologize for. I'm not really... upset, I guess. It's a bittersweet sort of feeling, I think.

[ he reached forward and placed his hand against ichigo's shoulder, an attempt to return that same level of kindness through touch. ]

It hurts but at the same time, it feels... right, I guess. I know I'm not meant to have certain things, so it gets easier to accept as time goes on. I think you're probably a lot more deserving than I am, though.

[ his hand slid down ichigo's shoulder, skimming against his arm before he let go. ]

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I can't really understand the full situation you're going through, but a lot of what you're feeling is familiar to me.

[Keigo really was someone who got flustered easily or so Ichigo thought. ~~That's only because you've only just met but you keep touching him affectionately, Ichi-nii!~~ It was rather cute, in a way. Part of him, the dormant part of him from before the fire who was quite the flirt and tease, wanted to see what other reactions he could get, but fortunately (?) for Keigo that part hadn't woken up yet!

Ichigo glanced up at him with a slight tint of his head at the touch, trying to understand what he meant. He nodded thoughtfully.]

And could it be that your heightened spiritual awareness and empathy is causing you to feel what I feel?

[He let his hand linger on Keigo's cheek for now.] And please don't belittle yourself like that, Asano-dono. I'm sure you deserve a lot more. Someone with such a kind soul as yours deserves a lot more. [Her smiled softly, encouragingly.] Please believe in yourself.

[ ichigo would be right to think that; despite his own flirtatious nature, it didn't take much to fluster him if someone was forward enough. but at the very least, the situation didn't cause him to dwell on it for particularly long. even though ichigo continued to touch his face, keigo didn't pull away just yet. he was too focused on their conversation, too focused on trying to explain himself properly. ]

T-that... that could be part of it, maybe.

[ he definitely could sense a lot of things he wasn't able to in the past, but it wasn't something he thought about often. anything was possible!

ichigo's words were met with another bit of hesitation, though this time around, it was largely due to keigo's lack of self confidence. ichigo didn't know him, so how could he say such things with conviction? keigo found himself staring briefly before he looked away, lips quirked slightly. ]

I appreciate that sentiment... But it's easier said than done.

I see. [His hand slowly slid away from Keigo's cheek and he moved away a bit.] Ah, perhaps I shouldn't sit so close to you then. I don't wish to burden or trouble you with my pain... And it must be very hard to constant have to deal with other people's strong feelings in additional to your own...

[Ichigo was familiar with that lack of confidence. It was something he saw often in the youngest of his brothers and like with his brother, Ichigo wanted to do what he could to dispel that self-doubt. Once again, before he could stop himself, he reached out to gently yet firmly cradle Keigo's face in his hands and make him look back at him.]

It will be hard but I believe in you. If you ever need help, I'm here. Please remember that.

[ keigo opened his mouth to protest; there really was no reason for ichigo to feel guilty over the nature of his abilities! neither of them could control it, anyway. but before he could so much as utter a word, ichigo's hands cupped his face and keigo froze up entirely.

ah... this was far more candid than he was prepared to deal with. just like before, his face flushed red, leaving him looking rather silly, all things considered. it wasn't often that a guy had this much power over him, especially with something as simple as a few encouraging words and doting touches.

nevertheless, it got the job done. keigo was forced to look at ichigo, unable to turn his gaze away to his lap or the ground or ... anywhere else. how could someone be this kind to a stranger? keigo wasn't sure what to do! ]

T-th...thank you.

[ his voice was small, hesitant, embarrassed, but genuine. he truly did appreciate the sentiment ichigo was offering to him and he only wished he could respond in a better way. ]

No one... no one's ever said anything like that to me before.

[Yes, look into his trusting clear amber eyes, Keigo! He truly believes in you and will make it one of his missions to make you see your own self-worth! While hiding his own insecurities about being an unworthy reforged amnesiac sword... but that's an entirely different matter!

Ichigo smiles gently at him, glad to see that he was somewhat getting through to the boy. A small step but still progress! He let go of Keigo but not before giving him another appreciative pat on the head. Good boy! And he did not see Keigo as a stranger. Keigo was his saviour, friend and someone who clearly needed being taken care of!]

You're welcome, Asano-dono! And those people were fools. It's their lost that they were unable to see what a wonderful person you are.

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