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. ] |
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[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...?
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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.
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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.]
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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.
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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.
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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.
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[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.
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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.
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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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keigo was, quite simply, stunned by the way ichigo was treating him. he could ignore the embarrassing touches (it wasn't as though he wasn't touchy-feely, because... he was) in favor of trying to analyze everything he'd said to him.
it... almost hurt. as ichigo let go of him, keigo sat back a bit and stared down at his lap. how could someone he'd just met take such an interest in him when his friends of several years were content to assume things about him? he almost wanted to cry. instead, he chuckled softly, the sound rather humorless. ]
I... I want to believe you. I'll... try my best.
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The cause of Keigo’s lack of confidence must have gone much, much deeper than he’d intially thought though. It pained him to see that. Was Keigo badly treated in his own world? Why would anyone mistreat this sweet child? This boy who went out of his way to save him from his own darkness.
Well, he'll just have remain loyal and supportive of his new friend and help him see the wonderful person he saw.
Ichigo smiled gently and encouragingly at him, even though Keigo was currently looking down.]
And that's all I ask of you, Asano-dono. Believe in yourself. I'll do everything in my power to help you. If you should ever need anyone to talk to, I’m right here.
[Now stop looking so glum or he'll need to hug it out of you!]
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finally, he looked back up at ichigo with a smile of his own. it wasn't his typical smile, lacking a great deal of strength, but it was genuine nonetheless. ]
Okay. I... really appreciate this, Ichigo-san.
[ how would he repay him for this kindness? keigo wasn't sure, not yet, but he'd think of something! for the time being, he wanted to ensure that ichigo himself was alright! ]
Are you feeling okay now? Do you need to rest longer?
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[Oh, and now the focus was turned back to him. Ichigo hesitated for just a fraction of a second, not really wanting to have to think about his own situation. No, wait, Keigo was asking him how he felt right now, at this instant, not about the other whole mess of his life. Ichigo continued smiling.]
Yes, I feel better now. We can continue on our way.
[He moved to get up, his legs feeling quite stiff from kneeling on the hard ground so he was a little wobbly but he's fine, really!]
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Good. I'm glad you're feeling better.
[ at least if he could focus on ichigo's situation, it would help in alleviating his own worries for the time being. as ichigo began to stand, keigo followed suit, keeping close just in case he needed to hang onto him for support. ]
You can grab onto me if you need to, Ichigo-san.
[ keigo noticed the unsteadiness in his posture, so he offered up his arm, but he didn't move to grasp onto him directly. comfort level was important! ]
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These two are really kind of hopeless in their own adorable way!Oh, Keigo noticed his unsteadiness. That made Ichigo feel a liitle sheepish and his cheeks turned a light pink. Now that he was feeling better, he felt the need to be graceful and perfect again, in his gestures, speech and movement. That was expected of a sword prince after all. But maybe it was alright to rely on Keigo a bit... It felt like it would be alright. So he took Keigo on his offer and laid a hand rather delicately on the offered arm, still feeling quite embarrassed.]Thank you, Asano-dono. [He laughed lightly.] I guess I'm getting on in years.
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he couldn't help but smile a bit brighter when he saw ichigo's face turn pink. at least he wasn't the only one who had been flustered! as ichigo took his arm, keigo straightened up and squared his shoulders, like a real gentleman... or something. he certainly looked the part of an escort, with his broad shoulders and height! ]
Don't mention it! I wouldn't want you to fall over.
[ he flashed ichigo a grin, his expression brightening considerably. ]
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Well, he's only a bit taller than Ichigo though? This prince is around 5’9” but of slender build. Ichigo couldn't help a soft chuckle at the way Keigo straightened up and appeared more confident. If something as simple as letting the other escort him could bring about such a positive change, he didn't mind leaning on him a bit more.
He smiled back brightly, a light blush still upon his cheeks.] Then I entrust my safety to you, Asano-dono. Please lead the way then to the apartments.
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those extra centimeters mean a lot to him ok...keigo's confidence appeared to be relative to the situation he was in. if someone else was flustered, that gave him ample opportunity to forget his own misgivings!! in this case, pretending he wasn't as embarrassed as he was beforehand and helping ichigo around was a perfect way to keep up a strong appearance!though who knew how long it would last? ichigo already proved to be able to fluster keigo rather easily, after all. ]
You can count on me!
[ with that, he started off! ]
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And now you sound like another of his brothers! The one who's so proud that he's taller than his other tantou brothers!It'll all last until Keigo does something that gives Ichigo another excuse to touch him somewhere on the head or face, it seems.Ichigo lets Keigo lead him. It was actually a good thing he had someone to hold onto as he did feel quite exhausted from everything that had happened so far. Then he remembered something Keigo said about being alone here, so he looked over at him.
Asano-dono? What about you? Do you have a place to stay?
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he blinked at the question posed to him and gave a little nod. it was only natural that he ask, he supposed. ]
Yeah, I've got an apartment... I'll be living alone, though.
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Asano-dono. If you don't mind, perhaps you could stay with us. I'm sure we have plenty of room for one more person and I don't think the others will mind. We're all used to living together in a large group. It’d be safer too as we’d be able to look out for one another.
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Ah, th-this reminds me... do you happen to know anyone named ah... Mutsunokami?
[ he must have. because mutsu had just so happened to offer up the same thing to keigo before... staying in a group residence... and mutsu had given keigo similar vibes to ichigo, as far as spiritual intuition went. there was no way it was a coincidence, right? ]
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[The sword spirits are everywhere, Keigo! You're surrounded by them!]
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Y-yeah. I met both of them the last time I was here. Mutsunokami-san wanted me to come stay with him and ... ah...
[ ...what was his name... it was a strange one, that was for sure... ]
...Haruji. Is what he called him.
[ that conversation... was still embarrassing and slightly unnerving as keigo recalled it. at the time, it sounded so... inappropriate. ]
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The last time you were here...? [That piqued his curiousity.
Ah, and that nickname some of the swords were fond of using. A portmanteau of their master's name ‘Haru’ and master ‘aruji’. Ichigo himself quite disliked it as he found it disrespectful. But their master did not object to it so it wasn't his place to stop the others from using it. But he did frown lightly in disapproval at it. To think that the others have been telling people that that was their master's name.]
His name is Haru and he is own master. He is the saniwa sage who has given us these human bodies we now possess. ‘Haruji’ is just a silly nickname some of the others have given him.
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