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."
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//SCENARIOS.EXE
PHASE I [ xx xx ]
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. ]
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//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.
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no subject
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...
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
[At least living here for months has more or less made it easy to get used to the idea that there will always be people around who know more about Kaoru than is comfortable, generally speaking. Chizuru's a topic of discussion so much that it was bound to be made known eventually, though.
At the order, Kaoru obediently steps away and then carefully holds the necklace up so she has a better view of the lock. It's held in a grip that seems somewhat gentle, but is actually tight as iron. One can never take too many precautions.]
I apologize for the trouble, Megumi-san... The last thing I want to do is burden other people at a time like this. If there is anything at all that I can do to repay you... [Trailing off, Kaoru lapses into an uneasy sort of silence. One ear always needs to be kept on the surroundings, after all.]
no subject
I'm the one picking the lock, so I think I should be apologizing to whoever owns this place. You can repay me by staying alive.
[ She winks at Kaoru, giving a playful light bow before holding the door open. ]
After you, luv. Or actually-
[ She stops, glancing in, before finally focusing her power and creating a small orb of light now that she isn't distracted and having it hover in front of her. It can cast a glow around for them with the intensity of a torch, and she motions it in, letting it float around the grocery and making sure that nothing's inside that'll make them scream and jump. Once the coast seems clear, she gives a nod. ]
Better. Now we go in. There should be bags inside to help, but where were you planning on going after this?
no subject
She seems to know what she's doing, at least; the extra precautionary measures she takes are appreciated, and her attempt at lightening the mood is met with a tired-looking smile.]
I'll do my best to repay you, in that case. [Too bad Kaoru's just going to get Death By Soujirou instead!! Soujirou. Her bow will earn her one in return, light and graceful, but the orb is sent in before a step inside the store can actually be taken.]
Oh—! You made that? [Kaoru just saw her do it, but it's so surprising that stating the obvious just sort of happens...] My... What a useful thing. [And carefully steppin on in! Once past the threshold, Kaoru's gaze darts around the store, seemingly searching for something. Megumi's question will get a somewhat absentminded-sounding:]
After this, I was going to continue searching the city. I'm not certain where Chizuru may be, but I have to find her before heading to the safe area.
no subject
However, at Kaoru's surprise, Megumi can't help but laugh a little. ]
Oh yeah, this is easy. I didn't use it earlier because hey, it'd be a waste.
[ She didn't see the point when it'd draw attention- never mind that she can adjust the brightness of the orb but why waste the effort when they've got these stupid lantern-necklaces? Still, for Kaoru's sake, she forms one again and bounces it like a ball in mid-air and lets it float in front of her. ]
I guess you wouldn't remember seeing my powers before, but that's not your fault. Here, hold out your hands.
[ Should Kaoru do as much, the orb will float right to the center and glow with a heartbeat like pulse. It's something to amuse her- something like impressing children- only Kaoru isn't a child. Or... she never actually asked how old Kaoru is. Huh. Well, would someone that petite be anything but young? Nah.
She does however, stop to grab a bar of chocolate off the shelf and push it open. Kaoru's last words however, make her blink and look aside. ]
There's a safe area? I must have missed that. Where is it?
no subject
At least for now, the orb is distracting enough. Kaoru watches it with some measure of interest, head canted a little to the side as she makes another one. The way that it bounces and hovers is certainly unique; a useful skill, absolutely.
But both hands will be held out as she asks for them, since Kaoru is curious enough about the strange power and... not trusting of Megumi, exactly, but at least relatively certain that this isn't just some weird elaborate lantern-stealing ploy. It may be meant for children, but Kaoru seems amused nonetheless... With hands cupped carefully, the gentle pulse of the light will be observed for several silent seconds.]
My... It's really quite a beautiful thing. [Which isn't a lie. It's useful, but it's also pretty. It's only when Megumi asks about the safe zone that Kaoru looks away from the orb, though both hands still stay locked carefully beneath it.]
The safe area? I've heard that there was one set up in the area of the school. I'm not entirely sure how safe it is, but it seems better to risk it than to try staying out here. Those people in masks are becoming so violent...
no subject
Well, if it lights up your face like that, I can't say I have any reason to complain!
[ She can't resist teasing- after all, Kaoru is cute, it stands to reason something as pretty would only flatter. Still, there's something to enjoy in the fact that someone does like it- however vain it might be, and she listens to Kaoru before blinking and quickly retrieving her device. During that time, the orb will continue to float and probably spin some circles around Kaoru, sending little sparkles of light around and Megumi checks her device before making a small sound of acknowledgement. ]
If it's somewhere to get away from all this, we'd best get moving. What were you looking to get in here, again? We'd better hurry up and grab whatever we can. I just hope that info is correct. But- I'm ready to make sure you're safe, so don't you worry, Kaoru.
[ And that is topped with a grin- she truly does mean to do whatever it takes to shield Kaoru- or anyone under her care.
Never mind that she can't fight like an actual warrior... ]
no subject
If Megumi-san compliments me so kindly, I'll become spoiled. [Don't feed the wild ego!!
But while Megumi checks her phone, Kaoru will pay attention to the ball of light as it travels around. It may be a simple little trick, but it's infinitely more soothing to have nearby than these creepy little lanterns. The light they cast off is far too dim to actually be of any real use. In the end, they just act as a big target for the hunters among them to track down.
By the time she speaks again, Kaoru's reaching out to touch one of the little sparkles, but glances back over her way immediately.]
Ah— Right. I only wanted to take a few bottles of water and canned foods just in case. I don't know what that area will have if it truly is protected, but I would rather be prepared. Also... if there's any sort of weapon, I think that I would feel a little more at ease to have one. [Kaoru is, after all, empty-handed for the time being.
Still, the reassurance earns her a look of gratitude. Kaoru's head dips a little into a brief but polite bow.]
I do feel better just knowing that I'll be under your watch, even so. Thank you for helping me.
no subject
I guess a few isn't bad- let's just hope others have thought the same. Hopefully we can direct them back here and hope that no one's robbed this place blind. Though you're probably not going to find much in the way of weaponry here...
[ She looks thoughtful for a bit, but- seeing as the place has cooler tote bags, she quickly grabs one off the rack (environmentally friendly, aren't they?)- and heads on over to the freezers to grab drinks. Better the canned stuff and things that won't spoil, but the refrigeration hasn't been down that long. ]
We could always break some glass bottles on people if they get dumb, though. Never underestimate the power of bottles! Hurry, then.
[ And she'll grab some candy while she's at it too because chocolate must be rescued- she keeps going like that for a while and is about to grab a third bag- though it's as she's doing that that the door slowly swings open again, even though Megumi was sure she shut it right. She's standing near Kaoru herself though she freezes for a moment, before quickly making the orb fly up and pulsing a bright light across the store ceiling. Her eyes narrow as her heart begins to race, even though she doesn't see anything, but that feeling of dread is there. ]
... someone is here. I can't see them, but there's someone here. Stay close.
[ Her voice is low, whispered to Kaoru, and she knows for certain it's someone or something- she bloody heals people, of course she can tell if there's something alive around them. ]
no subject
Let's hope that the situation doesn't worsen to that degree... [Kaoru's hopes for that aren't very high either, though. Trailing along after Megumi, bottles and cans that are recognizable will be picked up and offered out. Simple things, water mostly by way of drinks. They're easier to preserve.
It seems like something might be said as Kaoru plucks up another bottle, but in time with turning toward Megumi, the door opens. Another benefit of heightened senses; Kaoru might actually freeze a little before she does, being able to hear the soft click, the knob falling back into place. The first instinct that presents itself is to get the hell out of dodge in case a fight ensues, but Kaoru sticks close to her instead as requested. One hand reaches out, gently touching the back of her arm in a tense and nervous gesture.]
—Should we try to leave? [Through a window, preferably, considering the door might well be trapped.] I don't hear anyone...
no subject
For now, though, she's focused on listening out for the danger, trying to scan around for signs of life. Nothing, but the presence is still there, which is troubling as she takes the bag Kaoru has and zips it up, pulling it over her shoulder. In the event that they should run, they'll weigh down someone with Kaoru's frame- but Megumi can take it. She's still for a moment before something makes a tapping sound- and then-
A little skitter, and a little clown doll comes close, holding balloons. Megumi's already on high alert as she hears a sound from it- ]
Playtime go boom. Playtime go boom!!
[ And proceeds to light up the balloons it has, all beginning to tick down. Megumi's eyes widen and she grabs Kaoru's wrist before yelling a single command- ]
Run!!
[ And she doesn't wait, tugging Kaoru out firmly as fast as possible, past the door and even further away before the dread she was feeling finally comes to light and the ticking from the balloons speeds up, culminating in an explosive blast that lightens up the entire grocer's store- but Megumi is ready for the aftershock there, quickly throwing up a glass-like barrier to cover Kaoru and herself while standing between Kaoru and the store herself. It's a small explosion, but just as bad- and from the looks of it, it wasn't meant to take out the entire store.
Just the people there. ]
Bloody hell... you alright, Kaoru? Those bastards...
no subject
As soon as she says "run", though, there isn't a second of hesitation before Kaoru is zipping out after her. It actually takes some thought not to go faster than she is, since demon speed is generally the sort that can have a person gone in a blink and purposely running at human speed is something that takes some practice. The entire way outside, Kaoru will stay behind her, and it will certainly seem like a little trouble was had in keeping up with her pace.
As soon as they stop and the shield goes up, she'll find her sleeve grasped from behind again with a startled shriek to accompany it. The blast may not be huge, but it's large enough to give Kaoru a pretty genuine fright, even if the reaction might be improvised and embellished a bit for Megumi's sake.]
I— I'm fine... And you? What was that thing?
[And more importantly, can they just stay in the future??
That said, Kaoru's also pretty quick to shake off the surprise, even though both hands are still clutching the fabric.]
We should leave! There might be more, or— Or the person who orchestrated this may still be around— [Slowly but surely tugging her back while speaking...]
no subject
A timed bomb... [ She replies, almost distractedly. ] But whoever sent it in is long gone.
[ Those clowns. Just who are they? She lets herself get tugged back before beginning to move and while she hasn't taken notice of Kaoru's extra embellished fright- because let's face it, that's hard to notice at all in something this scary, she does notice Kaoru's temperature briefly when their skins touch-
And she can't help but chuckle. ]
You must have been scared stiff. Your hands are cold.
[ Which is normal for most cases of fear, really- but she's quickly turning Kaoru around to get moving, all the while keeping her power active to detect any other life forms near by. ]
So where's that school again, anyway? Without the cars and rail around, we're going to have a time finding it.
[ Almost like the blast didn't happen, ahah, but if there's one thing Megumi is good at, it's holding back how she really feels until it's safe enough to express it. ]
no subject
[Considering katana-wielding robots are the the only other things that Kaoru's seen so far, this is a pretty nasty wake-up call. ...But one that's better to have sooner rather than later. More awareness of the things that could happen mean that less will be surprising later down the line.
The comment about temperature has Kaoru withdrawing that hand, though, blinking owlishly in the dark. Both hands come up to rest at chest height, folding together even though it's impossible to tell how cold they are against each other.]
Ah— I apologize. It was a frightening thing... [A definitely surprise, that's for sure. She'll be able to push Kaoru along without any issue, at least. Her immediate dismissal of the danger they had been in is definitely noted, and since Kaoru doesn't actually have to focus much on the surroundings to be able to see, a little more attention can be dedicated to puzzling that out.]
—I believe that it's near the area where the apartments are. I've never had reason to visit, myself, so I don't know how to get there directly... Heading North should be a good start, though.
no subject
[ Whoever these guys are, they know their artillery. She quickly begins to move, shifting her bags so she has an easy way to move and she reaches out to grab Kaoru's hand, uncaring of whether it's cold or not. They just need to get themselves out now. ]
We're going to have to move as quickly as possible, but if there's any sign of danger, I want you to run there first. Don't worry about me.
[ She still has powers to help stall, though she does look back at Kaoru as they move. ]
How've you been faring here anyway? Are you living with someone? I know we haven't kept in touch much, but I do worry for you- even if you don't remember why. [ There's a grin and wink thrown in there before she adds- ] Of course, with someone as cute as you, I'd want to know you all over again even if I forgot.
no subject
[Not knowing anything about modern weaponry really puts Kaoru at a disadvantage here, but none of the irritation felt about that leaks into those words. There's just the tiniest amount of curiosity, which is largely drowned out by concern.
With a gentle grip, Kaoru will latch onto Megumi's hand in return, just in case something happens that might end in them being separated. Having a guide of sorts is a good thing and Kaoru would be upset to lose it, after all - it's worth the extra effort.]
I couldn't possibly leave you to fend for yourself! Not after all of the help you've given me. [Great Distress!! This is probably going to be a topic that Kaoru will argue firmly about, though it's at least temporarily dethroned by her question and flattery.]
Ah— Megumi-san is truly too generous with her opinion. You always have such kind things to say... I live alone, though. [But her hand will get a gentle and reassuring squeeze after that, since Kaoru assumes some sort of scolding may follow.]
Until now, I've been faring decently. I hope the same can be said of you?
no subject
[ The last part hissed, she tugs Kaoru along, trying to figure out which part of the city they need to get through to get to the school. At least their devices are of some help, though Kaoru's concern makes her smile. ]
I'm used to looking out for myself, though. Kind of have to when you've got people out for your head. [ And with a playful grin tossed over her shoulder- ] Fortunately for you, you don't have to worry about any of that here. We've got enough to bother us, don't we?
[ The squeeze doesn't go missed, though she is a bit concerned that Kaoru lives alone. Still, it doesn't look like it's impossible- after all, when you're that cute, you have to learn how to look after yourself.
Though the question is one with a loaded answer, and she waves it off quickly- ]
I'm just peachy. I'm more concerned that you've got to handle all this modernity by yourself, but you're a fast learner, right?
[ Anyone has to be to survive, though as they stop for a bit, she'll be looking at some directional- normal- signs, showing the direction of the academy close by... ]
Well, come along. Talking isn't going to get us there any faster. Keep an eye out for anything weird, alright? I wouldn't want anyone to hurt you-
[ Especially not that weird, weird feeling of being watched that she's having that's causing chills to run down her spine... school, you'd better be where they're heading. ]
no subject
Out for your head? [That's echoed back with some concern, and her playful grin is met with a furrowed brow and a light frown. All these reckless nerds running around the place!!]
Though you aren't wrong, having enough on our plates... Ah— I'm glad to hear that you're doing well, regardless. [Kaoru gives a brief nod - very brief, considering they're on the move.] Thank you for your concern... There are still many things about this place that I don't understand, but I'm very fortunate to have met a number of people that are very patient and willing to explain things.
[And also a metric ton of other Ye Oldes so they basically all trip around in confusion together, it's great.
BUT YES, COMING ALONG, Kaoru glances down in the direction of the academy and will keep an eye out as directed. However, after a few seconds of traveling, Kaoru freezes up.]
—Did you hear that?