estoria | - « INTRO ⇢ WINTERBALL.EXE

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- « INTRO ⇢ WINTERBALL.EXE » OVERFLOW

Who: everyone, literally everyone
When: ooc: 04/25-04/26; ic: 12/26
Where: the Gardens
What: overflow of intro log + winter ball!
Rating/Warning: PG-13 | possibly nsfw (please let me know if you need this rating changed, or you are welcome to continue any naughty shenanigans in a private log)

//winterball.EXE

Pimp My Party -- Royalty Style

A few weeks prior to December 26th, an invitation went out to all whom already reside in Cerealia. In delicate, curling script, it read: You are cordially invited by Natalia L.K. Lanvaldear to a Winter Ball to be held on the Eve of December 26th in the Gardens. Dress in your best attire and enjoy a magical evening of dance and fine cuisine. What do you mean we should fuss about worlds being destroyed? Get into the holiday spirit, you scrooge!

And in regards to the new-comers: whether you have been wandering Cerealia over the course of the past few days and managed to receive one of the later waves of invitations or have simply suddenly appeared in the gardens with nothing but the (hopefully…. appropriate….) clothes on your back, welcome. The gardens have been transformed through the work of ~~slave labor condoned by royalty~~ incredibly talented volunteers. A buffet line possibly a mile long, a sprawling dance floor with temporary wood placement to cover the grass, a lovely orchestra with scheduled interruptions of magic shows on the stage, and the entire thing lit gently with lights stretch the span of the main area of the garden. Not too far off, there are ponds and pathways that take you elsewhere into the foliage, but why would you go that way? The party’s right here!

"Good evening, everyone!! Whether you are new to Tellus or old, I hope to find you in good spirits.

Mind you, I do not intend to ignore the blunders of CERES nor the grave situation that new-comers have found themselves faced with. However I assure you that at this time, surrounded by these people, you are in good company. Please, dine and be merry - I believe some worlds celebrated a holiday yesterday! Get to know one another so we may strengthen our ties and stand firm against whatever this world may throw against us!

Also try the salmon, it's absolutely divine. . . . How do I turn this off...? Should I just walk away?"

//SCENARIOS.EXE

PHASE I

[ xxxx ] Like any respectable ball, your entrance is announced as you walk right into the party! What do you mean you wanted to slip in unnoticed? That simply won’t do. Natalia managed to rope in someone – is that a Tellus native? – to do the honor of acknowledging your character as they make their debut to the ball. This guy is under strict orders to not miss a single soul. If your character doesn’t give him a name and title ahead of time, then he’ll just make something up. Think along the lines of Broseidon McSnootyname, Duke of Erectile Dysfunction-- What do you mean that’s not your name?

PHASE II

[ xxxx ] Absolutely no expense was spared when it came to making sure that the food here was the best that money could buy (or threats could extort). Guests can select from a menagerie of main dishes from all sorts of cultures, adorable desserts that look like woodland creatures alongside towering cakes, and even those fruity drinks with the little umbrellas on them. Pig out, you animals – but there’s also a wide selection of fine wine if your tastes and curiosities wander off in that direction…. What even is the drinking age in Tellus? Remember, folks, drink (ir)responsibly.

PHASE III

[ xxxx ] Well, it is a ball. If you’re interested in proper, classical styles of dance, there’s certainly an orchestra that’s dominating most of the night. One of their songs may or may not sound familiar. Spin around in your flurry of skirts and do the fairy tale thing if that’s what you came here for. Romance, or whatever. Waltz your heart out and don’t forget to point your toes!

… that said, there’s also a separate sound system not too far, prepared in case the orchestra might want a break. It’s also not being watched too closely. Maybe put on something to liven up the dance floor? Or did someone ruin your fantasy by putting on something unbearably inappropriate?

PHASE IV

[ xxxx ] The gardens really are beautiful. Spread throughout the area and more toward the outskirts of the party, there are plenty of beautiful fountains with glittering, crystal clear water. In fact, it’s so clear that you can spot the occasional alien life form flitting through it amidst the lily pads and gently sweeping foliage. It’s so graceful, what beauty! Look at how it rises to the water and gently opens its mouth into a yawn and—tries to chomp anything within range right off with razor sharp teeth what the fuck, whatthefuck.

It would appear that's not all, though. Whether you're ready to fight the creature or run screaming, you feel something slowly slide and curl around your arm or your ankle. Look on in horror as you turn your head and realize that it seems that the nearby tree has grown rather fond of you very quickly, to the extent that it will reach out and lovingly wrap its ~~hentai~~ tentacles around you.... Brings a whole 'nother meaning to 'tree hugger', doesn't it?

BONUS

[ whyo'clock ] Are you lost? Did you try to catch your breath away from the party and start to wander off despite all the cautioning not to? Or maybe you were trying to leave and took a wrong turn? Either way, you seem to have only found yourself deeper in the gardens now. Try not to breathe too deeply or… at all. If you can’t manage that though, it appears that you’ve stumbled upon the hallucinogenic plants of the garden. You start to see things that aren’t there – though whether you suddenly find yourself in a den of ~~cougars~~ lions or think that the person standing next to you is the biggest, cuddliest pile of adorable puppies in the world depends on the person. Hope you have a good trip, bruh.

[ Remember to apply proper warnings on threads with trigger-y or inappropriate material and do let me know (through FAQ comment or PM preferably!) if your thread careens off into maiming or canoodling so I can lock the log. ]

//RUN.EXE

Welcome to CEREALIA's latest intro post overflow! It's a bit early but just to make sure the transition for everyone over here was captcha-free. This one is player-run and all the basics have been laid out for you here. Absolutely feel free to come up with your own prompts and post new intros! For your convenience, I whole-heartedly welcome questions and inquiries being directed to my attention here and I'll answer them to the best of my ability! ~~Have a ball!~~ Enjoy!!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Ah, don't forget your cards- Oomph! [It's strange being the one to get dragged for once, but he stumbles along for a few strides before falling into pace next to him.

Once they both sit, he offers the cards he has picked up back to Yuya.]

You almost forget these. They're pretty rare, right? 'Pendulum... Monsters'? I haven't heard of that type before.

[Oh no, how could he leave behind his precious monsters! Yuya takes them back with a grateful smile and checks them for any damage.]

Ah, yeah...They're a summoning method I discovered recently. Pendulum monsters can work like magic, so they have a scale number along with their regular level. [Using one of his Pendulum Entermates as an explain, he points to the Scale number and description.]

So you take two Pendulum monsters to set the scale, and you can summon any monsters of levels between the two scale numbers that they have. [But he laughs a little to himself, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.] After I used them the first time, I completely forgot the requirements, so it took me a lot of practice duels to figure it out again.

[Ngl, it was probably due to a strategically placed foot.]

Huh? Haha, how can you forget something like that? [But his laugh is friendly and sounds honestly amused as he leans in to get a better look at the card Yuya is showing him. It's not a monster like he has ever seen before, which is by itself already fascinating.

For a moment Vector finds his spirits lifted as he wonders how much chaos could be possibly caused with this new reveal, but then he remembers everything else that has transpired and his shoulders fall back down with the faintest of sighs as he gives the card a wistful brush before he leans back. His voice is more even when he continues.]

But that sounds like it can be really amazing to use in duels. You wouldn't have to worry about how to get enough monsters out to xyz at all.

[What a jerk.]

Honestly, I don't know! I could barely remember the duel afterwards, so I had to watch videos to figure it out. [Yeah just totally laughing off temporary amnesia. No big deal.

Although he's quiet for a moment afterwards due to Vector's sigh and a fleeting thought that passes at his comment about XYZ. Much like the moment Rune-Eyes had appeared in his mind, waiting. Was that Dark Rebellion or....?]

Are you from Heartland? [It's a note of interest that keeps him from completely spacing out.]

[Only a little.]

Huh. [That confession gets him a thoughtful look before the matter is shrugged off - for now. Vector isn't one to ignore a potential fire once some smoke has been spotted.]

Yes and no. I life- I used to life there for a while, but.... I'm not really sure what has happened anymore. Everybody I meet seems to remember something different.

Ah, yeah. Ceres seems to be taking people from different times and places. One of my friends arrived recently and he knows about stuff a few days after from when I arrived here. [But this makes four others from Heartland aide from Shun & Yuto that he knows of. Speaking of.]

Have you met my cousin yet? Yuto looks like me, but he's from Heartland and I'm from Maiami. [This is the one thing Yuya can lie so smoothly about that it may as well be true.]

Edited 2015-04-30 20:52 (UTC)

[He nods.] I've been thinking that that's the case, too. Which means that the past of those from the future can be changed.

[Is that hope in his words? Maybe.]

And I did! I thought you might be him at first, actually! [He laughs awkwardly.] I fear I owe him an apology for how I reacted after he told me about Heartland's destruction. It caught me on the wrong foot and I got a bit mean.

[Yuya's not sure about changing anything with the existence of the Nexus, but he simply gives a vague nod. But oh...his expression turns more serious at the last bit. Not that he's upset at Vector, but he's more...sad for Heartland's fate and Yuto.]

It makes sense that you would be upset. [Some of the news he got from Gone makes this more relatable.] Yuto's been through a lot, so I wouldn't be surprised if he thought you were an ally from his time. Although, that's just my guess. I only learned about Heartland recently...

Yeah, but still... [He sighs and shakes his head.] I got mad at him because the way he said it made it sound as if all my friends' fighting and sacrifices were for nothing. That was bad of me, especially if he only meant for the best.

So your friends fought against Academia too, huh? [His assumption, of course. He lapses into a short, pensive silence before shaking his head.]

No, he definitely wouldn't have meant it that way. [He knows that much.] But he doesn't hold grudges, so as long as you apologize sincerely, he'll forgive you.

[Which doesn't seem like would be a problem. ~~If only he knew.~~]

Well,... [He kicks at the ground, evading Yuya's eyes guiltily.] It's not really that easy.

....

Have you ever heard of Zexal?

[Why so guilty, bro?

Yuya's stare is mostly blank at the question, and he finally tilts his head slightly in confusion.]

Nope. Never heard of it.

[Looking up a touch too quickly, he flashes him a very fake smile.]

Then don't mind that I said anything, please! It's something I was involved with and which I thought could have something to do with your cousin's blight... Obviously I was wrong! A-haha~!

...Okay. [Not that he missed that nervousness-- he just doesn't want to pry if it's too uncomfortable an issue. But still, Yuya gives an understanding smile and gives Vector's shoulder a pat.]

Even if I wouldn't understand, I'll be willing to listen if you ever need someone to talk to.

Haha. [Vector laughs, wondering just how long that offer is really going to stand.]

Have you met the other from my place already? There's a girl named Rio and a difficult guy with long blond hair.

[Ye of little faith in Yu- Protagonist patience. Actually, it'll probably stand until he's pushed into Berserk mode.]

Rio, yeah! And IV too...... [But who is the blond haired person supposed to be?] You mean Mizael?

Oh, even the Arclight brat's here? [He frowns, just realizing that he has said that out loud. Clearing his throat, he grimaces.]

Oops. Sorry about that. I've seen some nasty sides of him, that's why- [He waves his hands, clearly awkwardly touched.] I should just put a sock in it, really. When I start cursing it's really a sign that I should just go home and sleep the rest of the day.

[He pauses, furrowing his brows.]

Yeah, Mizael. He tried to kill me already.

[Talk about a shocker. Compared to how he was acting seconds before, it feels like Yuya is talking to a completely different person. Aside from the harsh language, 'Brat? Isn't he older than us?' is a thought that floats by. There's obviously the initial surprise written on his face for a brief moment, but he ends up frowning ~~which may as well be pouting like a confused kitten~~.]

...Oh. [Why does he get the feeling there's A LOT of drama when it comes to people from Heartland?] Yuto and I talked to him a bit. He told us he was trying to save his world.

[AND HE'S NOT EVEN GOING TO COMMENT ABOUT IV because he honestly seemed like a Good Guy, especially since he was willing to listen to his request to continue talking with Yuto.]

Who? Mizael or IV? [He shoots him a bitter smile as he scoots a touch further away so that he can properly face him better.]

IV is a professional duelist who is known for his nice outside persona and that he likes beating his fans to the point where they need to stay in the hospital afterward. He broke the arm of one of my friends from my previous school three times before he left him lying in the dirt.

[He frowns and clenches his fists, glaring at something far away.] He calls it his special 'fanservice' and they pay everybody so that they keep silent about it. But he's no proper duelist for me! He's- [He bites his lips and shakes his head.]

I hate people like him who look down on us just because we're not as rich or as skilled at playing cards as they are. Dueling should be fun, not an excuse to freely get to hurt others!

[He would have clarified that it was Mizael, but suddenly all these details about IV are being thrown at him that he can't interrupt. So listens, half in shock but still intent on hearing his friend out. There's a flicker of worry for Yuto, but he knows well enough that his twin can take care of himself. Still, Vector's description doesn't seem to align right in his head, although he does understand his last sentiment.]

You're right. Dueling isn't meant to be used like that. It's supposed to connect people together!

[But he pauses, looking the other teen in the eye as he smiles slightly.]

I'll duel IV sometime, though. I'd rather see for myself who he is. [And with his training, he's confident enough that he won't be badly injured.] People can change, Rei. It doesn't make up for what he's done, but he could be different than what you think. Especially with the Nexus pulling from different times.

[Vector pretends to struggle with himself for another moment before he bites his bottom lip and nods jerkily.]

..That's what Yuma-kun always says as well. That dueling is for making bonds. Still- [He squeezes his eyes shut and suddenly there are barely held back tears in them.] Promise me to be careful around them, ok?! Please! I don't know much about that Mizael guy, but he is involved in this war as well somehow. They're both really bad news!

[And now he's back to feeling like he's with one of the kids from You Show.]

Don't worry so much, Rei. I'll be fine. [HE WOULD BE PATTING HIM ON THE HEAD if he were younger and shorter than him. But he's not cuz Yuya's a shrimp. Besides, IV and Mizael might be 'bad news' in their world, yet he doubts they would be the same now that everything's been taken from them.]

You take care of yourself too, okay? If you need me, I'll be around.

[Just 'Rei', huh? He has always been good at making himself smaller and younger than he is.]

Of course.

[He sniffs and rubs a quick hand over his face as he settles back down properly again. He even attempts an optimistic smile.]

I might not be good for much, but I can run and hide pretty well. I can even gather information and fight to defend myself, so there's no need to worry about me. If anything, I especially don't want you to get into troubles because I look like might I need help.

[Only Rei to grab his attention while he seems super emotional.]

Well, the offer still stands. [BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR. That and helping to perpetuate the attempt at optimism.] Also, you shouldn't be so harsh on yourself. It sounds like you can do a lot of things from what you just said. None of this 'not good for much', okay?

[But he's always emotional unless he hides something- ]

But not even my best friend wants to duel me because I'm an too easy win- ! [He puffs his cheeks out in a comical pout.]

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