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
Either Kaoru uses prodigal social tact and a display of social faux-pas to insidiously snare unsuspecting people in a web of debilitating friendship ending in murder tea parties or Elliot just isn't keen at detecting ulterior motives in the first place because nothing seems off about this woman and her absurdly kind entreaties. No suspicious behavioral tics or secret agenda (that he can discern, anyways), just the sort of kindness that you'd expect from the philanthropically selfless. Granted, the kind of evil he can usually see is so blatantly obvious someone from ten kilometers away could spot its looming immorality, but between dropkicking his own ass and immediately distrusting Kaoru, he's — ... still more inclined to take the latter option! ... For now. But that might change with time, and that's what matters most in the end: more opportunities for metaphysical disembowelment. ]
You did take me to that — [ INSERT CEREALIA LIBRARY/NOOK/CAFE PLACE with books (thus proving the validity of a smiling god) ] — I wouldn't forget something so easily.
Thankfully, by the time I'd left they were gone. [ A furtive glance in her direction. ] You didn't have any trouble? It's been one mess after the other — you think they'd take some time out of their day to fix all of issues instead of letting it run rampant like that. [ #1 gossiper, Elliot Nightray. Never tell him secrets confided in confidence by your co-workers, he'll blab it to your neighbors and their mothers.
They continue traversing down the corridor for a while longer before — lo and behold! — ... the housing districts. He's calmed down somewhat, but it's obvious he's still jittery, if that shifting stance is anything to go by. ]
... Do you know what part we're in? I don't think I've been to this section before.
no subject
But Kaoru will traipse along, blissfully unaware of any potential murder tea parties that may or may not happen in the distant future. Who plans ahead for those things, anyway?? The mention of the cafe/nookbook place just earns Elliot a fleeting smile, and Kaoru's hand falls away after another second.]
I'm glad to hear that... You did seem to enjoy the location. [TO SAY THE LEAST.] But no, I was able to return to my own home without any interference. Until today, I haven't had much trouble at all. [And then the trouble of this event is going to end in murder, which makes up for the dry spell in bad luck, basically... Is this what they call equivalent exchange...]
Unfortunately, it seems in their business practice to allow problems to fester. [Gossip?? Gossip. Sign Kaoru right the hell up...
Either way, Kaoru will lack jitteriness enough to make up for Elliot, quietly trailing along and keeping an eye on the surrounding area. Just in case, you know.]
Mm... I believe that this is the end that's farthest away from the school. Would you like to search for a place to rest here, or continue forward?
no subject
I've experienced the opposite. This place is nothing but insane. You think they'd pay even a smidgen of regard for the people they forcibly took here, but none of the higher officials here know what common courtesy even entails. [ More like look who's speaking, Elliot, but he cuts off that junction of trash-talking to peer around their surroundings, then continues striding down the street. ]
Festering is an understatement. I'm half-convinced they're inept monkeys. [ He sure doesn't hold back when it comes to doling out insults, but he gauges the next avenue with a peremptory 'tch', sticking close to one side of the wall. ]
I think we've come far enough. Keep your wits about. One of them could be hiding just around the corner. I wouldn't put it beyond those freaks to stage an ambush as soon as we let our guard down. For all we know, they could be attempting to lull us into some false sense of security.
no subject
For Kaoru's salt, matching stride for stride doesn't seem to be a huge problem, even though Elliot is a bit of a fast walker. What a nerd, where does he even need to get to so quickly??
If nothing else though, there's mutual agreement present for the idea of a trap. An ambush, maybe - something that would leave them with their guards down just enough to affect. That's why Kaoru keeps an ear and an eye on their surroundings at all times. It's not like conversation takes up a huge deal of attention in the end.]
I don't hear anything... [Which probably doesn't mean anything to Elliot and sounds more naive than useful, but is actually more or less a guarantee that they won't be running into anyone for a while yet.]
A higher vantage point would likely do us well, but it would be difficult to see without the light even with a little more height.
no subject
Elliot is so repellant to being mistaken as some immoderately laid-back nincompoop that if Kaoru doesn't hurry he might just ditch her somewhere between the crosswalk and the shorted-out stoplights. He swallows hard and stares around, around at the cluster of strewn debris heaped on the sidewalks, obstinately giving no mind to any protest a windchime might rattle out with when he kicks it into the decrepit gutter. ]
Do you think any stores are open? I'm not suggesting we break in, but it might be safer than waiting for someone to catch sight of us.
[ After some deliberation, he reaches into his pocket and fishes out the lantern he'd stored, holding it out to Kaoru for closer inspection. ] You heard them, right? Do you believe it? That is, if we collect the most of these, we'll be sent back.
no subject
Ah— One is, that I know of... But we were attacked while we were inside of it, so I can't say that we would find reprieve even if we tried to find shelter. [Which is unfortunate, because Kaoru really doesn't feel like being on the run for however long this stupid thing will last...
That said, as soon as Elliot shows off his lantern and asks that question, there's some visible upset present. Kaoru's lantern is tucked neatly into the kimono, and one hand raises to briefly ghost over its shape.]
Not at all! With such suspicious timing and this entire "game" they've devised, how could those people be considered trustworthy? Moreover - even if they were speaking the truth, why does the only way out have to be so cruel? I... I don't believe that anybody here would accept such a thing. I can't imagine that.
no subject
Apparently, whoever is running this stupid affair doesn't share the same sentiments. I would've thrown mine out ages ago, but it keeps those abominations passing for — spiders [ MAKING A FACE NOW because why gigantic maneater spiders, honestly??? ] — at bay. But all of this is a load of hogwash. I'm glad to see that people won't succumb so easily to such obvious ploys.
[ His gaze runs parallel to her lantern, then he tucks his back into his pocket with an unnecessary flourish as they enter one avenue and skirt along the bare perimeter, past street signs and sidewalks all glazed over by a consumptive darkness. ] Out of curiosity or idle boredom, it makes no difference. I had my doubts before, but trust isn't something you can earn so easily.
no subject
Thank you... But I wouldn't wish to cause you any more trouble than I already am. It's a very kind offer, regardless. [This said with a fleeting but gentle smile, steeped in gratitude.]
It would be dangerous to travel out here without them, that's certainly true. ...But in a way, doesn't that say that they never expected us to play along? Not easily, at least. Even though their offer might be tempting to a handful, they wouldn't try so hard to coerce us into keeping a fundamental piece of their "game" if they didn't believe that many would readily discard it. I also wish that I could leave mine behind, but the danger isn't worth the risk. [Of course, this is assuming that the masked people are also responsible for the spider things, but... that seems pretty legit.
That aside, Kaoru will shadow Elliot quietly as he makes his way around buildings and through the streets, since it seems like he's got a decent enough idea of where to go. It's only once they reach a very subtle fork that Kaoru will hold a hand out, hesitantly tapping the back of Elliot's arm.]
Ah— I believe we should go this way.
[There's activity in the opposite direction - distant, but they'll surely run into it if they go left.]
no subject
People adopt the mentalities of the majority. But if you ask me, only a brainless dunce would buy into this. I think they want to gauge the population by presenting an ultimatum like this — to see who would mindlessly take in bait like this, then use them to suit their purposes. Frankly, it's a huge waste of time, but it's not like they sent out a poll for their personal opinions beforehand.
[ After some deliberation, he merely replies with: ] It's better you keep it until this mess is sorted out.
[ Lapsing into silence, his tunnel-vision is so acute that he visibly retracts from Kaoru's gentle tap, defensively whirling around before recognition flickers back into his features. ]
Ah, yeah. Sorry. I ... thought you were someone else.
[ And then he hurries past Kaoru with a pace tripled in speed, unable to meet his companion's gaze while he treks along the perimeter. ] Where does it lead?
no subject
I hadn't considered the possibility before... You're right in that it seems like a waste of time, and also a very roundabout and dangerous way to gather information, but it's more sensible than the idea that they're simply doing this because they have nothing better to do. At least, I sorely hope that isn't the case. [Because dealing with crazy maniacs can be even more difficult than dealing with diabolical chessmasters sometimes, and nobody has time for that...
There's also a gentle nod in response to Elliot's comment, and the necklace is kept safely tucked away. Kaoru wouldn't give it up even if it wasn't the only thing protecting them from certain spider-y death... Or death by paranoid walking partners?! Kaoru's hand draws back as soon as Elliot turns around, raised in an almost defensive manner. A very flimsy defensive manner, but still...]
I should have given you better warning; you don't need to apologize. [A nod follows, but before Kaoru can say anything else, the nerd turns into Sonic and zips away into the night... Traipsing after with a sigh!!]
I believe that we could use this path to go around the mall and enter the housing district through the side. It's a little difficult to be certain without the streets being lighted, though... I'm afraid that a vague estimate is the best that I can do. Are you still fine with walking this way?
no subject
BUT Y'KNOW. SLOWLY WINDING DOWN THE ROAD TO DEBILITATING TRAGEDY AND MURDER TEA PARTIES, ALL THAT GOOD STUFF ... ]
Have you seen them doing anything else? They're all raving imbeciles. [ But every Elliot-certified opinion should be taken with a grain of salt because honestly, he doesn't know what the heck he's talking about half the time — thinking the worst of people is his default for all but immediate family and maybe two other people at most. ]
I'll keep that in mind. [ JUST WATCH HIS DEPARTING BACK AS HE ZOOMS AWAY, that endearing Victorian Sonic with a grudge against the entire world or something equally pointless. He's already a human porcupine, complete with a gooey heart and prickles to match. He might as well get a sign to match at this point. ]
It's better you have some faith than none at all. We weren't getting anywhere as we were. If I spot any of the perpetrators first, I'll be sure to let you know.
no subject
Kaoru will keep tight-lipped at the raving imbecile commentary for obvious reasons, either way. Being in agreement with harsh opinions is generally not befitting of a person who's a totally soft delicate flower! So it's just silence for a little bit as Kaoru follows after Elliot...'s back, keeping a slight distance but never really falling far enough behind that it would be an issue.]
I suppose that's one way to look at it... [Having a little faith, that is. Of course, they also have the benefit of Kaoru actually being much more certain than the lukewarm words would convey.]
Thank you for that, as well. Luckily I have only met one before that seemed to enjoy silent tactics, so they shouldn't be too difficult to hear coming even if they can't be seen well. Ah— But in case you haven't run into many yourself yet, be certain to protect your head. They don't seem keen on actually taking lanterns...
[Smashing in skulls and blowing up buildings, on the other hand...]
no subject
But Kaoru is way too convincing at the kind benevolent young woman schtick, because Elliot's basically convinced himself that he'll look after her safety from this point on, all cases of homicidal clowns notwithstanding. ]
It's one of the only ways to look at it. You can't possibly believe the people running this place are reasonable, right? Did they even ask you if you wanted to be here in the first place?
[ He steps down his fast walk game a notch, perusing the vacated road with dying interest. ] All the worse. If we could catch one of them alive, we'd be able to question the person further, but I doubt they'd yield any sufficient answers. Killers need no reason.
... Still. It's been unnaturally quiet for a while now, hasn't it. I think it's safe to say we're in the clear.
no subject
Or something. That inspirational quote may be a bit off but it's exactly what would be hanging on their clubhouse wall, probably. But for now, Kaoru's content enough to let this hedgehog play the role of gallant (prickly and somewhat endearingly annoying) knight, staying behind to a slight deferential degree and only helping out enough to keep an eye and ear on their surroundings.]
Reasonable...? That isn't a word that I would use to describe them, no. [Kaoru's lips purse briefly, and then:] So you don't believe them when they say that they've done us a favor? That they've supposedly rescued us?
[Because that's definitely the camp Kaoru is in. Camp paranoid shithead... If it turns out that CERES is actually behind everything, or if it's all a big fat lie - well, there sure wouldn't be any surprise present in this nerd.
When Elliot drops his speed, Kaoru bumps into his back gently and with a muffled "sorry", either distracted or unable to see.] —If that's the case, then we shouldn't take the risk that would be necessary to try catching one. [OBVIOUSLY.] Please don't risk yourself unnecessarily, sir.
[Though if they really are in the clear, that becomes a non-issue. ...Not that Kaoru thinks they are. Temporary silence never lasts with bad luck.]
no subject
[ The clubhouse in question better be painted blue as attuned with all the positive aspects of every planet he's thus resided in (Elliot's favorite color, Sonic's skin shade, the distinct hue Oz's face takes when Elliot's bested him for the 45037858th time, you know, the little things).
Endearingly annoying is a good way to put it, because Elliot whips around in a sudden lurch and narrowly avoids sticking one foot down the storm drain and slamming his head into the concrete, so startled by Kaoru in general that he apparently loses all control of his bodily limbs in close proximity. ]
I-I won't! It was just a suggestion. [ CHILL ....... he was only half-serious .......... ] I should be able to make it on my own from this point on. Is there anywhere in particular you need to be? I don't mean to unnecessarily detain you, if so.
no subject
[But!! But. What if... instead of being accidentally obtuse, they are intentional shitheads... What if.]
At any rate, I haven't seen any proof that satisfies me. [But Kaoru is also just sort of hard to satisfy in general despite appearances, so there's that.
Either way, Kaoru will watch Elliot's near-meet with the ground in a sort of vaguely startled way, both hands hovering awkwardly in the air between them just in case he needs to be helped up or something. What kind of reaction is that?? WHAT KIND OF WEIRD KID IS THIS.]
A dangerous one... [SHONEN TYPES. Or maybe like, prickly hedgehog accidental and unwilling martyr types... At the question, though, Kaoru's head shakes.]
I have nowhere in particular to be, but I can't return to the safe building yet. [People to find!!] Are you certain that you'll be all right on your own?
no subject
[ ARE YOU ATTEMPTING TO CONVERT HIM TO YOUR WAYS ...... HE WON'T BE BOUGHT THAT EASILY ..... he ain't that #cheap ....
PLEASE, DON'T LOOK DOWN ON HIS GENTLE HEART AND SHOUJO PRINCESS WAYS ...... Elliot harrumphs once and brushes the proffered hand off with a grimace, brows pulling together as he dusts himself off, keeping his gaze firmly pinned on anywhere but Kaoru's face. ]
A feasible one, but we'd need more help. At any rate, it's probably not worth the trouble. [ Cue some a series of blinks. ]
I could ask the same of you. It seems fine in these parts, but if you venture backwards, you'll probably run into one of them again. I'm in no hurry to get anywhere in particular, but I can't just part ways with you here unless you'll be alright on your own.
... Is there something else you need to do out here that's detaining you from finding somewhere safe to go?
no subject
But Kaoru will tuck both hands together again once Elliot decides to be a rude nerd, and the look present is one that says WHY DID YOU SHUN ME. No okay it's just a mildly concerned one, with not a lick of gentle heart judgment present.]
Perhaps you could find others of equal strength and a similar mindset? Surely they would wish to lend you aid... [But not Princess Kaoru who couldn't even lift a dagger, clearly!!]
Ah— I'm looking for my younger sister. I apologize, but I couldn't possibly go to safety knowing that she's still out here by herself... I'm not sure where to start looking, but I do know the places that she frequents and the people that she spends time with, at least. If I could find one of them... [Then hopefully it'll be Okita so Kaoru can shank him!!]
...At any rate, I couldn't ask for you to continue accompanying me.
no subject
But just like Kaoru hones politeness to an art, Elliot's a series of blunders and weird flower analogies given human form, and he'll sooner recoil than admit he isn't that capable when left to his own devices. ]
In a situation like this? You're trustworthy enough, but I can't expect the same out of everyone I meet out here. We're better off not provoking them for the time being.
[ Fixating his gaze on her, he absently scrubs at his cheek. ] That's unfortunate. I could help you search, if that'd help. Can you describe her to me? If I see her, I'll direct her to you. [ SURE IS NICE BEING CHUMMY WITH A KILLER, HUH ...... ]
I don't mind in particular, but if we split up we can cover more ground.
no subject
But there won't be any remark made in regard to Elliot's first comment, because Kaoru doesn't have the energy to continue trying to pitch different ideas. ...Or - not a lack of energy, exactly. A lack of patience, maybe? There isn't time to be standing around talking about how to catch a wild clown when there are Chizurus to be found!!
That said, the offer has Kaoru smiling, expression one of gratitude.]
Thank you... I would appreciate it if you could do that. She's my twin, so you only have to keep an eye out for someone who looks like me. [EASY PEASY.] I agree that splitting up would allow us to search faster, as well. You're certain that you don't mind it?
no subject
They obviously need to get their priorities straight. The real objective is getting back to their alternate Earths (or planet equivalent), but it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you're on the prowl for wild clown-hunting or sister-searching. Elliot understands, in his own short-sighted, fumbling, obtuse way.
Family is important. ]
I'll keep that in mind. I'll direct her to stay put at the corner of [ INSERT RANDOM STREET NAME, where even are they actually ] if I see her. [ A quick nod. ] If I minded, I wouldn't have asked. What's her name?
[ Even Elliot realizes how weird it is to look for a stranger on just description alone, but ........ it's not like he's actually going to find Kaoru's sister in this round of Where's
WaldoChizuru?, either ......... ]Anyways, go on ahead. I'll stick around here and search the rest of this area.
no subject
BUT. Yes, Kaoru especially tends to be a little short-sighted when family is involved, so it's a good thing that there's at least some mutual fumbling in the dark going on here. And that Elliot is willing to do some humoring...]
Thank you. [A nod! Good thing they all know street names by now WHEREVER THEY ARE.] Her name is Chizuru - ah, Yukimura Chizuru. [Just in case he tries looking for a Nagumo, which would probably just cause undue confusion on Chizuru's end...]
Please take care while you search. Shall we meet up again after a set time? Even if you can't find her, I would like to be certain that you're all right...
walks in years later with a plastic bag over my head
ANYWAYS. His proclivity for baselessly throwing himself forward in the name of blood relations but disparaging anyone with the guts to react similarly (aka OZ) notwithstanding, he's fine with just checking his street cred and just keeping an eye out for Kaoru's ... twin, apparently. That'll be weird, but it's not like things ever stopped being weird in a world where metallic bugs take refuge in Happy Meals and educators don't follow proper PDA regulations. ]
I don't mind. Same street I'll direct your sister towards if I don't find her by then?
puts a christmas bow on ur bag...
That should work just fine.
[Said with a smile! Kaoru glances briefly off to the left before looking back up toward Elliot. The twin hunt begins... At least it's a relatively benign way to use their time, all things considered?!]
I'll see you shortly, then? [Not that Kaoru A) plans on meeting up with Elliot again or B) will be able to, because locating Chizuru is indeed a thing that happens, but so is being murdered by Soujirou. THANKS SOUJIROU.]
happy holidays???
It's sort of innocuous, looking for a lost sister in the midst of rampaging clowns, but he could've done worse. He could've been helping a killer.
One day he might look back on this occasion as the day he was stood up by the only person who puts up with his shenanigans thus far, but mostly he'll be worried for Kaoru's safety and will attempt
to backdatea call detailing as such. NOT THAT KAORU WILL ANSWER, OR ANYTHING. Murder sure is a funny thing, huh. ]Alright. Remember to stay safe.
[ And with that he'll be off — where is this nerd going, is he even being marginally helpful??? IT IS A MYSTERY. ]