« 004 ⇢ event004.exe »

[reparator]

Who: Everyone ever.
When: ooc: 10/30 to 11/04 ; ic: 09/26 to 09/28
Where: Cerealia - all five districts.
What: Clowns, Murder, Outrage and One Direction. Happy Halloween :D
Rating/Warning: PG-13 to R. [ image within includes brief flash of scary clowns, scroll down quickly if you don't want to see it! ]

//event004.EXE Queen of the Mountain It's morning when the lights go out completely. Not a single one remains on except the glow of the device and whatever flashlights anyone bothered to stock up on. However, a single hologram in the Shopping District broadcasts along a billboard for a Very Important Announcement. After that, you hear a song so tender and beautiful that it must have been composed by angels at the dawn of time. "Baby, you light up my world like nobody else. The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed… " When you go outside to investigate, a friendly clown will be inside a stolen(?) ice cream truck, looking to get all your attention before he talks through the speaker on the truck. "Greetings, Cerealians! It's nice of you to join us at last. Are you worried about the power coming back? Oh, I'm sure CERES is working on it now. Rest assured that they have their finest technicians on the job. You won't be without your precious personal computers and robot-pets much longer. In the meantime, let's play a game shall we! The rules are rather simple: ♥ You see that necklace on your chest? That's a lantern. You're going to want to hold onto that. If you lose it… well, you don't want to know what will happen to you if you do. ♥ Now, for the fun part! Collect the necklaces any way you wish, though we prefer the naughty way. Kill a friend. Kill a foe. Killkillkillkill until the streets are paved with blood. ♥ Whoever collects the most of those lanterns, gets a special surprise! They get to go back home, back to their friends and loved ones and away from CERES' endless lies and trickery. Don't you know it's all a lie? Your worlds weren't destroyed. This is a penal colony, and you've been suckered into the biggest prank of your life. But I'm here to help, of course. Just bring me a garbage bag full of the lanterns, and I'll show you, the lucky winner, the way out."

//SCENARIOS.EXE PHASE I [ xxxx ] You're going about your business, wading through the dark, finding supplies. But you're not alone. After the broadcast happens, everything is in full swing. Some masked participants decide to start breaking into shops, classes, apartments, you name it. There's no escaping them. They're on the hunt, they're after you 'cause they're hungry like the woooolf. You can choose to engage them, fight your way out, jump into the game, or head to the sanctuary located in CERES academy. The choice is yours. Be sure to make the right one. PHASE II [ xxxx ] Spiders, spiders everywhere. For those who decided to surrender their lanterns, the first twelve hours of the game are a breeze. Then, come the spiders, hungry critters that will attack and try to catch you in their many webs strewn through the colony. Be sure not to get stuck in one while they chase you. PHASE III [ xxxx ] Feeling weak? Not quite keeping up with the clown-faced gentlemen? Or maybe even your former friends and lovers? Well, there's a solution for that! You'll find another masked man happily pedaling some Pulse for you to take. The temptation is there with the promise of extra strength and a boost of power and speed. He won't hint at any side-effects, but oh, how you'll feel them when they hit. And those trying to dodge that fate, don't put your drink down anywhere or take your eyes off your food. Someone just might slip a little extra to get this game really going. PHASE IV [ xxxx ] It's the last day of the game. You're tired. You're weary. You may have stabbed a roommate or ten. But the lights are gradually returning while the CEO appears as if from nowhere with a public apology on all the billboards. You're welcome to spam your disgust and contempt in his inbox. His explanation for not being around? Quite simple! He was off on an expedition this whole time and wasn't aware of the situation because he gets no reception out in the jungle. See, he was doing it all for the good of the colony and trying to look for more habitable terrain. Isn't that kind of him? Any further complaints will be forward to his underlings, Elias and Lucius. BONUS [ whyo'clock ] You know what's fun? Jumping castles! Someone happened to surreptitiously leave one in CERES' large garden. Do you want to go in and see what's inside? For a limited time only, you can escape the madness and murder to jump to your heart's content. There also might be another clown-faced murderer watching you as you jump. And jump again. He'll just be in the corner. Breathing. Watching. [ Remember to apply proper warnings on threads with trigger-y 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 fourth official event. For your convenience, we have compiled an OOC post explaining the event in greater detail. Feel free to ask questions there if you have anymore lingering concerns or inquiries.

<lj-cut text="event004.exe"><raw-code> <center><table style="width: 700px; padding: 0px; border: 0px"><tr> <td style="padding-left: 20px; vertical-align: top;"><div style="width: 700px; text-align: justify; font-family: cambria; font-size: 13px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -2px; font-size: 16px; color: #545454;"><div style="letter-spacing: 5px; background: #4a4a4a; font-family: lucida console; color: #05d39b; text-decoration: none; padding-left: 20px;"><font color="white">//</font>event004<font color="white">.EXE</font></div></center></span> <div style="background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/OLpYI4W.png'); padding: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#6a4972"> <center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/0KKtiAj.gif" style="border-radius: 30px;"></center><br> <center><b>Queen of the Mountain</b></center><br><br> It's morning when the lights go out completely. Not a single one remains on except the glow of the device and whatever flash lights anyone bothered to stock up on. However, a single hologram in the Shopping District broadcasts along a billboard for a Very Important Announcement. After that, you hear a song so tender and beautiful that it must have been composed by angels at the dawn of time. <br><br> <i>"Baby, you light up my world like nobody else. The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed… "</i><br><br> When you go outside to investigate, a friendly clown will be inside a stolen(?) ice cream truck, looking to get all your attention before he talks through the speaker on the truck. <blockquote><img src="http://i.imgur.com/WY3GGnO.png" style="width: 200px; border-radius: 50%; padding-right: 10px;" align="left"> <span style="background: #fff; padding: 6px;">"Greetings, Cerealians! It's nice of you to join us at last. Are you worried about the power coming back? Oh, I'm sure CERES is working on it now. Rest assured that they have their finest technicians on the job. You won't be without your precious personal computers and robot-pets much longer. <br><br> In the meantime, let's play a game shall we! The rules are rather simple: <br><br> ♥ You see that necklace on your chest? That's a lantern. You're going to want to hold onto that. If you lose it… well, you don't want to know what will happen to you if you do.<br> ♥ Now, for the fun part! Collect the necklaces anyway you wish, though we prefer the naughty way. Kill a friend. Kill a foe. Killkillkill<i>kill</i> until the streets are paved with blood.<br> ♥ Whoever collects the most of those lanterns, gets a special surprise! They get to go back home, back to their friends and loved ones and away from CERES' endless lies and trickery. Don't you know it's all a lie? Your worlds weren't destroyed. This is a penal colony, and you've been suckered into the biggest prank of your life. But I'm here to help, of course. Just bring me a garbage bag full of the lanterns, and I'll show you, the lucky winner, the way out."</span></blockquote> </raw-code></span></div></div> </td></tr></table> <raw-code> <table style="width: 700px;"><tr><td style="padding-left: 20px; vertical-align: top;"><div style="width: 700px; text-align: justify; font-family: cambria; font-size: 13px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -2px; font-size: 16px; color: #545454;"><div style="letter-spacing: 5px; background: #4a4a4a; font-family: lucida console; color: #05d39b; text-decoration: none; padding-left: 20px;"><font color="white">//</font>SCENARIOS<font color="white">.EXE</font></div></center></span> <div style="background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/OLpYI4W.png'); padding: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><font color="#6a4972"> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-style: solid; border-width: 16px 11px 11px 0; border-color: transparent #2aced4 transparent transparent; display: inline-block;"></div><div style="position: relative; background-color: #2aced4; height: 26px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: top; color: #fff; padding: 1px; padding-left: 8px; font-family: arial narrow; background: #2aced4; font-size: 15px; color: #fff; padding-right: 10px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; border-radius: 2px;">PHASE I</div> <blockquote><font face="courier" new="new" color="black">[ <b>xx<img src="http://i.imgur.com/pKuf6cT.gif" alt=":">xx</b> ]</font> You're going about your business, wading through the dark, finding supplies. But you're not alone. After the broadcast happens, everything is in full swing. Some masked participants decide to start breaking into shops, classes, apartments, you name it. There's no escaping them. They're on the hunt, they're after you <strike>'cause they're hungry like the woooolf</strike>. You can choose to engage them, fight your way out, jump into the game, or head to the sanctuary located in CERES academy. The choice is yours. Be sure to make the right one.</blockquote> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-style: solid; border-width: 16px 11px 11px 0; border-color: transparent #2aced4 transparent transparent; display: inline-block;"></div><div style="position: relative; background-color: #2aced4; height: 26px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: top; color: #fff; padding: 1px; padding-left: 8px; font-family: arial narrow; background: #2aced4; font-size: 15px; color: #fff; padding-right: 10px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; border-radius: 2px;">PHASE II</div> <blockquote> <font face="courier" new="new" color="black">[ <b>xx<img src="http://i.imgur.com/pKuf6cT.gif" alt=":">xx</b> ]</font> Spiders, spiders everywhere. For those who decided to surrender their lanterns, the first twelve hours of the game are a breeze. Then come the <a href="http://i.imgur.com/P53wYHS.png">spiders</a>, hungry critters that will attack and try to catch you in its many webs strewn through the colony. Be sure not to get stuck in one while it chases you.</blockquote> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-style: solid; border-width: 16px 11px 11px 0; border-color: transparent #2aced4 transparent transparent; display: inline-block;"></div><div style="position: relative; background-color: #2aced4; height: 26px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: top; color: #fff; padding: 1px; padding-left: 8px; font-family: arial narrow; background: #2aced4; font-size: 15px; color: #fff; padding-right: 10px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; border-radius: 2px;">PHASE III</div> <blockquote> <font face="courier" new="new" color="black">[ <b>xx<img src="http://i.imgur.com/pKuf6cT.gif" alt=":">xx</b> ]</font> Feeling weak? Not quite keeping up with the clown-faced gentlemen? Or maybe even your former friends and lovers? Well, there's a solution for that! You'll find another masked man happily pedaling some <i>Pulse</i> for you to take. The temptation is there with the promise of extra strength and a boost of power and speed. He won't hint at any side-effects, but oh, how you'll feel them when it hits. And those trying to dodge that fate, don't put your drink down anywhere or take your eyes off your food. Someone just might slip a little extra to get this game really going.<br><br></blockquote> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-style: solid; border-width: 16px 11px 11px 0; border-color: transparent #2aced4 transparent transparent; display: inline-block;"></div><div style="position: relative; background-color: #2aced4; height: 26px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: top; color: #fff; padding: 1px; padding-left: 8px; font-family: arial narrow; background: #2aced4; font-size: 15px; color: #fff; padding-right: 10px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; border-radius: 2px;">PHASE IV</div> <blockquote> <font face="courier" new="new" color="black">[ <b>xx<img src="http://i.imgur.com/pKuf6cT.gif" alt=":">xx</b> ]</font> It's the last day of the game. You're tired. You're weary. You may have stabbed a roommate or ten. But the lights are gradually returning while the CEO appears as if from nowhere with a public apology on all the billboards. You're welcome to spam your disgust and contempt in his <A href="http://messor.dreamwidth.org/2902.html">inbox</a>. His explanation for not being around? Quite simple! He was off on an expedition this whole time and wasn't aware of the situation because he gets no reception out in the jungle. See, he was doing it all for the good of the colony and trying to look for more habitable terrain. Isn't that kind of him? <br><br> Any further complaints will be forward to his underlings, <a href="http://serritor.dreamwidth.org/">Elias</a> and <a href="http://insitor.dreamwidth.org/">Lucius</a>.<br><br> </blockquote> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-style: solid; border-width: 16px 11px 11px 0; border-color: transparent #2aced4 transparent transparent; display: inline-block;"></div><div style="position: relative; background-color: #2aced4; height: 26px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: top; color: #fff; padding: 1px; padding-left: 8px; font-family: arial narrow; background: #2aced4; font-size: 15px; color: #fff; padding-right: 10px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; border-radius: 2px;">BONUS</div> <blockquote> <font face="courier" new="new" color="black">[ <b>why<img src="http://i.imgur.com/pKuf6cT.gif" alt=":">o'clock</b> ]</font> You know what's fun? <a href="http://i.imgur.com/vruHeN8.jpg">Jumping castles</a>! Someone happened to surreptitiously leave one in CERES' large garden. Do you want to go in and see what's inside? For a limited time only, you can escape the madness and murder to jump to your heart's content. There also might be another clown-face murderer watching you as you jump. And jump again. He'll just be in the corner. Breathing. <i>Watching.</i> </blockquote> [ Remember to apply proper warnings on threads with trigger-y or inappropriate material and do let a mod know if your thread careens off into maiming or canoodling so we can lock the log. ] </span></div></div> </td></tr></table><br> <table style="width: 700px; padding: 0px; border: 0px"><tr> <td style="padding-left: 20px; vertical-align: top;"><div style="width: 700px; text-align: justify; font-family: cambria; font-size: 13px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -2px; font-size: 16px; color: #545454;"><div style="letter-spacing: 5px; background: #4a4a4a; font-family: lucida console; color: #05d39b; text-decoration: none; padding-left: 20px;"><font color="white">//</font>RUN<font color="white">.EXE</font></div></center></span> <div style="background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/OLpYI4W.png'); padding: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#6a4972"> Welcome to CEREALIA's fourth official event. For your convenience, we have compiled an <A href="http://exteria.dreamwidth.org/17331.html">OOC post</a> explaining the event in greater detail. Feel free to ask questions there if you have anymore lingering concerns or inquiries. <br><br> </span></div></div> </td></tr></table><br>

Comments

ota!

[souredsweet]

i;
[Just three months of dealing with the things that happen here have been more than enough to make Kaoru immediately distrusting of this "offer". Returning home? There's no chance it would be that easy, and there's no way that Kaoru is going to trust anyone saying that escape is as simple as one-two-three (or murder, in this case).

So rather than turning a blade on anyone else, Kaoru can be found with one hand curled around the lantern necklace, sticking to the sides of buildings and seeming to be on guard. NO SPIDERS ARE HEADING THIS WAY AT LEAST so maybe anyone with lanterns should come and hang out - safety in numbers and all. Those who approach without any obvious intent to start a fight will be met with a wary look, but not turned away.]

...I hope that no one will take this game of theirs seriously. ["No one" IE YOU.

Otherwise, Kaoru can be found feeling around the outer window of a dark grocers, seemingly completely focused on whatever inane task is at hand. Come and chat? Attempt a murder? Push through the window and laugh like a third grade bully??]

ii;
[OR MAYBE you've already ditched your lantern and are looking for a reprieve from spider hell, or just happen to be frantic and running because only like ten people here are big enough horror buffs to realize that running never works out. In that case, since Kaoru is always 100% down for helping out the populace like a Fine Upstanding Citizen™, you may find yourself either being pulled into a side-alley or gestured over in the direction of an open building.]

This way—! [KAORU IS TRUSTWORTHY COME ON OVER.]

locked to soujirou + chizuru;
[After an unfortunate amount of time has been spent wandering around aimlessly, helping people, being pushed into buildings and cursing quietly into the night, Kaoru finally catches sight of the one elusive person that's actually important, gosh.

Wasting no time, Kaoru will approach from behind like a truly shifty individual. At least it won't be a surprise arrival, since the hurried steps taken forward are also accompanied by:]

Chizuru!

i;

[deontology]

[The last thing Sousei intends to do is kill other people in order to "go home". Because. It's obviously bullshit.

Like, so obviously bullshit that he can't believe anyone would even fall for it (except he can, because he knows how far people can go when they're desperate). But between how completely shady the messenger is, and how it'd be far too easy, and how he doubts they'd be rewarded for that, he's stalking the streets for one reason, and one reason only--to defend those who can't protect themselves. It's weird, how much altruistic defending he's been doing lately, but when he considers that his task is rapidly becoming "Go against whatever bullshit CERES sends at them next", it makes perfect sense.

He narrows his eyes, but the voice is familiar, and he doesn't even bother to lower his hand to the hilt of his sword.]

Nagumo Kaoru. You are uninjured, then? [Straight to the point, like always.

HELLO IT'S YOUR FAVORITE PERSON.]

[souredsweet]

[nAUGH NO WHO SENT SOUSEI THIS WAY

That is, while Kaoru is bristling internally, none of that manages to leak outward. It's a dang feat considering how much energy is being spent on just keeping an eye out and a strong guard up, but Kaoru is dedicated to good impressions, if nothing else. There's a certain amount of sharpness present that can't be hidden, though; a keen warrior's eye would be able to pick up on the readiness to evade and run at a moment's notice even in a less tense situation, so Kaoru doesn't bother trying to seem unguarded.]

Ah... I am so far, yes. [But hell if Kaoru actually trusts anyone in this city enough to say something optimistic like "I AM AND I WILL BE A-OKAY"...

After shifting a little, one foot to the other in a gesture of unease, Kaoru's gaze drops off a little to the side.]

Thank you for asking. I hope the same holds true for you, sir. [...] But even if I am not injured, this situation is something that I can't condone. To be forced into such a horrible "game" while CERES remains silent... [muffled sounds of kaoru joining the lonely barricade at dawn in the future revolt against CERES, basically.]

I don't trust the words of those foul men either, though. They must have a truer aim here than to try helping people home... [Kaoru's grip on the necklace tightens a little.] Are we meant to be entertainment to this group or that for as long as we stay here?

[deontology]

[There's something really jarring about Kaoru, honestly. The appearance, the tone of voice, the delicate words all match up. However...there is that combat readiness, and Sousei would not have gotten as far as he has if he couldn't recognize that in someone. Where does it come from? The disconnect is odd, and he doesn't understand it--and so for now, he doesn't say a word about it, instead shifting his gaze away from Kaoru to look out into the dark.]

...It may very well be for entertainment. [He's not unfamiliar with people doing things just for the hell of it, and to make people squirm.

...The situation is stupid enough that he actually sighs, softly.]

This isn't enough. They will attempt to add to the chaos, if entertainment is their goal.

[souredsweet]

[Kaoru follows Sousei's stare outward; seeing well in the dark is something that's coming in handy lately, though things would undoubtedly be easier if it never came in handy at all.

His statement is met with a concerned look, though, gaze snapping back away from the alleys and streets that are (mercifully) empty for the time being and searching Sousei's face instead. The expression present seems to grow with that unease.]

Do you think so...? [Both hands knit together, fingers wringing, coming to rest at waist-level in a gesture that seems uncertain and upset.] ...I don't want to believe that it would be their aim or that they would take things so far, but I can't think of any possible alternatives, or any reason as to why they would be doing something like this. Can you?

[But before Sousei will be able to answer, Kaoru will follow up the question with a quick:] Ah— do you mind if we talk and walk at the same time? Standing in one place for too long makes me uncomfortable...

i

[unluckless]

[Komaeda has no murderous intent. He's played that game before, and it's a disaster he doesn't intend on being involved in again. So when he hears those words, his posture relaxes, his grip on his crowbar easing from white-knuckled hold on it.] I'd hope so too, but unfortunately I think at least some people will. Being offered a way home is a strong motivation I'm sure, if you believe it's true.

[He just doesn't.] I've seen it before.

[souredsweet]

[Kaoru, however, remains in a relatively defensive position. Being familiar with the tactic of acting relatively good-natured to get someone's guard to drop means that a little extra caution - likely bordering on paranoia - is exerted.]

You have...? [A gentle note of curiosity lifts Kaoru's tone up, lips pressing together into a thin line.] ...I'm sorry for you, sir. Desperation does tend to bring out the worst in some. [Or in all, maybe; just different levels that manifest uniquely in each person who experiences it.]

Do you think that the situation will become dire? All of the people that I've met so far have been kind and thoughtful... I don't want to believe that any of them would sacrifice the life of another for a chance.

[unluckless]

[He can't blame her for that. Paranoia is his closest companion these days. The stockpile of supplies and weapons back in his apartment is evidence enough of that. For now though, he's rather hoping this is a conversation and not a battle in disguise.]

Desperation and despair... but they can bring out the best in people too.

[Though he believes that a little less than he used to.]

It would be nice to think that, but even kind people can make surprising choices if they think that chance is important enough to take. I guess that's cynical. I'm sure at least some people will refuse to play this sort of game. Hinata-kun and I won't. Not after that island.

[souredsweet]

[That earns him a somewhat scrutinizing look, though Kaoru voices no opinion one way or another. Desperation and despair have only brought about some very poor experiences; if hope exists within it, Kaoru's yet to see that personally.

But the rest of what Komaeda says is a good enough point to change the topic.]

Ah— You know Hinata-san? [It's clear that the name is recognized. Kaoru doesn't know Hinata well, per se, but has a decent enough grasp on his personality to lose at least a small degree of the tension currently present. A friend of Hinata's could be just as sensible (hAH) as Hinata is, after all.]

...I apologize for prying, but may I ask what island you're referring to? Was it somewhere here?

[derepressed]

[Those hurried steps might be accompanied by a voice, but that voice comes so suddenly that Chizuru can't help but gasp as she turns sharply to look toward the source, tense and terrified. It seems to take her a couple of moments to process that it's Kaoru right there and not someone - or something - who means her harm.

(Hah.)

Her voice is a little shrill and panicked-sounding.]

—Kaoru-san?!

[souredsweet]

[LOOK, YOU.......

Kaoru will approach without hesitation, lantern safely tucked into the collar of his shirt. Having two hands free is more of a necessity than a luxury at this point, but they'll both be extended out toward her once she's within reaching distance. There's relief in the expression currently present, but a strange intensity seems to be there, too.]

Are you all right? [Eyes immediately dropping, checking for her necklace—] No one's come after you? Your lantern is fine—?

[derepressed]

I'm fine!

[And she's immediately scrambling to pull out her necklace - which was tucked into her top, but now she's tugging on it so he can see it.] It's... a little creepy, but— I'm okay...

[put your lantern away chizuru pUT IT AWAY]

Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you..?

[souredsweet]

[GRABBING HER HANDS. At least there is like zero intent present to try taking her lantern... Kaoru just seems a little overly-enthusiastic to see that she's in one piece and that she hasn't given it away to the first person who asked politely.]

I'm so glad, Chizuru— I'm was worried about you... [VERY WORRIED if his grip is anything to go by.] I'm fine, I've been fine. [And will continue to be fine, probably. Kaoru's returned to the apartment to fetch needed supplies by now and wears a purple cloth bag slung over one shoulder that's the size and shape of Daitsuren.]

Stay with me, okay? I'll keep you safe, too.

i.!

[mistified]

[ She didn't believe the fact that their worlds were destroyed any more than she believes that a freaky creature of her nightmares is going to decide whether they go home or not. Perhaps it's from her time at Zelien where she knows if they promise anything, it's unlikely to ever be true-

Her own senses hold true here anyway. She's got the lantern wrapped up in a cloth tied around the pendant though it's still giving off a glow- and she grumbles as she storms forward, unhappy with this turn-out. Bad enough she works late but now they have this. Lovely.

However, it's when she sees a familiar small figure in the darkness that she can't help but smile a bit before she moves a hand to her hip, standing at a distance so Kaoru isn't startled- ]

Think you'd have to be a special brand of crazy to enjoy this game, huh? What are you doing there, Kaoru?

[ She's unarmed, but then, she's also got her magic still working- not that it can harm anyone, but it's still something to give her a head start into running. ]

[souredsweet]

[If nothing else, Kaoru seems to be vaguely grateful for the distance kept! Megumi probably won't try anything, from what little is known about her so far, but being paranoid just exacerbates already tense situations to the point that she may as well be approaching at knifepoint.]

Mm, that's... certainly true. [IN A VERY MILD WAY, HONESTLY. Kaoru would be 100% more rude and insulting. There's already a stream of internal monologuing happening in which everyone who seems remotely inclined to participate is immediately labelled a massive idiot.

At the question, though, Kaoru's hand pulls a little tighter over the lighted pendant.] ...I'm not sure what sort of supplies I'll be needing. [Lower lip drawn in, brows knitting.] I just want to find somewhere safe and stay there, but there are people that I need to look for, too. My sister...

[mistified]

Your sister- Chizuru, wasn't it? I didn't know she was here-

[ Then again, she hasn't really kept in touch with anyone she knew back from Zelien. Call it a drawback of the place, but with so many things becoming more and more confusing, she hasn't risked it. She sighs and looks over at Kaoru, glancing at the grocer's and reaching into her hair for two pins. ]

But if you're looking for supplies, we'll probably have to stack up just a bit. Move.

[ She's glad that for as digital and futuristic this place is, it isn't skimping out on the manual stuff. It's a lock she can pick, at least, and she motions Kaoru over- ]

Shine that light here so I can see what I'm doing- I've almost got it.

phase ii

[duad]

Wait, but—!

[ She looks over her shoulder as she's dragged along, watching Jason and Naoi disappear from view. It's hard to see anything in this darkness and there's no way of knowing that someone's gone until they are, so there's no chance of them even knowing until they eventually do...

Mary looks at Kaoru, not quite understanding this gesture. Why only her? ]

My friends... I—I can't be safe when they're gonna be out there!

[souredsweet]

[It seems that Kaoru hadn't even noticed that Mary had been traveling with others. The dark keeps people well-hidden even with their lanterns, after all, and there's not much regard on Kaoru's part for keeping an eye on strangers. Mary included, honestly... she had just been the closest... WHAT A CHAMP.]

You can look for them later, or I can help—! But staying out here like this without a plan will make you a moving target.

[Kaoru's voice is rushed but somewhat quiet, considering there are CLOWN HOOLIGANS all over the place waiting to put a dent in people's heads if they manage to catch up. Sticking to the sides of buildings, Kaoru will only come to a stop once a crash from up ahead indicates that there are some punks getting rowdy. Instead of pressing forward, Mary will be gently tugged over toward the side of a dumpster.]

—They seem to be getting more aggressive.

[duad]

No, you don't understand—!

[ The situation isn't something she wants to explain to a stranger she doesn't even know she can trust in the first place, but she wants to let Kaoru know that splitting the three of them up isn't a good idea at all. So... Mary is dragged along without any further protest as the conflict battles inside of her.

She doesn't look confused by the fact that it's someone like Kaoru who's doing it either because even Mary herself has pulled some amazing feats while dressed up.

As she's led along the way, she doesn't say much. A mix of her shyness and worry makes her clam up more so than usual. What's there to say about this anyway? Especially to someone who doesn't know she's been through this before. Keeping close, she looks over at the scene and nods. Her hand rests on the brick wall in an attempt to avoid the grimy dumpster. In her other hand, she holds a discarded robot arm. ]

This whole thing's a mess. N—No one really believes that this'll let them go back, right?

ii

[meriter]

[ ROLE REVERSAL MUCH??? nah.

Considering he'd spent the duration of his time sprinting like his entire livelihood was at stake for some shiny bauble (you know, juxtaposing that absolutely lackluster assassinbot session with this drab clown-slash-spider murder spree), he wasn't just livid. He was narrowly avoiding death by cursing out his frankly shitty luck. Any god-fearing man certainly would've folded by this point, but out of the merits of an indomitable stamina or just an unquenchable anger, Elliot doesn't think twice about fighting out of the vice-grip he's been pulled into until — ]

... You again?!

[ How suave. ]

[souredsweet]

[Back to their roots... Kaoru saving Elliot's dumb ass.....

That said!! The hold Elliot is in definitely manages to keep him caught, though Kaoru is also careful to maintain a grip loose enough to avoid any actual harm. That isn't the intent here, after all. After tucking away into an alley, Kaoru finally pauses, and—]

Ah, my— [IT'S THAT SQUIRRELY KID FROM EARLIER. Kaoru blinks in surprise, but doesn't ease back just yet.]

I apologize for the hastiness. Running so openly will attract you poor attention, though... [Giving him A Look™... Truly, it's a miracle he hasn't already been hunted down by clowns looking for loud, angry prey. After saying that, Elliot's arm will be freed, and Kaoru folds both hands together at waist level to offer a brief bow of apology.]

It should be safe for you to rest here for a few moments.

[meriter]

[ Elliot Nightray wields all the mysticism of a phoenix with none of the beauty, grace, or utilitarianism of healing tears that entrapping a resurrecting bird usually entails. You sure lucked out with this bad egg, Kaoru. He's sour and huffy to the core. ]

I was doing fine on my own! — I didn't need to be rescued! — You should be looking out for yourself instead! [ LOOK AT HIM JABBING FUTILELY INTO THE AIR FOR ALL OF .005 SECONDS, even as he soon bends over double, straining his lungs to scrape together enough oxygen to continue yelling (seriously, he's puncturing the air clean through with all that gasping).

And then, so muted that someone would either require supersonic hearing or an inherent propensity for catching stray scraps of acknowledgement from the one and only Elliot Nightray: ] It doesn't go —

... unappreciated.

[ RUFFLE RUFFLE, he said his bit, it totally counts as gratitude. Elliot straightens from his slouch with a grimace, mouth pressed into a tacitly thin, uneven line as he glances back out toward the desolate avenue. ]

I'm — fine. Shouldn't we keep moving?

i

[birdplay]

[Dick's been patrolling the streets looking to stop anyone out for a fight, so he reaches for his belt when he notices someone super suspicious sticking to the walls. Once he actually sees who it is though, he'll raise his hands up to show they're weaponless and head over with an easy grin.]

Yeah, for the record? Taking an offer from a creepy clown never ends well.

[souredsweet]

[Yes it is a good thing that Dick hasn't run into an actually super suspicious person...!!

Kaoru straightens up a little, but seems to appreciate the gesture of him walking over with his hands clearly emptied. A brief smile is offered in return along with a polite nod of greeting. The statement, on the other hand, earns him a look of confusion and concern.]

Ah... Is that what those creatures are called? [Clowns.] ...Is this sort of thing common behavior for them, then? [Why is the future so weird??]

[birdplay]

[WHAT A RELIEF...

And okay, he actually has to give that some consideration. On one hand, he's a circus boy, so he feels like he should defend clowns. On the other hand, the Joker.]

Creepy clowns. Regular clowns are perfectly nice guys, but if they're prowling around at night with freaky make-up and not with the circus? They're definitely dangerous and probably insane.